Can I feed my FJR Pemex?

[FJR4PMC]

I would like to venture south of the border on my beloved FJR and was curious about how my bike will perform on less than ideal fuel. Any input on this issue would be appreciated as well as any info/pitfalls on Mexican motorbike adventures. Sorry if this topic has already been covered. Thanks in advance for all responses!

 

[wheatonFJR]

I wish Beemerdons was here to answer this one...

I believe there is a photo of Beemerdons and Greg's 04s down in Mexico. Could be photoshopped though, never can tell.

 

[HotRodZilla]

Pemex is usually fine. It's a government owned gas company. The chances of dirty tanks is higher, but Mexican gas is way better than it used to be. Take a couple bottles of Lucas Gas Treatment, just in case. I ONLY say Lucas because they use thin tall bottles that are easy to pack. Every now and then they'll be out of the lower octane fuel, so just suck it up and go a step up in octane.

I'd be willing to bet you probably won't need them. Easy!

 

[bashaw]

I rode the Baja two years ago on my 06fjr and had no issues with Pemex regular gas.

The trip was two thousand miles in total and was a great ride from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas and back.

The roads are really good and it is a safe place to travel.

The group I went with have done it every November for years.

Not sure where you were planning to go in Mexico but my experience on the Baja was excellent!

Brian

 

[escapefjrtist]

I wish Beemerdons was here to answer this one...I believe there is a photo of Beemerdons and Greg's 04s down in Mexico. Could be photoshopped though, never can tell.

Echoing Mark, Don was a wealth of information for south of the border runs.

Woulda, shoulda, coulda made one of his trips to experience Mexico through his eyes!

--G

 

[Bill Lumberg]

Why does this remind me of the federale shakedown scene in "We're The Millers"? I'd love to take a brief trip south of the border though.

 

[smithpa68]

Make sure the pump is set to zero before you start pumping in Mexico.. The Red pumps should be the higher octane vs Green pumps. (Green is not diesel in Mexico should say Diesel Sin or something like that. ) I don't remember the ratings though.. been a few years since I have been down there. Also, check your change. "Honest" mistakes happen...

 

[smithpa68]

Why does this remind me of the federale shakedown scene in "We're The Millers"? I'd love to take a brief trip south of the border though.

I have been down to Baja 3 times. Shaken down twice. Still a great place to visit. Maybe its time to go again....

 

[Bill Lumberg]

Make sure you have pesos in case of a shakedown. The alternative could be ugly...

 

[HotRodZilla]

I've been to Mexico a hundred times, and I've never been "shaken down." Too much TV perhaps?

 

[dravnx]

I've made many trips to Baja (over 15 I think) in the past 25 years and have never been shaken down. Guess I'm not doing it right. As to the Pemex, it's fine. They rate their gasoline using RON, which is 2-6 points higher then AKI that is used in the US.

Keep your eye on the pump when getting fueled. Make sure it's zero'd before they pump. Some stations have notoriously inaccurate pumps but on a moto, there is not enough of an error to really make a difference.

Don't drive at night.

Eat lots of fish tacos.

Get Mexican insurance.

Make sure to get an FMT (tourist card)

Convert your dollars into Pesos if you are going to be there more then a few days.

Don't over plan the trip as you want to be on Baja time.

Lots of info about Baja over at Advrider and Bajanomads.

How much time do you have and where are you going?

 

[Bill Lumberg]

What did you do wrong smithpa?

 

[fljab]

It's been many yrs since I've been in Mexico, and never with a FJR. I honestly think these bikes will run kerosene - and exaggeration for sure, but it seems to like anything I've ever found to put in it all over the US and Canada.

As to being shaken down, well, there was that time in Tijuana at the strip club..........

 

[PhatAir4Me]

Always carry about 400 pesos separate from the rest of your cash, I have never been "shaken down" but I I have gotten pulled over twice once for being white and obeying the speed limit (ok kinda shook down) the other was for doubling the speed limit for several miles thru town although at 3:00 am (left late for a fishing trip) got pulled over by the "motorcycle" I thought was following me, tuned out to be a cop with a headlight out! Both times they said that they would have to take my drivers license to the court or police station (I don't speak spanish fluently) and I would have to go there to pay my fine and get it back. Both times I played dumb and asked them if they could please take my fine for me and very respectfully palmed the 3-400 pesos and was very apologetic. The second time the guy asked if I had more money so I dumped the coins out of the ashtray in my hand and he looked dissapointed so I pulled out my VISA and he kind of glared at me, muttered some unintelligible chit and left me alone.

 

[NMRoadRunner]

Let me simplify this for you. What else are you gonna use? There, now go ride Mexico! You should be more worried of someone taking your stuff.

Added: American cigarettes go a long ways getting through check points.

 

[smithpa68]

What did you do wrong smithpa?

Parked with a trailer across two spots one time. This was total BS.. I was cleaning trash out of the truck and into a trash can. I mean come on.. locals don't do that in Mexico. Trash is everywhere.

The other... well... sort of deserved that one. hahaha. Too many beers, late night, no facilities....busted. Could have been much worse.

 

[101stpathfinder]

I wish Beemerdons was here to answer this one...
I believe there is a photo of Beemerdons and Greg's 04s down in Mexico. Could be photoshopped though, never can tell.

Perhaps not the photo you were mentioning but:

Good2Go (RIP) and I in Mexico. (Photo by SkooterG)

Pathfinder's Border2Border2Border/-10/10ths Attempt - Long Distance Riding/Iron Butt - FJRForum

BTW- Watch your gloves and anything else not secured.