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29 Dec 2014
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R.I.P.
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
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Buying a bike is the USA is indeed low cost vs. UK/EU. But seems a lot of riders really put heart, soul and pound into outfitting their ride. Some have a history with their bikes, have done many long journeys. They know their bike well, have a cache of spares for it and proper luggage that fits and has been tested. And on and on it goes.
So coming to US to buy a bike can mean starting over. Different bike, different luggage, new things to learn. The new bike will have to be learned, parts sourced, modification done, parts and luggage added.
One of the biggest hurdles for US buyers can have is having no place to live whilst setting up the new machine. If paying a Motel, you'd go broke. But if you can stay with a fellow HUBB'er or friend, then it's more doable. Also, having access to a garage and tools will be important if setting up a new bike. No matter how good your new bike is ... it will need modification for overland travel.
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29 Dec 2014
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There's also the fact that if you want to tour South America and don't the time or inclination to travel through Central America, which could double your trip (and cost) then it doesn't make much sense. Especially as you need to get it back to America again.
Otherwise sure, why not. Though I don't think bikes are (much) cheaper in USA than UK
You are right though. Heart overhead when comes to someone's dream trip. There's also something romantic about riding your own bike.
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29 Dec 2014
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R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
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I once drove from Tijuana to Guatemala in 9 days!   (VW Van)
Suggest reading through Craig's list adds for San Francisco Bay Area
and Los Angeles area. Lots of crazy good deals. "Give aways" in some cases.
Far as new bikes go ... we pay in Dollars "roughly" what you pay in UKP. Also, here, it's rare to have to pay MSRP. There is always a "discount" of some sort.
But certain bikes are cheap-ish in the UK. I spent 6 months following UK ads before my trip there. I decided a Triumph Tiger was the best deal vs. 4 or 5 other bikes I considered. The Tiger would have cost MORE here in the USA at that time. Seems they depreciate more in UK than in USA. BMW's were also cheaper in UK, cheaper still in Germany. They bring top dollar in USA.
The other factor is that USA is full of the common, inexpensive dual sport bikes that are somewhat rare (and unsold) in UK: Suzuki DR650, Kawi KLR650, XR650L Honda. These all still sold NEW in USA.
Also, many 200 to 250's too. (KLX, CRF, YZ, NX, Serow, XL ... on an on)
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30 Dec 2014
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pecha72
Did I get this right – You have actually sent a MC from the UK to Buenos Aires by air for £850 total? If so, then that was quite cheap. Maybe this is no longer possible.
But I also remember back in 2008, when I was looking to send my bike back to Europe from Oz by sea, I got quotes from many companies, and the one that I chose, offered its services at about 50% of the price of the next cheapest company (and the others were not far from each other). First I thought, that it can´t be right, but then luckily I heard of a few others, who had used this very same company, and with positive experiences, so I decided to go for it. Glad I did, as I payed roughly 500 euros at the Australian end, and about 180 to pick up at the port in Helsinki (although that latter one did feel a bit ridiculous, compared to what the ocean freight from another side of the planet had cost me – sort of Welcome to the EU, I guess!!)
Of course I do not know, what they would charge me now. Just meant to say, that the prices can (or at least they could!) vary - a lot - and it seemed extremely critical to be able to find the right guys to do business with. If I had not been lucky enough to get in contact with this one particular company, then it looks very likely, that I would have payed nearly double. Why they were so much cheaper than everyone else that I found, I have simply no idea. Just pointing out, that it could be worth it to still keep searching for a better offer.
....But if you really do have the possibility to fly into the US, and buy there and go, then I´d seriously consider doing exactly that, as looking from the EU, bikes are almost ridiculously cheap over there!
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See freight mate. Took about 24 days. I used Sandra from Dakar Motos to do all the customs clearing for me. Took her half a day compared to 4 days of other people who didn't want to pay her very reasonable fee. ...
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Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
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30 Dec 2014
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Good price.
Did using Sandra add a few hundred extra onto the price? Presumably someone needs to be a port/customs, does she come down to the port and sort everything out?
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5 Jan 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by c-m
Good price.
Did using Sandra add a few hundred extra onto the price? Presumably someone needs to be a port/customs, does she come down to the port and sort everything out?
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Yes she came with us and did everything but ride the bike out.. I don't know what they charge for customs clearance now. Best email and ask. Certainly was worth the money in my eyes... But its possible to do yourself if you don't mind it taking 3 days and waiting around a lot.
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Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
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5 Jan 2015
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Excellent, I'll have to get in touch once in Argentina.
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5 Jan 2015
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How about buying used in B A?
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5 Jan 2015
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Sounds like a fair amount of hassle. i.e waiting for the right bike to come along (could take weeks/months), registering the bike, getting local insurance, taking the bike out of the country, returning to the country, then sitting around for weeks/months, waiting for someone to buy it)
On the plus side, you save maybe £2000 off having to transport your bike, and you get a bike that you know can be repaired locally, especially handy since it'll probably be a bike you have no knowledge of working on.
If I was from AUS, or USA, and wanted to ride Europe/Africa I'd probably buy in Europe. If I was from Europe and wanting to tour AUS I'd probably buy there.
For everything else, at least for me personally, it's better either ride there, or ship. The cost of shipping isn't going to make or break my trip (that won't stop me moaning about it though :-)
From what I've read, if buying, most buy in Chile, perhaps it's easier there.
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7 Jan 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by johnnail
How about buying used in B A?
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as far as i know you're not allowed to buy a bike in argentina and leave within the first year. but that might be outdated information.
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hit the road jack! tr15a
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10 Jan 2015
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It's funny that you talk about 2000GBP to ship a bike. it is not too hard to buy and completely outfit a bike for a South America trip (on road) for that money. A good early 2000s Japanese bike will cost $1500-$2000 leaving another $1000 for whatever. You can often get them with bags and accessories. you may not get the off roadies with the 1/2 Touratec catalog on them but you'll get a trouble free ride to the end of the earth, and that's worth something.
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22 Jan 2015
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Slightly off topic, but one courier/forwarder has said that the motorcycle will need a certificate to state that all flamable liquids have been remove from the bike.
I thought it was common to ship with 1/4 of a tank of fuel and without any draining of the oil. Otherwise how the hell are you going to use bike at the other end.
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9 Feb 2015
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shipped my bike to valparaiso, only drained fuel but left some 2-3l in there to get to the next service station. was not necessary to drain the oil / anything else, only to disconnect the battery.
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hit the road jack! tr15a
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9 Feb 2015
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I guess that makes sense from the US.
From Europe Buenos Aires has to be cheaper.
I received a good quote for Montevideo, but from what I've read, all of the agents there want $1000 to sort out the customs.
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10 Feb 2015
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Ted,
Contact Kathy at International Motorcycle Shipping and Transport - Moto Freight
She was very helpful when I was looking for prices to get bikes to the USofA so should be able to give you an accurate low down on costs to South America
Just for interest, she quoted me £1100 airfreight London to Nashville and £800 by sea LA to Felixstowe a couple of months ago.
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
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Lots more comments here!
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New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
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The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
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