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Buying a bike in Mexico, as an American Buying a bike in Mexico, as an American
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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
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Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 29 Dec 2014
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Buying a bike in Mexico, as an American
I'm from the USA, and I want to buy a motorcycle & travel the Americas. I am currently in Mexico, and am debating whether I should buy a bike here, or return to the USA a buy one. Are prices about the same? Would you guys recommend that I buy a bike in the USA to avoid all the hassle with the registration/plates etc.? I'm aware that I cannot legally register a bike in Mexico with a tourist VISA, but my girlfriend is Mexican. Would it be possible to buy the bike in her name, and then have her transfer everything to me, in Mexico? As long as she is with me traveling I know that we will have no problem with everything in her name for border crossings, police stops etc. But I want to make sure the bike is in my name if we break up or something on the road, it seems like it would be a headache to transfer official "ownership" to me in a different country.

Also, I kind of want to take a motorcycle safety course as I have no previous riding experience. Is there any particular courses/organizations you would recommend? How long do they take and how much do they cost? I am having trouble finding information like this on the HUBB so thought I would ask here. Thanks so much.
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  #2  
Old 29 Dec 2014
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Motorcycles are significantly more expensive in Mexico than in the U.S. and big bikes are not as common.
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  #3  
Old 30 Dec 2014
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My neighbor in Playa del Carmen has a beautiful V Strom 1000 08 with 8k miles on it. The bike is perfect and he will sell it for the same price it would be in the states.
You can buy it, register it in the states bring the plates to Mx. then install the new plates on the other side of Chetumal border. 3 1/2 hours from Playa. Chetumal because the owner has to stamp out the import sticker. From there you can import it into mx or continue south.
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  #4  
Old 3 Jan 2015
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Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
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Hello, I know a guy from Canada who bought a new Yamaha in Mexico City. He got all the papers on his name and travelled south to Southamerica. He stayed in our ex-house in Nicaragua. But you have to know someone who organize the papers.
If you need contacts just mail me.

It's probably easier to buy a bike in the US. There is as well more selection. BMW is the brand which you will find more in Mexico, if you are looking for a bigger Dualsport Bike.

Saludos Jürgen
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  #5  
Old 4 Jan 2015
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Fly N Buy
Why make life hard for yourself

With no carnet required in South America or Mexico for US registered bikes, save some money while your at it and buy used in the US and ride back.
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  #6  
Old 6 Jan 2015
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Vstrom in Zihuatanjo
There could be a 03 1000 Vstrom in Zihat around Feb. 10th. Im riding down with a friend and he would ride south to Zihat if he could sell his bike. Otherwise he'll take his GS and just ride Baja with me. Let me know if your interested.
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  #7  
Old 3 Feb 2015
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Hola! I may sell my 08 klr which is located in Playa Del Carmen. Its registered in Colorado. 8700 miles, new rear tire, tank,saddle and side bags. Lots more upgrades! 4500.00 US
Thanks, Mark Nichols
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  #8  
Old 10 Feb 2015
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the morning after
(same advice posted to different tread)

What are you gonna do with your bike afterwards? Its a lot easier/cheaper to bring a bike back to the US that was purchased in the US (or already has US plates.) I could be wrong, but that's what my gut tells me. If anyone has differenet experience, please squeak up.
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2008/09 - NJ to Costa Rica and back to NJ
2012/13 - NJ to Northern Argentina, Jamaica, Cuba and back to NJ
2023 - Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia...back to Peru.

Blogs: Peter's Ride
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