Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > South America
California to TDF - questions! California to TDF - questions!
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
South America Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!



Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 25 Mar 2008
binlid's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: california
Posts: 11
Hi pockethead
I have a KLR650 and though its good I find that I had to do alot of upgrades on it. With the klr you need to do a doohickey right of the bat. One of the lads has the KTM and I find its a far better bike.

As for registering the bike here, you will need a us drivers license to register the bike, california is one of those states that have a lot of laws and very little breaks. You can get a drivers license here, all they would need to see is the green slip in your passport, they will allow you to sit the exam and give you a temporary one for a year, that way you can register the bike, but then you will need insurance to get registration here.

If you buy a second hand bike, make sure the registration isn't up, and then I wouldn't worry to much. I drove around for ages without any, obeyed the rules and never got hassled by the cops. Unless you are trying to be evil kenevel they don't bother us as much.

If you are doing this from san francisco, lets us know I will give you as much help as I can.

good luck
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 25 Mar 2008
Mojorising's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Leicester, UK
Posts: 83
Quote:
Originally Posted by binlid View Post
As for registering the bike here, you will need a us drivers license to register the bike, california is one of those states that have a lot of laws and very little breaks. You can get a drivers license here, all they would need to see is the green slip in your passport, they will allow you to sit the exam and give you a temporary one for a year, that way you can register the bike, but then you will need insurance to get registration here.
Hi Binlid,

I am from the UK and had no trouble registering a bike here with my UK license here in AZ. Is it different in CA? I did have my insurance in order though.

Cheers Mojo.
__________________
If life gives you lemons then make lemonade & find a friend whose life gave then Vodka & have a party. Mojo
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 27 Mar 2008
binlid's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: california
Posts: 11
registration
The new law in california is if you don't have insurance they won't give you registration, if you have registration and cancel your insurance, the dmv will cancel your registration and its a pain in the ass to get back. The insurance company now report directly to the dmv.

As for getting it on a foreign license, that is kinda the luck of the draw, I talked to the Irish center and they basically said try a few different places, some dmvs are giving it some or not.
However alot of the cops mostly the highway patrol don't recognize it and you might get a hard time. My mate did when she was out from home.

As for the bikes, its one of those times where I should learn to keep my mouth shut. The KLR is great, I take it off road, so I suppose thats why it needs a lot of work. But one thing, those who didn't get there doohickey done, regretted it. But each to our own, and most second hand bikes have it done already.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Des Moines
Posts: 461
Hi Adam, there is a great website called couchsurfing.com that you can use to stay for free at the home of fellow travellers in their countries. I would advise against camping in U.S. campgrounds often because they are expensive. Advrider.com is a motorcycle website similar to this one and they have a 700 free campgrounds that you can stay at in the U.S.

As far as which states are best for backpackers that is a hard question. I would say that you would really enjoy Colorado, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Vermont, and Utah if you are into the outdoors. I would avoid to much time in California because it is expensive.

Hope you have a great trip,
I am near finishing the same trip,
Geoff
__________________
http://www.journeyrider.net Latin America blog (07-8)
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
HU Meeting in California 2009 davidmc HU Travellers Meetings - North America 104 24 Aug 2009 08:59
Japan to California DearScotty Route Planning 6 19 Jan 2007 02:22
California paul_r Repair Shops, North America 1 7 Aug 2006 19:41
Goin to california... Mr. Ron Travellers Seeking Travellers 7 2 Mar 2005 09:53
Rides in California ekaphoto North America 2 22 Nov 2003 23:25

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
New York: October 9-12 NEW!
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

2026 Confirmed Dates:
(get your holidays booked!)

Virginia: April 23-26
Queensland: May 1-4
CanWest: July 9-12

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 06:46.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top