Costs of owning a motorcycle in Medellin

Robert Jorge says on Apr 5, 2008, 11:26:

I don't know many answers to the questions. Obviously, a small moto will use the least amount gas of any privately owned vehicle - besides a bicycle. Most of those 80 and 100 cc motos get 50 or more mpg.

By the way, and not trying to hijack: My mother in law just lost her moto. It was a wreck that she fixed back up and learned to ride. She hadn't bought insurance yet, didn't have a helmet, and drove it from her house to her cousin's house in the same barrio - something like 2 or 3 blocks. Sure enough, a traffic cop whistled her over, and they impounded the moto. For her to get it back, she has to pay 200,000 pesos and change. That might not seem like a lot of money to most of us, but that is huge to her. That is like a month's rent.

vicshere says on Apr 5, 2008, 11:43:

in bucaramanga
insurance yearly 200,000 should be the same throughout Colombia
taxes yearly 30,000 probably a bit higher there guess 50,000
maintenance 50,000 labor is very cheap parts are every where
gas 30,00-40,000 I drive a lot

we are of course speaking about a small bike 90cc to 150 cc
remember bike don't pay tolls

listo

vicshere says on Apr 5, 2008, 11:47:

RJ people who don't know how to drive a bike and don't know the rules of the road should not be driving anywhere especially in Colombia...she lucky to be alive....only 200,000 I think the fines are much larger for those kind of infractions..I believe they start at one salary minimum for each infractions

listo

Robert Jorge says on Apr 5, 2008, 12:11:

Vic, she was learning to drive on side streets in a pueblo outside of Villavo. Everybody has to learn sometime. Anyway, she just told us about it yesterday on MSN messenger. So unless she is lying, 200,000 was the amount.

DodgerDogs says on Apr 5, 2008, 12:19:

RJ: If she knows a cop , she might be able to have him get the moto back.
When people get their motos taken away for driving on sin moto days , or other violations
like no vest or helmet , the police lock the motos up in a parking area. Then they have to pay
any where from 240,000 and up to get their motos back, but a person who knows a cop can pay 20,000 to 50,000 bribe and get the cop to claim the moto.

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.Martin Luther King:

Robert Jorge says on Apr 5, 2008, 12:29:

I don't think she knows any cops. We have friends that are cops in Bogota and Villavo, but they are not traffic police. I don't know what they are called, but they are not the police that are responsible for traffic violations. And actually, she said "around 250,000 pesos", (I just asked the wife).

DodgerDogs says on Apr 5, 2008, 12:34:

The transito policia will listen to a national or region ploice , and release the moto if she can get one to help her. The fine is usally 240,000 pesos vs paying the 20,000 to 50,000 bribe.
Those fines are way to high vs wages in Colombia. During christmas time the cops lene their pockets with bribes, as they crack down during December just to make bribe money.

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.Martin Luther King:

miamimike says on Apr 5, 2008, 12:39:

Man I'm glad here in Florida where I can hop on my Scooter whenever and take off without an afterthought as to whether Its a sin moto day. That would drive me crazy! My Tag/ plate for $37 yearly and I'm ready to go!

"There's an old saying in Tennessee — I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee — that says, fool me once, shame on — shame on you. Fool me — you can't get fooled again." —President George W. Bush,

Robert Jorge says on Apr 5, 2008, 12:41:

I'll tell her to talk to the guys we know that are cops. Perhaps she already did.

DD, you are correct. The fines are ridiculously high in proportion to the average person's income. That is probably the main reason there is the low level corruption (bribing) which is considered normal. People can't afford not to bribe, and people of authority use it as an income producer. A vicious cycle.

DodgerDogs says on Apr 5, 2008, 12:44:

Here the people with motos often protest , and light fires in the middle of the road , as the cops here pick on the motos more than the cars.

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.Martin Luther King:

mranderson says on Apr 5, 2008, 12:56:

shit I forgot about that. You can only use your vehicle on certain days in medellin right? How exactly does that restriction work? How many days a week do you get and is it revolving?

vicshere says on Apr 5, 2008, 12:57:

heres link to fines which should be the same in all of colombia
http://www.transitobucaramanga.gov.co/seccion.asp?id=649
Guiar un vehículo sin haber obtenido la licencia de conducción correspondiente. Además, el vehículo será inmovilizado en el lugar de los hechos, hasta que éste sea retirado por una persona autorizada por el infractor con licencia de conducción. $649.510
*Conducir sin portar los seguros ordenados por la ley. Además, el vehículo será inmovilizado. $649.510
cant find the helmet

listo

bradenmiami says on Apr 5, 2008, 14:17:

MrAnderson...

I have been riding motos all my life in the US (owned a lot of motos from my first 250 to my most recent 1300GSX). I have now livedin Colombia for about 14 months and as soon as I had the cash and did the research, I bought my first moto here.

Regarding a few things mentioned previously... The costs of owning one here (when considering insurance, SOAT, taxes, maintenance and all that shit) is way cheaper than paying buses, taxis and metro fees if you do a lot of traveling. A little bit of a hassle, sure, when it comes to getting everything paid for and getting good maintenance (if you dont know how to do it yourself) but I think it pays off in money saved and FREEDOM to go when and where you want without being submissive to public transport. In addition, it rocks to be able to cruise through traffic and traffic jams. My drive from my house (La Estrella) to my work (Poblado) takes about 30 minutes by car in the morning , and longer getting home in rush-hour traffic..usually about 45-50. On my bike, it takes me about 18 minutes to get to work and about 25 to get home.

Regarding what kind of bike, get something with balls because you'll want it with this traffic, as its nice not to putt along at 40km/hr on the side of a highway when you have some fat-ass passenger on the bike with you. All bikes are economical when it is a 250cc or less. I settled on a 200cc 4T Chinese import (Zongshen - a company that originally started building parts for Harley) as I couldn't afford a higher-end jap bike (Yamaha) like I would prefer due to the high cost here. I paid 6.9mil for mine brand new, which included 12mo/12k km warranty and all the basic gear of my choice from a local tiendra. Stay away from the shitty 50cc to 150cc non-name-brand bikes that they sell in every little shop on every corner of the city.

Last but not least...dont get one if you dont know how to ride well. I am of the opinion that MOST moto riders down here are actually very good (I am the type that will easily run a 3 mile wheelie on a 900cc bike at about 120mph on the Dallas loop - so I am pretty good at judging a moto rider's abilities) however most car drivers here aren't for sh-t and its no wonder bikers get run over daily.

Good luck...let me know if you need a reference regarding a good dealer.

You won't find a tourist here...

jorgegdiaz says on Apr 5, 2008, 14:30:

People summed up pretty much what costs to own a bike.
Cons: rain, at night you may have to wear a jacket, you have to pay parking almost everywhere, carrying helmet / vest while running errands can be bothersome, small bike won´t take you to trips.
All in all is a cheap and good choice. Go for a known brand, one that´s assembled here as parts will be cheaper and easier to find. I´ve had Honda and Kawasaki in Col. No problems whatsoever.

Man with hole in pocket feel cocky all day.

DodgerDogs says on Apr 5, 2008, 14:45:

Good small motos here are Yamaha Crypton 115cc and Suzuki Best 125 cc , parts are easy is to find
and they seem to run 40,000 km or more . Also both are automatic , which makes them good choices if you have big bags of purchases to carry in front of you, I carry 100lb plus sacks of platanos and potatoes in front of me with a Yamaha crypton.

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.Martin Luther King:

tejasmarcos says on Apr 5, 2008, 14:54:

listo

god is in your head

Frank Rizzo says on Apr 5, 2008, 16:21:

Do they hype up their scooters in Colombia?? Take the Yamaha BIWIS and you can build that baby up to like 120cc...and they completely HAUL....like 100 mph....and will pull a wheelie off the line...mad fast.....

nueva york bombero says on Apr 5, 2008, 16:37:

900 cc Kaw is what I ride, but in NY we have a road called the Ocean Parkway.
It runs 15.5 miles on the south shore of Long Island.
You can absolutely push the limits of speed here.
160 mph has been my limit here.....

Frank Rizzo says on Apr 5, 2008, 16:47:

I hear ya NYB....i like all the fast bikes too....depending on where you live...ie. near the ocean..it's so cool and cheap...to get a couple of these mopeds and amp up the motors...they're like a 125cc dirt bike for the street with the fun 2 stroke power band.... also, many states don't make you do a full license on them...so super cheap insurance, cheap to buy...and $10 a year to license...they weigh basically nothing..so you can throw them anywhere and park them with bicycles....

you gotta ride one of these, its' a hoot...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHnedF1mYyc&feature=related

jorgegdiaz says on Apr 5, 2008, 18:03:

I know that part of 635 (going West after I-35E in Irving?)
One time going to Shreveport on I-20 I got 125 mph. I had to slow down b/c cars ahead were approaching to fast ...

Man with hole in pocket feel cocky all day.

tejasmarcos says on Apr 5, 2008, 20:42:

jd - yep, that is the corridor that takes you into the northern entrance of dfw airport or the southern entrance to flower mound and grapevine.

* it is bumpy as chit.

i20 to shreveport is a pretty good road for the most part. it is heavily traveled by the texans that like to hit the casinos on the weekends in lousy ana.

god is in your head

DodgerDogs says on Apr 5, 2008, 20:45:

When you cross the bridge over the Red in Shreveport , your better off throwing you money in the river,
cause those casinos in Bossier city will take it anyway.

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.Martin Luther King:

RAAAY says on Apr 5, 2008, 20:54:

manderson...............I've met you.........I know you.............take the bus.........

.

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

robi666 says on Apr 5, 2008, 21:19:

Ray, why do you post in thread about bikes? You do not have one. You've got a fucking Twingo with two wheels.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

RAAAY says on Apr 5, 2008, 21:40:

I know enough about bikes in Medellin......and I know enough about Manderson...to know he should stick to the bus..............


.

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

RAAAY says on Apr 5, 2008, 21:41:

Bikes in Medellin are for REAL men.............like me................

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

tejasmarcos says on Apr 5, 2008, 21:42:

ray - why don't you like mr anderson? did he let the air out of your twingo?

god is in your head

RAAAY says on Apr 5, 2008, 21:44:

Please..........I know him and like him................Medellin is a f**kin awful city to ride around in one of those glorified hairdryers................Manderson.........take the bus.........forget about the cost......###.

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

DodgerDogs says on Apr 5, 2008, 21:50:

The motos in Colombia are better than the motos in Ireland

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.Martin Luther King:

robi666 says on Apr 5, 2008, 21:54:

I found a pictures of Ray on his bike.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

tejasmarcos says on Apr 5, 2008, 21:56:

now that is a pimp mobile...

god is in your head

RAAAY says on Apr 5, 2008, 22:02:

I have to go to sleep now...................she is waiting.........muttering about m e having to get up early to get her something for her 16th birthday tomorrow......................I suspect ir's b/s.........no f**kin way is she that old......


.

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

robi666 says on Apr 5, 2008, 22:03:

cuidado Ray, te quiere sacar la plata para el regalo...

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

mranderson says on Apr 6, 2008, 07:12:

Bradenmiami what's the power like on those 4 stroke 200cc bikes? Is it a cruiser or an enduro?

I was thinking about maybe a pulsar 180 since they are very popular here so I would imagine parts are pretty cheap. And people say they have decent power but I've never ridden one.

My other choices are the kmx 125 or DT 175. I like the enduros because I used to practice motocross and for me they are very easy to manuever. I think those bikes would be fine for the city. Maybe a trip to llano grande but no farther than that. I can't afford a large cylinder bike.

Ray, I've seen your bike. Once when I was on the bus I saw you on the sidewalk. It's freaking huge. How the hell do you manuever that thing through traffic? On something like that If I fell over I probably wouldn't be able to pick it back up.

bradenmiami says on Apr 6, 2008, 13:37:

Mranderson...as for this 2004T I bought, it is decent with power, and is actually considered a super-motard. It is built exactly like a motocross bike, but with a heavier frame/body and higher quality suspension - much like comparing a jeep 4x4 to a Lexus 4x4. With the added wight, you lose a little power, and my bike tops out at about 122 on the Regional/Rio highway here (which is about what, 75mph?) I also had them throw on all the custom accessories and added aluminum black rims of a larger size and Pirelli tires. I decided not to go with the Pulsar just because I like things that are different, and the Pulsar has not been around long enough for people to know its longevity. I attached a pic of my bike here:



Tejasmarcos....as usual, you speak out of your ass and know nothing of what you are talking about. Why don't you stick to the subject and not try to call out people when you couldn't be more wrong I rode in Dallas for years, anyone who ACTUALLY KNOWS the area also knows that on any given Thursday night there are hundreds of riders that collect on the highways and run the loop. The most popular part alone, running from Mesquite to the Grapevine Mills Mall area, is approximately 20 miles. You are simply a fool to speak and say that you think a qualified rider cannot run a standup at 120 for 3 miles..thats really nothing to be honest (do a youtube search and you'll see riding like you have never seen). Now think twice before you give advice on bikes...

You won't find a tourist here...

tejasmarcos says on Apr 6, 2008, 15:18:

listo

god is in your head

mranderson says on Apr 6, 2008, 15:59:

bradenmiami I checked out that bike at the dealer. It looks nice, just concerned that a 200cc 4 stroke would be underpowered. I've always been on 2 strokes but had a 350 4stroke 4-wheeler once and I thought it was very slow. Topped out at 55mph with 6 speeds. I'm actually very surprised that a 200cc would go 75mph. Although what's the comfortable cruising speed? 55? 60?

You live here in medellin? How about let me take it for a spin :)

By the way is it comfortable? Some of those brands that I'm not familiar with felt a little uncomfortable when sitting on them at the dealer. I don't remember which one I really didn't like. It was several months ago.

vicshere says on Apr 6, 2008, 16:32:

hey i have had my 125 at 110km on a flat

listo

tejasmarcos says on Apr 6, 2008, 17:19:

sorry about the flame in your post mr anderson. good luck on the bike.

* brad and i go way back....

god is in your head

jorgegdiaz says on Apr 6, 2008, 17:32:

Current legislation doesn´t allow manufacturers to sell 2 strokes bikes.

Man with hole in pocket feel cocky all day.

vicshere says on Apr 6, 2008, 19:33:

Current legislation doesn´t allow manufacturers to sell 2 strokes bikes.
where in the US? crtainly not in colombia

listo

jorgegdiaz says on Apr 7, 2008, 06:11:

In Colombia Vic. They can still operate, but manufactures cannot building `em (or sell `em??) anymore.

http://www.elpais.com.co/historico/may122007/VIVIR/motores.html

That`s all I could find. A mechanic at the Honda dealership told me that when I went to buy mine.

Man with hole in pocket feel cocky all day.

vicshere says on Apr 7, 2008, 06:14:

jorge so you telling me they are not suppose to sell 2 stroke bike in Colombia...sorry don't read Spanish well enough...
cause I see every day different manufactures selling 2 stroke bike all over the city..
I wish they would outlaw them all over the world they are pollution makers

listo

vicshere says on Apr 7, 2008, 06:32:

i read it slowing again and understood this wouldnt happen till the next decade....did i read right

listo

morphus says on Apr 7, 2008, 06:38:

Cost? Your life :)

jorgegdiaz says on Apr 7, 2008, 06:54:

That`s what a guy a the Honda dealership told me.
I haven`t confirmed it with another source, but if it`s true I applaud it.
Q: Where do you see new 2 stroke bikes?. All those AKT, Yamaha, Suzuki, JIn Cheng, etc are 4 strokes, as far as I`ve seen.

http://www.suzuki.com.co/productos/motocicletas/default.asp

http://www.honda.com.co/motos/productos/shadow750/ On top says MOTOCICLETAS.

http://www.incolmotos-yamaha.com.co/incolmotos/index.php/incolmotos (go to nacionales)

http://www.auteco.com.co/ Go to Productos then by brand (kawasaki, Bajaj and Kymco)

I didn`t see any 2 stroke engines for bikes.

Man with hole in pocket feel cocky all day.

jorgegdiaz says on Apr 7, 2008, 06:59:

yes Vic, it says something like it, until next decade.

Man with hole in pocket feel cocky all day.

Robert Jorge says on Apr 7, 2008, 07:21:

I was told by several people that 2 strokes have been banned from sale for a few years now. I too see them on the road, but I don't think you can buy a new one in Colombia. I said something like this a while back, and had a few people say I am wrong. But I personally have never seen a 2 cycle for sale (new), have been told by locals that they are a thing of the past, so I have to concur with jorgediaz.

bradenmiami says on Apr 7, 2008, 08:28:

Mranderson... Anytime you want, I'd be happy to catch up with you and show you the big. Take it for a spin, whatever... As for the seat, that is one of the big reasons I got this bike. The seat is way bigger, wider and more comfortable for both you and the passenger. I'm not a big guy, but I like to ride for long periods of time and have always invested in comfortable seating. About the only thing I don't like is that the leather is very penetrable and I have found that two days after a big ride in the rain I will end up with a damp spot on my pants if I ride without my gear, so I think I'm going to get the seat custom-covered with a different material. As for the speed, again, some of the weight of the size of this bike cuts into the power, but nothing significant. The motor is geared to move, and has power. I regularly hit 110kph on a flat and under the right circumstances about 120, topping 122 so far...its the pickup where you lose the power a little.

tejasmarcos... Do you really think all your petty BS phases me? You make yourself look like a three year old with posts like that. At least talk like an adult or hit me with it privately instead of jacking his post.

You won't find a tourist here...

tejasmarcos says on Apr 7, 2008, 08:32:

listo

god is in your head

bradenmiami says on Apr 7, 2008, 08:34:

Blah blah.... WTF is brad viki by the way? By the way, why do you call me out as gringo when you are from Texas yourself and post up the need for Spanish-to-English translations? You wouldn't happen to be another wavering-wannabe would you?

You won't find a tourist here...

tejasmarcos says on Apr 7, 2008, 08:42:

listo

god is in your head

bradenmiami says on Apr 7, 2008, 08:48:

Damn I look good in that pic...sorry if you have to call me out since I look way better than you. And yeah, I know who the fuck you are so don't walk around with your dick swinging like you are all that. Follow through and do what you say you're about next time then man...if not, then shut up and buy me a beer. And seriously, if you think your phasing me with the threats...well...your not.

You won't find a tourist here...

tejasmarcos says on Apr 7, 2008, 08:52:

we'll see each other again soon friend. then you can whisper those sweet nothings in my ear, sweety.....

god is in your head

bradenmiami says on Apr 7, 2008, 08:53:

hahaha

You won't find a tourist here...

vicshere says on Apr 7, 2008, 08:55:

here at the exito AKT has a display selling 2 stoke bikes...just like Suzuki,UM,Jincje(whatever the sp), also Quicz, Jinlgy, and others....maybe we need a government representative to check this out.....we need to get these pieces of shot off the road...for the sake of the planet and my lungs

listo

bradenmiami says on Apr 7, 2008, 09:09:

I agree... The twostrokes are a waste of money and atmosphere.

You won't find a tourist here...

jorgegdiaz says on Apr 21, 2008, 14:55:

FYI:

http://www.motor.com.co/noticias_precios/precios_revista_motor/precios...

Prices of news bikes according to El Tiempo.

Man with hole in pocket feel cocky all day.

vicshere says on Apr 21, 2008, 15:23:

WOOW JINCHENG made in Colombia or at least assembled

http://www.jinchengdecolombia.com/jincol.html

listo

tejasmarcos says on Apr 21, 2008, 15:26:

god is in your head

vicshere says on Apr 21, 2008, 15:33:

now heres a nice bike for 17 and change
http://www.suzuki.com.co/productos/motocicletas/default.asp

listo