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Old 12-11-2010, 11:09 PM   #1
 
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Hey everyone,

So I had to cancel my trip to Africa so I am now scouting out new possible trips. So I was wondering about the feasibility of buying a motorcycle and riding it to South America (with shipping around the Darien Gap). Would riding a motorcycle around be feasible or would I run into a huge amount of red tape? Also what is a ballpark daily budget for SA? I have no idea what countries I would go through but I would be starting in Canada and riding the whole way so any suggestions would be welcome, the only thing I would demand to do would be to hike the Inca trail.
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Old 12-14-2010, 06:06 AM   #2
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First bigggg question, hows your spanish for the border crossings??? Thats a big one especially in Central America, as the border crossings can get a bit crazy.... Also, the roads and cars going through C.A. can get quite crazy as well, and without a lot of caution or just plain balls, it could be a tough ride, but quite the adventure as well.... And the Darien gap shouldnt be a problem....
As for budget, I can only speak of C.A.... Not including alcohol in these amounts.... Guat, Nica, El Saly - $15 per day... Belize, Costa Rica, Panama $25 per day and Honduras $20 per day.... But that all depends on if you stay in the cheap hostels and where you eat... Ive met a couple other people riding through Central America and they havent had too many problems...
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Old 12-14-2010, 11:38 PM   #3
 
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I actually have a total of zero Spanish; would that cause huge issues at border crossings? The only land border crossings I have made are between Canada and the U.S. as well as some in western Europe so I'm not very experienced at them.

Also I guess I should have included my travel style before asking for a budget idea. I would be staying in hostels and I would also be taking a tent and camping whenever possible. When it comes to food I generally eat out quite rarely and instead almost always feed myself out of grocery stores. I enjoy the challenge of traveling with far less money than I should have so I generally am below the average backpacker budget.

Thanks!
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Old 12-16-2010, 06:45 PM   #4
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I think this should be no big deal in South America, can't speak to Central America. I ran into several Brazilians who were road tripping through SA, of course they likely had some Spanish to work with.

The border procedures vary a fair bit, but in general I think they're probably not wildly different and you'll be able to figure it out if you're patient. If you're doing a long trip, you might start with a couple weeks learning Spanish somewhere interesting and make a point to learn some terms helpful for immigracion y aduana.

South America costs can vary a bit. $20 a day will be fine in a lot of countries, you'll need a little bit more in Argentina/Uruguay/Chile, less in Bolivia and Paraguay, Brazil can be expensive, and I hear Suriname and the Guyanas are expensive if you're one of the rare few that go there.
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Old 01-12-2011, 06:55 PM   #5
 
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I just met two guys in El Salvador that purchased motorcycles in Panama and were riding up to Northern California. The stories they had were so amazing. They had their motorbikes configured with metal racks that held their surf boards. They were traveling on a very small budget and were having such a great time. If I was not married I would have purchased a motor cycle that same day and did the exact same thing. I am currently traveling with my wife and video blogging along the way. I did a story with these two guys and you can check it out on my blog. EscapeThatCube dot com. They were also filming and when they get back home they will produce it and make a reality show about the adventure.

You gotta do this! It will be so amazing. Make sure you document so we can all live through your experiences.

Good luck and please keep us up to date with your decision

Jason
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Old 01-13-2011, 09:56 PM   #6
 
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Well this trip will be definitely happening because I just bought the bike I'll be taking. I got a steal on a 2007 CBR125 and I even have a buddy who might come with me. The only change is that I think I will limit the journey to Central America because of my budget (I can go a year earlier if I turn around at Panama). No I just need the snow to melt so I can start riding my new toy.
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Old 01-16-2011, 04:46 PM   #7
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gonna be waiting a while for that snow to cooperate
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Old 01-16-2011, 09:21 PM   #8
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The Sasquatch View Post
gonna be waiting a while for that snow to cooperate
It definitely doesn't help that we have twice as much as usual.
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Old 12-24-2011, 07:50 PM   #9
 
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Wait your going to travel with a CBR125? I know you just bought that bike, but I really think that is going to be tough! How are you going to carry your stuff, supplies and especially safety gear?

I mean I know you don't need that much stuff, but you will definitely need to weld on a few racks and I just dont see how that will fit on that bike.

Not trying to discourage you and really looking forward to hearing your stories!!!

Rock on brother!!!!!

JC
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