Buying a 125cc in Mexico to ride through CA

[patcam]

Hello ,i am a Canadian that will be flying into Brownsville, TX in march and plan on crossing the border on foot. I was wondering if it would be possible to purchase a small 125cc bike in Mexico to ride through central america? What documentation will i need? and how will i obtain them? I do not have a motorcycle license but from what I've read i do not need one. Ive searched alot but cannot find a definitive answer. Any links/resources would be greatly appreciated!! I could also switch my flight to san diego if that made more sense. (2 month itinerary)

Again any suggestions are welcome!

Thank you all for your time

[MikeMike]

Who told you a motorcycle license is not needed in Mexico?
You do.
Unless you are riding a bike below a certain cc limit in some states, you need a license.
A 125cc bike will need a license and a plate.
It will also be useless on major highways and even some state highways. Yes, anything can be done and people do tour on them all the time. Give yourself lots of time. The Chinese/Korean bikes are sold even in supermarkets and you get what you pay for. They are poorly assembled, carry a warranty difficult to actually use, and are also the most stolen of all bikes in Mexico.
You have zero motorcycle knowledge, zero knowledge about Mexico, so you need to spend some time looking for correct and current information.
The internet is also a fool's paradise for complete BS about Mexico.
First, if you are crossing Brownsville on foot, you will be entering Matamoros. One of the worst cities in Mexico to start a trip, not to mention carry the cash around while bike shopping.
Do you speak Spanish? You don't need it at yhe border but in rural areas farther south you most certainly will.
Have you any experience with Mexican traffic? Mexican highways? Rural roads?
How about basic tools and mechanical knowledge? First aid kit and skills? How about a helmet and basic motorcycle safety equipment?
Have you ever ridden a small cc bike for even half a day? They are different than a Bahama moped.
Have you researched the different cheap brands of bikes?
How about traveler insurance? It is more skill oriented to ride a small bike through a country than taking a bus.
PM me and I can help you if you are still serious after reading what I have posted here. Be very realistic with yourself so you dont ruin your trip.
I am also a Canadian and a licensed rider in Mexico. Mexico has beem my home for more than 20 years of on and off road riding. I know of a few people who have succesfully done what you are thinking about. Personally, I would seriously consider another point of entry, first. Understand Mexican law regarding ownership and operation of a motorcycle. Learn to ride some place easier than Mexican traffic. I am not trying to put a damper on your enthusiasm which is quite admirable, I am only asking you to prepare accordingly for the adventure.

[patcam]

I didn't mean to offend anyone. I do have some motorcycle knowledge. I am a licensed light duty + heavy duty mechanic with limited mechanical experience on bikes. I do not have experience on Mexican roads but only one way to learn right!? I was thinking of taking bus from Brownsville to Monterrey and finding a bike there. Thanks for your input.

[MikeMike]

Offend? Nah, I was going on the info you posted originally. Check if licensing requiements are differeng in Nuevo Leon than in Tamaulipas. Make sure you check the important things on a Chinese/Korwan 125 pizza bike. The chances of the guys assembling it comprehending torque values for fittings is likely nill.

[mollydog]

Since when does a tourist need a Mexican driving license in Mexico? I've never been asked for my license ... only tourist Visa and Passport. I WOULD get insurance of course, best bought on USA side of border.

A 125cc bike could be "challenging" on fast roads (dangerous?) but can't be any worse than the many many bicyclists I see on every trip. But I'd try to stay OFF fast roads, watch your mirrors and be prepared to bail off the road if a BIG truck or bus comes too close when passing you.

I've not owned or ridden the latest Chinese bikes ... have you owned a few Mike?
I hear from Mexican locals they are getting better. I met a guy in Mazatlan with 60K kms on his. (!!!!) ... and guys at the bike shops I visited said latest gen bikes are better. Would not be my choice for a bike ... but what the hey! Live and learn!

(PS: you could buy a nice 2nd hand 250, 400 or 650 on the USA side for same price as one of the new Chinese bikes sold new in Mexico!)

Whatever happens, have fun! Mexico is a blast! Learn some Spanish!

[VicMitch]

For the same $$ or less you can get any number of used Japanese bikes on the US side. Street bikes for less than $2000 are everywhere. Ninja 250, Rebel 250 are small cheap and reliable and will keep up with traffic if you don't bother with the Cuota roads.

[ridetheworld]

Hey!

I read this thread but none the wiser. Am flying to Mexico soon and was thinking of buying A ex-pizza bike and driving it down to Cancun. Or, if things work out well, buying something decent and the returning to DF to work next year with the intention of using it to travel Mexico only. Buying in the USA or Guatemala is no used to me as could potentially be in Mexico for much longer than any TVIP would allow.

Can foreigners buy and own Mexican motorcycles without too much hassle?

[mollydog]

Yes, a knowledgable dealer should make it all fairly painless.

You could also look round for something a bit bigger on the used market. Quite a few listing in D.F. but I don't know the sites there. Gary (hubb member) does).

You will find several of the Chinese 250's there as well. Looking better and better.

BTW, I'm not sure on this point, but I believe with certain immigration status, you may be allowed your home country vehicle with you sans fees. But check on this.

I worked in Mexico with a real, official "Work Permit". (something generally not found in the Mexican dictionary!) That and a business card from some Military honcho have got me out quickly of dicey scenes. Work permit is from 1995

A month of DF traffic should have you ready to hit the road. Legendary bad traffic, pollution ... and corruption.

[ridetheworld]

That's good to know about buying in Mexico. I've been looking at Falcon NX400's and they're pretty affordable (compared to what we're used to down here in the South!). Though given the need to be able to take the toll roads I wouldn't mind a v-Strom but bigger bikes are quite costly. Nice to see the Mini-Teneres are available in MX too... I should have added, it's possible to buy on a tourist visa AND drive it using foreign/international license?

Cheers!
RTW

[Sjoerd Bakker]

Yes a foreigner can buy a bike in Mexico and get it registered in Mexico while riding with his home country drivers license.

Mikemike has in the past given detailed descriptions of the process and the paperwork involved , maybe google search his posts on that topic. As he described it it seemed straightforward .

The IDP is not needed in MEXICO.

[yuma simon]

If anyone wants to register a bike here in southern Arizona for a trip south, let me know. Arizona issues plates, registration, and a title on the spot. Disclaimer, I am not in business to do this, but rather to help people out. I work in the state prison as a teacher; I leave at 6:15 am to work and get home around 4:00, so it will take some coordination; however, there are a few private businesses that are licensed by the state of Arizona to do Dept. of Motor Vehicle paperwork, and charge a flat $15 fee, and have better hours than the state's MVD office, so it could be done in the evening even after the one and only local (and crowded) office is closed by 4:30. PM me if you are buying a bike this way and entering Mexico nearby and want a US state plate.

[Jolly Roger]

Originally Posted by Sjoerd Bakker

Yes a foreigner can buy a bike in Mexico and get it registered in Mexico while riding with his home country drivers license.

Hmmmmmm . . . . I'm currently down in Mexico and was told by numerous people that I couldn't register a bike down here in my name on a tourist visa. I've just purchased a bike but put it in my partners name to facilitate all the paperwork. If it is possible to register it in my name I'd love to find out how to do that.