I have been to Mexico several times but after listening to the news over the past couple of years about all the drug war crap going on, there is no way you could pay me to go there. My .02...

 

I visited Yucatan and Quintana Roo a few years ago in a rental car.
Main roads were quite good, side roads were acceptable but tourist places, parks/cenotes and urban parking lots were full of pot holes.

Visit TULUM if you can

 

My thought is the Taliban unfortunately beheaded a few. The drug cartels in Mexico have beheaded far more and even hung some heads in parking garages. There may be a safe haven, but unless you like Mexican domestic terrorism, smuggling, violence, and organized crime that are targeting American Citizens, I'd go with plan B.
Los Angeles Times
Tuscon Citizen
Reuters
Drug Wars
12,000 killed in drug violence 2011 Mexico

 

I was in that part of Mexico not long ago and it was fine, well as far as going off the resort and doing things unescorted. That part of Mexico is far from the "problem" areas. We'll be going back but probably not renting Harley's as they drive like chit down there!! We've rented mopads in Varadero and had a great time but on hindsight we didn't even inquire on insurance so it may not have been so fun if something happened!

 

I have stayed in that area many times and while I feel it is fairly safe as far as crime, I would never drive a car there let alone a motorcycle. They are all insane drivers and you are dealing with several layers of Police and military.
They patrol Playa de Carmen in trucks with machine gun mounts. Stick with taxis or the local van buses.

 

No Way!!!!

 

...."sure Senor..we can fix dee motorbike for you!, come around dee back of the shop Senor, you and your Senorita will be MUCH more comfortable in our waiting room. My brother Pancho is making you both a special drink we give ALL dee tourists who stop here".......I would rather walk through Falluja with a burning Koran taped to my crotch..

 

You will need Mexican insurance. It will not be very expensive because you can get it just for the time you will need it.

Most of the violence is between drug cartels and/or police/military. It usually involves drug cartels killing each other for control. Very few incidents of Americans having problems down there however it is not unheard of. I would probably stay closer to populated or tourist areas if I had my wife with me but that does not mean Mexico is a dangerous place. Just don't get involved in drug trafficking or drive a dark Suburban and both of you should be fine. The Suburban could lead to you being mistaken for an opposition cartel pistolero.

 

I live directly on the border of Mexico, see across the river several time a week. I grew up here, speak the language and my wife is Hispanic. We do not cross anymore at all. Even the resort towns are getting used by bad guys. Not necessarily Drug stuff but other thugs now feel safer taking advantage of a target of opportunity. An American on a Harley is a target of opportunity. I’m not trying to scare you off from your vacation but you need to be aware of what happens. My company headquarters is in Mexico and I don’t go there anymore.

 

The day I ride anything in Mexico is the day I sell my 2012 Street Glide! Never!!!