Buying a Motorcycle in Colombia
How to Buy a New or Used Motorcycle in Colombia as a Foreigner
Buying and registering a motorcycle in Colombia as a non-resident can be a smooth and rewarding experience—especially with proper guidance. This comprehensive guide by Tom Speer, founder of Colombia Motorcycle Rental & Tour Co., outlines everything you need to know about navigating the Colombian motorcycle market, legal registration, and how to avoid costly mistakes.
Rent vs. Buy: What’s Right for You?
If you’re only in Colombia for a short stay, renting is the simplest option. But if you’re planning to travel for more than 3 months, buying a motorcycle can save you money and give you maximum freedom.
Benefits of Buying
- Avoid costly shipping or air freight (e.g., from Panama or over the Darién Gap)
- Access Colombia’s strong resale market (especially for Japanese models)
- Ride at your own pace with complete freedom to explore Colombia and beyond
Importing vs. Buying Locally
If you’re bringing your own motorcycle from abroad:
- Complete the Check-MIG form before arrival
- Present your passport and original vehicle registration
- Purchase SOAT (Colombian liability insurance).
- Obtain a temporary import permit (valid for 90 days, extendable).
Buying locally simplifies the process—no import paperwork, and easier registration
Top Motorcycle Recommendations for Colombia
Colombian roads and trails favor mid-size, dual-sport motorcycles between 150cc and 300cc. These bikes offer a good balance of power, ease of handling, and lower costs.
Our Top Picks
Based on performance, maintenance, and resale value
- Honda XRE 300 / Tornado / Sahara
Excellent durability, low maintenance, and ideal for both paved roads and mountain tracks.
- Hero Xpulse 200 2V/4V
Affordable, reliable, and great for shorter riders. It has a strong local resale market and inexpensive parts. - Honda XR 190
Lightweight and versatile. A great all-around bike for urban, rural, and off-road terrain.
Note: Large displacement motorcycles (600cc+) face significantly higher taxes, limited resale value, and increased maintenance costs. For most travelers, a mid-sized bike offers the best value and experience.
Ownership Costs to Consider
When buying a motorcycle in Colombia, be aware of the following recurring and one-time expenses:
30–40% import tax markup on new bikes
SOAT Insurance – required by law (cost based on engine size)
Annual property taxes – typically 1.5% of assessed value (for bikes over 125cc)
- RUNT registration – mandatory for all vehicles
Cross-Border Travel Compatibility
Colombian-registered motorcycles are allowed in most of South America, including:
This means you can ride across borders freely without relying on expensive international transport.
- Ecuador
- Peru
- Bolivia
- Chile
- Argentina
- Brazil
This means you can ride across borders freely without relying on expensive international transport.
Our Support Services
We’ve helped hundreds of travelers and expats buy, register, and resell motorcycles in Colombia. Here’s how we can help you:
✅ Airport Pick-Up & Orientation – $50 USD
Includes bilingual meet-and-greet at the airport and guidance on how to get started.
✅ RUNT Registration – $50 USD + Registration Fees
We’ll guide you through Colombia’s transit registration system quickly and correctly.
✅ Motorcycle Purchase Assistance Call – $50 USD
A 30-45-minute personalized phone consultation to walk you through the entire buying process, including choosing the right bike, legal steps, paperwork, insurance, and local insider tips.
📅 Schedule your call via WhatsApp or email.
✅ Access to Our Trusted Network – FREE
Get connected with our hand-picked mechanics, dealers, and gear shops.
✅ Motorcycle Resale Assistance – $300 USD
Leave Colombia stress-free. We handle everything: paperwork, power of attorney, secure sales listing, and money transfer when your bike sells.
This includes detailed walkthroughs on tax estimates, SOAT insurance, and step-by-step paperwork.
Let’s Get You on the Road
Have questions or want to schedule your consultation?
📞 WhatsApp / Phone: +57 300 765 5093
Whether you’re planning a long-term adventure or simply want to explore Colombia with your own wheels, we’re here to help you make it happen—efficiently, affordably, and with peace of mind.
