A few questions for central american travelers
 

Greetings, I'm considering a trip south of the border to central america possibly south america on a possible new klr. don't have the bike yet. and so also my main questions were concerning the bike, because though i've traveled the globe extensively with a backpack, I haven't with a motorbike...yet.

1. Is the use of a carnet for the countries in cental and south america to my advantage?
2. Is there a website or list somewhere with the approximate costs I will encounter crossing into and leaving each country along the way?
3. Are there any classic routes/cirques/roads not to be missed?
4. since i'm on a budget... is there a better thumper than the klr?

Thanks, cheers, salude, steve.

Hey Steve, if you're on a budget I wouldn't write off the idea of traveling on a smaller bore bike such as a KLR250, many people have done it and you could pick one up really cheap from the states. I traveled Chile, Bolivia and Southern Peru on a 200cc and that involved altitude over 5000m sometimes, the bike performed flawlessly albeit a bit slow.

DR650 is the only bike....I know, I'm riding a F650!!

Short Way Round

i would stay with the KLR :thumbup1:

thanks for replies
 

hello, thanks for your info. much appreciated. i'm now actually considering going superlight, and going with a klr 250.

so here are a few more questions.

besides initial cost. how much does having a 250 compared with 650 save. and where? border crossings. better mileage?

another Q - i'm attracted to the 250 also for the reason of subtleness. i just mean, i'll see a lot of poverty, and a 250 is less than half the cost of a 650. if something happens its easier to eat the cost of a 250. and continue with backpack.

does anyone know if there is a list somewhere of what each border crossing SHOULD cost?

thanks.

I'm not aware of any striking savings. You'd get better mileage, yes, but how much can you save? Tires would probably wear a bit more slowly, but an engine constantly working harder to propel the same load will likely wear out more quickly.

I'm also not sure where you're going to find a KLR 250, KLX 250 or SuperSherpa for "less than half the cost" of a comparable KLR 650. Maybe you know something I don't.

I've traveled a bit with a small bike, and although I enjoyed it I'm taking a 650 to S.A. Mainly, it's hard to carry the full, all weather kit (inclusive of camping gear, tools, spares, etc.) on a wee little bike. Lots do, and maybe this will work for you. It's also handy to be able to keep up with traffic at 70 mph+ when you want, but this part is entirely optional.

There've been quite a few threads on this very subject recently. Some of them are quite comprehensive.

enjoy,

Mark

The border costs are variable , depending on which one you use , and even at the same one at different times.They do have standard fees but they are applied in a capricious fashion at times. They are within a range which should not stop you from travelling.Size of bike will have no bearing but you will have to buy the compulsory liability insurance for the bike at the borser in Belize, Nicaragua and Costa Rica at reasonable price. The most expensive border will be around $40, for Honduras.Getting into a country may be free but upon leaving you may have a tourist tax imposed on you, as in Belize the $30BZ Environment Tax . It is impossible to really give a definitive number because the rules can be changed at any time.
Pay only fees as explained by an official of the border to the official, NOT to the hired assistant! Demand an official receipt for each payment. If you hire a guide decide on a reasonable small fee beforehand, pay after services are rendered, and nothing more.
You will see poverty but you will also see very great wealth.