I would hold off on taking too many warm clothes to Alaska in July and August. I think you will find the average temperature fairly warm.

Just a point.

Rick

For Mexico you as a Brit do not need a visa. Just show up at the border with a valid passport and the ownership and registration for the bike in YOUR name , same as on the passport ,and all the paperwork will be arranged on the spot in a short while..Very easy.

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Do some research on how incredably hot it will be thru california mexico and texas.

This is one of those: "How long is a piece of string?" kinda threads.

The warm clothes - point for going north is taken but I was thinking about being equipped with waterproofs etc - it does rain quite a bit up there as I checked the weather sites

.... er ... yes I know Mexico is hot!

...but ta for the advice on entry to Mexico. I think the other point against going south is the security aspects, being robbed, the northern route offers more solitude no?

Piece of string? well yes but my question was asking for experiences, views, advice and opinions and thanks to those who offered that to me. I am really open to comment so please keep em coming.

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Plus:
Alaska has a small window for riding and your timing is about perfect.
Mexico will be much less expensive than Alaska.
Mexico is much more diverse than Alaska.
Mexico has 1,000x more roads.

As a postscript, the question of security in Mexico is of no real concern if you mind your manners and don't get involved with silly stuff in slum areas after dark, this can get you into s*** in LA,NY or anywhere.The bigger problem for you would be getting into Mexico if you are bringing a bike which is not registered in your name , possible but involves more paper work .
.As for the heat in Mexico , don' t sweat it. "Hot" is a subjective experience. What some people consider unbearably warm may for others be just cozy. Besides the warm weather is highly regional, depending on altitude, presence of cold ocean currents , weather systems and the cloud cover of the season. Speaking from experience, over the years I've made many road trips through allcorners of Mexico in every calendar month of the year. This includes trips from San Diego to La Paz and back in July and along the east and west coast of the mainland also in july , at times when heat waves were in effect.
Baja can be very interesting in July with chill ocean breezes in BCN inducing goose bumps and on the same day east of SAn Ignacio you can find the temp shooting up to 45C as you hit the wall of hot air that comes from the east side of the peninsula.
For details on weather conditions there see Welcome to The Weather Underground : Weather Underground click on Mexico and see the colour map of temps, click on the map for a list of reporting stations with a ctual conditions. Donot believe the colours on the map as they are way too simplified.
North Central Mexico is very temperate in summer, thundershowers do happen often there .
If you start in LA it kind of makes sense to at least spend some time in Mexico as it is so nearby. But The season is also the ideal time for Alaska .... decisions, decisions ..... Maybe do both- youy have enough time with two months.

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