Taking a bike out of Argentina
 

I am in Buensos Aires, and it seems that because of bad times, everybody wants to get rid of their bikes. I got some good offers, and is thinking about the Honda Transalp, which I've heard is a good all-rounder. Another cheaper bike is the Honda Falcon 400. Do anyone know about that one? Recomendations? I want to cover a lot of land, so it must be a durable bike. The Transalp I can get for my budget (US$2000) ae '90s mostly, whereas i can get a Falcon '96 for the same price. Are the Transalps dodgy that old?

My most important question though is if I register the bike in my name, can I get it out of the country, and can I re-register it in another country and sell it there, or would my best bet be to sell it to another traveler going south? If anyone's been through the Argentinian red tape please let me know.


Daniel

Daniel,

I thought about doing the same thing a few months back, but heard about much red tape. The people at the Argentinean Auto Club said it was a no-go and nobody understood anything about the appropriate paperwork. That being said, I did buy a bike in Chile and got everything done by the book, including all papers in my name and an official extranjero residency card (like a social security number). I crossed all borders with little trouble (sometimes they didn’t exactly understand my situation, but with the papers all was cool!) and have been having a wonderful trip. I know they aren’t the deals in Argentina, but I know it can be done. If you do succeed in Argentina (which is something I am sure you can do!), please put up a post to let others know what to do…that would be great.

Ciao
ben

Yeah,

I too bought and am now currently selling my bike in Chile after finishing my trip. No major dramas.

I know bugger all about the Transalp, however I did see one sheared almost in half! The whole frame from directly under the seat to just behind the rear suspension had broken off under the load of his top-box. I've no idea how long he'd been travelling etc, but I gotta say that his top-box wasn't unduely large and the tube-steel frame in that place did look rather fragile.

I guess it's more a case of one bad incident influencing me against the Transalp.

Cheers,

Alex.

Thansk for the tips mates!

I've soved this problem once and for all by buying Patandbin's Super Tenere in Chile. I'm on my way and will soon be driving an Australian-registered bike through South America. I'm selling it in four months time probably in Northern S.A. so if ayone's interested then, let me know.
Daniel

Hi Alex,

About your idea to sell your bike here in Chile I must mention that is forbbiden to import used bikes to Chile, then you can sell it only in Iquique or Punta Arenas because those cities are Free Ports.

The other way is to sell a bike to someone that will never drive it on roads, for example a XR-250 to be used only for off road riding.

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Ya verás como quieren en Chile al amigo cuando es forastero (traditional song)

Jose Pedro Espinosa
Curico, Chile