So, who has taken their GW into Mexico lately?

[RaConnol]

Ok, I am not looking to get banned on my second post, so if you don't go to Mexico or you think everyone who does is nutts, that's cool, but that is not I am asking.
I am going to drive my GW into Puerto Vallarta, Mexico this fall where my wife will fly in (and out) and we have some very nice placed booked along the drive south.

What I am looking for is Goldwing Specific information from someone who does ride their Wing further south then Key West Fl. And yes I have been there too.

I am doing my homework, and a big thanks to the ADVRider forum who do these crossings all the time, plenty of document copies, import visas, shots, TVIP, GPS locations of the crossing, and Mexican Customs and Immigration Terminal 20 miles south of Tuscon crossing, Mex Insurance and riding only during the daylight, inReach GPS tracker, Medflight Assist, the list goes on.

My GW is Darksider equipped (can I say that here?) which I think is a must given the conditions of the roads. I have done the Rocky TT, All Balls, PMTs, new 2014 rear shock, with a progressive spring which have all helped keep the bike as tall as possible when fully loaded.

Any postive and productive advise or input on riding a GW into and around Mexico would be very welcome

Respectfully

Rick

BTW my Son at 26, did his first LD motorcycle trip on a KLR for 100 days though Mexico, Central and South America last winter and had an amazing time. And we both followed Harry Russell Edouard Devert's tragic story from begging to end.

[Cruiseman]

I have not ridden in or to Mexico. Once you get to Puerto Vallarta/Cabo region, it looks very safe to me and excellent highways. I wish I had more info.

[RaConnol]

I will write up a short little report when I return

[kniterider]

You should check with the state department ref latest warnings about individual travel there. remember they just recently recovered the body of the ADV rider who was traveling down there. My self and my Lieutenant at the time were specifically warned against riding our bikes in many areas there., since kidnapping gringos is a major money making job there now. good Luck on your adventure though.

[RaConnol]

You should check with the state department ref latest warnings about individual travel there. remember they just recently recovered the body of the ADV rider who was traveling down there. My self and my Lieutenant at the time were specifically warned against riding our bikes in many areas there., since kidnapping gringos is a major money making job there now. good Luck on your adventure though.

That would be Harry Devert, as noted above. Apparently nobody asked his family for a penny. Wrong place, wrong time I suppose. However the warnings are valid hence why I plan on taking the main route south of Tuscon, during daylight hours and staying away from the back country from which Harry was last seen alive.

[Batwing]

My daughter advises me that the State of Michoacan is now the battle ground of the cartels and highway thieves. The violence of the last five years or so in the Juarez area has lessened considerably. I would now visit there, and plan to in the future.


You might do a Google search for violent cities/areas in Mexico & see if anything pops up. Good luck on your trip.

[530ktm]

You are a brave man but I can imagine the ride would be beautiful if it were not for looking over your shoulder constantly.

[RaConnol]

I picked up my inReach SE so our location will always be known and we will have two way text and messaging capabilities everywhere, other then in a cave.
Rooms all booked, and lots of advise from the locals. Still plan on doing the North without my wife, and during the daylight. Lots of days at rest, and only four traveling days with my wife over two weeks. Anything can happen, however, lots of perpetration and a little luck, and all should be good and rather interesting.

[Westdc]

I wouldn't go to Mexico until they release the Marine they are holding in Jail - But if you wish to go -I can only wish you God speed- in 2 more years you won't have to leave here to go to Mexico. The USA will have become Mexico.

[kniterider]

I am participating in the SC-Ma 3 flags rally in about 2 weeks.. Due to the violence they are holding thier "mexico" launch point actually at the fence line in Nogales Arizona and then head to Harrison Hot Springs British Columbia canada. I have been toying with the idea of at least crossing over to Mexico just to cross it off my bucket list since I will be that close.

[RaConnol]

Starbucks yesterday, next to the Puerto Vallarta airport.

Rick

[Pizza Man]

We were in Mexico years ago. JMO, we wouldn't think of going back there again.

[Solidbob]

I have also been to a few states in Mexico, it has been some time prior to all the cra- taking place there now. Roads were much worse then, lots of highways and a few toll roads now. Petrol is pretty crappy and I always used octane booster. There were 4 couples - various bikes - younger then but federalies had check points every 100KM as it was election time and it was a little tricky pulling up to a group of 4 -5 duds packing machine guns to see if we got searched.... everyone eventually did but we were mostly at ease during the process.... wife seemed to always need the Bano' well they just pointed to the woods are bar ditch / she finally stopped asking. It was very interesting at that time as everyone wanted to look at what we were on... and we had brought some little trinkets along for bribes for the kids. Had a couple be our guards for the bikes during lunch. Never felt real comfy, but never felt threatened either... that was late 1990's I believe. My how times have changed, we would love to go again and visit some friends that live in Belieze and another couple on Cozumel... but that will wait for now.... Be safe and enjoy the country....

[Fred in GA]

Unless it's something you have to do I would tour the good old USA and spend my money here. I personally think that in this day I would reconsider. Have a safe trip if you still plan on going. I would much rather **** in the Rio Grande knowing that all these illegals would have to swim in it.

[Solidbob]

By the picture above I would say he's already there!

[RaConnol]

Yes, been here for almost a week now. I respect everyone who wishes not to cross over the border into Mexico, for whatever reason.

So far the main roads have had terrific scenery and yes the side roads into the little towns are a little rough and often cobble stones, but with everyone driving slower in town it's not been an issue.
For anyone who might be interested in what crossing into Mexico looks like here is a little video from Nogales starting just past US customs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkLO-zewiQ0

Secure Parking is never a problem as a GW is rather exotic down here and everyone is very happy to park in secure parking right up to the grand entrance way.



Rick

[pearlblue1800]

I had the opportunity to tour 16 States in Mexico a couple of years ago,.
Riding solo for the majority of the 12,000 + kms. From Tecate criss crossing Baja five times, ferrying to Mazatlan. South on Mex 200 to Guatemala. Then back north through the central states.
Including Mexico City, Guadalajara, Durango, Copper canyon.
NEVER did I feel that I was in any danger. Now I did not go out in the evening looking for coke and a hooker. I treated the people with respect, and common courtesy, received the same back in spades.
I find it very sad that the news sources from which Americans garner most of their foreign knowledge is significantly biased against many Latin Countries particularly Mexico.

If an American is killed within the USA today, by another American for the most part it will only make local news. However if an American is killed within Mexico, by a Mexican it makes international news. Americans killing Americans within America is somehow 'acceptable"?
As in many things in life one need only to follow the money. If one sources al of his information from biased sites,(CNN, Fox etc.) and those sites claim death or destruction awaits you if you leave the your homeland. Stay home. Where do you think you will be spending your money? There is a huge financial interest to encourage Americans to not travel to it's neighbour - Mexico.

One should source Motorcycle travel information from sites in which people have and do regularly ride to and within foreign countries.
eg. "www.advrider.com" "www.horizonsunlimited.com"
You will find that there is a whole world out there worth exploring.
For those that claim there is everything within the borders of the USA. It is very unfortunate that your have willingly chosen to limit your motorcycle travel opportunities.
Well then it is best that you do not travel beyond the borders of your home country..
For you would likely be one of those travelers that would complain to the locals. Too often I have heard during my travels, "that's not the way we do it in the USA" .
Well Toto, you are not in the Kansas anymore.

[RaConnol]

Here is a pic of the GW's overnight parking spot inside the patio of the Encore Restaurant in Bucerias.
So guess what happens when I pull the cover off of the bike. All the guys eating at the restaurant coming walking over. 1/2 are America's living down here for the winter, the rest are local.
Most of the American's own large bikes, couple HDs, BMWs & KTM ADV bikes and the all love the GW.
Bikers are bikers, regardless of the latitude.

Rick

http://www.encoreonthebeach.com/

[Solidbob]

Thanks for the GoPro Video... sure makes stuff go by to fast though....where did you enter Mexico? That's definately not thru Texas or Arizonia..... enjoy your time there. We just got back from Canada - New Foundland / Labrador , Nova Scotia and have been to all Canadian Provences, all 50 states and as I said prior quite a few Mexican States. We appreciate the undates....Thanks

[m45mcdan]

Go to Rocky Point but never as far as your destination. Don't know that I would go it alone, but have heard from many others that once past the border towns all is good. I have several friends including single females who live in Mexico full time and absolutely love it.