I would look to either buy in USA or otherwise buy an Aussie or USA traveller's bike in Santiago or BA when they have finished and want to fly home. (there is a bieks for sale section on the HUBB)
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...r-sale-wanted/
Prices of imported bikes in South America - especially high-end models (ie more than 250cc) - are expensive. The price of accessories is even higher, so racks, panniers, large fuel tanks are both expensive and difficult to find.
Obviously the challenge of landing and not knowing any Spanish would make the task a bit trickier, but no doubt you could find some good ADV contacts there who would help you out if you went down that route. I bought a bike in Guatemala, but that was a small 125cc, by then my Spanish was okay, and I had friends there to help.
And, as someone else has pointed out, starting in USA gives you a nice easy start and a gradual way into travelling, same language......and petrol is everywhere and generally speaking easy roads to get you used to a new bike and luggage.
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