I know this is way in advance from when we are going to do be doing it, but figure if I start searching now it will help in the long run.
Me and the Mrs to be are kicking around the idea of spending approximately 1 month (hopefully December) motorcycling around central America in 2015 for our honey moon. Its pretty regular that you see bikes for sale in Panama and CR but there is so much info out there that its hard to tell what the process is. As far as what country to buy in we are open to anything with a major airport to save on flight costs, and it seems most are willing to meet all over central America if they are selling a bike

What would be ideal for me to do is buy a Canadian bike and have the sale lined up before the seller even heads south on their own trip. That way I could ask them to get a second copy of their Canadian registration and mail it to me, then register the bike in my name before even heading down. Then exchange the funds for bike when we arrive down in CA and voila! A bike registered in my name in central America. But I am sure that wont happen
So the other options are buying probably a USA registered bike while in central America, or a Canadian bike when we get there. I plan to try and line up the bike in advance of us leaving so hopefully the day we arrive the ball can start rolling.
But in what country should we be looking to buy, and why? Ideally we will be looking for a KLR,DR,XR since she will be on the back, and they have the right size for 2 up riding, most for sale have some panniers for our goods, and they are basically bullet proof.

So really looking for all the inside info available on buying a bike in central America. The final plan will be to have the wife fly home and I will probably ride though mexico back to the USA and store the bike until the following spring. Or else store the bike in central americAmerica head back there to ride the bike back north in the following spring.
Any help or ideas are appreciated

How are you goibg to change the import docs the bike will have for the country it is located in?

What i am also hoping to find out is what countries you do not need to have import documents for. I have heard a few things regarding panama, CR, and some tricks that can be done by making the exchange on the border.
I would ideally like to find a canadian bike and would do the transaction before they even hit the road south, then i could have it registered in my name when i show up with a little funny buisness

good luck getting someone to agree to allow you to register their bike in your name before getting paid.

why not look into buying a bike in a place where foreigners can register it like guatemala?

__________________
'07 DL1000 '08 DR650

I agree with teevee, Guatemala is a good option, you should buy a used guatemalan plated bike (1 or 2 days and you are good to go with a bike in your name) then you can store it in guatemala after your month trip without a problem. (if you buys 3 years old or older you save sales tax)

You save the bike importation process in the c4 countries too. it makes border crosing easier and quicker.

If you look into a new bike it can take 3 to 6 weeks to get your license plate. (this mean you cant leave the country before you get your plate.


Just keep in mind that the bikes are more expensive here than in Canada. (probably around 30%)
Brand new klr 650 is around 9000$ canadian here.

http://www.motorcycle-adventure-guatemala.com/

And about bringing it to the states or canada after it probably mean more importation fees. You should check the cost before doing all this, not sure it is worth it.

Anuncios gratis en Guatemala, anuncios clasificados en Guatemala (Compra - Venta en Guatemala, Motor en Guatemala, Viviendas - Locales en Guatemala, Comunidad en Guatemala,...) (guatemala craiglist)

hope this helps

Hey there, guys sorry for interrupting the thread!

Have three KLR 650's for sale in Guatemala '07 '06 and '04 respectively.

All in relatively good nick, have just come down through Mexico from Los Angeles where we bought the bikes.

If interested. Contact asap.

I heard a presentation a few years ago about people that crafted their own tour in India. They worked out a deal with a small dealer to buy bikes from him and sell them back at a lower price. Basically they rented bikes, but got brand new rides. They felt a need ofr new bikes and bought the biggest Royal Enfields available. In the end they rarely rode at speed because of the road and traffic conditions in India.

Buying a bike and taking it home has several challenges as mentioned. And you will be newly married, so it might be too soon schedule a long road trip. Think about it.

If you are really thinking of taking a month long honeymoon, maybe renting a bike is the way to go. You don't have to ride for the full month. Take the first weeks at the beach, relax, ride around the country of your choice for 2 weeks and last week go to the jungle or mountains.

A full month on a bike could become an unnessisary test of the new marriage...

__________________
Peter B
2008/09 - NJ to Costa Rica and back to NJ
2012/13 - NJ to Northern Argentina, Jamaica, Cuba and back to NJ
2023 - Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia...back to Peru.

Blogs: Peter's Ride

These people might be worth a look in Costa Rica--they seem to be a dealer of off-road bikes and accessories, but might have used bikes for sale, or rent.
Carmona X

Your best bet will be to buy a motorcycle in Guatemala that is at least 3 years old and register it in Guatemala on your name. There are a few advantages to do this. You can ride all of CA with no problems and into Mexico and the US. I don't know about Canada but I did something similar. I live in Las Vegas NV but for a while I lived in Guatemala for work. I traveled several times from the US to Guatemala. I have a few friends that still live in Guatemala. Antigua, Mixco, Xela and Escuintla. I bought a Honda Africa Twin in Guatemala and rode it for over 40K then I decided to ride it back into the US and that is when I ran into trouble. I could not import it into the US because it was never officially imported into the US but I was granted a permit to use it in the US for a year. I got a lot of compliments on the bike and got pulled over several times but after a while I rode it back to Guatemala where is sitting now. Before you ask, I don't want to sell it, I love that stupid bike even though it has been a lot of headaches. In Guatemala you can reach out to "Villeda" it's a motorcycle dealership that can help you if you really want to buy a bike and they can do the paperwork for you. It's a pretty big dealership and I have used them while in Guatemala. I will be back in Guatemala for Semana Santa so I will make a mental note to find out more. There is a huge American community in Panahachel and I have seen many cars and bikes with American plates so I am pretty sure there is way to do it without costing you an arm and a leg. You will love it for sure but always be careful and stay vigilant.

Hi
My son and myself have traveled from Oregon and are now in El Salvador heading towards Panama.
I will have to return to Australia soon and will be selling my 2014 KLR 650 which is in excellent condition with only 7000 miles completed, aluminium side panniers and soft top luggage. The bike is registered in Washington State so easy transfer over for title etc
If interested please respond
Thanks Doug

Not sure if your KLR is still available but I am interested if the bike is in Panama

Thanks,
Steve

Are you still selling your klr, i´m located in El Salvador