Can't import used bike into Chile? What other options from US?
 

I've been deployed in Antarctica for six months. My bike has been in a crate in Denver, waiting to be shipped in order to arrive in Santiago around October 1. Now, I find that in June, Chile changed its regulations and is not allowing importation of used motorcycles. The Aduana (and importation agent in Chile) confirm: "LAS MOTOS USADAS NO PUEDEN IMPORTARSE BAJO ESTA FRANQUICIA." (referring to the importation policies on the .cl aduana page).


This really messes with my plans.

I will get to Punta Arenas, Chile around 28 September. I can have free flight to Santiago, but not free elsewhere. My shipping agent says that I can get the bike to Buenos Aires, Argentina or Lima, Peru for ~$1000.

I have heard that Argentine customs might be very difficult and less than optimal for a quick arrival and pick-up at the Port customs office. Has anyone recently shipped a bike from the US to BA?

I have a used KLR650, maybe $4000/4500 value, clean title, matching numbers, no issues. If I have it shipped to Buenos Aires, can I get it on the roads in a week?

Talk to Rod in Iguazu. Search for iguazu bikers hostal. Maybe have it sent there, Brazil might be easy, and Iguazu is probably one of your "must see" stops anyway.

And/or

Contact DakarMotors in Ba. There are on here too. They have a lot of experience in importing bikes for travelers.

Merv.

Import verses Temporary Import
 

Hi, it could be that used motorcycles are not permitted for importation, but I am sure Temporary Import Permits are available for foreign tourists visiting Chile.

You might be confusing Import with Temporary Import. I cannot imagine Chile prohibiting the temporary import of foreign vehicles/motorcycles because tourism would suffer. Temporary import permits for foreign registered vehicles are issued for 8 months in Argentina. It is probable that Chile has a similar TVIP or TIP.....

This is just my opinion I have not actually researched the issue. Best of luck to you - if you do get to Buenos Aires beer is on us

xfiltrate and Rosa del Desierto

I think--but don't know--that xfiltrate is correct.
This is not a definitive answer, but:
Government of Chile - National Customs Service - Frequently Asked Questions International Travelers
says
5. Which customs procedures should I carry out for the temporary entry of goods other than traveller baggage?
Foreign tourists or Chilean residents abroad shall be entitled to enter temporarily bring in the country, for up to 90 days, goods not considered baggage that will be used for their stay in the country and subsequently returned abroad.
The temporary admisión will be done by completinf the Form Declaración de Admisión Temporal de Efectos de Turistas (Temporary Admission for Tourists Effects), which is provided by Customs.

The above does not mention vehicles specifically.
It's easy to confuse this issue because if you ask most Customs agencies, or shipping agents about "importatation" in general, they may assume you mean "permanent import" (most common), rather than "temporary tourist import" (much less common).
Most countries have relatively strict rules about or against permanent import of used vehicles; I know of none that absolutely forbid temporary tourist import of personally owned vehicles by the vehicle owner. There are still usually bureaucratic paperwork hoops to go through, but it should be doable.
Ask CL Aduana or your shipping agent again.

Look at BMW Owner Group
 

About 2 or 3 years ago a BMW owner brought in his used F800GS as "personal property" under his temporary visa. He did not "import" the bike. I do not have the link to the article. Maybe you can call BMW MOA or search the net for the article.

Fritz