The motorcycle in Buenos Aires is much more than a mode of transportation. Huge numbers of Argentine's know the Darkar is coming, they revel in its' many international flavors. The Argentines are very visual and just as the outside of a horse makes the inside of a man feel good, the sights and sounds of hundreds of international motorcycles rumbling down 9 de Julio, will make Argentina feel good. And, it ain't bad for business either...

The DAKAR, itself, has brought new respect to the thousands of motorcycle messengers that day and night weave in and out of traffic here, much like frantic Santa Clauses delivering toys to the children of the world. On weekends, hundreds of Harley's hit the street, many belonging to members of a first rate Harley Davidson club here, and then there are the national and international motorcycle adventurists.

All of these and most of the population of Buenos Aires welcome the DAKAR.

Here at the HUBB, we share our joys, our sorrows, our loses and the tidbits of information we have gained from our own motorcycle adventures with each other. We are a tough lot, we come from everywhere and accomplished much... we have united here to help each other and to share our stories.

In the spirit of the "DAKAR Christmas" in Buenos Aires, Elisa and I wish each of you a sincere Merry Christmas and know that you have our hopes and our prayers that 09 will be a prosperous and peaceful year for each of you.

Thank you, Susan and Grant for establishing these well used and informative lines of communication for us, your hubbers, and thank you to the hubbers, from whom we have learned much. Ed and Elisa

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Motorcycle Parking Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.xfiltrate.com

I am a U.S. national flying into Buenos Aires. I want to buy a bike in Argentina and ride back to the U.S.. It sounds like you're the expert and I was hoping you could answer a couple questions for me.

1. The plan you have described says once you have the green card it's no problem to travel throughout S. America, but what about through Central America and back into the USA?

2. Is it possible to buy a U.S. registered bike in Argentina and avoid a lot of the trouble associated with buying a bike registered in Argentina?

Thank you for the Help!

John Falkner

Hi John, thanks for the post. I have also received your e-mail and have responded. Be sure to see 2nd e-mail as I made 2 minor corrections to the first. Post here for any further questions or share any data you might think relevant to this thread.

Yes, once you legally exit Argentina with a "green card" for an Argentine registered bike you "should" be ok all the way to the States. I have personally entered Chile, Peru, Bolivia Uruguay and Brazil before obtaining my "DNI" Foreign Residence in Argentina. For exit complications see e-mails.

I have ridden Central America and Mexico , but not with an Argentine registered bike, so anyone having done this might be a better resource than me.

Be sure to read e-mails I just sent you and thanks for your post and posting anything that might help others. xfiltrate

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Motorcycle Parking Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.xfiltrate.com

Bingo, John just asked me the right question via e-mail, so right I am sharing it with whoever reads this well worn thread:

After much discussion regarding pros and cons of buying locally and touring South America, John asked me what I would do if I were in his boots. My answer: slightly amplified from original.....

"That is easy. Fly to Buenos Aires, buy a legally Argentine registered new or used motorcycle, have it legally transferred to your name, buy insurance (about $30 dollars US a month) , tour only Argentina, have FUN meet women, make good friends, learn about Argentine culture and learn Spanish, see the sights, RELAX, CAMP or stay in inexpensive hostels, bring your collapsable fishing pole.......(everything you could want is here) then either store the bike in Buenos Aires for your next trip to Argentina or sell the bike in the very hot used bike market here, for just about what you paid for it..... all legal, all easy all fun no problem!!! Remember, You can leave your Argentine registered bike here legally, as long as you want.... xfiltrate"

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Motorcycle Parking Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.xfiltrate.com

I, for one, want to thank you for all the work you put into this thread. A wealth of good information is available. Those who are badmouthing you obviously haven't ever had to deal with Latin American beauracracy.

A trip to Argentina, purchase a bike, ride around for a while, sell bike and fly back home is now close to the top of my "bucket list".

Hi, Nata, if I can call you Nata? We are touring, now in cordoba province, but I wanted to say thanks for your post, I think. What is a bucket list? Anyway, it is very easy for a foreigner to buy a new or used bike in Buenos Aires. Get a domacilio 2 days, a CDI from AFIP, 2 hours and find a bike with proper papers , from a dealer or individual, a Gestor, (one who transfers motor vehicle titles) can help with this and let you know if the bike is legal in a matters of minutes upon reviewing the bikes documents.

We have a list of people now hwo have purchased bikes and cars as foreigners in Buenos Aires. The only problem is the confusion about a foreigner leaving Argentina with the Argentine registered bike/car. I am working on this, a clarification of the law from the legislature here. Keep reading this thread and posting thanks xfiltrate. see my post at HU bar for a good laugh at a true story xfiltrate

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Motorcycle Parking Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.xfiltrate.com

I been kicking tyres in BA and was shocked to see the price of bikes here.
The ticket price on a new Honda Transalp 700 is an eye watering US $12250.

There are a large number of older Transalps here in Argentina in very good condition.

I am off to put the U lock on mine right now.

Steve

Great bike!!! I rode my 2000 KLR 650 down from Arkansas. 5 months on the road. Time to go back to work. I would love to sell my bike here in Argentina. It´s in great shape and comes with everything you need. Just fly down, turn the key and your on your way to an adventure of a life time.

Cheers,
Rugger

Hi , I am on my way down from Brasil right now wondering what to do with my bike like many others .. my bike is for sale or i can just store it ... haven´t decided yet . I will be in BA in about a week . If anyone is interested it is U.S. registered with 20,000 miles on it , good shape runs great ! All racks and cases included . Cheers

Just wanted to let you all know, that Karin is getting some things online on Overland Traveling. She is mentioning the HUBB as well, and I thought bringing it here, not so sure where to put it.

See you on the road [now Cordoba province, soon heading north]

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- On the road since 2003 in a vintage Land Cruiser

Karin's article was well thought out and thank you for mentioning HU. On this thread I have done my best to describe the process and problems of buying a motor vehicle in Argentina as a foreign tourist.

Currently I am in Spain, but when I return to Buenos Aires this June, I will renew my efforts to have additional legislation passed that changes and more clearly describes the laws regarding a foreign tourist leaving Argentina with a motor vehicle legally purchased and registered in Argentina. (please read comments earlier in this thread)

Thus far I have a promise from an Argentine politician that if I produce 100 requests for changes and clarification of the laws preventing Argentine registered motor vehicles, legally owned by foreign tourists, from leaving Argentina, he will propose to the congress that the matter be considered.

These changes might stimulate motor vehicle/motorcycle sales to foreign tourists in Argentina.

A few potential foreign tourist motorcycle buyers have contacted me, but I need more names (screen names are OK) and requests for a change in any law that might prohibit foreign tourists from leaving Argentina with their legally purchased and registered Argentine motor vehicle.

PLEASE POST YOUR REQUESTS FOR CHANGE AND CLARIFICATION OF THE LAWS ON THIS THREAD. I WILL DO MY PART.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this thread and thanks as always to the Johnsons, who have brought us together, let us use our unity to make things better.

RIDE FREE xfiltrate

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Motorcycle Parking Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.xfiltrate.com

While skimming the HUBB the other day I found a very useful tool, thanks to Verteran HUBBer DAKOTA who posted in the section: Travelers questions that don't fit anywhere else... English-Spanish-English Dictionary of Motorcycling
It is FREE.

the thread is: Dictionary of motorcycling English-Spanish-Inglés-Castellano

VETERAN HUBBer XANDER also found similar tools in French, Spanish and German.

Hope these valuable communication tools help. Thank you DAKOTA and XANDER!

Meanwhile, Elisa and I are leaving Spain and returning home to Buenos Aires in about 2 weeks. Please see my post directly above and if you plan to purchase a new or used motorcycle or vehicle in Argentina as a foreign tourist please post on this thread.

AFTER having collected the screen names of 100 potential foreign tourists, I will leverage the list into a review (by politicos in Buenos Aires,) of the confusing regulations "prohibiting or not" the export of a legally registered in Argentina motorcycle or vehicle by its' foreign tourist owner.

I cannot do much more alone, I need your help. Remember, a large group of international motorcyclists were able to change the law regarding "Carnets" in Ecuador years ago. Some of the bike manufacturers also got involved and I believe the law was changed by Presidential decree.

My goal is to clarify the law in a way that allows foreign tourists to buy new or used in Argentina and then legally exit Argentina with their motorcycle or vehicle.

Any HUBBers riding through or around La Coruña (Galicia) north coast of Spain are welcome. We are in a small village, living across the street from one of Spain's most beautiful beaches. 3 cafes below us, and yes, topless is very much in vogue here.

Thank you for your help. xfiltrate

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Motorcycle Parking Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.xfiltrate.com

If we work together we can effect change! We now have 12, only 88 to go. Well done.

Thank you to everyone who has communicated their interest in purchasing a new or used motorcycle or vehicle in Argentina. Once I have collected 100 screen names, I will present the list to the Government of Argentina with the goal of obtaining a revision/clarification of the law/laws regulating the export of a legally Argentine registered motorcycle/vehicle from Argentina by a foreign tourist.

Below is an example of my private com with one of you who have indicated a desire to buy in Argentina.

"Thank you for reading my thread on HU, Elisa and I will be pleased to assist you in legally purchasing a camioneta in Argentina.

It is done frequently and is not as complicated as most people think.

Here is an overview.

Secure a "domocillio" certificate issued by your LOCAL police, you must go to the police station assigned to protect your neighborhood in Argentina.

1. The domocillio costs about 10 pesos and is obtained by providing the police your ID (passport) or DNI and address. The next day, a police officer will hand deliver the stamped document to your residence, where you are staying in Argentina, pension, with a friend etc.

2. Take your passport. domocillio to your assigned AFIP office, you will have to find out which office pertains to your residence address, and get a CDI which is a tax number for foreigners , not working in Argentina. This will take about 2 hours, faster if you go early. Cost approximately 10 argentine peso.

3. Investigate auto insurance, so after you purchase and your "gestor" does the paperwork you can give the Vehicle ID and plate # to the insurance agency and you will be immediate covered, so you can drive your camioneta home. DO NOT DRIVE WITHOUT INSURANCE!

4. Call PATRICIA, she is a "gestor," ( who legally transfers titles as a business) she has assisted many foreigners I have sent her with no complaints... Mention that xfiltrate sent you.

*please call her at ____________ (office) or cell _________

(Please private message xfiltrate for Patricia's phone numbers)

Elisa and I will return to Buenos Aires in a couple weeks. My cell phone is in BA... is (contact xfiltrate by private message)

We will be in Spain for two more weeks. My home phone in Spain is ________________ please e-mail or call with any questions.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please do not allow the seller to register your vehicle for you... this could be a scam, use Patricia..., or another qualified gestor.

*Once you identify a camioneta you want to buy, have Patricia go with you to inspect the paperwork/documentation provided by the owner. Do not pay any money, not even a deposit without having Patricia inspect the *paperwork and give you the OK.

Hope this helps,

*A list of documents necessary for the the transfer of a vehicle title is presented earlier in this thread.

xfiltrate

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Motorcycle Parking Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.xfiltrate.com

Under Travel Bikes for Sale/Wanted .........Few Tips for selling your bike in Buenos Aires thread I have posted the following after asking some questions to the person who started the thread. Please see the thread... xfiltrate

NEW DATA: In very recent com with an Argentine despachante (customs broker), I learned that a foreign registered bike can be legally titled in Argentina, only by the owner listed on the foreign title, and this must be done in person.

IMPORTANT At this point in time, it is unclear to me and the despachante (customs broker), if a foreigner entering Argentina on a 3 month tourist visa can legally title his/her foreign registered bike in Argentina. Anyone who has done this, please post here.

A legal foreign resident of Argentina, with DNI, can legally register his/her foreign registered bike in Argentina. The process is as follows, an appropriate official of the aduana (customs) assigns a value to the bike and then determines the % of that value to be paid as import duty by the legal foreign owner of the foreign registered bike, not by a buyer or potential buyer. The I.V.A. (tax) is determined and paid, I do not know the I.V.A. % is for 2009, but will endeavor to find out (at least 20%). There are other smaller fees, but I have no verification of what these are, or what percentage of the bike's value is used to determined these fees.

The owner must submit the bike to an official safety inspection, prior to registering the bike in Argentina.

With the foreign title, registration and plate in hand the owner of the foreign registered bike then proceeds to Argentine motor vehicles, this is not done at the aduana, and exchanges his foreign bike documents for an Argentine title, plate and green card. Remember, insurance must be issued before the bike is legal on the streets.

Once the bike is legally registered in Argentina, it can then be legally sold to an Argentine, a resident of Argentina or a foreign tourist.

A caution, appointments must be made with aduana (customs) officials, who might or might not, travel to see the bike, for a fee. The down time on this process is indeterminable, my despachante (customs broker) says, once the bike is evaluated by the aduana (customs) prepare for a "substantial" wait for the official written results and other paper work, verification of the original foreign title etc.

An *Apostille attached to the title, (*document from State/Country certifying the foreign title is valid, in the USA APOSTILLES are issued by the Department of State of the State in which the bike was titled) may be helpful, this is best secured before leaving the State/Country where the bike is titled. I do not know which government agency issues appostilles for Britain or any other country.

xfiltrate

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Motorcycle Parking Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.xfiltrate.com

Thanks to the HUBB we now have 13 motorcycle adventurers,(foreign tourists) who have successfully purchased and legally registered motorcycles in Argentina. The last of the band of 13, #14 has contacted me and several of my contacts are currently actively helping him with the selection of a bike and the transfer of title process. I am still in Spain.

We have a great start. We need only 86 more purchases or written intention of future purchases of motorcycles/vehicles in Argentina by foreign tourists, and an interested member of the Argentine legislature will request a "clarification" of the laws regulating foreign tourists and their legally registered Argentine motorcycles or vehicles.

We are well on our way to making it possible for a foreign tourist to exit Argentina with his or her Argentine registered motorcycle or vehicle.

If you have any intention of purchasing a motorcycle or vehicle in Argentina please post here. Your screen name and intention to purchase is all that is necessary.

Now a caution, for all, and especially those riding through Mexico and Central America. Please carefully review my recent thread entitled:

"Need update for Puerto Limón, Costa Rica"

Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road

Ride Free, Eat, Drink and Be Careful and buy insurance damit.

xfiltrate

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Motorcycle Parking Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.xfiltrate.com