2006FJR
Administrator of Transportation
How safe is it to ride in and around Mexico these days? Are there any links that can help with planning or give me an idea of how safe it would be?
how safe is it to ride in Mexico?
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Beamer Reamer
Death Before Disco
ndivita
Well-known member
Based on never having been on a motorcycle in Mexico but having been there twice otherwise, never to return, to ask the question is to answer it. Who knows though, you might get back alive.
beemerdons
Certifiable Old Fart
2006FJR, I have been to Mexico a hundred+ times since my first surfing trip to K-39 in 1963 and have ridden a motorcycle to Mexico at least fifty+ times since 1966 when I rode to El Rosario on my 1964 Norton Atlas 750. I rode to Guatemala City twenty years ago in 1990 on my 1986 BMW R80 RT. If you go to the Southwest section of our forum, I have a half-dozen Ride Reports on Mexico Motorcycle Trips posted there. Here is my contact information if you need any further assistance in planning a motorcycle trip to Guatemala:
Don Stanley - BeemerDonS aka Chuy Medina "El Burrito Ballerina" [email protected] Phone: 480-440-4666 Do you know when you are going? I would be interested in the section to Acapulco, I would either ride down with you or meet you on your return to Estados Unidos. I rode to Puerto Vallarta in October of 2008, but did not have time to stay in Acapulco, so I am interested in three days there. https://www.mexpro.com Sign up for MexPro Insurances free e-mail newsletter, lots of up to date information on Mexico travels.
I've been using MexPro for my M/C insurance in Mexico for last decade with great results; I went down on my 2003 FJR while "off-roading" in San Felipe and they treated me right!
The most dangerous area within Mexico, for anyone regardless if you are Canadian, US or a Mexican citizen, is within 50 kilometers of The Border. Here are the three cities I WILL NOT CROSS AT: Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez and Nuevo Laredo. With your living in Irvine, cross at Tecate; one of the easiest crossings, next to Sonoita. Here are three cities on the way to Guatemala where I only stop for petrol: Caborca, Culiacan and Durango. Not that anything has ever happened to me in these Ciudades, but they are known for las Drogas cartels.
Just use common sense and you'll be fine, if something doesn't feel right, then saddle up and ride to the next village. When I stop for the night, I usually find a hotel/motel with a restaurant attached. I don't hit the local cantinas these days now that I'm 61, when I was 31 I would close the bar with the locals; but those days are long past me now, smarter!!
Watch your speed in cities, that will get you ticketed and los Topes (Silent Policeman - speed bumps) will break you under fairing pieces on the FJR. Have fun, life is an adventure!
Don Stanley - BeemerDonS aka Chuy Medina "El Burrito Ballerina" [email protected] Phone: 480-440-4666 Do you know when you are going? I would be interested in the section to Acapulco, I would either ride down with you or meet you on your return to Estados Unidos. I rode to Puerto Vallarta in October of 2008, but did not have time to stay in Acapulco, so I am interested in three days there. https://www.mexpro.com Sign up for MexPro Insurances free e-mail newsletter, lots of up to date information on Mexico travels.
I've been using MexPro for my M/C insurance in Mexico for last decade with great results; I went down on my 2003 FJR while "off-roading" in San Felipe and they treated me right!
The most dangerous area within Mexico, for anyone regardless if you are Canadian, US or a Mexican citizen, is within 50 kilometers of The Border. Here are the three cities I WILL NOT CROSS AT: Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez and Nuevo Laredo. With your living in Irvine, cross at Tecate; one of the easiest crossings, next to Sonoita. Here are three cities on the way to Guatemala where I only stop for petrol: Caborca, Culiacan and Durango. Not that anything has ever happened to me in these Ciudades, but they are known for las Drogas cartels.
Just use common sense and you'll be fine, if something doesn't feel right, then saddle up and ride to the next village. When I stop for the night, I usually find a hotel/motel with a restaurant attached. I don't hit the local cantinas these days now that I'm 61, when I was 31 I would close the bar with the locals; but those days are long past me now, smarter!!
Watch your speed in cities, that will get you ticketed and los Topes (Silent Policeman - speed bumps) will break you under fairing pieces on the FJR. Have fun, life is an adventure!
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beemerdons
Certifiable Old Fart
https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?s...=111837&hl= 2006FJR, following this Ride Report of mine will get you routed as far South as Puerto Vallarta; staying at the fantastic and scenic cities of San Carlos, Mazatlan, San Blas and Guadalajara. You MUST stay in the mountain hamlet of Tapalpa: You're transported back a hundred years in time!
beemerdons
Certifiable Old Fart
https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?s...=116905&hl= Real de Catorce is a jewel of a Pueblo that will take you back in Mexican History 300 hundred years. Fantastico!!
Great info Don! Thanks for taking the time posting this info!
Doing a 48plus in 3 weeks and was worried about the Mexican Crossing.
Going right through Phoenix... Do you give escorts for crossings?
Thanks for the info,
Tony
beemerdons
Certifiable Old Fart
Tony, Just give me a holler at 480-440-4666 or [email protected] and I will assist you in any way that I can! The BMW Road Runner Rally is May 21-23, I'll be tied up with that M/C event.Great info Don! Thanks for taking the time posting this info!
Doing a 48plus in 3 weeks and was worried about the Mexican Crossing.
Going right through Phoenix... Do you give escorts for crossings?
Thanks for the info,
Tony
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rickcorwn
Well-known member
This last February we did 2 weeks in Copper Canyon, Mexico ROCKS. We had absolutely no problems any where we went, that's not to say you can't find trouble in Mexico. There are trouble spots and like big cities everywhere there's crime in the wrong neighborhoods. There's a massive amount of info about travel south of the border on ADV, here's a Google search link for "Is it safe to ride in Mexico" on the ADV forum.
Where you headed?
Where you headed?
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RenoJohn
Well-known member
Every time this topic comes up (often)
...it is the same thing. Those who have never ridden in Mexico say it's a bad idea ..Meanwhile those who do ride in mexico are eager for the next trip ..if not currently riding in mexico.
I'd much rather be riding down there than here in the states. The beauty, the roads, the people ...all awesome. Don't get me wrong, hard to find anyone that loves riding USA more than I do ...but my most favorite riding times have been south of the border.
On a past trip there was pretty good unrest in Oaxaca ..and I drew a circle on my maps to avoid it. Well, it turns out I couldn't easily avoid it and I pulled in late afternoon a bit nervous and apprehensive.
. Turns out it became one of my favorite cities in Mexico, with amazing people, history and character. Point being, the negative advice you get is is likely coming from keyboard jockeys, not riders.
(BTW: i couldn't easily avoid it becase I was on 175 coming from the east. ..175 is one of the most amazing riding I've ever experienced, and to think I might have missed that because of concern to go into Oaxaca? -almost happened, and what a shame that would have been.
Enjoy and have fun .....and if I can offer any suggestions, let me know ....and the ultimate source for all these mexico is Beemerdons.
...it is the same thing. Those who have never ridden in Mexico say it's a bad idea ..Meanwhile those who do ride in mexico are eager for the next trip ..if not currently riding in mexico.
I'd much rather be riding down there than here in the states. The beauty, the roads, the people ...all awesome. Don't get me wrong, hard to find anyone that loves riding USA more than I do ...but my most favorite riding times have been south of the border.
On a past trip there was pretty good unrest in Oaxaca ..and I drew a circle on my maps to avoid it. Well, it turns out I couldn't easily avoid it and I pulled in late afternoon a bit nervous and apprehensive.
. Turns out it became one of my favorite cities in Mexico, with amazing people, history and character. Point being, the negative advice you get is is likely coming from keyboard jockeys, not riders.
(BTW: i couldn't easily avoid it becase I was on 175 coming from the east. ..175 is one of the most amazing riding I've ever experienced, and to think I might have missed that because of concern to go into Oaxaca? -almost happened, and what a shame that would have been.
Enjoy and have fun .....and if I can offer any suggestions, let me know ....and the ultimate source for all these mexico is Beemerdons.
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Wanderer
Well-known member
Some guy over on ADVrider was asking about the safety of riding from here to Bolivia and pondered the need for cyanide capsules 'should anything go wrong'
:huh: :lol:
I go to Mexico a little less than once a year, no bikes, but I've been everywhere from TJ and Sonoita to Mexico City, small villages to Cancun. I particularly like the southern state of Chiapas. Like BeemerDonS said, the only real danger is the first 75-100 miles near the border. Beyond that it's a wonderful country.
:huh: :lol:
I go to Mexico a little less than once a year, no bikes, but I've been everywhere from TJ and Sonoita to Mexico City, small villages to Cancun. I particularly like the southern state of Chiapas. Like BeemerDonS said, the only real danger is the first 75-100 miles near the border. Beyond that it's a wonderful country.
beemerdons
Certifiable Old Fart
https://medexassist.com Very Good Point, Deacon51! When I am biking in the northern states of Sonora and Baja, I do not bother with Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance.
But, when I am riding further South in Mexico (and when I have ridden Europe and New Zealand) I go with this outfit. Rates are very reasonable and their references impeccable!
The company I work for purchased a Mexican company and I've been to Mexico 4 times in the last 6 months for 2 week stints each time. I just got back yesterday from the most recent trip. All but 1 trip started in Chihuahua. The other was in the Zacatecas area and up to 350 km westwards. The last trip brought me very close to the boarder. I could see Juarez and US from the road we were on. We then went another 400-500 km westward into the state of Senora on what I consider secondary roads. We paralleled the US border for a time then headed inland.
Most main roads are safe. However, if using secondary paved roads (2 lane only), be sure to be off them before nightfall. All locals will tell you the same thing. Don't take this lightly.
There's a reason that everyone has fences around there yards and security system installed in vehicles. So beware of thieves, they are everywhere.
Speed limits mean nothing so if you want to cruise at 150 km/h, go crazy. Be prepared for quite a few army and Federally check points, there everywhere. It allows you to stretch your legs while they check out your vehicle.
The main roads have toll booths and they aren't shy charging either.
Other than the cautions mentioned above, be careful and have a great time.
Cheers,
D.C.
Most main roads are safe. However, if using secondary paved roads (2 lane only), be sure to be off them before nightfall. All locals will tell you the same thing. Don't take this lightly.
There's a reason that everyone has fences around there yards and security system installed in vehicles. So beware of thieves, they are everywhere.
Speed limits mean nothing so if you want to cruise at 150 km/h, go crazy. Be prepared for quite a few army and Federally check points, there everywhere. It allows you to stretch your legs while they check out your vehicle.
The main roads have toll booths and they aren't shy charging either.
Other than the cautions mentioned above, be careful and have a great time.
Cheers,
D.C.
2006FJR
Administrator of Transportation
Thank you beemerdons for taking the time to write this and help me understand what is going on. It looks like my wife is my biggest hurdle right now and my back has me well, on my back. You started to process of really opening my eyes and I hope I have a chance to make the trek. The wife is really against it.
beemerdons
Certifiable Old Fart
2006FJR, glad that I could help; call on me at anytime for any information you need for motorcycling Mexico. SYB Rider made an excellent point that I was remiss in stating loudly:
NEVER M/C RIDE AT NIGHT IN MEXICO. In 50- years of riding a bike in Mexico, every close call has come while out at night. Just don't do it, plan your routing to avoid night riding.
SYB Rider also brought up a good point on security, most all Mexican hotels have an interior courtyard. Just pull your bike into the courtyard/lobby, the hotel operators expect this!
SYB Rider mentioned Zacatecas, this is a must see city in Mexico and one of my very favorites. Great statue of the Revolutionary Leaders on a mountain top overlooking la Ciudad.
NEVER M/C RIDE AT NIGHT IN MEXICO. In 50- years of riding a bike in Mexico, every close call has come while out at night. Just don't do it, plan your routing to avoid night riding.
SYB Rider also brought up a good point on security, most all Mexican hotels have an interior courtyard. Just pull your bike into the courtyard/lobby, the hotel operators expect this!
SYB Rider mentioned Zacatecas, this is a must see city in Mexico and one of my very favorites. Great statue of the Revolutionary Leaders on a mountain top overlooking la Ciudad.
FJRONAMISSION
Flying at the speed of smell ;))
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That depends............... do you look like a DEA cop ???????.......... NOT good :blink: :blink:
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....... look like a smuggler......... you will most likely get a high-five and a free room upgrade.......
B.....
beemerdons
Certifiable Old Fart
https://www.city-data.com/picfilesv/picv65.php In Tucson, AZ we have a smaller copy of the statue of Francisco "Pancho" Villa that stands on La Bufa overlooking Zacatecas, Mexico.
Wherever you travel in Mexico or Guatemala, you'll find shrines in cantinas, restaurants, coffee shops, cafes or any public place to Pancho and Ernesto "Che" Guevara. Los Heroicos.
Wherever you travel in Mexico or Guatemala, you'll find shrines in cantinas, restaurants, coffee shops, cafes or any public place to Pancho and Ernesto "Che" Guevara. Los Heroicos.
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charismaticmegafauna
Well-known member
Yes, it's "thievery" -- but it's also a completely different culture. If rich Gringo leaves stuff lying around for the taking -- well, that may just be an invitation? Rich Gringo probably has it insured and will just make a claim?
If rich Gringo has so much stuff that he doesn't need to watch or protect it..., well...
When there's rampant poverty, 'sharing the wealth' takes on a whole new meaning... :huh:
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