Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > SOUTH AMERICA
SOUTH AMERICA Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 28 Oct 2008
Moderated Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 3
Advice for a new traveller

Hi all,

I just had a few questions about traveling through south america and maybe into central america/mexico/US.

Can i buy a bike in Quito, Ecuador that is under US$700 and will run reasonably well?

Do I need to purchase insurance ahead of time? i was looking in the forums and it seems like i can just buy insurance as i cross into each country, assuming those countries actually require insurance. how much does insurance at a border crossing normally cost?

I dont have a motorcycle drivers license and i'm currently living in Quito. Can i get an international drivers license here in quito that will be valid all the way through south and north america?

Any other tips for a new traveller? And I should note that i have very limited motorcycle experience but figure i can pick it all up on the road. Also, i'm a student trying to do this on a shoestring, so any advice as to keeping costs down would be greatly appreciated (specifically with regards to motorcycles). Thanks

spencer
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 29 Oct 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
Quote:
Originally Posted by spencer View Post
Can i buy a bike in Quito, Ecuador that is under US$700 and will run reasonably well?
Probably .. this will depend on the bike you chose to buy.

Quote:
Originally Posted by spencer View Post
I dont have a motorcycle drivers license and i'm currently living in Quito. Can i get an international drivers license
No. The 'international drivers license' is actually an international drivers permit (IDP).. and is a copy of your local licence .. you don't have that so you won't be able to get a IDP anywhere (well not a real one anyways).

Get your bike licence first. Then get your bike .. is there a local culb/HU community near you? Join .. or at least meet them .. you should get a whole lot of answers from them.. local conditions ..
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 29 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: London UK
Posts: 141
Motorcycle School in Quito

Hi Spencer, I was thinking maybe getting in touch with the motoescuela in Quito (aemoto) would be a good idea with regards to the motorcycle permit since I understand you have to go through them first before getting one and then you can sort out your international driving licence.

Also they might give you good guidance for your trip and maybe your motorcycle. Check their site and also check mercado libre Ecuador for a motorcycle.

I hope you will find some information from those sources if you haven't tried them yet.

Marco
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 30 Oct 2008
Moderated Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 3
thanks

thanks for the advice. I've joined the Hubb Club here in Quito, and tomorrow I'll be paying a visit to aemoto, and i'll post how it goes afterwards. thanks again,
spencer
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 30 Oct 2008
albert crutcher's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: colombia-ecuador
Posts: 218
Talking Scrap

The only bike you,ll be getting in Quito for $700 will be a scrap China bike not fit to go around the next corner.I think the new Chinese bikes run around $1200 but the ones that cheap are grim to say the least! Go to mercadolibre.com or try patiodemotos.com

Best of luck
Al theturtleshead
Reply With Quote
Reply


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

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
cheapskate traveller straggler North America 31 25 May 2010 02:17
Veteran Traveller Guest2 Website Feedback 16 29 Jun 2007 22:55
Looking For Moto Traveller MotoDiver SOUTH AMERICA 0 12 Oct 2005 11:41
First time traveller Dougster BMW Tech 4 3 Nov 2004 11:07
1st time traveller- advice welcome jungjung Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 4 14 Jun 2001 20:02

 
 

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 23:50.