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.

By Alberto Cintron - January 16, 2018

 

Tip#7. Carry mordida

 

The only way I care to go there anymore is on a cruise ship. Just there one day and I've had enough culture. Can't imagine crossing the border anymore. Especially on my bike. Place sucks.

 

Tip #1: Don't.


But seriously, having traveled to Mexico many times for business there is no way I would ride there on my own. I would find a professional tour guide that knows what they're doing, or at least a riding buddy that speaks the language and knows the culture. Heck, if you've never been in a car in Mexico, being on your bike is not a great way to find out how they drive there

 

Indeed.

Now days the "bite" is the least of your problems. I've ridden down there in the past, but no more. It just isn't isn't worth it. I remember my first time riding down there and flying by a sign that said "Tope". Talk about an eye opener, I bought a damn Spanish to English dictionary after that.

 

I knew a guy who took his pickup, his new Harley and his Mexican wife to Mexico. Got kidnapped, lost his truck and Harley. Said they didn’t kill him because they were American and didn’t want the FBI after them.

I would not take my bike there.

 

The reason for the way they drive down there is their "right of way" rule, which is basically, "the bigger the vehicle, the MORE right of way they have". This means that semis, typically, have the right of way, no matter how badly they're driving, so you had just better get out of their way! A motorcycle, being one of the SMALLEST motorized vehicles on the road (bicycles might be considered smaller, but have no motor), are given the LEAST amount of "right of way" on the roads. Unless I was going there with a big group of other bikes together, I probably wouldn't suggest doing so. Between the other bigger vehicles on the roads and all the crime and drug cartels, which "run" pretty much everything, it's just too dangerous!!

 

Can’t believe the word ‘shithole’ hasn’t been used yet

 

Besides, State Dept. Has a travel advisory out to not travel to Mexico at this time. ( ok, to 5 Mexican states)

 

Number 1.. Don't..Take the cab or bus.
Enjoy..

The safe areas are too congested.
The boonies could get you in trouble.

Enough said.

But just my opinion. I spend 3 months here ever winter.
My transportation and mule is a bike with a basket and rear rack.

Here in Playa Carmen, nearly every one only stops at side streets till after they have rolled out to see. Not unusual for pedal bikes to come from opposite direction. My bike is slow enough to just stop if necessary or make sure they see me. Locals do not want to hit a tourist. A Harley would get old and unnerving for me.