What are Pro's and Cons of buying bike in SA

[sanfairyanne]

I'm completely new to the Hubb, in fact I'm completely new to motorbiking. I want to do something radical before my 40th birthday (don't we all!!!)

I've always wanted to visit the countries on the Pan American Highway. I read that a number of people buy a bike in S.A, one previous post had people stating purchase prices of as little as $2000.

I'm wondering if there is a disadvantage to buying in say Chile and then heading on into Central America or North America.
Perhaps there is a customs issue.

I am from England so for me it would be great to buy a $2000 bike, use it for a year then just give it away at the end rather than buying a vastly more expensive bike and potentially having it stolen.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated.