Just starting planning - need feedback

[Paul Coen]

Some general questions as I plan a post retirement SA tour.

I have a DR650 which I'm thinking of riding to Miami and then shipping to Colombia, or would I be better trying to buy something similar in Colombia?

Thinking of arriving in Colombia beginning of October and riding the western side of the continent down to Chile, then through the Atacama, eventually ending in Uruguay beginning of January. Over the next three months, returning through Brazil and back into Colombia. Do-able logistically and how would that work as far as the rainy season issue?

Any input would be appreciated!

Thanks

[Steve Travels]

Paul,
Ask yourself what you want from your trip. Camping or hostels or hotels? Street food, groceries, or restaurants? Backroads, adventure and cultures away from the toursists? Or droning hundreds of miles down main highways every day from one tourist trap to the next? How’s your Spanish? Speaking the language is probably the single most important aspect of a rich experience in Latin America.

1. Shipping is pricey and can potentially be a frustrating start and end to your trip. I shipped my DR650 before and will not do it again. Take the thousands of $ in shipping costs and smartly invest in wine, women, and food along the way.

2. You can buy a good used moto in Colombia and sell it there for similar price when you return. The best roads in South America are the backroads, dirt roads, or sometimes no roads at all. The locals ride mostly 150-250 motos, and the DR650 is available there new or used. Colombia might be the best and easiest place for moto transactions. See recent post here on HUBB for details.

3. Three months is not nearly enough time for that route. You would need to pound out long miles every day, take the filthy boring Pan-American highway, and leave no time to explore and enjoy the cultures and locales. I spent three months just in Colombia and it was not nearly enough. If you only have three months, I would say Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia are the sweet spots and might fit in your timeframe. You can always sell moto on road and fly home if you run out of time.

4. Currently there is no easy way through or around unstable Venezuela.

5. Yes, it will rain. And snow in the Andes. And altitude will kick the shit out of you. And you will get sick. And lost. And scared. And lonely. You will break down, run out of gas/foood/money, and maybe get to know some local police. And often there will be a complete stranger who helps you through. These will be the most memorable and enriching experieneces of your trip.
Salud!

[Paul Coen]

Thanks Steve,
Think buying a bike in Colombia is the way to go. Made a 'speed trip' (24 days due to lack of time) on a DR650 from Uruguay to Machu Pichu and back a few years ago. The upcoming one will be more leisurely and meandering.
I understood that selling a bike outside of where you bought is hard to do......is that correct?

[jfman]

Buy another travelers bike then resell when you are done. Buy a bike known to be reliable and one you know how to work on.

Fly in with some repuestos, get the bike to your likings then go.

3 Months I would do one or two countries really well.

I know you have the itch to reach other countries and you can do it if you want but 3 months to do SA from North to South will have you missing a ton and will have you ride the Panam to make good time.

I was in Colombia twice in octobre and it rains a lot.

[prasobh46]

what about formalities for boarder crossing with Colombian registered/ plate bike to other SA countries , carnet ?

[LD Hack]

Originally Posted by Paul Coen

Any input would be appreciated!

Steves comments are spot on. Also, if you want to experience the culture, keep the distance down and explore the back roads. With the same goal in mind, start learning Spanish now, before you leave. The language learning process is an enriching component of the experience. Don't expect to be fluent.

A 250cc moto (and locally licensed) is definitely fine in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. You won't hesitate to go off the main roads. It's also a good choice if you want to go inland during the rainy season (mud, stream crossings, bumpy rocks). Inland is where the local culture lives. Many travelers on 600cc plus motos are reluctant to leave the main roads and miss so much. That's my observation.

I have a moto stored in Peru, and I've made 3 trips, each about 6 weeks, mostly in Peru, mostly during the rainy season. I still have more to see & experience. Go for quality travel, not distance. The mountains in South America are taller than anything in North America, and the ruins and ancient culture are rich and not to be missed.

Street food and posadas are so inexpensive that it's not worth bringing camping or cook gear. I've traveled on less than US $40/day for food, room, gas, repairs, & daily expenses. If you buy a locally licensed moto, you can store it in the country of origins without a TVIP. Foreign moto, you are limited to 3 or 6 months in most countries.

Buen viaje!!

[charapashanperu]

Go local! Go small adventure bike (250cc)! Stay with the people. Meander slowly and get the full experience!

[DLyttle]

I shipped my Husqvarna 701 back to New Zealand after doing over 20,000 km. In the future I will buy or rent a local 250 cc bike. I have seen plenty of people using these in Peru, Chile, Argentina and Bolivia. They can cruise along at 90-100 km if the wind is not too strong. Amazing what they will carry. Some are two up. From what I have read buying in Colombia seems to be best. Read all the posts here about crossing borders with locally registered bikes in Chile and Peru.