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What are Pro's and Cons of buying bike in SA What are Pro's and Cons of buying bike in SA
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South America Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



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  #1  
Old 7 Jun 2010
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Question What are Pro's and Cons of buying bike in SA
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.
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  #2  
Old 7 Jun 2010
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search answered some questions
After searching more deeply I've discovered it's not so easy to buy and register particularly in Argentina. Some of these posts were a bit old so if anyone knows of more up to date info regarding buying and registering in South America I'd appreciate their advice.
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  #3  
Old 8 Jun 2010
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From what I have heard or read your only good option is to buy a bike from someone who has finished their travels in SA. Best if it is from your home country, even better if it is from the same state so you can easily get title transferred with out the bike being present. There have been other post about this option.

One thing to remember is that import fees in SA are very high (70 to 100%) so your best buy would be to pickup something in the States and ride it down. You should try to make one of the HU travelers meetings where there will be many who will help you understand what you need to know to make it all work out. Good luck on "doing something crazy before you turn 40" but you should be warned that it can be addicting.

Bob
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  #4  
Old 8 Jun 2010
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Thanks Road Hogg
Thanks Road Hogg I hope it wasn't too dumb a question. I'm definately going to look out for a HU travellers meeting in the UK and I take your advice regarding purchasing in the U.S.

Thanks once more
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  #5  
Old 17 Jun 2010
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Hello there,

I am certainly no expert on this at all, but am planning a SA trip myself so did a bit of research, on this forum and elsewhere. It seems that most South American countries are protective of their high taxation on motor vehicles, so have various regulations in place to prevent bikes being bought and sold in the country without the relevant taxes being paid. The taxes also mean that the price of bikes can be surprisingly high, at least for larger bikes.

Many people have found ways around these rules, by using friends who are citizens as part owners, by exchanging ownership at the border, or simply by bluffing their way through, so it is certainly doable.

Our decision was that since we wanted larger bikes there was not much financial advantage to buying in South America, and since we have a finite time we wanted to get riding ASAP instead of spending the first 2-3 weeks dealing with paperwork and bureaucracy, we would buy and prep our bikes in the UK then ship them. However, buying a bike from a fellow traveller, especially one from the same country, seems to be pretty easy. Or, if you don't have to start in SA, buying in the states and riding south as stated above.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!
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  #6  
Old 17 Jun 2010
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I just bought a bike here in Bolivia (2nd hand) and I found the process very easy. If you purchase new you'll have the papers a couple of days so that would be even easier. Chile & Argentina are a pain in the ass.
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