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Coming to Mexico?

15K views 40 replies 29 participants last post by  Axeman 
#1 ·
Hola. Some of you have expressed a desire to come to Mexico. I wrote the following in order to help with your visit.

1. Always ride in front of the traffic. The view is better. And it is much safer. The reasons are numerous. If the car in front of you has brake lights, enjoy them it is a rarity. Cars, trucks stop unexpectedly in front you. Picking up passengers, freight, talking to friend, asking directions, etc. If you find yourself coming up on a line of vehicles following behind a slow vehicle, twist your throttle and get to the front. One of the beautiful things about this bike is you don’t have to spend much time in the passing lane! Also (on the highway), slow moving vehicles in front of you will give you a left turn signal. This means okay to pass. A left turn signal in town could mean anything, or nothing. Be careful.
2. Check your rear view constantly. I like to ride in front (see #1). But sometimes, I get distracted with the beauty and may slow down. Cars may pass you within inches of your bike. There is no respect for your lane. The first time this happened to me, I about filled my diaper. Mexicans have an uncanny perception of the space of their vehicle. Down to the millimeter. It is incredible.
3. Topes. These are the speed bumps in México. With insufficient police to patrol, they rely on these devices to slow traffic. If there is a sign for the tope, it is at the tope. No forewarning. Keep a lookout for the topes.
4. Checkpoints. There are many. Inhabited with federal police carrying automatic weapons. They are mostly looking for drugs and weapons (don't bring any). But there are times when they are looking for supplemental income. Their risky jobs don’t provide a living wage. They may say you need a sticker, or broke a law. Pay the money. It is always the better choice. I have never heard of them asking for more than 500 pesos. And I am sorry if that is a lot of money to you. But I can assure you that the alternative to paying the 500 pesos will be considerably more. Your job is to smile. Mexicans are very proud of their country. Anything you can do that will convey México is beautiful will help you. They enjoy hearing it. Please note that I have heard of them seeking supplemental income from locals, too. Of course, you are easier prey, and may have better cash flow. A friend of mine who travels to México often (via motorcycle) says he has never had a problem at checkpoints. Hopefully it will be the same for you.
5. Don’t give a rich appearance. Leave your gold chains, rings and Rolex in your home country. Keep your stash of pesos in another pocket. Keep separate the money you will use for today. In other words, don’t wave a lot of money. I have never had a bad encounter in México. The people are very friendly, and enjoy a laugh. They could have the worst job imaginable, but always find an opportunity to laugh. But, I have been told there are bad people in México. And a billboard that says you are rich may attract them.
6. Avoid drunks. This never has a happy ending. If you see one (a drunk), give plenty of room and exit the situation. Unless you like fights, this is always a good rule in any country.
7. Smile. Be the first to smile. They people of México won’t smile first. But, they cannot refrain from smiling after seeing your smile. This will open up many doors to you.
8. Begin every conversation with a greeting…Buenos dias, buenas tardes, buenas noches. After that you can get on with your transaction…beer, gas, food, etc. Always conclude with gracias.
9. Propinas (Tips). In some cases this is the only income they will receive. For example, the person who bags your groceries, is not an employee of the store. Their only income is from tips. 3-5 pesos is sufficient for the bag person. If service is good at a restaurant give 15%. If it is excellent and you plan on eating another meal there give 20%. On your next visit, you will lack nothing in food or service.
10. They will laugh at you. You are a novelty. Unless it is #6 above, they are not being mean, just looking for an opportunity to laugh.
11. Never ride a motorcycle after drinking. This is common sense in any country. But especially so in a foreign country. There is so much more information to process. You don’t need to be impaired.
12. Money. ATMs are plentiful, and are bilingual. There is a $1.50 US charge for each transaction. Some cards charge a one percent fee in addition. You will receive pesos.
13. Gasoline. All the gas stations are Pemex and state owned. They are numerous, but be aware of where the next one will be and fill up accordingly. Buy the good stuff. There are two grades. Always observe the pump being reset to zero, before they begin filling your tank. Tips are welcome here. Five pesos will get you lots of extra service for air, etc.
14. They think your bike is very cool! Most motorcycles here are in the 100-150cc range. When in towns, wave to kids. They love it!
15. Avoid riding at night, or early morning before it is light. There are too many unknowns.
16. Time has a different meaning here. Nothing happens fast. If you are in a hurry…slow down. You are in a foreign country. Accept their ways, and go with the flow. You will enjoy it more.
17. It is probably not a good idea to spend time in a border town. News reports I have seen indicate there could be violence there. Enter the country and keep going south, away from the border.

This is not meant to be a complete guide. It is based on my observations after living four years in México. The intent is that you will enjoy your visit here. It is an incredible country!
 
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#34 ·
Mexico

Hi guys - I'm just reading this thread. I've been riding 2-up in mexico for the past 2 weeks and we're going down to guatemala. I can confirm it's a beautiful country, great food, very nice people. Not a single problem so far.

I am also in the market for a taller windshield for my '09 wee-strom. If anybody has any tips / ideas on where to get them over here let me know.

Thanks
 
#35 ·
Taller windshield

I rode through Mexico down to Guatemala last April. I spent about a month riding around. I have 650 Wee. I put on a windshield from "California Scientific". It worked out great. They have different sizes to fit the individual rider. I would recommend there product.

Bill :thumbup:
 
#36 ·
harmonicamoon,

I was in your town few weeks ago.. Beautiful town! Unfortunately I wasn't on a bike as the Harelys available in Playa del Carmen were not to my liking so we just rented a car.

I think all your tips make sense! Mexico is a wonderful country with wonderful people and hopefully my wife and I can get down there again but with bike(s).

..Tom
 
#40 ·
Under Mexican law, you MUST have Mexico insurance provided by a Mexican insurance company that is authorized by Mexico’s National Insurance Commission. Your U.S. and Canadian auto insurance is NOT valid for liability accidents in Mexico.

http://www.motormexico.com/
 
#41 ·
Harmonicamoon's advise is good advise for riding just about anywhere "South of the Border". Traffic overall is more aggressive than most people are used to "North of the Border". Having ridden in Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala, I would describe it as more in line with the wild, wild west. Especially here in Honduras there are few if any police that actually drive around like up North, except a few in the cities of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, otherwise about the only time you will see the police are around the police stations in the smaller towns and the security road blocks on the secondary roads. In the year and a half I have lived and ridden in Honduras, I have NEVER been stopped at the security check points nor by a policeman in general.

For the size of the populations down here, there is a large motorcycle culture, and I'm not talking about all the little 100cc to 250cc bikes you see running around. There are lots of motorcycle clubs, don't be put off by their leathers, the vast majority of MC's down here are just good ole boys riding a host of HD's, the high end Yamaha, Kawi V-twins, Super Tenere's, Ducatis, Triumps, etc.. Other than a couple of Wee's here in Tegucigalpa, I think I have the only Vee (09) in the entire country.

So if anyone decides to wonder a little further south than just Mexico, follow Harmonicamoons advise and you'll have few if any issues. Don't be surprised if someone pulls up next to you on one of the brands stated above and tries to wave you over to chat about where you are from and where you are going.

Anyone planning to travel through Central America on their dream trip to points further South, give me a yell, I have a spare bedroom, garage, tools, cold beer. Plus all brands of motorcycles are represented locally for parts or maintenance support.

Regards
 
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