BMW F800GS

We have added the BMW F800GS to our fleet. The bike is a great all-round bike with plenty of power to enjoy Colombia’s mountain terrain and more comfort for those who want to ride two up. Its a great touring bike on the longer rides and it is much lighter than the big brother the R1200GS and therefor much easier to handle on the dirt and in crowded city traffic. The bike has ABS breaks and grip heaters. Soft bag system included in rental.

Engine:
Engine Type	Parallel Twin
Cylinders	2
Engine Stroke	4-Stroke
Cooling	Liquid
Valves	8
Valves Per Cylinder	4
Valve Configuration	DOHC
Compression Ratio	12.0:1
Starter	Electric
Fuel Requirements	Premium
Fuel Type	Gas
Transmission:
Transmission Type	Manual
Number Of Speeds	6
Primary Drive (Rear Wheel)	Chain
Wheels & Tires:
Front Tire (Full Spec)	90/90 R21 54V
Rear Tire (Full Spec)	150/70 R17 69V
Brakes:
Front Brake Type	Dual Hydraulic Disc
Rear Brake Type	Hydraulic Disc
Technical Specifications:
Wheelbase (in/mm)	62.1 / 1577.3
Fuel Capacity (gal/l)	4.2 / 16

 

More Bikes for Sale!

Its this time a year again. Several riders are coming back early from the Argentinian summer and are ready to sell their bikes to other travelers that want to start their own adventure. Usually you can make a good deal that will save you the cost and hassle of having to ship your own bike down to SA. And usually the foreign registered bikes that are put up for sale here are loaded with accessories.

You can see the current bikes available here in our menu: FOR SALE

And you should also read our article about Buying vs. Renting

 

News Update #002

December 2, 2011 – Cali, Colombia

Dear Friend
You are receiving this email because you at some point in time have shown an interest in motorcycling in Colombia, South America. You might already have enjoyed Motolombia’s services either on a guided adventure tour, renting a bike, staying at Casa Blanca Hostel or just getting email advise from Mike. Feel free to share this update with anyone you believe has an interest!

Christmas Escape Tour – Want to spend Christmas riding?
Christmas is just around the corner and for many of us we only wish to be else where. This is your chance to sign out of the rat race and do something very different for Christmas this year!
Motolombia now offers a 6 days / 5 nights “Christmas Escape Tour” starting in Medellin December 22nd and ending after 6 awesome riding days the most romantic city on the continent Cartagena on December 27th. Just in time to combine it with a couple of extra relaxing sunny days on the Caribbean beaches before the big New Year party. Can you imagine all that in one small vacation?
The tour cost $2500 US and include 6 days rental bike (BMW G650GS), insurance, fuel,
motorcycle guide, luggage system, 5 nights accommodation and breakfast, coffee plantation
tour, airport service in Medellin and Cartagena, gift T-shirt and a once in a lifetime ride through a motorcycle picture perfect country – Colombia!
To sign up please fill out our tour registration form: http://motolombia.wordpress.com/
registration-form/

The New World Ride – Documentary Film Tour
The group for TNWR has been chosen and it will be a very interesting bunch of riders that will be featured in the upcoming documentary film being produced by Ben Slavin. The group will consist of 9 bikes, two camera men, one journalist from Road Runner Touring Magazine and
our support truck with trailer. The tour runs January 15th to 22nd, 2012 and you can follow the project, read all the rider profiles, see the pilot video episodes and more by LIKE‘ing the Facebook page: www.TheNewWorldRide.com
NB: There is still a small chance to be part of the fun if you join the tour on your own bike OR
book one of the last two passenger spots remaining in the support truck. The price is $1800
US for either option.
To sign up please fill out our tour registration form: http://motolombia.wordpress.com/
registration-form/

Discover Colombia Tour – with Back Roads Touring Magazine
On February 12th to 19th, 2012, the 8 days / 7 nights – Discover Colombia Tour will also be very interesting. Brian and Shira, editors of Back Roads Touring Magazine, will join us on tour for a big article in their magazine later next year. The price to participate in the tour is $2800 US and we have just a couple of spots left.
To sign up please fill out our tour registration form: http://motolombia.wordpress.com/
registration-form/

We have many other tours to sign up for in 2012 or you can make plans to rent a bike and
Ride the irresistible and Explore Colombia on Two Wheels on your own. We are ready to
help make your dreams come true!

To read more about renting bikes in Colombia go to: http://motolombia.wordpress.com/rentals/

Find out about our tours here: http://motolombia.wordpress.com/tours/

And everything else about motorcycling in Colombia: www.MOTOLOMBIA.com

Remember to LIKE our Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/Motolombia

Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to everyone!
Mike Thomsen & co.

 

New Specialized bicycle rental

Specialized HardRock bicycles

Some riders prefer to go 100% green or at least only use fuel made out of culinary delights. We are joining the trend.

Motolombia now also offer Specialized HardRock bicycles for rent. Equipped with soft side-bags and handlebar bag with map reader cover, these bicycles are perfect for traveling around Colombia on longer trips or they can be taken out just for the day.

The price to rent is $50 US per 24 hours or pay 6 days and the 7th is free!

Specs:

• Fully butted A1 Premium Aluminum frame with double ORE down tube for a lighter, more compliant and durable bike, with disc mounts for upgrading
• 80mm-travel SR Suntour fork with preload adjustment and size-specific spring rates means the suspension is dialed for your size
• Light and durable double-walled alloy rims are tough enough to handle the rough stuff
• Specialized Fast Trak LK Sport 60 TPI tires use a reduced knob height for lower rolling resistance, but have plenty of grip for confidence on the trail
• Shimano 7-speed, 12/32t cassette replaces the freewheel mechanism of years past for lighter weight and more durability
• Specialized Body Geometry Hardrock saddle has front/rear bumpers for on and off-road durability, and ample padding for comfort

 

Guide presentation – Martin Jacobs

Martin Jacobs - Tour Guide for Motolombia

Martin Jacobs or “Marty” among friends has been assisting Mike on several tours in 2011, so its about time he got his own little official presentation here on the website.

Martin will be leading a couple of tours in the future starting with our “Christmas Escape Tour” in December (still few spots available!)

Martin has lived most of his life in Southern California.  After raising two daughters, he came to Colombia 5 years ago for a little adventure.

A couple of years ago he rode a motorcycle from South Carolina to Colombia, which was more than a little adventure!

Martin now lives in Cartagena full time where he rents out vacation apartments when not riding around Colombia on his bike and he enjoys all that Colombia has to offer.

“I love the Colombian people and the riding here is world class. Please join me on our next tour. The adventure of a life time with an emphasis on safety. You will not be disappointed!”
- Martin

 

Tour Photo’s November 2011

Here are photo’s of our latest 14-day The Heart of Colombia Tour. 3000 km of spectacular riding over mountain passes, through coffee plantations, along the Caribbean ocean side. We visited great destinations like old colonial Cartagena, the Salt Cathedral 300 meter underground in Zipaquira and we saw how the world famous Colombian coffee is produced on a real working farm in Salento. The tour was done in collaboration with our agent and partner Moto Adventure Professionals from the US.

Guided group tours

 

News update #001

October 2, 2011 – Cali, Colombia

Dear Friend
You are receiving this email because you at some point in time have shown an interest in motorcycling in Colombia, South America.

You might already have enjoyed Motolombia’s services either on a guided adventure tour, renting a bike, staying at Casa Blanca Hostel or just getting email advise from Mike. If you do not wish to receive future updates please reply to this email with “Unsubscribe” in subject line.

For those who want to stay connected thanks and please continue to read our very first email news update!

Anniversary
In August 2011 we celebrated our 3 year anniversary with Casa Blanca Hostel. Reaching more than 1000 pictures on our “Bikers Wall of Fame” of overland bikers who have visited us since we opened. At the end of the year we’ll also celebrate Motolombia’s 3 year anniversary as the first company to offer guided adventure motorcycle tours and rentals in Colombia!
http://www.casablancahostel.com/

http://www.motolombia.com/

New Fleet
To mark our 4th Colombian touring season in 2012, we are proud to announce a very comprehensive tour schedule with brand new monthly tours and a new and bigger rental fleet to accommodate more individual rentals and bigger guided group tours. We are adding several BMW F800GS, BMW G650GS (single) and Yamaha Teneré 660’s, which we have found to be the ideal bikes for the terrain in Colombia. We have also recently added a 7 seat Ford Explore 4×4 to handle tour support and non-rider participation when needed.

Colombia vs. medias
Finally after having answered hundreds, possibly thousands, of emails about the security situation in Colombia the last years (which by the way is as good as it gets anywhere), the international media’s are starting to help out by picking up, positively, on Colombia’s hidden magic and untouched secrets. Colombia is still virgin to travelers, but offer everything you can ask for on a vacation – from modern cities to colonial villages, high mountains and volcanoes to Caribbean and Pacific beaches, deserts to jungles and possibly some of the friendliest and most beautiful people in the world.

We just had a visit from travel writer Christopher Baker and his cameraman who are doing a guidebook on Colombia for National Geographic and a TV program. Adventure Motorcycle Magazine’s September issue mention Casa Blanca Hostel in a great article about motorcycling in Colombia. BackRoads Touring Magazine will join us on tour in February 2012 for a big article and finally we have teamed up with filmmaker Ben Slavin (Motorcycle Mexico) to make an adventure motorcycle documentary film on tour in January 2012.
http://www.adventuremotorcycle.com/
http://www.motorcyclemexico.com/
http://www.backroadsusa.com/

http://www.christopherbaker.com/

The New World Ride – Documentary Film
We still have some spots left on the 8 day / 7 night film tour. Discounted sign up before October 10. The price is only $3000 USD per rider (after Oct. 10 its $3500 USD).

This includes bike, insurance, fuel, guide, accommodation and breakfast, support vehicle, camera crew, airport service, T-shirt, DVD and a chance to become an adventure motorcycle reality star The tour will also be followed by a yet unrevealed adventure touring magazine for an article.

To find out more and to sign up please call us or email filmmaker Ben Slavin: benny.slavin@gmail.com

- The New World Ride.com
- View pilot video episode
- Read more about the project

Tour Schedule
In 2012 we will offer both 14-day, 8-day, 3-day and day trip tours, plus continue to offer personalized and private group tours organized to fit special wishes, time schedules and budgets.
Click to read about our tours!

- The Heart of Colombia 14 day / 13 nights guided luxury tour cost $4,990 USD – (pillion riders $2,900)
- Discover Colombia 8 day / 7 nights guided adventure tour cost $2,800 USD
- Coffee Taster 3 day / 2 nights guided coffee tour cost $900 USD – (pillion riders $500)

Oct 20-24 – Coffee Taster Tour (spots available)
Nov 13-26 – Private Tour (sold out)
Dec 3-10 – Discover Colombia Tour (spots available)
Jan 12-19 – The New World Ride – Documentary Film Tour (spots available)
Jan 28-Feb 10 – Private Tour (sold out)
Feb12-19 – Discover Colombia Tour – with BackRoads Magazine (spots available)
Mar 11-24 – The Heart of Colombia Tour (spots available)
Apr 1-8 – Discover Colombia Tour (spots available)
Apr 15-28 – The Heart of Colombia Tour (spots available)
May 6-8 – Coffee Taster Tour (sold out)
May 20-27 – Discover Colombia Tour (spots available)
Jun 3-16 – The Heart of Colombia Tour (spots available)
Jun 24-Jul 1 – Discover Colombia Tour (spots available)
Jul 15-22 – Discover Colombia Tour (spots available)
Aug 5-18 – The Heart of Colombia Tour (spots available)
Aug 26-Sep 2 – Discover Colombia Tour (spots available)
Sep 16-29 – The Heart of Colombia Tour (spots available)

Partnerships
We have teamed up with two adventure motorcycle tour agents: Adventure Moto Professionals and Ride Adventures who help us promote our tours in the US and they also use us for their private tours in the region. If you prefer to have a chat with an American about Motolombia and adventure touring in Colombia try to contact them!

We are also pleased to announce our partnership with Giant Loop. They make the most innovative and high quality adventure motorcycle luggage systems available. The products are perfect for the type of touring we do in Colombia and you can now come try for yourself as our bikes will be fitted with Giant Loop bags.

Other services
We do motorcycle rentals, secure bike storage, accommodation in Cali, help with air freight of motorcycles and sales of used travel bikes.

Thanks for reading and hope to see you in Colombia soon!

The only risk – REALLY – is wanting to stay!

MOTOLOMBIA – Mike Thomsen – cell (+57) 314 652 39 76 – mike@motolombia.com

From 2012 we will be offering all our services from Medellin, Colombia.

www.MOTOLOMBIA.com and www.Facebook.com/Motolombia

 

THE HEART OF COLOMBIA TOUR (14 days/13 nights)

TOUR SPECIFICATIONS:
Total days: 14 (including arrival and departure day)
Riding days: 9 (city tours and activities scheduled on non-riding days)
Tour distance approx: 3000 km
Tour start & end: Medellin, Colombia
Tour cost rider on BMW G650GS: $4,990 US
Upgrade to BMW F800GS: $700 US
Pillion rider or passenger in chase vehicle: $2,990 US
Accommodation: high level hotels, guest houses and resorts 3-5 star
Single Room Supplement: $600 US

Riding out of Medellin

Tour profile: 80% paved roads 20% gravel and dirt, varying from very good highways to small sealed back roads with some potholes. Many curves and several Andean mountain passes, sea side roads and extreme scenic routes. For riders with touring experience, good curving skills, ability to stay calm in hectic traffic and the ability to ride small portions of gravel and dirt roads.

Weather: Temperatures vary between 25C to 35C, but temperatures can drop a bit more going over the mountains passes. It is recommended to ride with ventilated riding gear. A pull over rain suite is a good idea to carry against mountain temperatures and possible short rain showers.

Requirements: Valid drivers license with motorcycle endorsement, Passport/ picture ID, Credit Card for Damage Deposit hold and +650cc motorcycle riding experience.

Departure Cali

WHAT´S INCLUDED:
- On bike bi-lingual tour guide (English, Spanish)
- Support vehicle with trailer and space for passengers and luggage
- Accommodation 13 nights at top class hotels and resorts
- Breakfast every day, welcome and farewell dinner
- Motorcycles available BMW G650GS (single cylinder)
- Upgrade to BMW F800GS at additional cost
- 3rd-party liability insurance (SOAT) covering injuries on rider, passenger and all 3rd parties
- Fuel
- City tour, coffee plantation tour, visit to Salt Cathedral and national parks
- Transfers to / from Medellin airport
- Gift T-shirt

Cauca River from hotel

WHAT´S NOT INCLUDED:
- International flights
- Lunches and dinners, except for welcome and farewell dinners
- Personal expenses and activities
- Riding gear
- Personal health and travel cancellation insurance
- Drinks and snacks
- Fully refundable damage deposit for motorcycle rental (held on Credit Card)

Mirador in Quindio

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
Medellin: Colombia’s second largest city. A modern city with a great metro system that connects the city center to two spectacular cable car lines up the step valley slopes. Botero Sculptors. Fancy restaurants and bars in Parque Llaras guarantee a big night out. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medellin

Manizales: In the heart of Colombia’s coffee region. Beautiful scenery and twisty roads. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manizales

Coffee region: Old colorful coffee plantations farms, Coffee plantation tour, tranquil colonial village Salento, worlds tallest palm tree’s in The Corora Valley and coffee, coffee, coffee. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee_production_in_Colombia and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salento,_Quindio

Marie passing sugarcane truck

Bogotá: Huge capital city of Colombia with 8.5 million people. City tour to Gold museum and Cable Railway to Moserrate at 3152 meters altitude. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bogota

Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira: 200 meter underground considered one of the most notable achievements of Colombian architecture. Salt_Cathedral_of_Zipaquir

San Gil: Spectacular mountain scenery around a beautiful colonial city layout. Chicamocha National Park. http://www.sangil.com.co/

Speed bumps

Valledupar: The Guajira desert in the rain shadow of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta which rise to 5,775 meters. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Guajira_Department

Caribbean coast: Beautiful beaches around historic Santa Marta and nice roads along the ocean. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Marta

Cartagena: A Unesco World Heritage site that is also known as South America’s most romantic city. A city surrounded by big defensive walls where you can sense the history while walking on the old streets among colorful Colonial houses.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartagena,_Colombia

TOUR ITINERARY  (Day by day):
Day 1. Arrival Medellin – Airport pick-up, Welcome dinner and Briefing from 19:00
Day 2. Medellin – Day-off, optional 4-hour city tour from 10:00: Cable car, Botero Sculptures
Day 3. Medellin-Manizales – Departure 9:00 (approx 200km, 5 hours)
Day 4. Manizales-Salento-Armenia – Departure 8:00, Coffee Plantation tour, The Corora Valley (approx 200km, 5 hours)
Day 5. Armenia-Bogota – Departure 8:00 (approx 250km, 7 hours)
Day 6. Bogota – Day-off, optional city tour from 10:00: Gold Museum, Moserrate Cable Railway
Day 7. Bogota-Zipaquira-San Gil – Departure 8:00, Salt Cathedral (approx 300km, 6 hours)
Day 8. San Gil-Valledupar – Departure 8:00, Chicamocha National Park (approx 450km, 8 hours)
Day 9. Valledupar-Santa Marta – Departure 8:00 (approx 430km, 8 hours)
Day 10. Santa Marta-Cartagena – Departure 12:00 (approx 210km, 3,5 hours)
Day 11. Cartagena – Day-off, optional 4-hour city tour or full-day island tour from 10:00
Day 12. Cartagena-Monitos – Departure 9:00 (approx 220km, 5 hours)
Day 13. Monitos-Medellin – Departure 8:00, Farewell dinner and de-briefing from 19:00 (approx 500km, 9 hours)
Day 14. Departure Medellin – Airport drop-off

 

Testimonial from Chris, Sandra and Andy

Chris, Sandra and Andy gives us some nice comments and pictures after their self-guided tours of Colombia:

“Thanks Mike and Diana for your professional, friendly service and hospitality.  You helped make our 8 day self guided motorcycle tour of Colombia a reality, offered us support all the way from before we arrived, to picking us up at the airport, on route assistance as required, and making sure we got the right bus out of town at the end of our trip.  It was a once in a lifetime experience with heaps of smiles and laughter, and a healthy amount of misadventure thrown in. We look forward to seeing you in New Zealand some time soon.”

Cheers!
Chris and Sandra

“Thank you and Diana very much for your hospitality and ensuring we had such a great trip. It was an awesome time, and i’d love to return someday and do your 8 day tour!”
All the best,
Andy

 

The New World Ride – Documentary Film

Only 6 lucky riders will get the chance to be in a new documentary film about adventure motorcycle riding in Colombia filmed on tour with Motolombia. A once in a lifetime adventure!

The price of the tour is $3500 USD.

Price to join on your own bike, as a pillion rider or as a passenger in the support truck is $2000 USD.

The tour leaves from Medellin, Colombia – Sunday morning the 15th of January 2012 and return to Medellin in the afternoon the following Sunday 22nd of January.

Its 8 days / 7 nights included on the tour.
The tour price is based on riding a BMW G650gs and double occupancy / twin bed rooms.
There’s an option to upgrade to a private room for extra $300us.
And there’s also an option to upgrade to a BMW F800gs for extra $400 us.

Included in the tour price: Bike rental, fuel, 3rd party liability insurance (including rider accident coverage), motorcycle guide, support truck with trailer and Giant Loop luggage system, accommodation and breakfast, farewell dinner on the last evening, city tours and other entrance fee’s, film crew, T-shirt and a DVD once there’s a final film ready. There’s also free airport service to either one of Medellin’s airports before and after the tour included.

What’s not included: airfare, lunches and dinners (except for the farewell dinner), upgrades, personal souvenirs and activities, personal health and travel cancellation insurance. There will also be needed a credit card damage deposit hold of $2000US which is fully refunded once the bike is returned unharmed. This is the maximum responsibility of the rider.

We can make reservations for accommodation in Medellin before and after the tour if you need it. The selection of accommodation there is well assorted and the options vary from $10US dorm beds to $200US 5-star hotel rooms.

To make reservation we need a down payment of 50% of the total.

The cheapest option is to wire the money to our account in Citi Bank in New York. Should cost between $15-25US depending on the sending bank.

It cost 5% of the amount in transaction fee’s if you wish to use Paypal transfer or want us to charge your credit card directly from here.

We have 4 riders, plus Ben Slavin the film maker, Ken Freud from RoadRunner Magazine and Motolombia owner and guide Mike Thomsen all riding bikes as well and additional camera man and driver in the support truck all confirmed.

We have 2 spots left, which several people are trying to decide if they want to take. If you are interested let us know as soon as possible, as who ever confirms first will get the spots!

In total it will be a group of 9 bikes and the truck, so 11 guys.

If you have any questions what so ever, fell free to get in touch either by email mike@motolombia.com or call Mike’s cell (0057) 314 652 39 76

Film maker Ben Slavin was at the BMW Moa event presenting the project.

Also visit: TheNewWorldRide.com

First of four pilot episodes showing a little of what to expect:

Second of four pilot episodes:

Third of four pilot episodes:

Last of four pilot episodes:

 

Kawasaki KLR650 – For Sale / Se Vende

(SOLD) Kawasaki 2006 KLR 650for sale in Colobmia all set and ready to go for riding around South & Central AmericaComes with the following accessories:
Garmin GPS – Mounted to the dash
12v adapter wired to the battery to plug in the GPS
Large Travel Bag – Made by Baggage Connection
Electric air pump
Spare inner tubes for front and back tires
Tools to change tires
Pressure gauge
Socket set, wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers ect.
Heavy duty cable lock – keyed
Bungie cordsCan include helmet and water proof/cold weather riding gear if need be.

Just had a FULL service done

New rear brakes

New Chain

Upgraded exhaust

Upgraded skid plate

The bike is registered in the US so if your from there it makes the transaction that much easier. If not registering the bike in your name is not an issue, we just have to do a little more paperwork.

Sale price with everything included: *$4,500 USD

 

Backroads Magazine on tour with Motolombia

Backroads Magazine

We are pleased to announce that Brian Rathjen and Shira Kamil – publishers of BACKROADS Motorcycle Touring Magazine will join our group on our Discover Colombia Tour in February 12 to 19, 2012. Their experiences and pictures will be documented in an article later that year in the magazine.

The Backroads Motorcycle Touring Magazine is a monthly publication that can be viewed for free online or bought all along the American East coast in select shops from North Carolina to the Canadian border.

We still have few spots left on the tour, so get in touch with Mike if you want to join the ride.

Read magazine for free online

 

SE VENDE /FOR SALE – BMW F650gs DAKAR

Begin your tour of South America in Colombia:2003 BMW F650GS Dakar for sale in Medellin, Colombia (British Columbia, Canada Registered)

47,XXX miles, ABS/Heated Grips, Pirelli MT60 Tires

Price: $5,500 USD

This is a complete turnkey package and will sell for less if you dont want it all…It has been fully serviced, is running magnificent and needs nothing. Recent services: new BMW fuel filter, new water pump impeller shaft and seals, head bearings, battery, and new rear tire.

Accessories:

Custom Leather Seat c/w Gel Pad Insert

Touratech Radiator Protectors
Touratech Hand Guard Extenders
Touratech Fairing Crashbars
Touratech Chain Guard
Touratech License Plate Brace
Touratech Chain Tension Plates
Touratech Brake Pedal Stop
Touratech Centre Stand
Touratech Large Side Stand Foot
Touratech Torx Oil Filler Cap
Touratech Handlebar Riser 35mm
Touratech Front SS Braided Brake Line
Touratech Rear Mud Guard
Touratech Brake Reservoir Guard
Touratech Fastway Footpegs
Z Technic Windscreen
Happy Trail Engine Guard/Hwy pegs/Skid Plate
Happy Trail Front Fork Brace
K & N Air Filter

Fork Boots

BMW Tank Bag (long in the tooth)

These are included but can be removed for lower price:

Ohlins Rear Shock Assembly

Touratech Progressive Front Springs

Happy Trail Rear Rack
Happy Trail Alum. Top Box
Happy Trail Alum. Panniers

Happy Trail HD Bead Breaker

BMW accessories adaptor

BMW heated vest + plug

Tools:
Aluminum Tire Lever c/w 24mm box wrench
Aluminum Tire Levers
Socket Adaptor 24mm
Cycle Pump Adventure Air Compressor
EZ Tire Guage

Wrenches, etc

Parts:
21″ Front Tube
17″ Rear Tube
Tube Patch Kit
Clutch Cable
Oil Filter
Front Disc Brake Pads

Spare Light Bulbs

K & N Filter Cleaner Kit

Miscellaneous:

EeePc 900A Netbook Computer
PacSafe 85 Protector
Kryptonite Disc Lock
Padlocks & Cables
Central & S. America Maps

Camping Equipment:
Mountain Hardwear 2 person Tent
2 ea MEC Kevlin 3.8 Inflatable Sleeping Pads
2 ea MEC Equatorial Sleeping Bags
MSR WhisperLite Internationale Stove & Fuel Bottle
2 ea Adventure MicroFibre Travel Towels
2 ea Black Diamond Headlamps
3 ea MEC Transparent Dry Bags
Stainless Steel Pots, Coffee/Tea Press, Espresso Maker

The only minor issue is the oil light sensor/cable is defective and the light comes on intermittantly…it has been that way for 15K miles and has been checked by BMW in Mexico and Colombia, both said it is not worth spending the money to change it, as long as the oil is checked manually as normal.

 

Tierradentro – ancient Indian grave tunnels

Hidden away from main tourist routes, and hard to get to – squeezed in between two of Colombia’s Andes mountain ranges you’ll find the area called Tierradentro (the land in the middle).

Tierradentro do not only offer a spectacular mountain scenery with beautiful curvy dirt roads, but also many very well preserved ancient Indian grave tunnels that are kept in the condition they were found. With colorful wall paintings and urns with the remains of once important Indian families still left inside the graves the whole site is a very interesting historic place to visit.

Getting there can be tricky if it rains and even dry there are technical off road stretches that require riding experience, but the Colombian government is constructing a tarmac road from both Popayan and La Plata on the other side, that sometime in the future eventually will connect and create an awesome route across the mountains between the Cauca Valley and the Magdalena Valley.

The area is inhabited by several different indigenous groups, that still speak their own language and wear traditional clothes. There’s a nice museum just outside San Andres and a big natural pyramid outside the village of Inza.

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BMW F800GS and Suzuki V-Strom 1000 – FOR SALE / Se Vende

We have two great bikes for traveling overland in South America up for sale and we offer a our BUY-BACK GUARANTEE on both bikes.

The bikes are a BMW F800GS, 2010 and a Suzuki V-Strom DL1000, 2007.

The BMW is registered in California and have loads of extras, ABS, heated grips 10.000 miles on the clock. Its like a new bike, one owner all papers and insurance up to date. Price $11.000 USD or best offer.

The Suzuki is Colombian registered and comes with protectors, Givi top box and side panniers, 30.000 miles on the clock, one owner, all papers and insurance up to date. Price is $20.000.000 pesos negotiable.

READ ALL ABOUT difference in buying Colombian and foreign registered bikes here…

Used bikes for sale

 

Buying Vs. Renting and Buy-Back Guarantee

Honda Tornado $2700 USD

Depending on your travel plans, buying a bike might be the best way to go about doing a longer trip in South America.

If you…:

- Plan to travel for several month
- Want to cross several borders
- Have the money or credit enough to put down the cash to buy a bike
- Can spare up to a week in each end of you trip to arrange documentation

…you should be able to save money by buying a bike rather than renting.

Here are some pros and cons you should consider before making your decision.

KTM 640 Adventure 12.000.000 Pesos

Buying Colombian registered bike in Colombia

This is completely legal!

You need to register your passport with your digital fingerprint at “El Transito”. Once you’re in their computer archive called “RUNT” you can buy and sell vehicles as a foreigner in Colombia. Its free to register!

The good things about buying Colombian registered bikes are:
- The selection of bikes are big (both for new and used)
- The value of the bikes are mostly depending on the model/year rather than mileage, so bikes keep good value within the same year of purchase
- Once you have the ownership title (takes up to 5 days) you can freely cross borders anywhere
- When you want to sell the bike after the trip the market is big and buyers have money

Finally Motolombia offers a 50% buy-back guarantee within 6 month of purchase if the bike is bought through us and returned in same condition. Or we can help with storage and buying and selling through our network if you need something ready when you arrive or need to go home quickly.

The bad things about buying Colombian registered bikes are:
- Due to high import tax the prices of bikes (including used ones) are high
- You (or someone you authorize) need to bring the bike back to Colombia to re-register / sell it

Suzuki V-Strom DL1000 $4000 USD

Buying / Riding foreign registered bike in Colombia
(N.B. this is not a recommendation, just pure facts of what’s legal, especially what’s not and also what people actually do. Sales of foreign registered bikes happens directly with the owners of these bikes. Motolombia merely act as the connection link. Some of the bikes are stored at the Motolombia facility while being sold, for others the place of sale needs to be arranged. Motolombia are not responsibility for the sale or condition of these foreign registered bikes and availability is irregular)

Ownership change of a foreign registered bike is hard to do completely legal in almost every South American country, including Colombia.

Once a foreign motorcycle enters Colombia on a TIP (Temporary Import Permit) the owner (tourist) usually gets 60 or 90 days in Colombia. This can be extended up to 6 month per calender year in two ways. One, by leaving the country with the bike and returning later (minimum 24 hour) or two, by first extending the personal visa with emigrations (DAS) and then equally extending the TIP at customs (DIAN). They maximum give 30 days extension at a time and it usually takes 3 days. So don’t do it the last day of your permit.

(N.B. you can not bring a used bike into the country on any other visa than a tourist visa, as you are considered to have same rights or restrictions as a Colombian when you’re in the country on an investors visa, residency visa, student visa etc. It is illegal to import used vehicles to Colombia period!)

No matter how crazy your explanation is, family emergency, illness, you name it, you can’t not legally leave the country without your bike. Many people do this anyway and return within the given period of the TIP without problems (this is fairly simple, since nothing about the bike is stamped in your passport). Others with overdue documents scan the TIP and change dates and then ride straight to the border to exit the country.

So this is where a ownership transfer gets tricky. Most US states allow for a ownership change simply by signing the original title on the back of the document. Then the original document needs to be send back to the state of origin for the official title transfer. Many states allow non-US residents to register a vehicle, but they need a receiving address within the state to receive the new title (several states do not allow non-US residents to register – so do your research before buying!!).

Once the new title is received and forwarded down to the new owner, he can then ride the bike in the previous owners name with a written and notarized permission to the border where he hands in the TIP and exits Colombia. Once entering the new country (Ecuador or Venezuela) the new owner then checks in using he new title and everything is perfectly legal from this point.

The good things about buying foreign registered bikes are:
- The bikes are usually fairly cheap
- The bikes have different travel accessories mounted already
- Once you have the correct documentation you can sell it anywhere (to other tourists) or take back to the country of origin

The bad things about buying foreign registered bikes are:
- The availability is very random and its hard to plan you trip before you have a ride
- The hassle of doing the title transfer in another country and having to wait for the papers
- That it can never be done 100% legal and you’ll have to accept some risk in the process
- You can only sell to another tourist, not to locals, which limit the potential buyer base a lot and it might take time to sell

Our charges:
We charge $25 USD to publish a motorcycle for sale through our network (send all details – year, mileage, extras, price, picture and place and time of the sale). When the bike gets sold we charge a $150 USD commission fee (you do not need to be present for the sale, just authorize us and we’ll release the bike to the new owner when you give the green light that the money transfer went through to your account). Storage in our secure parking basement cost $50 USD per month.

See what bikes are currently for sale through us…

 

UPCOMING TOURS WITH SPOTS LEFT!

River crossing in Canoe

We still have a few spots left on these upcoming tours:

# Tierradentro Tour (part film project)
(4 days/ 3 Nights)
May 28 – May 31, 2011

# Discover Colombia Tour
(8 days/ 7 Nights)
July 24 – July 31, 2011

Lago Calima

# Discover Colombia Tour
(8 days/ 7 nights)
August 25 – Sept. 1, 2011

# Expedition Colombia Tour
(10 days/ 9 Nights)
Sept. 15 – Sept. 24, 2011

We have max 4 riders per group (option for non-riders to join in our support car), so contact us if you want to go or if you would like to book a tour for other dates. READ ALL ABOUT THE TOURS HERE..

 

CHEAP AIRFARE TO COLOMBIA

Cheap flights

The airfare is no longer the excuse for staying at home!

Several airlines now offer super cheap Trans-Atlantic return flights directly to major Colombian cities as low as $800 USD.

And also from North America the airfare for a return ticket are as low as $300 USD to major Colombian cities.

Airlines that offer cheap flights from Europe include: Airfrance, Avianca Airlines, Iberia Airlines and Lufthansa.

Airlines that offer cheap flights from North America include: Spirit Airlines, Avianca Airlines, Copa Airlines and American Airlines.

So lets get that dream motorcycle tour booked!

 

COLOMBIAN RALLY TT

For those who like off-road adventure / rally, Colombia offers a great opportunity to try you skills a in a professionally organized rally or to be a spectator to some serious action.

Every year Rally TT Colombia run between 5-8 national rally’s around the country. Its possible to participate in different categories like cars, motorcycles, ATV’s, UTV’s and Turismo.

The last category being interesting for anyone wanting to try their skill in a real rally without actually competing. The organizers supply everything you need to know like road books and rules and you can participate on the same routes as the pro’s.

This spring Motolombia will be researching and working on setting up a small team to offer a couple of rally ready rental bike’s and a support car for anyone interested. So if this is something for you let us know!

 

COFFEE TASTER TOUR (3 days/2 nights)

Fresh Coffee

Even if you’re not a coffee drinker this tour is a good taster of what Colombia has to offer.

We do some of the most spectacular riding in South America. 3 days of pure fun crossing Andean mountain peaks and riding through the beautiful coffee region of Colombia.

The tour takes us past Lago Calima, through the vine producing region of the Cauca Valley and up to Armenia and Salento in the coffee region. In the area we visit the famous Cocora Valley where the worlds tallest palm trees grow, either on horse bag or on the bikes.

We go on a coffee plantation tour and stay at some beautiful colonial style plantation farms. A visit to Colombia’s national coffee park and a stop in one of Colombia’s most religious cities Buga is also included.

The tour starts and ends in Cali – Colombia’s third largest city – the salsa capital of South America and known for having the perhaps most beautiful female population in the world.

Cocora Valley

TIME FRAME: 3 days/2 nights
SKILLS: rookie to expert
CONDITIONS: curvy scenic back roads, all tarmac
INCLUDED: motorcycle, fuel, insurance, on bike bi-lingual guide, accommodation and breakfast
NOT INCLUDED: riding gear, other food and drinks
PRICE: $900 USD

 

TATACOA DESERT – GREAT DESTINATION

One of our favorite destinations in Colombia is the Tatacao Desert. A 370km2 desert in the heart of the otherwise very green and fertile Colombia.

Million of years ago it was covered by ocean and the desert is now considered the second most important site in South America for finding fossils after the Atacama desert in Chile.

Extraterrestrials have been spotted hovering over the desert and a international peace sign 100 meters in diameter has been build there to show the friendly intentions of us humans.

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NEXT TOUR (March) AND LATEST PICTURES

Just back from an awesome guided 10 day Expedition Colombia Tour. Below you can find a small photo recap.

Next tour with spots left will be a guided Discover Colombia Tour 8 days/7 nights.

The tour commence on March 21st and we return March 28 in the afternoon.

BOOK YOUR SPOT NOW!

Many more photos on FACEBOOK…

 

KAWASAKI KLR650

The redesigned Kawasaki KLR650 is fitted with protectors and we have a soft bag system included in the rental price.

General information:
Model:	Kawasaki KLR 650
Category:	Enduro / offroad
Engine and transmission:
Displacement:	651.00 ccm (39.72 cubic inches)
Engine type:	Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power:	36.10 HP  (26.4 kW)) @ 6200 RPM
Torque:	44.34 Nm (4.5 kgf-m or 32.7 ft.lbs) @ 5000 RPM
Top speed:	149.7 km/h (93.0 mph)
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph):	5.880 seconds
1/4 mile (0.4 km):	14.400 seconds
Max RPM:	7800
Compression:	9.8:1
Bore x  stroke:	100.0 x 83.0 mm (3.9 x 3.3 inches)
Valves per cylinder:	4
Fuel system:	Carburetor. Keihin CVK 40
Ignition:	Digital transistorized
Gearbox:	5-speed
Transmission type, final drive:	Chain
Fuel consumption:	4.70 liters/100 km (21.3 km/l or 50.05 mpg)
Greenhouse gases:	109.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 – Carbon dioxide emission)
Chassis, suspension, brakes and wheels:
Front suspension:	41mm Telescopic
Front suspension travel:	201 mm (7.9 inches)
Rear suspension:	Uni-Trak linkage monoshock
Rear suspension travel:	185 mm (7.3 inches)
Front tyre dimensions:	90/91-21
Rear tyre dimensions:	130/80-17
Front brakes:	Single disc. 2-piston sliding caliper
Front brakes diameter:	280 mm (11.0 inches)
Rear brakes:	Single disc. 2-piston sliding caliper
Rear brakes diameter:	240 mm (9.4 inches)
Physical measures and capacities:
Dry weight:	175.5 kg (387.0 pounds)
Weight incl. oil, gas, etc:	194.1 kg (428.0 pounds)
Power/weight ratio:	0.2057 HP/kg
Seat height:	883 mm (34.8 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Ground clearance:	206 mm (8.1 inches)
Wheelbase:	1,481 mm (58.3 inches)
Fuel capacity:	23.08 litres (6.10 gallons)
Other specifications:
Starter:	Electric

 

UPCOMING GUIDED TOURS – Jan/Feb

Colombia from above

The next two (confirmed) guided tours are ready to take of in the near future. The tours are customized to the clients and are flexible for adjustments to fulfill wishes along the way.

• January 27th – January 31th – 5 days and 4 nights (5 riding days, 20% dirt, 80% Tarmac).

Highlights: Cali, Lago Calima, Salento, The Coffee Zone, Manizales, Los Nevados volcano, wine tasting in the Cauca Valley and much more…

• February 2nd – February 11th -10 days and 9 nights (8 riding days, 40% dirt, 60% tarmac).

Highlights: Cali, Lago Calima, Kite Surfing lessons, Salento, Valle de Cocora, The Coffee Zone,  La Linia (off road), Tatacoa Desert, San Agustin, River Rafting, Magdalena river, Tierra Adentro, Popayan, Silvia and much more…

 

BMW G650GS (mono)

The BMW G650G single cylinder with its gas tank fitted under the seat rather than in its usual place have a super low gravity point. Its also has a quite low riding position and therefor a perfect choice for the not so tall.  Many women also love this bike for touring because of its smooth handling. The bike has ABS breaks and grip heaters. Soft bag system included in rental.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Model ID:
Manufacturer (Make)	BMW
Model Name	G 650 GS
Engine:
Engine Capacity (Displacement)	652 ccm (39.79 cubic inches)
Engine Type	1 cylinder
Bore x Stroke	Ø100.0 mm x 83.0 mm (Ø3.94 inches x 3.27 inches)
Bore/Stroke Ratio	1.2
Stroke	4
Valves per Cylinder	4
Fuel System(Carburetion)	Injection
Powertrain:
Gearbox	5 speed
Chassis/Suspension/Brakes:
Front Suspension Travel	170 mm (6.69 inches)
Rear Suspension Travel	165 mm (6.5 inches)
Front Brakes	Single disc
Front Brakes Diameter	Ø300 mm (Ø11.81 inches)
Rear Brakes	Single disc
Rear Brakes Diameter	Ø240 mm (Ø9.45 inches)
Front Tire	100/90-s19
Rear Tire	130/80-s17
Dimensions:
Seat Height	750 mm (29.53 inches)
Passenger Seat Height	820 mm (32.28 inches)
Wheelbase	1479 mm (58.23 inches)
Curb Weight	201 kg (443 lb)
Fuel Capacity	17.3 litres (4.57 gallons)
Performance:
Max Power	50.00 HP (36.5 kW) at 6500 RPM
Max Torque	60.00 Nm (44.12 ft*lbs) at 5000 RPM
Power/Weight Ratio	0.25 Hp/Kg
Top Speed	165 km/h (102mph)
Acceleration (dart, speedup) time:
0-100 km/h	5.5 seconds
0-60 mph	5.3 seconds