Will my financed bike prevent my trip

[Bug7]

Hi all,

I financed my bike from the dealer, will the fact that I do not have the title to the bike prevent a trip over boarders? The trip I want to go on is from Portland down to Argentina. Is the title part of the needed documentation at boarder crossings?

Thanks for all of your insights!

Sean

[AndyT]

In 2003, I rode from the USA to Panama with a guy who was in your situation. It was a royal PITA at most of the borders, and he spoke decent Spanish. I wouldn't do it myself. Is it an absolute show stopper? Probably not. Depending on the relationship with your lender, you might ask for a copy, I doubt anyone at the borders would know what the lien statement on the title was, and I have seen color copys of titles used at borders by other riders a bunch of times.

[desert dweller]

i'd recommend (as have others elsewhere on this forum) not taking anything on your trip that you can't afford to lose. meaning total loss.
seems to me if you don't own your bike, you can't afford to lose it.
plenty of folks do trips like yours on cheap old bangers, and have a scream.
cheers,
andrew.

[kito]

get a international vehicle permit .looks good and has all translations in .i have used this and mine has the engine number changed with i pen .still no problems .the borders i have crossed it just seems that if it has the right details for the bike and looks good then all is well .i have a photo copy of my V5 laminated .i have used this at borders and for the police not had the original out for about 7or 8 countrys now

[*Touring Ted*]

You're best option would be to buy an old cheap bike for the trip. $1000 max !! It will make it, and probably be more fun.

The second option, which is done by LOTS of people is to just fake your document.

If you make a good job of it, no one has anyway to check it's authenticity.