L.A. to Rio de Janeiro
 

Planning a trip to America, leaving next September, buying some trailie bike in the U.S. The idea would be to ride from California to Mexico, through Central America, then find some way to avoid Colombia (doesnt sound good at this time, anyway!), probably take a ferry from Panama to somewhere in S.America, the final destination would be Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
A very long and demanding trip of course, planning to spend at least 5-6 months on the road.
Anybody have any experiences from that area; any 1st hand information is welcome?? I´m especially interested in border crossings and the paperwork in general. Another big question mark is getting from Central to South America, any tips on how to manage that with a bike?

Yes, I have plenty of recent information on the route. I started last September. Although a hassle, Central American border crossings are not a major obstacle if you stick to the main crossings and avoid Guate-Honduras at Corinto. You need to have your motorbike's title document (proof of ownership), registration in some cases, and a drivers licence. Make absolutely sure that numbers on your title match those on the bike exactly otherwise big problems. In most cases you will have to pay a small amount of dollars. Usually no more than $20 to cross a border, although we got seriously ripped off in Honduras ($120). In South AMerica it is much easier. I shipped my bike by air from Panama to Quito with a company called Panavia. I just rode ride up to their warehouse at the airport, rode the bike onto a pallet and had everything settled in two hours. That cost $350 and my flight cost $300. There are also boats but it is much easier to ship by air.
E-mail me if you want more details. In Bolivia right now.
Suerte, Arne