1 year motorbike trip starting in Chili

[Carry Dries]

Hello everybody,

Together with my girlfriend we're planning a trip around the world. We're dreaming and thinking about it for many years and now we decided to just do it. The initial plan is to leave the Netherlands in september, fly to Chili Santiago and buy 2 motorbikes over there, probably something like the Honda tornado XR250 or the Honda XR400 Falcon. After buying two bikes we want to travel to Patagnonia Torres del Paine National Park.
After Patagonia we would like to travel north trough Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Equador (Galapagos), Colombia and maybe after that continue further to Alaska if we still feel like traveling and traveling and driving we might continue further east to Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Turkey, Greece and so on. I was thinking to do it in 12 months.

The plan is to start the journey in September 2016

The plan is to travel lightweight, we will bring a tent, sleeping gear and some gear to cook. And just the basic stuff you need.

-We traveled before but not like this, is this a realistic plan?
-Any advice for the route?
-Is it possible to buy 2 motorbikes and drive them to Europe? (paper wise)
-Is the jump from Alaska to Russia still possible?
-What will the price be for the 2 bikes? New and secondhand?

If someone got any recommendations, advice, tips or information about everything and anything for this journey we will be happy to hear it.

Thank you for your help

[cenizo]

Dear Carry Dries:

This site, and others as well, are so helpful when you are planning on doing a long trip, as yours. Personally, I think a year is too short for the journey you have in mind. Perhaps, a year would be enough for the Americas, but including half Asia……….humm……..it needs another full year, or much more.

Although places and roads are the same for everyone, traveling is different, because everybody wants different goals, different experiences, different pace. Many travelers could give you general advices, but not particular ones, they depend of you. Particular tips should be extracted from others experiences and filtrated by one self. Somebody recommends you a certain road, but you will miss the other one; some place, you’ll miss another, etc., etc. While reading tales and stories from others, you are going to make your own library, your own archives, this way you could decide by yourself, not by others.

And is not friendly to ask for “everything and anything…..”, that is not possible. You could ask about precise topics, ask about some stretch of road, ask about weather is some month, etc, but…….about everything and anything? It’s too much.

Respect of buying a motorcycle in Chile, here there is a long post about that.

Sintaxis and grammar mistakes are standard for all of us using a language different of our mother tongue. But in order of not disrespecting the countries we are considering, we should try to write historic and geographical names, as nationals do. It is Chile, not Chili, as it is Ecuador -the country- and equator -the imaginary line-, not Equador, and it is the Netherlands, not Nederland, right? I’m sorry for pulling out your pretty little ears, but in the long, you will win.

Good look reading wonderful stories, here!!

Santiago

[Dmwbmw]

Go to www.Procircuit.cl for prices of new Hondas.

chileautos for used.

A new XR 250 lists at 2.890.000 pesos, expect 5% discount for cash and maybe a cheap helmet thrown in.

That's $4100 USD list.

[Tony LEE]

Also check which countries will require a Carnet and check where you will be able to get one. (ADAC??)

[2wheelkiwi]

hi, sounds like a good trip. my brother and i are currently doing 6 months on a similar route to you but stopping in canada. Procurcuit are definitely a place you can pick up a Honda Falcon 400. we have one each now, and so far recommend them. We found 3 procircuit places in santiago. The one in the chinese district have 0 english. but the other two (ave Vitacura or manquehue) both have english speaking. they will do a falcon for 5000USD new in cash. Just be aware of the new paperwork needed for the RUT. Just got to the last few pages of the previously mentioned thread for info on that.

As for route advice, you are on motorbikes, go wherever! On a serious note the best way we have found it research places of interest and then weave your way between them. biggest recommendation is get the App Maps.me. its maps can be downloaded for offline use and have not let us down yet. we have been following ever backroad we can and it has lead us some amazing places

[Carry Dries]

Thanks. We were just investigating some GPS systems, but maybe this app will work as well! We'll definately take a look at it! Do you have a website in which you're uploading pictures/stories about your travel?

Enjoy!

Originally Posted by 2wheelkiwi

hi, sounds like a good trip. my brother and i are currently doing 6 months on a similar route to you but stopping in canada. Procurcuit are definitely a place you can pick up a Honda Falcon 400. we have one each now, and so far recommend them. We found 3 procircuit places in santiago. The one in the chinese district have 0 english. but the other two (ave Vitacura or manquehue) both have english speaking. they will do a falcon for 5000USD new in cash. Just be aware of the new paperwork needed for the RUT. Just got to the last few pages of the previously mentioned thread for info on that.

As for route advice, you are on motorbikes, go wherever! On a serious note the best way we have found it research places of interest and then weave your way between them. biggest recommendation is get the App Maps.me. its maps can be downloaded for offline use and have not let us down yet. we have been following ever backroad we can and it has lead us some amazing places

[capo]

Originally Posted by Dmwbmw

Go to www.Procircuit.cl for prices of new Hondas.

chileautos for used.

A new XR 250 lists at 2.890.000 pesos, expect 5% discount for cash and maybe a cheap helmet thrown in.

That's $4100 USD list.

As said before we are planning a similar trip beginning end of this year also in Chile (probably). But as far as I can see the Honda XR250 is not sold in Chile, or am I blind? I was thinking of taking the XR150L or the Suzuki dr200s and my girlfriend was thinking of the Honda TUF 125 (she's 5ft2), any comments on these bikes are welcome!

[Dmwbmw]

The Honda XR250 Tornado is a relatively common bike in Chile, but not a cheap one.

Both the XR150 and Suzuki are good little bikes, surely up to a long trip if you arent pushing it. You need to try to stay off the four lane highways though, for me it is downright scary on a little bike like this with traffic at 125 kph normal.

They would both badly outclass a TUF I think, I would spring the extra 599,000 CP, you should get most or all of the difference back in resale.

Some of the TUFs i have seen with one piece wheels look a bit fragile.

[xfiltrate]

Hello Carry Dries and girlfriend,

Welcome. Your plan of buying two motorcycles in Chile is doable.

As foreign tourists you can buy new or used motorcycles in Chile. If you buy new, the dealer will register the bikes in Chile in your names - meaning the bikes will have title, plates and registration from the country of Chile. If you buy a used bike already registered in Chile, the title, registration and plates must be be transferred to your name - best accomplished by a professional who transfers titles as a business.

You should research on the HUBB how to legally exit Chile, as a foreign tourists, on motorcycles legally purchased and titled in your names in Chile. And, you will be able to legally sell the motorcycles in Chile. There are many experts posting on the HUBB on this subject. I would gain an understanding of what you will have to do to be able to legally exit Chile with your motorcycles purchased legally in Chile.

I can speak for Argentina as I am a permanent foreign resident of Argentina for more than ten years and know the law. While a foreign tourists can legally purchase motorcycles in Argentina it is illegal for the foreign tourists to exit the motorcycles from Argentina, unless they become permanent foreign residents of Argentina - a process that takes about 3 years.

The sale of motorcycles purchased in one South American country and entered into another South American country on a temporary vehicle import permits - generally granted for three months up to one year (depending on the country) is generally illegal without first nationalizing the motorcycle - a right usually reserved under certain circumstances to citizens of that country or permanent foreign residents who may or may not be allowed to import a vehicle by paying prescribed import taxes.

There are some who post here that declare it is possible to purchase motorcycles registered in foreign countries like some States of the United States , UK, or any South American countries and having been entered into a South American country on a temporary vehicle import permit.

I cannot speak to the legality of this, other than saying "carnets" were once mandatory for many South American countries - the purpose of a "carnet" was to assure that once a vehicle/motorcycle was entered with a temporary permit that the vehicle would exit the country under the same ownership before the expiration of the permit. Today "carnets' are not required - Ecuador was the last South American country to abandon the necessity of a "carnet" for tourists to temporarily import vehicles. But, the temporary vehicle import permit - for each South American country clearly states the sale any vehicle/motorcycle entered into a country on a TVIP is illegal - thus in a court of law - would be judged null and void. It is a matter of trust extended to tourists that they will obey the regulations of a TVIP.

On another thread I have suggested a plan of buying and selling motorcycles in each country visited as provided by law and touring South American in this fashion that might well enable you to leave South aMerican with much more than the original amount expended on the first motorcycles you purchased in Chile. Just trade up - sell for more than your purchase price each time.

One apparent expert in buying and selling motorcycles entered into South American countries on TVIPs - legal or not- is HUBB's own esteemed super moderator markharf - I will suggest you contact him personally if planning on purchasing motorcycles with foreign plates from fellow travelers and keep in mind that any and all legalities that might interrupt insurance coverage for any potential payment of damages or bail on your behalf. It is best to have valid vehicle/motorcycle insurance while you ride South America.

Here is why.

Having worked for as a U S Peace Corps volunteer and for the International Red Cross for years and having visiting in foreign - mostly Mexican jails many foreigners who - having purchased insurance for their foreign registered vehicles entered into a foreign country on TVIPs and purchased in that country from other travelers was valid - discovered after being involved in an accident with substantial personal injury and/or property damage that their insurance company was released from liability because of the illegal title transfer to their name. Some of these folks remained in jail for months while waiting trial even though the accident was eventually determined to not have been their fault.

It is no different in South America, without valid insurance you might remain in jail until a judge determines fault in the accident. The dockets are full, nothing happens quickly in most South American courts and without a valid insurance company to represent you and provide bail you are at the mercy of the courts - generally speaking the most your embassy will do is notify your family and maybe check on you every month - maybe!

As I say be sure and check with the HUBB's super moderator markharf regarding the purchase and sale of foreign registered vehicles having entered a foreign country on a TVIP.

xfiltrate

[Carry Dries]

Thank you for your advice. Do you have any experience in avoiding the four lane highways in South America? Is it easy to do so or do you have to take the highways for the larger part of the journey?

Originally Posted by Dmwbmw

The Honda XR250 Tornado is a relatively common bike in Chile, but not a cheap one.

Both the XR150 and Suzuki are good little bikes, surely up to a long trip if you arent pushing it. You need to try to stay off the four lane highways though, for me it is downright scary on a little bike like this with traffic at 125 kph normal.

They would both badly outclass a TUF I think, I would spring the extra 599,000 CP, you should get most or all of the difference back in resale.

Some of the TUFs i have seen with one piece wheels look a bit fragile.

[Carry Dries]

Hi mister Cenizo,

Thank you so much for pulling out my little ears Feedback is always welcome and I'm glad you took the time to write all of this!

I actually started to read a lot more and took your advice to create my own library in order to be able to ask more detailed questions in the future. You'll probably hear from me soon!

Originally Posted by cenizo

Dear Carry Dries:

This site, and others as well, are so helpful when you are planning on doing a long trip, as yours. Personally, I think a year is too short for the journey you have in mind. Perhaps, a year would be enough for the Americas, but including half Asia……….humm……..it needs another full year, or much more.

Although places and roads are the same for everyone, traveling is different, because everybody wants different goals, different experiences, different pace. Many travelers could give you general advices, but not particular ones, they depend of you. Particular tips should be extracted from others experiences and filtrated by one self. Somebody recommends you a certain road, but you will miss the other one; some place, you’ll miss another, etc., etc. While reading tales and stories from others, you are going to make your own library, your own archives, this way you could decide by yourself, not by others.

And is not friendly to ask for “everything and anything…..”, that is not possible. You could ask about precise topics, ask about some stretch of road, ask about weather is some month, etc, but…….about everything and anything? It’s too much.

Respect of buying a motorcycle in Chile, here there is a long post about that.

Sintaxis and grammar mistakes are standard for all of us using a language different of our mother tongue. But in order of not disrespecting the countries we are considering, we should try to write historic and geographical names, as nationals do. It is Chile, not Chili, as it is Ecuador -the country- and equator -the imaginary line-, not Equador, and it is the Netherlands, not Nederland, right? I’m sorry for pulling out your pretty little ears, but in the long, you will win.

Good look reading wonderful stories, here!!

Santiago

[TaosTraveler]

Originally Posted by Carry Dries

Hello everybody,

Together with my girlfriend we're planning a trip around the world. We're dreaming and thinking about it for many years and now we decided to just do it. The initial plan is to leave the Netherlands in september, fly to Chili Santiago and buy 2 motorbikes over there, probably something like the Honda tornado XR250 or the Honda XR400 Falcon. After buying two bikes we want to travel to Patagnonia Torres del Paine National Park.
After Patagonia we would like to travel north trough Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Equador (Galapagos), Colombia and maybe after that continue further to Alaska if we still feel like traveling and traveling and driving we might continue further east to Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Turkey, Greece and so on. I was thinking to do it in 12 months.

The plan is to start the journey in September 2016

The plan is to travel lightweight, we will bring a tent, sleeping gear and some gear to cook. And just the basic stuff you need.

-We traveled before but not like this, is this a realistic plan?
-Any advice for the route?
-Is it possible to buy 2 motorbikes and drive them to Europe? (paper wise)
-Is the jump from Alaska to Russia still possible?
-What will the price be for the 2 bikes? New and secondhand?

If someone got any recommendations, advice, tips or information about everything and anything for this journey we will be happy to hear it.

Thank you for your help

I agree that you would need more time. I began my trip from New Mexico in the US on Oct 2nd and just arrived in Punta Arenas, Chile on Feb 9th. I went fairly quickly through most countries but stayed in Santiago for 3 weeks. You will need time to buy your bikes, sort out the paperwork, add equipment and do short trips to sort things out. Then the distances you are talking about are much greater than you imagine. I did not even go to Bolivia or Paruguay. I had planned to do Uruguay and Southern Brazil but do not have time. I want to be back in Santiago by mid-March.

Have you ridden a motorcycle before? I have met some people who got their license then bought a motorcycle without knowing anything about what they were doing. Bike selection is important and equipment selection is too. For all of the different conditions you will encounter a 250 can do it but is very light. Unless you are a small person and have little equipment perhaps too light to handle some conditions like heavy cross winds in Patagonia. For me the Suzuki DR650 is the perfect bike. Enough power for what I needed but lighter than most 650s so good on the dirt. It is simple and easy to work on. It is also very durable. However, it needs some modifications from stock to make it comfortable, like a wind shield, after market seat, handle bar risers, etc. If you buy a new one you will need time to do these mods and sort it out. If you buy a used one with modifications you still need to take time to set it up for you personal preferences. This takes several weeks. I bought my bike used in the US in Feb 2015 and did a number of short trips to figure out what I needed before riding it down here. If you can buy a bike where you live, sort it out and prepare you and it for your trip then ship it to your starting point, you will be better off. Otherwise exect to give yourself at least a month to prep your bike once you buy it in Santiago.

In Santiago, stay at the Casa Matte Hostel. They are bikers and only rent to bikers. They can help you prepare for the trip and all of guests will too. You need one year just to travel South America then ride to Alaska at a minimum. Pay attention to the seasons. September is still a bit cold in Santiago but if you take a month to sort out your bike that will put you into a warmer season. Then you need to time it to be in Alaska in the summer to avoid snow. Good luck.

[Carry Dries]

Thanks for all the great replies!

We might have been a bit naive about the distances indeed. We've been just looking at the world map and we've came to the conclusion that 1 year might be too short and too cold to do the whole trip. We still would like to drive all the way home and we figure out that we could also take 6 months for South America and then fly to South Africa and buy new motorbikes. Anyone experience with that?

My girlfriend just got her license so she's not an experienced rider. We're planning to start slow and easy. I've been riding motorbikes for over 8 years, and already got some experience riding lighter bikes (a 250 CC in Thailand including my girlfriend and luggage on the back). I really enjoyed it (it was only a week), but of course weather circumstances in Thailand are more stable compared to South America.

One more question about the navigation app maps.me, is it recommendable to replace a GPS system with this app? Is it that good working in South America or is it better to have it as a extra option beside a GPS?

Oh, @Capo - we're from Utrecht, so maybe we should meet some day in summer?