Going from UK to USA - Ship out or buy there?

[Lonesome George]

Later this year I'm going to start my bike trip in North America. I want to go from Alaska to Panama. Originally I was thinking I could buy a bike in the US but it has been suggested that it might not be possible to then take it to central America and sell it. And could even be hard to ship it on from central America to South Africa. (I was thinking I could sell in Panama and buy again in South Africa)

Would it just be much more sensible to get my bike now in the UK and ship it out. More expensive but perhaps further down the line it's just a hell of a lot easier to have a bike and passport that match.

Any advice would be most welcome. I've given up my job, have planned my trip and am ready to go (in July). I'd love to buy my bike NOW in the UK and get all my gear sorted but it would be cheaper to get one in the US.

[Mickey D]

What is the cost to Air freight (or Sea Freight) your bike over? Probably $2000 USD or so? Maybe $1500? Pretty obvious answer.

[Outlaw]

That is not the real question I am shipping my bike to Europe in July cost is about $1900 But the problem is insurance and what will that cost I am looking into green card insurance for Europe seems to be very expensive. Over here bikes are cheap but not having local address and drivers licence will be the big problem.

[docsherlock]

Originally Posted by Outlaw

That is not the real question I am shipping my bike to Europe in July cost is about $1900 But the problem is insurance and what will that cost I am looking into green card insurance for Europe seems to be very expensive. Over here bikes are cheap but not having local address and drivers licence will be the big problem.

I think you will find it hard to get insurance without a local address and on a foreign number plate. You are right that if you can get it at all, it will be damned expensive. Rent or buy a bike in the UK for your trip would be my advice.

[Outlaw]

If you have a friend in the US or Canada that will let you put the bike in his name and insure it for you, he could name you on the insurance policy but if you smashed it up he would lose his discounts (need to be a good friend)

[Lonesome George]

Originally Posted by Mickey D

What is the cost to Air freight (or Sea Freight) your bike over? Probably $2000 USD or so? Maybe $1500? Pretty obvious answer.

I agree it would be cheaper. But, legally, can I do it? Can I take the bike out of the US? I think I'd rather pay more and KNOW that all my paperwork is legit and I can take my bike wherever I want. (When I was living in Argentina I bought a Transalp. I took it to Chile, Uruguay, Brazil and Paraguay. At the end of my trip I tried to enter Uruguay again from Argentina and was told - correctly - that I couldn't take an Argentine registered bike out of the country as a UK passport holder. I don't want to get to say Guatamala and be told the same sort of thing)

[Tiffany]

HI George
Plenty of people from Europe (or wherever) buy bikes in the States and then ride them south to Argentina, the border crossings don't seem to mind that it's a bike from a different country to your own - I've travelled with other people doing this.
Many of these riders then sell them somewhere in South America. True the customs laws usually say you must not leave the country without your vehicle, but it seems, this does not get followed up.
those of us who have shipped out of South America often have not had our passports marked to show the vehicle has left and yet have not been questioned as we left.
Maybe ask some of the people on the HUBB selling bikes in South America about their experiences.
Good luck.

[Mickey D]

Originally Posted by Lonesome George

I agree it would be cheaper. But, legally, can I do it? Can I take the bike out of the US? I think I'd rather pay more and KNOW that all my paperwork is legit and I can take my bike wherever I want. (When I was living in Argentina I bought a Transalp. I took it to Chile, Uruguay, Brazil and Paraguay. At the end of my trip I tried to enter Uruguay again from Argentina and was told - correctly - that I couldn't take an Argentine registered bike out of the country as a UK passport holder. I don't want to get to say Guatamala and be told the same sort of thing)

Yes George, you can do it. And you can get insurance. You have 10 days to get insurance in the US after you buy a bike. Or show the cop you UK insurance and let him know it covers you in the USA. (even though it doesn't!) Most cops don't care.

You DO need a local address so local DMV can mail you your new title (same as Log Book) in your name. Crossing borders with a US titled bike and UK passport is NOT a problem. The Title is in your name, the bike is legally yours. Hundreds have done it. Once you have the title in your name, you are set. In some states you can get the title on the spot at DMV, other states, like Calif. you have wait a few weeks to receive new title. But you do get a Temporary on the spot, which is good everywhere. Have your friend (or a dealer) mail you the permanent title when it arrives.

Several companies insure foreign nationals. Also, there are several other "methods" to get coverage. You need to speak with some Brit X pats to learn the ins and outs. Not too hard really. The US is pretty loose. If you get pulled the only thing the cop will check will be to see if the bike is stolen or if you are wanted. They tend to go very easy on Brits especially.
Smile, be polite and you will be sent on your way. (except in Texas! )

Bikes in the US are half the price of the UK. What bike are you looking for?
BMW's are expensive here but just about everything else is cheaper than UK by half, including riding gear. Start searching California Craig's lists to get a feel on prices. SF Bay Area, LA area, Orange County, San Diego. Good deals everywhere.

[Lonesome George]

Thanks so much for the replies. I'm thinking of a BMW F800GS or 1150/1200. I'll start looking at crais list. if i can get one in Seatlle area then i can start my trip by riding up to Alaska as planned. Perhaps if i buy from a dealer they can help with al the paper work.

Thanks for the help again, it's much appreciated. I know how busy every is travelling the world!!

(I'd still like to buy a bike NOW in the UK so I can start!!! I've found a fully loaded F800GS for £6000. Seems like a good price. But if I add £1000 to fly it to Alaska I suppose I can get a better deal in the US. - I'm so excited I just want to get started but I don't want to waste my money

[Mickey D]

The F800GS is quite expensive in the US, probably cheaper or the same as in the UK. See my above post where I mention this. BMW are cheaper in UK new than US.

However, you can find lots of used 1100GS and 1150GS here. They are now quite cheap in the USA. The R1200GS's are still quite expensive.

Check Craig's list to verify this, or ADV rider Flea Market or BMW forums. Craig's list is best or Auto Trader to find dealer ads.

I would also look for the F650GS (800cc twin). It's $3000 cheaper (new) than the F800GS. If you could find a used one, (not easy) that could be a deal. BMW dealers are probably your best bet for BMW's or Auto Trader where all dealers advertise.

But many Japanese 650 class dual sport bikes can be had, near new, in the USA for $3500, more or less. This includes: Suzuki DR650, Kawi KLR650, Honda XR650L. (Yam 600's not imported to USA since 1990)

A good 1100GS or 1150GS will go for around $5000 to $8000 depending on year, miles, condition, and extras.