South America is the kind of place that makes a motorcycle feel less like transport and more like a passport. The continent gives you the Andes, the Atacama, the Amazon, the Patagonian steppe, coffee country, salt flats, colonial roads, and coastlines that run for thousands of kilometres. A retro bike suits the scale because it keeps the rider involved. You hear the engine, feel the surface change, and notice the towns between the famous destinations.
The retro motorcycle scene here is not just imported nostalgia. Brazil has its own enormous commuter and custom culture. Colombia has turned mountain riding into a national passion. Argentina and Chile offer some of the world's greatest long-distance roads. Royal Enfield, Triumph, Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Ducati, BMW, Harley-Davidson, and Indian Motorcycle all have footholds in the continent's major markets, while locally available small-capacity bikes make long journeys possible without a huge budget.
Prices below are approximate new-bike reference prices and can vary by country, tax, import costs, dealer stock, and model year. Always confirm local registration, insurance, road conditions, and border requirements before planning a trip.
16 Retro Bikes Available in South America
1. Honda CG 160 Titan — approximately R$17,000–19,000 (Brazil)
One of Brazil's defining motorcycles. The 162cc single-cylinder is simple, economical, easy to repair, and available through an enormous dealer network. It is not a luxury retro bike, but its upright proportions and mechanical simplicity make it an honest starting point for South American travel.
2. Yamaha Factor 150 — approximately R$16,000–18,000 (Brazil)
A 149cc single with practical ergonomics and a huge parts network. The Factor is one of the most realistic choices for riders who want to cross Brazil without spending premium-bike money, and it works beautifully as a base for a minimalist custom build.
3. Yamaha XTZ 150 Crosser — approximately R$20,000–23,000 (Brazil)
A small dual-purpose motorcycle with light adventure ability. Its 149cc engine, long-travel suspension, and upright position make it useful on imperfect roads leading to beaches, waterfalls, and rural destinations across Brazil.
4. Yamaha XSR155 — approximately US$4,500–5,500 where officially available
A compact neo-retro roadster with a 155cc single-cylinder engine and café-racer styling. Availability varies by country, but the XSR family has a strong following in markets that receive it, especially among riders who want something more distinctive than a commuter.
5. Honda CB190R — approximately US$4,000–5,000 in Andean markets
A small-displacement street bike with a neo-retro attitude, commonly seen in parts of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Its manageable size and low running costs make it useful for mountain cities and winding regional roads.
6. Royal Enfield Hunter 350 — approximately US$5,000–6,500
The most urban and agile Royal Enfield. Its 349cc single-cylinder engine, compact chassis, and roadster styling suit the tight streets of Bogotá, Buenos Aires, Santiago, and São Paulo before opening up on the roads beyond the city.
7. Royal Enfield Meteor 350 — approximately US$5,500–7,000
A relaxed 349cc cruiser with a low seat, comfortable riding position, and enough range for long days. The Meteor is increasingly visible in Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, and other major South American markets.
8. Royal Enfield Classic 350 — approximately US$5,500–7,000
The classic single-cylinder shape works perfectly against South America's mountain and colonial-town backdrops. It is easy to understand mechanically, easy to personalise, and supported by a growing regional dealership and owner community.
9. Honda CB500F — approximately US$8,000–10,500
A 471cc parallel-twin with a broad, forgiving powerband. The CB500F is a practical middleweight for riders who want to cross countries without the size, weight, or price of a large adventure motorcycle.
10. Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 — approximately US$7,500–9,500
The 648cc parallel-twin is smooth, torquey, and particularly well suited to South America's long paved highways. It has enough presence for open-country touring without losing the relaxed retro character that makes the bike attractive.
11. Kawasaki Z650RS — approximately US$9,000–11,500
A 649cc parallel-twin in a body inspired by Kawasaki's 1970s Z motorcycles. It is quick enough for serious mountain roads, manageable enough for city use, and available through Kawasaki's stronger South American dealer markets.
12. Triumph Speed Twin 900 — approximately US$11,000–14,000
A 900cc British modern classic with upright ergonomics and a strong mid-range. It is a natural choice for riders who want a premium retro roadster for the Andes, wine country, or the southern cone.
13. Ducati Scrambler Icon — approximately US$12,000–15,000
The 803cc L-twin, upright riding position, and scrambler stance make it ideal for paved roads with unpaved diversions. It brings Italian design and a little mischief to South America's enormous variety of terrain.
14. Kawasaki Z900RS — approximately US$14,000–17,000
The 948cc inline-four delivers smooth, muscular performance while the bodywork honours the original Z1. It is the choice for riders who want a retro bike that can cross the continent quickly when the road opens up.
15. Harley-Davidson Sportster S — approximately US$16,000–20,000
The 1252cc Revolution Max engine gives the Sportster name a modern performance edge. It remains unmistakably American, but it is capable of much more than a boulevard cruise, particularly on the open roads of Argentina, Brazil, and Chile.
16. BMW R nineT — approximately US$18,000–23,000
The 1170cc boxer twin, excellent chassis, and enormous customisation ecosystem make the R nineT a premium South American touring machine. It is a serious investment, but its combination of character, range, and build quality is difficult to replace.
30 South American Roads and Destinations
Chile and Argentina
1. Carretera Austral, Chile
Chile's legendary Route 7 runs through Patagonia for roughly 1,200 kilometres, connecting glacial valleys, fjords, forests, and small settlements. Parts remain unpaved, so plan fuel, tyres, weather windows, and spare parts carefully.
2. Route 40, Argentina
Argentina's iconic north-south route runs beside the Andes through high desert, wine country, volcanic landscapes, and Patagonian emptiness. A complete Route 40 journey takes serious time, but even regional sections are unforgettable.
3. The Seven Lakes Route, Argentina
The Ruta de los Siete Lagos links Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes through clear lakes, beech forest, and snow-covered volcanic peaks. It is one of Patagonia's most accessible and rewarding rides.
4. Paso de Jama, Argentina–Chile
A high-altitude crossing from Jujuy into Chile through the Andes. The landscape moves from colourful quebradas to salt flats and immense puna, but altitude, wind, fuel, and border procedures demand preparation.
5. Atacama Desert Circuit, Chile
Base yourself around San Pedro de Atacama and ride to Valle de la Luna, the high-altitude lagoons, geyser fields, and the salt flats. The roads are stark, dry, and unlike anything in the temperate world.
6. Tierra del Fuego, Argentina–Chile
Ride south from Ushuaia through the world's southernmost inhabited region, crossing between Argentina and Chile around lakes, beech forests, and the Beagle Channel. Weather can change within minutes.
7. Ruta de los Siete Lagos to the Chilean border
Extend the Seven Lakes ride toward Hua Hum and the Chilean frontier for forest roads, ferry crossings, and a quieter continuation of the classic Patagonia route.
8. Valle del Elqui, Chile
The roads east of La Serena climb into dry mountain valleys known for vineyards, observatories, clear skies, and small villages. It is an excellent shorter ride for a retro roadster.
9. Chiloé Island, Chile
Ferries, wooden churches, coastal villages, and green roads make Chiloé feel culturally separate from mainland Chile. The island is ideal for slow riding rather than chasing mileage.
Bolivia and Peru
10. Yungas Road, Bolivia
Often called Death Road, the old road descends from the high Andes toward the subtropics. Conditions and traffic vary, so use extreme caution and consider local guidance. The surrounding cliffs and vegetation are extraordinary.
11. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
The world's largest salt flat is reachable through a network of rough roads and tracks around Uyuni. Ride only with appropriate local advice and planning, especially during wet conditions when the salt surface can become deceptive.
12. Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, Bolivia
High-altitude desert, red lagoons, geysers, flamingos, and volcanic formations define this remote route. It is expedition riding rather than a casual day trip, with fuel and navigation requiring serious attention.
13. Peru's South Coast, Lima to Paracas and Nazca
The Pan-American Highway follows desert coastline, fishing towns, dunes, and the Nazca Lines region. It is a relatively straightforward introduction to long-distance riding in Peru.
14. Colca Canyon, Peru
Ride from Arequipa toward Chivay and the Colca Canyon, where condors rise on thermal currents above one of the world's deepest canyons. The route combines high-altitude riding with traditional Andean villages.
15. Sacred Valley, Peru
From Cusco through Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and the Urubamba Valley, the roads connect Inca sites, agricultural terraces, and mountain communities. Allow time for altitude acclimatisation before riding hard.
16. Lake Titicaca Circuit, Peru–Bolivia
Circle sections of the world's highest navigable lake through Puno, Copacabana, and the Bolivian shore. The high plateau is vast, cold, and visually immense.
Colombia and Ecuador
17. Coffee Triangle, Colombia
Ride through Armenia, Salento, Manizales, and Pereira across steep green hills covered in coffee plantations. The roads are technical, the towns are welcoming, and the scenery changes every few kilometres.
18. Bogotá to Villa de Leyva, Colombia
Leave Bogotá through the eastern hills and ride toward one of Colombia's best-preserved colonial towns. The route offers cool mountain air, dry valleys, and a gentler introduction to Colombian touring.
19. Medellín to Guatapé, Colombia
The ride east from Medellín passes through reservoir country and the giant rock at El Peñol. It is popular for good reason, with excellent bends and a strong motorcycle culture around Medellín.
20. Tatacoa Desert, Colombia
From Neiva, ride toward the red and grey badlands of Tatacoa. The landscape is dry, sculpted, and surreal, offering a striking contrast to Colombia's better-known green mountain routes.
21. Las Lajas and the southern Andes, Colombia
Ride through the highlands near Ipiales to the dramatic Las Lajas Sanctuary, built into a canyon close to the Ecuador border. The surrounding Andean roads are quiet and rewarding.
22. Avenue of the Volcanoes, Ecuador
Ecuador's central highlands run between major volcanoes including Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, and Tungurahua. The Pan-American Highway and parallel local roads provide multiple ways to explore the landscape.
23. Quilotoa Loop, Ecuador
A high-altitude route through Indigenous villages and mountain farmland leading to the turquoise crater lake of Quilotoa. The road surface varies, so a lighter retro machine or scrambler is preferable.
24. Cuenca to Loja, Ecuador
A beautiful southern Ecuador route through highland valleys, páramo, and colonial cities. It is less crowded than the Quito–Cuenca corridor and makes a strong multi-day ride.
Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay
25. Serra do Rio do Rastro, Brazil
One of Brazil's most famous mountain roads, with dramatic switchbacks descending through the Serra Catarinense. The nearby towns of Urubici and São Joaquim add cool-climate riding and excellent food.
26. Serra Gaúcha, Brazil
The highlands around Gramado, Canela, and Bento Gonçalves combine winding roads, vineyards, German and Italian heritage, and a strong weekend riding culture. The region is especially good for a relaxed retro roadster.
27. Estrada Real, Brazil
Brazil's historic Royal Road links former gold and diamond towns in Minas Gerais. Colonial architecture, mountain scenery, and stone sections make this a culturally rich ride rather than a simple point-to-point route.
28. Chapada Diamantina, Brazil
Base yourself around Lençóis and explore the roads leading to waterfalls, table mountains, caves, and red-rock valleys. Some attractions require walking or local guides, but the motorcycle roads alone justify the trip.
29. Ruta 10, Uruguay
Uruguay's Atlantic coast becomes a sequence of beaches, fishing villages, dunes, and relaxed resort towns. Ruta 10 is ideal for a small or middleweight retro bike and a trip with no interest in rushing.
30. Iguazú Falls Circuit, Brazil–Argentina–Paraguay
Use Foz do Iguaçu as a base and ride across the three-country region to see the falls from the Brazilian and Argentine sides, with Paraguay's Ciudad del Este adding a completely different urban energy.
Ride in the Right Kit
For the ones who ride toward the horizon instead of waiting for it to come closer.
• Thrill of the Hunt Lion Art Back Print Streetwear Tee — India
• Thrill of the Hunt Lion Art Back Print Streetwear Tee — International
Browse the full Streetwear Collection for more pieces made for the long way around.
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