Summer 2011 - 6 Months On A Motorbike

[7strings]

Hi there everyone.

In the summer of 2011, the summer after I finish university. I am planning on going on a six month trip around USA and Canada. I know it's a long way away, but its never too early to plan eh? At the moment, I think it's going to be about 21 thousand miles.

I just have a few question and would like to tap into your knowledge.

Firstly, and most importantly is the bike. Having looked into it, I have two options.

1. Buy in England and ship over to USA
Have the chance to get the bike warmed up, a couple of thousand miles under its belt
Don't have to deal with registering a car in USA which seems to be extremely problematic if you don't have a permanent address.

2. Buy A Bike In USA
probably going to be cheaper overall.
problems with buying and registering being a foreign national.

So does anyone have an experience in buying motorbikes in america? Which of these options would you choose?

My second question is the actual bike itself. What type of bike do you guys think I'd need? I am going 21 thousand miles, but it's mostly going to be on tarmac, easy roads... I haven't been riding long and my knowledge of bikes its particularly good so any help would be great!

Which bike would you choose if money wasn't an option? Which bike would you choose if you had about £3000?

Any other hints and tips you guys can offer would be great. Thanks

[G]

Bikes are generally cheaper in the US, so I'd go that route myself. Even be tempted to see if I could ship it back after.

Were it me, I'd probably go for a dual-sport/adventure converted XR650R, then my 'road' would most probably turn into desert tracks and the like .
Otherwise, all depends what you like really. Some people would be happy doing that on a VFR400 or R1, others would prefer a pan-european.

[phil2alp]

I was going to buy a bike in the USA a few years ago when I was there for about three months.

The problem I had when I really looked into buying a bike over there was not only registering a bike in your name but also insuring it. The problem was not having a residential address. As far as I can remember I couldn't get a US licence without a US address and without a US licence you can't get insurance. That's what people were telling me . Maybe I was badly advised or it may have changed now. Maybe check out this website for some decent advice on the US, trip planning etc. https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/

I know you don't have to have insurance in many states but I didn't fancy hurting someone who wouldn't then get an insurance payout and maybe paying off a 5 million dollar insurance payout for the rest of my life or being on a chain gang in the Deep South if I injured someone on the road and didn't have insurance.

As G says as far as the bike's concerned it's really up to personal choice and what type of riding you like to do.

[gs5pete]

do you have any friends in the US? anyone at your uni you can "become friends" with? :p

I'm sure a bike inclined mate would be happy to buy and insure a bike for anyone to ride?
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past bikes: KX125, CG125 (first road bike, used to pass test on), GS500 (first proper bike).