Peter you should be just fine. That is how i bring in most parts etc for my bikes - get a friend coming down to bring a suitcase load for me! Occasionally they will open your suitcase and may query the parts but it will be pretty obvious that you are not bringing them in for commercial reasons. If possible remove things from original packaging and remove price tags.

good luck.
Cory

Two Moto Kiwis it would be great to meet you. We can even offer camping on our back lawn and workshop facilities if you'd like!
Cory

Bolivia to Chile border crossing locations
 

Hi Wmur and fellow Bolivia travellers.

I'm heading into Bolivia from Salta in 2 days for a quick visit to Uyuni and the Salar. I then need to cross back into Chile and continue north to Lima.

I was in San Pedro last week and want to avoid returning there. So I am lookjng for a border crossing north of the Ollague crossing. Anyone know where I can cross? Someone told me I could cross at SAN PABLO DE NEGRA / PASO ABRA ORIENTE DE NAPA, to the west of the Salar, but my map doesn't show an immigration aduana post there.

I'm returning to Bolivia for a more extensive visit in May, so don't want to spoil it by riding long distances in Bol this time. And I want to spend a bit of time in N Chile.

More than happy on dirt roads.

Thanks!!

whats the gas situation like in Bolivia? I am currently in Cuzco and plan to cross into Bolivia in the next week. Ill be stopping at the salt flats on my way to Argentina and sticking to Oruro, Challapata, Potosi and Uyuni. Ive heard rumors that gas can be hard to find or obtain (if they dont have receipts).

Should I pick up an extra gas tank to carry around. I've got a 5.8 gallon on the KLR. Thanks for your help.

Derek

ps. Are the salt flats dry yet?

yes Gas can be dificault to find particularly in the south, so recommend an extra tank or can, although you can often find small amounts by asking around to get you through.
good luck

WMur
 

PM sent.

Ruta 6 from Sucre to Oruro --- Road Conditions.
 

Hello guys,

We whant to ride the Ruta 6 from Sucre to Oruro.... does anyone know the road conditions ? I cant find any info on this route.
We dont want to go over Potosi.

Thanks and greetz from Sucre.

importing parts by plane...
 

Follow up from my question last year. Now posting my experience bringing in parts via plane. Filled out the combo immigration/declaration form on the plane. Unlike most countries, you don't list the items, but simply mark a box. I had some parts for the guy who was storing my bike and was prepared to pay duties if required.

Got through immigrations, collected my bags, handed the form to an attendant who quickly glanced at it and put it in a pile. He then directed me to push a button. The light above turned green, indicating no customs inspection. I just got lucky, which means I'll never really know what they may have decided to charge for spare parts.

I read on the HUBB or ADVRIDER about a friend bringing parts into another SA country and being hit with duties. It might have been Ecuador or Peru. If you are caught carrying parts into Brazil there will be duties. That said, a friend flew into Brazil wearing a brand new jacket and carrying a new helmet without paying any duties. Asked if she had any electronics in her luggage, she said "no", because the new iPhone and mini iPad were in her backpack...

sell a bike
 

Hey there,

I have a question about selling my bike.

Long story to short: I had an accident with my bike in Bolivia. And now I do not feel comfortable any more riding ahead.
Bike is fine, just I am not :oops2:

So we are in La Paz now (we are two riders, my boyfriend and I) and want to sell one, or maybe both, bikes.

I read all the posts on the hub, but still have the question how it is selling a motorcycle in Bolivia?!?!
What would be neccesary to sell it to a Boliviano?
Especially i read that the aduana at copacabana (peru,bolivia) seems to be very strict and exact at bordercrossings.
If its possible to got out there without the exitstamp for the bike?

Questions over Questions, I am sorry.
But if you know something we would be verrrry happy:D

greetings from us, Demian and Ina
(locos en motos :)!! Mit XF650 & KLR650 in Südamerika.)

seek local advice
 

Sorry to hear you had an accident. Its easy for me to say, just get back on the bike and ride, when its obviously hard for you. A motorcycle safety instructor said for most people it takes 2 years to feel truly comfortable on a motorcycle. Rebuilding that comfort zone may take longer than you want to invest. Riding around La Paz with its extra steep inclines and cobble stone is hard place to be on two wheels. If you do decide to keep the bike, remember that La Paz and Bolivia in general are tough riding and it will be easier elsewhere.

That said, if you want advice from a local on how to sell a motorcycle in La Paz, I suggest sending a message to the La Paz community on the "Contact a Community" page:

Contact a Community | Horizons Unlimited

You might hear from a rider named Alfonso, who helped me and other riders in the past. He is one of the people that receives the messages sent to that community. He is a great guy and will certainly be of assistance. If I remember correctly, one of the riders in his club is a lawyer. While Alfonso reads and speak English, I recommend posting your question in English and Spanish (I use Google Translate) because you don't know who is active.

If Bolivia proves to be a difficult country to sell you bike, you might want to post to communities in Peru at the same time, if Peru is next on your travel plans. Cusco is about two days ride fro La Paz.

great info, thanks
 

thanks very much for your info!

Actually, I was on the bike after the accident, but I just recognized that- wright now- its not the same as before. Its not so much fun, so I think I have to take a pause of the trip.

The tip with the communities is really good, thanks.
I already wrote to the bolivian and peruvian community. In english and spanish :)

I hope everything goes fine. I will post news then :thumbup1:

greetings from us, Ina and Demian