Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Central America and Mexico
Tips for riding down from Mexico to Panama Tips for riding down from Mexico to Panama
Register FAQ Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Central America and Mexico Topics specific to Central America and Mexico only.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



Like Tree6Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 14 Sep 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Norwich,Ontario,Canada
Posts: 1,070
Goeie middag Maarten,
Your best plan of attack would be to buy a used motorcycle in the USA ,get it totally registered in your own name and then start the trip into Mexico and to South America.
Your selection of good motorcycles would be very restricted in Mexico and prices will not be advantageous over buying in the USA .Your Spanish language deficit would make it a nightmare to sort things out in Mexico.
Many foreign riders do such buys in the USA ( with a mediator) and they have little problems getting a bike registered in their name. As long as you can give an address of some friend or new acquaintance to fill the blank on the paperwork of ownership . There are no severe restrictions on foreigners doing this , unlike in NL where there are residency requirements for it.
There are many ways to locate used motorcycles that are up for sale, like eBay and the same companies that run the auto finder magazines and websites as you have in Nederland .Google search these and you will find them . Happy hunting
__________________
http://advrider.com/index.php?thread....207964/page-5 then scroll down to post #93
Last edited by Sjoerd Bakker; 14 Sep 2016 at 21:19.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Sep 2016
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 4,017
I'll repeat what I seem to be repeating too often recently:

The USA consists of 50 individual states (plus some random entities like Puerto Rico and the District of Colombia). Each state has different rules about who can or cannot register a car or motorcycle. What is easy in one state (Arizona, for example) is difficult or impossible in another (c.f., New York).

Therefore, don't take anyone's word for it that "There are no severe restrictions," and "they have little problems....", even including the usually-rock-solid Sjoerd Bakker; if you want to buy a bike in Texas, look up the rules for non-residents purchasing, registering and insuring bikes in Texas. Use Google, and read the fine print.

If you're not willing to do that, at least read this thread: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...nals-can-58648

Hope that's helpful.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 Sep 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 4
@Sjoerd Bakker; goedenavond, ik had al zo´n vermoeden door de naam


Thanks for both the replies, appreciate it!

I do not have any acquaintances in Mexico or Texas, so registering it in my name will probably be very difficult. I would like to buy the bike second hand, and I heard in Mexico you will then need to find someone willing to supply their address for registering the bike in my name.

Same holds for Texas, where they also require an address.

I am thinking it might be better to travel by bus. This would be a real shame, but I do not see any other options, as I have to buy the motorcycle second hand and need plates and register it in my own name to cross borders.

If anyone has any suggestions, this would be great! I will fly either to Houston or Mexico City coming Wednesday.

Regards,

Maarten
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 14 Sep 2016
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 4,017
Maarten, finding an address is easy. If you wanted to buy in my state (you don't since I'm a couple of thousand km from Mexico), I'd let you use my address. Easy.

It's the state laws which are difficult or impossible. Read the thread I linked, then decide you want to buy a bike in, say, California--right near the border. Or maybe Arizona, or Colorado. Post about your definite plans here, and someone's very likely to offer to help you out.

Or: give up and ride the buses. I've done that, and I can state with authority that a motorbike is waaaayyyyyy more fun....but maybe it's not worth it to you, which is fine.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 15 Sep 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Norwich,Ontario,Canada
Posts: 1,070
Maarten , read the personal message I also sent you- look at your name tag at top right when you sign in, tap on " notifications" and get the list where you find the choice to read the pm
There are folk who will gladly lend you their address as a mail drop and fulfil legal Requirements for having an address . There are even some who will sell you a used bike and buy it back if you make it a round trip ; )
As Mark said , investigate which states make the least problems which you can easily travel to with a direct flight from Schiphol. California is one of those .
__________________
http://advrider.com/index.php?thread....207964/page-5 then scroll down to post #93
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 16 Sep 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 4
Thanks Sjoerd! I am experiencing some technical issues with replying to the pm, I don´t know if you received my previous two. After some more digging, I have come to the conclusion that it might be too ambitious to buy a motorcycle in the US.

In CA it usually takes 20-30 business days to get the proof of the motorcycle being in my name. As I would like to spend as much time in Mexico, I would rather not stay too long in LA area. I will send Tuckers a message regardless, to ask about his opinion, thanks for the tip!

My plan now is to fly to Mexico City, and hope to find someone there willing to lend me their address for the bike. I read on other sites (don´t know how trustworthy) that some sellers will provide this as a service to acquire the sell, hopefully for second-hand bikes as well. I do not mind hanging around in Mexico, as there are lots of things I would like to do there. If it proofs too difficult to achieve this, I will continue by bus and plan a trip like this more extensively in the future.

Thanks to both of you for all your insights!

Kind regards,


Maarten
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 16 Sep 2016
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 4,017
Just noting that you're having difficulty with private messages because you've only got a few posts here. Keep at it and that difficulty will evaporate.

Like all the rest of us, you're somewhere midway through a lifelong learning curve. Enjoy your trip!

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 17 Dec 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: TX
Posts: 8
Quote:
Originally Posted by maartenjmennes View Post
@Sjoerd Bakker; goedenavond, ik had al zo´n vermoeden door de naam


Thanks for both the replies, appreciate it!

I do not have any acquaintances in Mexico or Texas, so registering it in my name will probably be very difficult. I would like to buy the bike second hand, and I heard in Mexico you will then need to find someone willing to supply their address for registering the bike in my name.

Same holds for Texas, where they also require an address.

I am thinking it might be better to travel by bus. This would be a real shame, but I do not see any other options, as I have to buy the motorcycle second hand and need plates and register it in my own name to cross borders.

If anyone has any suggestions, this would be great! I will fly either to Houston or Mexico City coming Wednesday.

Regards,

Maarten
I live in San Antonio, Texas... and am planning a trip through MX, central america in late Feb/Mar 17. You can use my address if you’d like. I even have rental houses that could be used as an address. PM me if you’re still pursuing that option. Would be happy to help.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
central america, central america trip, mexico, texas, used motorcycle

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes
Hybrid Mode Hybrid Mode

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
Tips on riding down from Mexico to Panama maartenjmennes TRAVEL Hints and Tips 3 29 Oct 2016 06:08
8 Day Western Coast Mexico Ride before Mexico to Panama. Looking for others LifeOfAnAdventurer Travellers Seeking Travellers 1 4 Mar 2016 00:11
8 Day Western Coast Mexico Ride before Mexico to Panama. Looking for others LifeOfAnAdventurer Central America and Mexico 1 16 Jan 2016 04:34
Panama - Mexico in June, mate for the road alexegg Central America and Mexico 16 4 Jul 2014 18:33
Panama - Mexico in June, mate for the road alexegg Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 13 May 2014 18:53

 
 

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
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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.

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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

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!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



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

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 02:48.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top