Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Central America and Mexico
Central America and Mexico Topics specific to Central America and Mexico only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 18 Jul 2011
brclarke's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
Question A cheap bike in Mexico..?

Hi...
I'm a long-time motorcyclist who has done some short-term tours overseas. I've rode a variety of street bikes, and currently ride a little Honda CBR125 in Canada. After talking with my manager, it sounds like I'll be able to take 4 weeks leave in February-March 2012, and I'm thinking of going to Mexico.

I have three options:
a) Ride or trailer my 125 down to Mexico in the middle of winter. Riding from Canada south could be terrible depending on weather. Trailering/shipping would be very expensive (say $1000 each way).

b) Rent a small motorcycle. The trouble with this is that any moto rentals I can find with Internet searches are Harleys or BMWs at $120/day. That's fine for a few days maybe, but I want to do as much riding in four weeks as possible - and I'd be happy to plod along on a 125cc rather than a big honking bike.

c) Buy a cheap little 125cc in Mexico. I think this might actually be a great option. You can buy something like a CGL125 or a YB125 for less than 20,000 pesos ($2000 US). The worry here is paperwork and registration.

So... what do you think? Does anyone know of some thrifty motorcycle rentals in Mexico? ...
Or is there a dealership in Mexico that is accustomed to dealing with us 'extrajaneros' who want to do a quick buy/ride/sell in a month..?
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 18 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Mexico City
Posts: 448
Where are you coming to in Mexico?
I bought a little Suzuki 125GN. It is a great little bike and costs 21,000 pesos. At the time it was the best option around and I think it still is. I don't think you will find a dealer interested in doing a buy back plan but you should check around.
When I got my bike I was looking for something second hand but there really wasn't a big saving. I can help you get a new bike and can give you a habd selling it but why not just keep it here so you can use it whenecer you visit?
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 19 Jul 2011
brclarke's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
That's not a bad idea at all, and in fact that was the sort of idea I had in mind.
I know a couple of people who teach in Huatulco, Oaxaca, so I could leave the bike in storage with them, but I'm not sure there is a decent motorcycle vendor there that would help me get the papers and registration in order...

When I look at rental rates, I find that Mexico seems to be really high. For example, I can do a search and find places in Guatemala or Nicaragua that rent out 200cc bikes for about $50/day. However, when I Google "Mexico motorcycle rental", these are about the only rates I can find:
Kawasaki KLR 650 7+ days: $115 per day
BMW R 1150 GS 7+ days: $145 per day
Harley Sportster 883 7 days: $475 /week
KTM 640 Adventure 7 days: $975 /week
Suzuki V-Strom 650 14+ Days: $110.00 Per day
plus insurance, etc.

The cheapest bike there is $70/day for off-season, and it's a 500lb Sportster out of Cancun. All I really need is a 125 or a 250.
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250

Last edited by brclarke; 19 Jul 2011 at 18:55.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 20 Jul 2011
brclarke's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
Question

Over 250 views in one day - and only one response?

No one out there has ever bought a small bike in Mexico..?
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 20 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Mexico City
Posts: 448
Only me by the looks of things.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 21 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Colorado
Posts: 314
I haven't, but I'm interested in what you find out. I'd like to do the same thing in Mex. and maybe elsewhere in the world, too.



..................shu
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 25 Jul 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 6
Bike for sale in Mexico

Hi
I will recommend some friends near Mexico city who have good bikes stores and plenty of dirt and all purpose bikes for sale.
They are located at a small town 2 hours drive from Mexico City, and you may find some in Mexico City too, you just have to be carefull with registration papers as they may be stolen bikes.

Il be glad to help, I live in Mexico City, and know pretty well the area.

I am planning to go up north to St Fco in middle August in a Gs 1200, by the way, if anyone interested to go up.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 25 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 266
I think Simon Gandolfini bought his CG 125 Cargo in Mexico.
Check out his blog(google Old man on a bike) or maybe pm him on the HUB and he might give you some tips.
I'd go with the Honda CG from the research I have done, if your looking at a 125
Good luck
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 25 Jul 2011
brclarke's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
Cool

I've already written to Simon G. (I started reading his book "Old Man on a Bike" a few days ago; an entertaining read, BTW)

Mr. Gandolfi said he contacted Honda Mexico's HQ, and they put him onto a Honda dealership called Moto Diez in Veracruz. He managed to get his CG125 registered and on the road in only a couple of days... but he speaks excellent Spanish while mine is mediocre. One of the staff at the dealership offered to help him out with the paperwork, and claimed Simon as his grandfather while using his own address as a proof of domicile for the registration process.

I need to find a Mexican dealership that is used to dealing with foreigners and will offer a similar level of help. I think my next step will be to write to these Moto Diez guys in my crappy Spanish and see if they are willing to help me out.

So if anyone out there knows of other such helpful dealerships in Mexico, please let me know...
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 25 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Mexico City
Posts: 448
I can help you out: I am sure you will be able to find a dealer in Mexico City who can sell you a bike and get it refistered for you. If you want somewhere to stay while you set things up you are welcome to stay with us.
Garry
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 3 Aug 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Mexico
Posts: 338
Quote:
Originally Posted by bclarke View Post
One of the staff at the dealership offered to help him out with the paperwork, and claimed Simon as his grandfather while using his own address as a proof of domicile for the registration process.
I think what he meant is that one of the people at the registration office referred to him as "abuelo" or more likely "abuelito" as an affectionate sign of respect for a friendly old foreigner. Claiming him as a grandfather serves no purpose during the registration process, unless he was getting stuck on registering with an FM tourist visa and somebody in the office was helping him out with that particular snag meaning they got someone to let it slide if it was a problem.

To get a good idea of the time you will need, he took two days to get to Tuxtepec, Oaxaca. Most riders get there in a few hours but they aren't riding a loaded down 125 with about 10 bhp. That KLR is looking more attractive isn't it?
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 3 Aug 2011
brclarke's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
I lived in Oaxaca from 2004 until 2007 and rode around on a 200cc while there, so I'm kind of familiar with the area. While a bigger bike would be ideal, I'm not going to be able to buy a KLR, new or used, for a price I can afford. I can manage a couple of grand for a nice little 125cc, though. I will have more time than money, and don't mind plodding along at 80 or 90 KPH.
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 3 Aug 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Mexico
Posts: 338
Trust me, at 80 or 90 kph you'll be wringing its little neck.
You'll feel the difference from a 200 down to a 125cc.
If you spend $2,000 plus registration plus any insurance you then have the bike to store. If you rent the KLR for 10 days you can see way more, forget about maintenance, and you will have spent less. If you store the 125cc for a second go round a year later you will only be barely ahead of having rented the KLR. If you are going to use the little 125cc bike a third time around you will finally be ahead of the game but will still be limited as to how far you can go in the time frame of your vacation. If you buy the 125cc bike, wring its neck and then sell it for a good price, you'll be way ahead.
You can get bored real quick on a 125 Honda Cargo.
But its all about having fun, so I hope to see you on the road somewhere.
Good luck. At least you know that riding a 125 on the road in Mexico is not the same as in a Canadian city.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 3 Aug 2011
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,982
You can buy a used KLR in the States for the same $2k. I just paid $2800 for one with 6000 total miles, but higher mileage bikes are available cheaper.

I've tried the 125 route elsewhere and found it lacking in most respects although easy to carry up a flight of stairs. 200 or 250 is a good minimum in the mountains, particularly if you're not carrying massive baggage. For long journeys (tens of thousands of miles and 6 months or a year at a time) I prefer a 650.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 4 Sep 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 2
Cgl-125 ($1307)

I just purchased a New Honda CGL-125 for $15,028 ($1307 USD) in Merida. Plates should cost around another $300 ($26 USD). Hope it helps. Have fun on your trip.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
mexico 125cc


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Cheap Mexico Insurance? 2foilheads Trip Paperwork 9 30 Jul 2011 17:52
first bike on the cheap anagallis_arvensis Which Bike? 11 23 Sep 2009 13:51
The best bike on the cheap? RamonAllones Which Bike? 13 30 Jul 2006 18:08
Cheap lodging/hotels in Veracruz state (mexico) sky35366 TRAVEL Hints and Tips 0 13 Jun 2006 16:42

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 00:51.