Mexico
With certain precautions you'll have no problem riding your harley in Mexico... Don't worry, you'll not be the only one, there are thousands of harleys here. A lot of HD dealers. Just avoid riding at night and whenever is possible, take the toll highways and ride in a deffensive way because other motor vehicles don't respect bikers, specially in the cities.
Your debit or credit US card (visa/mastercard/american express) will be accepted almost everywhere.. including gas stations; but it is smart to always carry pesos for small towns.
I live in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
If you need further info, I'll be glad to answer.
In Mexico City the traffic is crazy and people gets very aggresive on their cars... the advice is to park the bike at the hotel and take a sight seen bus to know the city. The weekend is good to take out the bike.
But I suggest you go better go to towns you'll love, like San Miguel de Allende, Zacatecas, Patzcuaro, etc..
Check this site:
http://www.visitmexico.com/en/magictown
Your debit or credit US card (visa/mastercard/american express) will be accepted almost everywhere.. including gas stations; but it is smart to always carry pesos for small towns.
I live in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
If you need further info, I'll be glad to answer.
In Mexico City the traffic is crazy and people gets very aggresive on their cars... the advice is to park the bike at the hotel and take a sight seen bus to know the city. The weekend is good to take out the bike.
But I suggest you go better go to towns you'll love, like San Miguel de Allende, Zacatecas, Patzcuaro, etc..
Check this site:
http://www.visitmexico.com/en/magictown
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 111
Likes: 9
From: So-Cal
I'm betting this guy has gone a long time ago but I'll post anyway for other peoples future reference.
I'm going to say the same things some of the people who have actually "BEEN" to mexico have said. Not just scared re-itteration of stuff they have heard on the news.
Background:
Over 20 years of camping, surfing, racing and travelling through Baja and mainland mexico.
3 main rules to not get in trouble in Mexico:
1) Don't be a drunk idiot
2) Don't get involved with drugs
3) Don't flash wealth (clothes/vehicles/etc... Blend in!). You become a target (kind of hard to do on a harley)
Tips for travelling in Mexico.
1) Only keep $30 in your wallet and stash you cash elsewhere. $30 will get you out of almost any pickle you will end up in with the policia (trust me. I've violated my 3 rules above and that's how I learned the 3 rules). The problems with authority down here are almost always the Policia not the Federales.
2) As noted before do not drive at night. Even during the day BE VERY careful on any turns as locals pass semi's on blind corners with cliffs on one side and no guard rails. I've learned to find a driver who drives at a decent clip and I stay behind them for as long as possible and I give them a nice buffer. I let them be the guinea pig if some dumbazz tries to pass on a blind corner. Once you see the 1000's of little crosses on the side of the road on the mountain passes you will know what I mean.
3) DON'T TRUST THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL PASSING SIGNAL! (you're safe to pass indicator from the person in front of you in Mexico). My idea of safe to pass and a locals idea of safe to pass are VERY DIFFERENT!
4) Be very careful during rainstorms. There is no drainage and flash floods happen regularly. Just be smart. If you're caught in a bad storm just get off the roads at a place with higher ground. Plus it's just like driving at night so don't do it. Mexicans drve crazy especially in Mex City. Here is the pecking order in Mex City. Biggest vehcile wins unless you're in a cheaper vehicle then it comes down to who values their car more. Motorcycles are a death trap there. Agreed with the other poster. Get on the city tour bus and catch a tour bus out to Teotihucan. Mex City has an awesome amount fo culture from the palaces to the museums.. Great city
So basically I love Mexico. Once you get south of the border towns the people are SOOO nice. I've been invited to stay with people all over the country and they love to hear stories abut the States and what you are doing in Mex. Before you know it there will be a jukebox in the street and you'll be partying with the entire town until 6 in the morning!
I'm going to say the same things some of the people who have actually "BEEN" to mexico have said. Not just scared re-itteration of stuff they have heard on the news.
Background:
Over 20 years of camping, surfing, racing and travelling through Baja and mainland mexico.
3 main rules to not get in trouble in Mexico:
1) Don't be a drunk idiot
2) Don't get involved with drugs
3) Don't flash wealth (clothes/vehicles/etc... Blend in!). You become a target (kind of hard to do on a harley)
Tips for travelling in Mexico.
1) Only keep $30 in your wallet and stash you cash elsewhere. $30 will get you out of almost any pickle you will end up in with the policia (trust me. I've violated my 3 rules above and that's how I learned the 3 rules). The problems with authority down here are almost always the Policia not the Federales.
2) As noted before do not drive at night. Even during the day BE VERY careful on any turns as locals pass semi's on blind corners with cliffs on one side and no guard rails. I've learned to find a driver who drives at a decent clip and I stay behind them for as long as possible and I give them a nice buffer. I let them be the guinea pig if some dumbazz tries to pass on a blind corner. Once you see the 1000's of little crosses on the side of the road on the mountain passes you will know what I mean.
3) DON'T TRUST THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL PASSING SIGNAL! (you're safe to pass indicator from the person in front of you in Mexico). My idea of safe to pass and a locals idea of safe to pass are VERY DIFFERENT!
4) Be very careful during rainstorms. There is no drainage and flash floods happen regularly. Just be smart. If you're caught in a bad storm just get off the roads at a place with higher ground. Plus it's just like driving at night so don't do it. Mexicans drve crazy especially in Mex City. Here is the pecking order in Mex City. Biggest vehcile wins unless you're in a cheaper vehicle then it comes down to who values their car more. Motorcycles are a death trap there. Agreed with the other poster. Get on the city tour bus and catch a tour bus out to Teotihucan. Mex City has an awesome amount fo culture from the palaces to the museums.. Great city
So basically I love Mexico. Once you get south of the border towns the people are SOOO nice. I've been invited to stay with people all over the country and they love to hear stories abut the States and what you are doing in Mex. Before you know it there will be a jukebox in the street and you'll be partying with the entire town until 6 in the morning!
Been to and worked in Yucatan Mex (oil field diver) for many years. The last ride down was to Rocky Point (new Years 2010). Had a great time but never went by myself. DO NOT be one of the last to cross this border at night because after it closes for the night you have a long ride thru a very deserted area. Travel with the tourist PACK to and from Puerto Panasco (Rocky Point).
Trip before that was from El Paso to Mazatlan over the "Devils Back Bone" (GREAT CROOKED ASSED ROAD) then jumped the ferry to Baja, rode down to Cabo and up to San Diego. This was a 14 day, 7 Guy trip. Because of my time in Mex and knowing the language I set the route / itinerary.
One of the best places to stay are the "no-motels". Most towns have these places on the out skirts of the towns. They are used by the locals to take their female companions but work GREAT for bikers because most have garages attached to the rooms where you can pull your bikes in and lock the door. The entrance to your room is thru the garage and most of these compounds are walled in so you pay at the entrance gate for the night or ever how many hours you want.
Coming back up the Baja from Cabo you should carry gas because in some of the stretches you have to depend on a little guy to be along there in a pick up to sell you gas as there are not stations. We each packed a couple gal water jugs full then pitched them after passing thru that area.
Do NOT let them take your Visa at any of the frequent road stops take your Visa as they will charge you if you don't have it to leave at the Mex USA border.
I would gladly ride down again but with at LEAST 5 bikes. Take helmets even tho they are not required in Mex. It is not uncommon for a local cop to stop and try to make an "on the spot fine" to cross thru "HIS" town.
The most dangerous thing you can get exposed to is night riding. Not only because of banditos but also items and burros etc on the roads. Pace yourselves so you get to a place to stop while still day light.
Watch the TOPES "speed bumps" because some are so high that a loaded Harley dresser will drag its bottom. We lost 2 kick stand springs by one of our "hot rod" riders.
The food is good if you pay attention and I recommend bottled water. Stay away from things like lettuce which MAY have been washed but probably with un-clean water. Also try to not eat TOO MUCH hot or un-natural food. Try to eat what your body is used to.
We had "like" bikes so spares/tools were common. Mex has many Harley shops.
Trip before that was from El Paso to Mazatlan over the "Devils Back Bone" (GREAT CROOKED ASSED ROAD) then jumped the ferry to Baja, rode down to Cabo and up to San Diego. This was a 14 day, 7 Guy trip. Because of my time in Mex and knowing the language I set the route / itinerary.
One of the best places to stay are the "no-motels". Most towns have these places on the out skirts of the towns. They are used by the locals to take their female companions but work GREAT for bikers because most have garages attached to the rooms where you can pull your bikes in and lock the door. The entrance to your room is thru the garage and most of these compounds are walled in so you pay at the entrance gate for the night or ever how many hours you want.
Coming back up the Baja from Cabo you should carry gas because in some of the stretches you have to depend on a little guy to be along there in a pick up to sell you gas as there are not stations. We each packed a couple gal water jugs full then pitched them after passing thru that area.
Do NOT let them take your Visa at any of the frequent road stops take your Visa as they will charge you if you don't have it to leave at the Mex USA border.
I would gladly ride down again but with at LEAST 5 bikes. Take helmets even tho they are not required in Mex. It is not uncommon for a local cop to stop and try to make an "on the spot fine" to cross thru "HIS" town.
The most dangerous thing you can get exposed to is night riding. Not only because of banditos but also items and burros etc on the roads. Pace yourselves so you get to a place to stop while still day light.
Watch the TOPES "speed bumps" because some are so high that a loaded Harley dresser will drag its bottom. We lost 2 kick stand springs by one of our "hot rod" riders.
The food is good if you pay attention and I recommend bottled water. Stay away from things like lettuce which MAY have been washed but probably with un-clean water. Also try to not eat TOO MUCH hot or un-natural food. Try to eat what your body is used to.
We had "like" bikes so spares/tools were common. Mex has many Harley shops.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 35,506
Likes: 27
From: Calgary eh
Ever heard the saying...
It's all fun till someone looses an eye.
Same thing holds true for travelling to Mexico. A lot of people travel there with no incident. My buddies father owned a place in Puerto Vallarta and would drive his motor home there every year. Until one year he was hijacked, they stole it along with everything he had in it and dropped him on a deserted desert road miles from anywhere.
The worst part of it.. The police are in on it. There's nothing you can do.
Go ahead, report back after you have a great trip tell us all we're full of ****. If we don't hear from you we'll know why.
It's all fun till someone looses an eye.
Same thing holds true for travelling to Mexico. A lot of people travel there with no incident. My buddies father owned a place in Puerto Vallarta and would drive his motor home there every year. Until one year he was hijacked, they stole it along with everything he had in it and dropped him on a deserted desert road miles from anywhere.
The worst part of it.. The police are in on it. There's nothing you can do.
Go ahead, report back after you have a great trip tell us all we're full of ****. If we don't hear from you we'll know why.
I've never been what you would call a "tourist" in Mexico. But I have lived in a Mexico bordertown for the better part of 40 yrs, and have travelled extensively throughout Mexico (I travel 40-45 weeks a yr on business), so I guess I know a thing or two about my country.
In a nutshell, you WILL get into all sorts of trouble if you decide to wear your *** for a hat. Although that's pretty much true for ANYPLACE on earth.
Mexico IS a developing nation, so if you expect to find CA or TX style highways, you may luck out, but only in the larger cities, certainly not in rural Mexico. Plenty of toll roads though, some with breathtaking views, some just barely decent, ALL fares paid will get you insured, but extra insurance never hurt anybody. Plan your trip, seek mexican MC or even HD clubs or groups online, and ask for any advice you need. Odds are you'll find a fellow HD rider most anywhere you decide to go, in Mexico or elsewhere.
A few points I'd like to make:
1. State Dept advisories are intended for the bulk of Mexico-bound travellers; many, if not most of the US travellers heading to Mx do it on foot or by car throught the many border towns; many, if not most seek: 1. Sleazy nightclub action; 2. Cheap(er) drugs (prescription or otherwise); or 3. Refuge from US warrants or persecution. Therefore, most of these travellers end up in some sort of trouble down here and, therefore, make up for the majority of the statistics you read about in the news. I know this to be true firsthand because I've been a criminal defense attorney for almost 20 yrs, and have served as outside counsel for the US Consulate, handling cases for many a young lad with shattered dreams of driving dad's pickup into TJ, score some dirt-cheap drugs and smuggling them back home, to strike it rich and become the next Tony Montana. Lots of stories; therefore, bear in mind WHO the government advisories are aimed at and why. Generalization is never accurate, but sometimes it's the only way to convey a[n important] message.
2. In a developing (poor(er)) nation, it is only logical to find more poverty than what you're used to in the US. If you stick to the touristy, better parts of any city or town, which are the areas which have more to offer you anyway, you will rarely come across anyone who wants/needs to take your property/money in order to survive. If you seek or somehow wind up in a dodgy part of town, you are more likely to run into trouble. Again, this holds true when travelling anywhere, i.e. I will never walk in downtown LA and flash a wad of cash, anymore than I would travel to southeast Asia in search of exchanging $$$ for love/sex;
3. Respect for the law should be a primary consideration when travelling anywhere; if travelling beyond the border towns on your own conveyance, for example, you must have a temporary import permit from Mx Customs, also, most all MX states require AT LEAST liability insurance; some will ask you to have an emissions (smog) control certificate; ALL will demand MC license or endorsement. Contrary to what others have said and might believe, use of a helmet IS mandatory. Bringing proper title to your bike along, is also not a bad idea. Many Mx LE officers stop any US conveyances (bikes or autos) on the premise that some US cars/bikes taken into Mexico are, in fact, stolen. So be prepared to show proof of ownership. If you don't abide by these regulations, you will be fined, possibly extorted, by any and all local authorities. Again, this holds true when visiting any country, i.e. I need a special visa to cross into the US on my Harley; also need insurance; also my mc endorsement; also a special RFID thingy on my windshield if crossing in my car; I can't cross with any food, especially not fruit; customs is entitled to search my car/bike/person/media storage if they FEEL they need to. if I drive past the speed limit, I'll be fined; if I drive intoxicated, I'll land in jail. Same thing applies everywhere, as far as I know.
4. Riding a motorcycle I've found two things to be true: When travelling somewhere for the first time, it's a good idea to be accompanied by someone who's already been there. If this is not possible, then it's a good idea to seek advice beforehand. Always it's better to have one or more buddies along for the ride. This makes sense in any situation, for any destination and, also, adds to the fun and enjoyment of the ride.
If you're a reasonable, law abiding person, you should do great. So, make the trip and AFTERWARDS make up your own mind and, by all means, SHARE your first-hand account with us.
As for me, I ride a 2011 FLHRC and, when I'm not on that, I drive a late model Mercedes sedan. I've never been the victim of crime in Mexico. Four times I've been the victim of crime elsewhere. Wanna know where? Twice in San Diego, CA, America's finest city. Once in Washington, DC. Once in Paris, France. Do I think ALL americans/french are crackheads or stickup artists? NO. Will I keep going back? Hell yeah! If you'll have me.
But that's just me, that's how I roll. YMMV
Stay cool. Ride Safe. God bless.
In a nutshell, you WILL get into all sorts of trouble if you decide to wear your *** for a hat. Although that's pretty much true for ANYPLACE on earth.
Mexico IS a developing nation, so if you expect to find CA or TX style highways, you may luck out, but only in the larger cities, certainly not in rural Mexico. Plenty of toll roads though, some with breathtaking views, some just barely decent, ALL fares paid will get you insured, but extra insurance never hurt anybody. Plan your trip, seek mexican MC or even HD clubs or groups online, and ask for any advice you need. Odds are you'll find a fellow HD rider most anywhere you decide to go, in Mexico or elsewhere.
A few points I'd like to make:
1. State Dept advisories are intended for the bulk of Mexico-bound travellers; many, if not most of the US travellers heading to Mx do it on foot or by car throught the many border towns; many, if not most seek: 1. Sleazy nightclub action; 2. Cheap(er) drugs (prescription or otherwise); or 3. Refuge from US warrants or persecution. Therefore, most of these travellers end up in some sort of trouble down here and, therefore, make up for the majority of the statistics you read about in the news. I know this to be true firsthand because I've been a criminal defense attorney for almost 20 yrs, and have served as outside counsel for the US Consulate, handling cases for many a young lad with shattered dreams of driving dad's pickup into TJ, score some dirt-cheap drugs and smuggling them back home, to strike it rich and become the next Tony Montana. Lots of stories; therefore, bear in mind WHO the government advisories are aimed at and why. Generalization is never accurate, but sometimes it's the only way to convey a[n important] message.
2. In a developing (poor(er)) nation, it is only logical to find more poverty than what you're used to in the US. If you stick to the touristy, better parts of any city or town, which are the areas which have more to offer you anyway, you will rarely come across anyone who wants/needs to take your property/money in order to survive. If you seek or somehow wind up in a dodgy part of town, you are more likely to run into trouble. Again, this holds true when travelling anywhere, i.e. I will never walk in downtown LA and flash a wad of cash, anymore than I would travel to southeast Asia in search of exchanging $$$ for love/sex;
3. Respect for the law should be a primary consideration when travelling anywhere; if travelling beyond the border towns on your own conveyance, for example, you must have a temporary import permit from Mx Customs, also, most all MX states require AT LEAST liability insurance; some will ask you to have an emissions (smog) control certificate; ALL will demand MC license or endorsement. Contrary to what others have said and might believe, use of a helmet IS mandatory. Bringing proper title to your bike along, is also not a bad idea. Many Mx LE officers stop any US conveyances (bikes or autos) on the premise that some US cars/bikes taken into Mexico are, in fact, stolen. So be prepared to show proof of ownership. If you don't abide by these regulations, you will be fined, possibly extorted, by any and all local authorities. Again, this holds true when visiting any country, i.e. I need a special visa to cross into the US on my Harley; also need insurance; also my mc endorsement; also a special RFID thingy on my windshield if crossing in my car; I can't cross with any food, especially not fruit; customs is entitled to search my car/bike/person/media storage if they FEEL they need to. if I drive past the speed limit, I'll be fined; if I drive intoxicated, I'll land in jail. Same thing applies everywhere, as far as I know.
4. Riding a motorcycle I've found two things to be true: When travelling somewhere for the first time, it's a good idea to be accompanied by someone who's already been there. If this is not possible, then it's a good idea to seek advice beforehand. Always it's better to have one or more buddies along for the ride. This makes sense in any situation, for any destination and, also, adds to the fun and enjoyment of the ride.
If you're a reasonable, law abiding person, you should do great. So, make the trip and AFTERWARDS make up your own mind and, by all means, SHARE your first-hand account with us.
As for me, I ride a 2011 FLHRC and, when I'm not on that, I drive a late model Mercedes sedan. I've never been the victim of crime in Mexico. Four times I've been the victim of crime elsewhere. Wanna know where? Twice in San Diego, CA, America's finest city. Once in Washington, DC. Once in Paris, France. Do I think ALL americans/french are crackheads or stickup artists? NO. Will I keep going back? Hell yeah! If you'll have me.
But that's just me, that's how I roll. YMMV
Stay cool. Ride Safe. God bless.
Zeus:
I agree. Spanish is my native tongue. I've no real perspective on how it would be like to travel in Mexico without speaking the language, I'll give you that.
That's why I'm just throwing some "tips" out there, from my personal experience, so anyone can take them, at their own risk, of course.
It's the same with riding: We must acknowledge that it poses a higher risk than driving a car, for example, but we choose to take that risk in order to enjoy the many benefits riding affords us. Some have a taste for riding, so they ride. Others do not, and don't.
Travelling means risk, being away from home means risk, not being able to communicate means risk. Not everyone likes risks. Not everyone is suited to taking a particular kind of risk. That's why it's not approproate (nor fair) to generalize.
Each individual must evaluate a potentially risky activity, before choosing to take part of it. In order to make that choice, one must be informed. Information, therefore, is the key. Information is this forum's reason for existing. Information, more so than opinion.
If I can contribute to informing anyone on any subject, I'm all for that.
If anyone wants to ask a local, such as myself, any speciffic question, by all means feel free to PM me.
I cannot and will not, however, try to convince anyone to do anything in life.
That's up to each of us, as free men, to decide.
Stay cool. Ride safe.
I agree. Spanish is my native tongue. I've no real perspective on how it would be like to travel in Mexico without speaking the language, I'll give you that.
That's why I'm just throwing some "tips" out there, from my personal experience, so anyone can take them, at their own risk, of course.
It's the same with riding: We must acknowledge that it poses a higher risk than driving a car, for example, but we choose to take that risk in order to enjoy the many benefits riding affords us. Some have a taste for riding, so they ride. Others do not, and don't.
Travelling means risk, being away from home means risk, not being able to communicate means risk. Not everyone likes risks. Not everyone is suited to taking a particular kind of risk. That's why it's not approproate (nor fair) to generalize.
Each individual must evaluate a potentially risky activity, before choosing to take part of it. In order to make that choice, one must be informed. Information, therefore, is the key. Information is this forum's reason for existing. Information, more so than opinion.
If I can contribute to informing anyone on any subject, I'm all for that.
If anyone wants to ask a local, such as myself, any speciffic question, by all means feel free to PM me.
I cannot and will not, however, try to convince anyone to do anything in life.
That's up to each of us, as free men, to decide.
Stay cool. Ride safe.
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