6 Tips for Riding Your Harley to Mexico
You want to ride your Harley south of the border, and why not? Mexico offers some great rides that are probably on a number of riders' bucket lists. But crossing into Mexico is not as easy as it once was and you'll be smarter (and safer) to get the proper documents, make the right phone calls, and consider what you bring before you hit the road.
1. Getting ready
There is a common misconception that one can simply drive across the US/Mexico border into Mexico for a ride-by vacation with a valid license and passport. There are, in fact, a few more things you need to have with you to ensure that you won't be held up, fined, or inconvenienced for not having (or having!). Another common belief is that it's extremely dangerous and completely irresponsible to ride your motorcycle anywhere near the border. Both misconceptions are based largely on opinions of folks who have never been there.
First things first. You've done your due diligence and your bike is in top shape, freshly serviced, and your license and registration are current. Your passport is also current and it will be valid through your entire visit (and we can't stress this enough). So what else?
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2. Notifications and additional documents
Once you have notified your family and friends of your upcoming adventure, you should take some time to notify your financial institution, the American Automobile Association (AAA), and your insurance provider. If your motorcycle is not paid off, you will be provided with a letter of authority which states that you are allowed to take a financed vehicle across international borders. Once that's done, a quick phone call to AAA (even if they aren't your insurance carrier) is prudent. AAA is authorized by the State Department to issue you an international drivers license (IDL), for a small fee. The IDL is simply a translation and verification (in Spanish) of your driving documents. It is true that many drivers/riders do cross the border without some or most of these documents; however, the consequences of not having them can be very costly.
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3. Leave it behind
Now that you have what you must in order to have peace of mind once you cross the border, let's talk about what you should leave behind. It might seem obvious, however, that guns, drugs, alcohol, and knives are better left at home. The penalties for having any of these will start with the confiscation of your motorcycle and then it's just downhill from there.
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4. Crossing The Border
First and foremost, be patient. One of two things will happen when you cross the border. You will either be ushered through the process by Mexican immigration officials after a few questions and a quick glance (if any) of your documents, or you will be directed to secondary inspection. You might notice that motorcycles and RVs are commonly "selected" for inspection, so be patient. Be prepared to answer questions about your destination, route, timelines, and plans in general. Do not lose your temper and don't answer with responses like, "It's none of your business," and other such antagonistic quips. I have been the unfortunate witness to several uncomfortable situations because someone became irritated at an immigration official. This is works very much the same when you travel to Canada. Yes, many times the officers do not have the best disposition, but they do have the authority to ruin your day... and your trip.
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5. On The Mexican Road
Now that you have made it through the immigration process at the border, let's talk about what to expect on the road. Ideally, you want to cross the border early in the morning so you have time to get away from the immediate border towns such as Ciudad Juares (Texas crossing) or Tijuana (Califonia crossing). These are very congested towns riddled with lots of crime, and generally not the type of place you want to ride through anyway. In recent years, the roads have improved dramatically and the main highways have plenty of services and updates on GPS. There are many toll charges on newer roads so be prepared with plenty of local currency. On average, each toll will cost about the equivalent of $1 which is quite expensive for locals. The credit/debit card infrastructure is not as readily accessible as it is in the US so plan accordingly. You can get money at ATMs so don't rely on plastic.
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6. Plan Ahead
Consider pre-planning your hotel stays with recognized chains or well-reviewed venues that offer covered parking for your motorcycle. Local streets and remote roads are poorly maintained so avoid riding at night as much as possible. There are actually quite a few Harley-Davidson dealers in Mexico so plan to visit them, especially if you will require a service while on your trip. The locals are very friendly and common sense and street smarts go a long way toward staying safe and having a good time. If you have an opportunity to ride through Mexico, it is a trip you will not regret.
>>Join the conversation about riding in Mexico right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.
For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section right here in the forum.
