Devil's Back Bone
 

In 2005 we rode 2-up from Durango to Mazatlan – Devils Back Bone – on our Harley Touring Bike. Fantastic ride. I don’t expect the new toll road will be anywhere close to the same experience. Are there still any parts of the old road being used and are they being kept in good enough repair for a Touring Bike? And is this route still reasonably safe? Planing my 2015 route through Mexico.

Hi,
I did this part last year october. The road is in a good condition. Good for your bike. I enjoyed this part very much. Also very safe.

Good luck.

Djin

Sorry, I didn't explain myself properly
 

Sorry, I didn't explain myself properly. I have no doubt the new toll highway is good enough for my bike. But that is not the ride or experience I am looking for. I am looking for the same type of ride that existed before the new toll highway . Does the old highway, or most of it still exist....or has the old highway become the new toll road? If the old highway does still exist, has it been kept in good repair, suitable for a great ride on a touring bike.

The old original Highway Mex 40 is still there for you to enjoy . The New road is an addition , with a new toll route section from Durango west to near El Salto running a bit father to the north. Then the new road then zigzags and sometimes crosses the old . But you can elect to stay on old road or totally new road . The old will now have slightly less traffic but still truckers unwilling to pay the toll will use the free road so keep up the vigilance at the sharp blind turns, and always for livestock. The new road though is also scenic and should be ridden at least once , someday .

Great drive - or at least it was in a 36' overwide motorhome.

The new road is a toll road so the old one will always be there to provide a free route and if other routes in Mexico are any indication, I imagine there will be plenty of trucks still using it