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 8 Oct 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Worcester, UK
Posts: 61
Help wanted buying a bike in Mexico City

Hola! I'm flying to Mexico City at the end of November to take part in the Maya End of the World Rally http://www.mayarally.com/, starting in Guanajuato. I'm looking to buy a Honda XR600 or similar in DF to use for the rally and then sell it again. I will probably arrive around 26th November and the rally starts on 3rd of December (my birthday!) so I will not have much time to find a bike and ride to the start.

Ideally I would like to buy one before I arrive but I would need to find someone I can trust who could help me that end to make sure the bike is ok. Is there anyone who can help or can anyone recommend some good trusted dealers in DF that have a good selection of used bikes?

Many thanks, Andy.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10 Oct 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Mexico
Posts: 338
Andy, having lived and bought and sold motorcycles for almost 20 years here in Mexico, let me give you the following thoughts.

Bikes, meaning motorcycles different from scooters or pizza delivery bikes are much more expensive than in many other countries.

The selection here has always been limited, for example, the Africa Twin which is a near perfect bike for Mexico was never sold here, but it was in neighboring Guatemala so go figure!

Selection will be limited and accessories hard to find and likely quite expensive.

Luck plays a major part in this. You are in a good area to find something as the Federal District and the State of Mexico are home to well over 20 million people. The bad news is that about .000001 percent of that population will know what you are looking for. But it is a start.

Be very careful with you cash, and also who you trust!!!!! You will have zero chance of ever seeing your money again if you screw up.

Start looking at this page for some idea of what is available in the area where you will be. The area around Guadalajara sometimes will have better options for what you are looking for but that's a fair distance from Mexico City. http://motos.mercadolibre.com.mx/doble-proposito/

I don't recall the really big Honda XR's being sold for any stretch of time in Mexico. Start thinking about a KLR, or maybe a Suzuki DR400 as you might have more luck.

Remember, parts can be hard to get for bikes that were not sold or supported in Mexico.

Remember, many of these bikes that are uncommon in Mexico have been "imported" either legally or illegally into the country. This can be a potential mine field and major headache and expense. If the bike is illegal in Mexico you will have a hard time plating it. If the bike is legal in Mexico but the yearly tenencias or road tax have not been paid you will be on the hook to pay every single one that is owing before you can plate it. You need to know what you are looking for when it comes to this. Many imported bikes in Mexico have a gray background or dubious past and it is easier for people here who know the system to get things done rather than someone who doesn't know the system and is an outsider.

Do you speak Spanish? Can you read Spanish? Are you aware of what you are getting into? Be honest.

Ok, if you are going to see it through, contact the rally organizers for suggestions for local bike shops that might be able to help you. It is better to have a few people on your side and looking out for you here rather than just being another gringo who is ripe for pickings.

I am being blunt, but seriously, buying and selling bikes here is a fool's paradise and you will need some help.

So start looking at what is on the internet market, not everyone will be out to fleece you but be aware you have basically zero consumer rights in Mexico.

Garry Dymond might be able to give you an opinion or two, also, and he likely will be a good contact for you.

Best of luck, I hope to see you on the rally if the route brings you to Veracruz.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10 Oct 2012
brclarke's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
I think Mike has offered you some good honest advice.

A couple of thoughts:
- How long do you need the bike for? There are a few agencies that will rent you a large BMW or Suzuki for a daily or weekly basis. If you just want the bike for a week or two that might be the simplest way to go.

- On the other hand, if you have a lot of time to spare, you might want to consider flying into Houston or Dallas and buying a used bike there, then riding south to Guanajuato. Not sure what your schedule is like, but you will have much better slection and prices in Texas than in Mexico.
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 11 Nov 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Homeless
Posts: 12
2010 klr650

Andy, I was not planning to travel as far as Mexico City but I might be interested in selling my bike. I am unable to PM you as I do not have 5 post. PM me for details if you are interested. It is registered in Canada.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11 Nov 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Homeless Somewhere
Posts: 1,165
TTR 600 Yammy?

We saw a TTR600 Jammy for sale today in Hermosillo, I have to admit to being very surprised to see it which is why it caught my eye, we are hear until Monday afternoon if this is of interest to you I will get details as it is only 10 km ish away from where we are staying at the mo.

It is however a wee way off from Mexico city.
__________________
Cheers Andi & Ellen .... https://twomotokiwis.blogspot.com/ Two Moto Kiwis Alaska - Argentina - April 2012 -> Somewhere
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11 Nov 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Mexico City
Posts: 448
Andy already has a bike I found for him here in Mex City. It is sitting patiently waiting for him to arrive.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12 Nov 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Mexico
Posts: 338
Great! So what did he get and how much?
Call me "chismoso" but it's good to see if he got what he wanted at a decent price and if it'll do the job and be "los bollocks del perro".
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 13 Nov 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 21
Apattrick,

Do you have a slot in your team? I'm going to those places anyway and that seems to be a great ride
__________________
On a relaxed LONG trip all over Latin America
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 13 Nov 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Mexico City
Posts: 448
He got a 2007 Honda 250 Tornado for 36,000 pesos. It is very clean and has all the tenecias paid. The previous owner was a very nice honest guy and had receipts for services and parts.
I think it will get the job done.

Garry
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 14 Nov 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Mexico
Posts: 338
Quote:
Originally Posted by garrydymond View Post
I think it will get the job done.

Garry
If it doesn't, he won't lose any sleep or money over it.

By the way, Gary, JohnD says hello. He's having fun in Oaxaca.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 15 Nov 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Mexico City
Posts: 448
Real shame i couldn't put him up here in Mex City. Mother-in-law had cataract surgery and is still in recovery but luckily doing very well. Amazing what medicine can do. She was basically blind in one eye and can now see.
We should be able to have visitors again after my brother's visit finishes on Dec 14th.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 15 Nov 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Mexico
Posts: 338
Garry, sorry I couldn't help out with the loan of a bike for your brother, I need mine for personal transport since I sold my truck.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 15 Sep 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 11
Exclamation Reviving This Thread! FREE BEER!

Hi Guys! So I'm a young man here hoping to buy a smaller displacement bike in the humongous metropolis of Mexico City. I'll be arriving into the international airport Wednesday September 18th 2013! Trying to buy as quickly as possible so that I can join my friend who is currently on a DRZ400S in Guatemala ( see his blog at = A Boy and his Bike

I've been doing lots of searches on Adventure Rider as well as now on HorizonsUnlimited. I've been so far searching the online classifieds of

Doble Proposito - Motos - MercadoLibre M�xico

and have come across some interesting bikes.

eg: The Honda XR250 Tornado - My current number one bike that I hope to find used in decent condition for around 30,000 MX




Number two bike: The Honda Bros Xr125L




Those are my two bikes that I've looked at and would consider buying. I've looked at the Italika DM200 and DM150..and would consider the 200 over the 150.

here is the DM 200 ( not sure If still for sale new? haven't seen any 2013 or 2012 models.



If anyone can give me a hand with the buying process I'd be sure grateful and would love to get a few s with someone after the whole ordeal is over and I have my bike all registered, plated and ready for travel!
Reply With Quote
Reply


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
Buying a motorcycle in Peru madmarco Trip Paperwork 15 30 Nov 2019 13:36
Buying and registering a motorcycle in Chile timyarb Trip Paperwork 16 2 Jan 2018 19:55
Advice wanted for buying a bike in Bolivia ccrisfield South America 1 25 May 2016 18:59
Information wanted from experienced bikers in South America joentje100 South America 35 1 Jan 2010 04:00
Transfering Title In Buenos Aires kwelfl South America 7 28 Dec 2008 16:06

 
 

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
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 16:40.