Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North America
North America Topics specific to Canada and USA/Alaska only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 31 Mar 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Wellington
Posts: 2
Bike purchase in the States

Hi all,

Three mates and myself (all from New Zealand) are heading to Los Angeles in mid-June. The basic plan is to buy motorbikes somewhere in California and head South (with the ultimate aim of making it to Cape Horn). We are tossing up between shipping bikes to the States or buying over there. Three of us only have learner motorbike licence's, while one has his full

I have two questions, responses to either one would be most appreciated!

1) Buying bikes in the States
a) Can we purchase as a foreigner? (my understanding is that we can but require a registered address?)
b) If we only have learners licence's will we be constrained in the size of the bike we can buy/ride legally in the States? (In NZ you can only ride a 250cc on your learners but no constraints with buying)
c) What Insurance company would you reccomend? (I have had progressives reccomended - we are only looking at spending a few days maximum in the States - ie heading South to Mexico asap)

2) Any recommended motorcycle dealerships in California?

We are wanting to buy four second hand DR650's.... The thought of trying to sort this out once we get to LA is quite overwhelming! Any contacts would be appreciated so we can make inquiries in advance!

Thanks

Matt
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Apr 2010
DLbiten's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Camano is. USA
Posts: 440
1a)yes any address will do even a bike shop need for the insurance as well. Cash talks in the USA.
1b)You can buy any bike you want. Your learners licence (permit in the USA) may not be legal in the USA and Mexico get stopped and your ride may end any place else they will know or care unless you hit someone. Get a full licence and you will have problem. Learners permit are not legal on USA interstate and highways I think.
1c) Progressive, Like a licence you need it to be legal.

2) Any one that sells DL650 will work. But 4 used ones sorted in LA in a day unless you can get them before you go not going to happen. LA is all about cars and traffic with no way to get around buss will be a pain. Add to that you waning to get out of it so fast your looking for a bad time.

You can try to get the bikes in San Diego passing up all the LA traffic and a much smaller city than LA with its 10 million people no joke over 2x the population of all of NZ . Or you can try Portland Oregon there is no tax there.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Apr 2010
ornery's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Sierra Vista AZ
Posts: 20
Best answers?

Your only large concern is the locating of the bikes you want. I have an honest friend that specializes in used bikes. PM me and I will hook you up.

Pretty much forget dealers. Overpriced and not much dual-sport available...especially in LA. LA is sport-bike country.

Insurance.....Geico, alllstate, shop the net.

My brother has a mobile bike repair and dyno in LA, I'll check with him.

PM if you want contact info......

You might try being a bit more flexible in bike choice. Think about KLR's...very popular in California. Check out a few US KLR sights. You'll be surprised what you might find......Luck, Bill
__________________
Rule#2 "Never go ANYWHERE that YOU are considered a source of FOOD!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5 Apr 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Wellington
Posts: 2
Thanks very much for your considered response! Do you have any contacts in San Diego for buying the bikes? Or any reccomended retailers/websites?

Cheers

Matt
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 19 Apr 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Big Bear City, Ca.
Posts: 51
You can forget dealers if you are looking to get 4 used bikes, most only have a few used bikes if any, probably no dualsports. It is almost impossible to get around the LA area by public transport so you will need to rent a car, but the LA area is the place to be since that is where you will find the most bikes for sale by far. Look at craigslist: california classifieds for jobs, apartments, personals, for sale, services, community, and events . All of these areas: Imperial County, inland empire, Los Angeles, Orange County, Palm Springs, San Diego, Ventura County, Santa Barbara are in southern California within about a 150 mile radius. Hard to tell where one ends and the next begins, its all just one big mega-city all the way to the mexican border.
You will probably have problems with the Learner's permit, you will not be able to get an ownership certificate, registration or insurance without it, and you do NOT wat to try and cross borders south without this stuff. Since USA has now been renamed the state of fear, you can no longer get a license here without a bunch of documentation you don't have. Save yoursel a lot of headaches and get a real license first!
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Colombia bike Rental or Purchase . . .help. Sojourner1979 SOUTH AMERICA 1 17 Dec 2006 21:28
Bike hire/purchase in NZ foz Australia / New Zealand 5 28 Jan 2005 14:23
USA Bike purchase Plint North America 8 4 Dec 2003 08:48
Purchase Bike in England ve8nc Trip Paperwork 2 17 Oct 2003 02:28

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 14:54.