Originally Posted by paul1962

Thinking of riding from South America up to Alaska later this year (Oct-Nov)then across to my relatives in Ottawa, Canada. (Have a year to do this). Leave bike in Ottawa for 6-9 months whilst return to UK to earn more dosh. Ship bike to somewhere in Asia (or buy another bike in Asia) and ride back to UK.
Have 3 options - have stated what may be pro's and cons as I see it.

1) Own a very low mileage (5000mile) 2003 Suzuki XF650 which would be up to job. UK registered. Would need to air freight/sea freight out to BA. Pro's. Bike I know. Less hassle bike being out of UK? Cons: Cost of freighting to BA. Suzuki not common in SA. Leaving in Canada for 6-9 months?
2) Buy new bike/low mileage bike in Chile. Probably Honda TornadoXR250/ Falcon400. Pros. New low mileage bike for same price as XF650 + shipping. Honda support in SA Cons: Buying bike? Taking bike permanantly out of Chile. Leaving in Canada for 6-9months. ?If wanted to use it elsewhere in world later and return to UK?
3) Buy used Canadian/US registered bike in SA i.e. KLR650 or smilar. Pros. Easier to sell in USA/Canada if need be? Possible transfer title to relative in Canada? Cons: Legality of buying/transfering bike in SA? Bike probably have high mileage -less reliability. ?If wanted to use it elsewhere in world later and return to UK?

Would be grateful for advice on what maybe best option/course of action.