I traveled four years, riding 195.000 km over 80 countries and 4 continents, spending U$58,000, amount that might seem too excessive, but after balancing accounts, it isn't. I could have done it for U$47,000; however, some decisions increased my expenses. About my budget, was framed within my savings and transformation of my assets into money.
From my experience, the person who did the round-the-world trip on a motorcycle in the most economical way—that is, riding at least 45,000 kilometers around the planet and crossed several continents—spent U$20,000, traveling at a level of effort beyond the ordinary, with no room for proper rest, let alone comfort. But that's how they decided to do it, and that's how they achieved it.
Now, to plan a trip around the world you must consider several key items, such as the transport of bike and rider between continents, which costs from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the means and latitudes. If the vehicle is transported by air, the cost is high, but it allows you to recover it in three or four days to continue traveling. If you shipping by sea, the wait ranges from 25 to 40 days, which you must spend and pay somewhere, and in 80% of the ports, you have to pay a customs agent to process the delivery, plus import taxes, which can bring the total cost so close to air transport charges. Another item is travel insurance, which costs between $500 and $1,000 per year, depending on the contract. As for the ever-important visas, each passport has its own requirements, but in my case, the Chilean passport exempts me from applying for visas in 150 countries, a benefit that simplifies days and even months.
Regarding the total distance, terrain, climate, and speed, it is essential to calculate maintenance, tire changes, repairs in case of accidents, and part replacements due to wear. I started my ride on my BMW R1200GSA counting 40.000 km and I performed 18 services, 10 tire changes, one gear shifter replacement at 111,000 kilometers, one shaft and bendix change at 211,000 kilometers, a clutch change at 219,000 kilometers, brake discs every 100,000 kilometers, and steering bearings every 90,000 kilometers.
In average, i spent $37 daily, considering accommodation, fuel, and food. This amount was significantly higher in North America, Canada, and Europe, balanced out by Americas, Africa, and Asia. That's why I rarely enjoyed luxury accommodations, i was often welcomed into the homes of people I didn't know, I camped in wonderful places, and sometimes slept at bus stops or simply on the street.
In conclusion, considering insurance, visas, transport, food, accommodation, unforeseen expenses, maintenance, and all the items involved in a round-the-world or cross-continental journey, the daily cost of a motorcycle trip around the world is about $80 per day for an average person like me.
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