Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > South America
South America Topics specific to South America 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 Dec 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: london
Posts: 57
Unhappy to stress or not to stress, this is the question

My girlfriend and I are currently half way across the states on our Harley tourer, and were intending to hit Cali then head south through mexico, central and south america, finishing somewhere in Argentina, but were keep getting told but almost everyone we meet (mainly paranoid americans, but the odd wisened biker too) that we will surely get our bike nicked in Mexico....we are now really having second thoughts,a s we can't get theft insurance for the bike (can we?)...any advice here would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers
Dan and Jacquie
Road Glide, currently in New Orleans...er now thats Austin, Texas....

Last edited by harleydan; 10 Dec 2008 at 08:06.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 8 Dec 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 183
Quote:
Originally Posted by harleydan View Post
[...] but were keep getting told but almost everyone we meet (mainly paranoid americans, but the odd wisened biker too) that we will surely get our bike nicked in Mexico....
99% of the comments in this regard are just bullshit or blabber from people who don't have any real clue about things.

When I tell people about my next trip (a loop through the balkans, including romania, albania and kosovo) it usually takes about 10 seconds for somebody to tell me I should not go because I get either my bike stolen, kidnapped, beaten, eaten alive or sodomized by an albanian trucker.

What people essentially tell you is their prejudices and that they are afraid of the unknown. Don't worry, keep your eyes open and follow the plentyfull advice of this board and from people with more knowledge then fear and everything should be fine.
__________________
Projekt Balkan
www.buebo.de - Der tägliche Wahnsinn
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 8 Dec 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: albury nsw australia
Posts: 306
bla bla bla

if i listened to every tosser in america that told me not to go to mexico or beyond i would be at home hiding in the cupboard ,bike stolen, well i am sure that happens in the good ole usa (a lot) ,dont stay in a guest house unless they let you park it inside, at touristy places park it next to the office ,and enjoy the best time of your life
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 8 Dec 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: England
Posts: 338
Thumbs up Head South and enjoy

Hi
Go to Mexico you will love it, there is some great riding , you can have a bike stolen from any country in the world ( as Mike on this HU site will tell you, he has just had his bike stolen in Scotland) Just remember to lock in a public place and take it inside the hotel you are staying in at night, most let you with no problem. I spent best part of 5 years in the Americas and only ever had a problerm when i traveled in the US. Head south and enjoy Skip
__________________
Do the best you can with what you have,
A stranger in a strange land now heading North South East West to.....
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 8 Dec 2008
BCK_973's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Buenos Aires,City of good sex,mate and asado!
Posts: 539
Quote:
Originally Posted by harleydan View Post
My girlfriend and I are currently half way across the states on our Harley tourer, and were intending to hit Cali then head south through mexico, central and south america, finishing somewhere in Argentina, but were keep getting told but almost everyone we meet (mainly paranoid americans, but the odd wisened biker too) that we will surely get our bike nicked in Mexico....we are now really having second thoughts,a s we can't get theft insurance for the bike (can we?)...any advice here would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers
Dan and Jacquie
Road Glide, currently in New Orleans
Hi you both
As told by skip(pete)just follow some safety protocols and you will be fine.Let on the bike some dust and enjoy the travel.
Remember if you manage(of course you two will) to hit BA the first asado is on me!
CU
Karl
__________________
http://vientoderipio.blogspot.com/
America is a nice continent,not a country.All people who lives in this continent are americans.Discover it in peace!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 8 Dec 2008
jc's Avatar
jc jc is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Mandurah, Western Australia
Posts: 231
Hi Dan

My wife and I are also on our way to Mexico (Two up on a GS), and do not worry about the hundreds of 'advise' the avarage American told us about Mexico. We've been trough Africa and the middle East without worries. My Golden rule is not to leave the bike where I cannot see it, or where I know it will be looked after. Another thing I do when in doubt, I cover the bike with a tarp. I would recomend you get youself a cover to cover the bike at night at hotels that does not have 'secure' parking. It also help to keep little children's hand off your bike when you are not around. Makes me sleep better at night.

We are heading to the Beg Bend Park in Texas for Tuesday next week and the Copper Canyon the next week, mabe we see each other on the road. An Ameican couple is joining us for 10 days into Mexico, also on their Harleys.

Johan
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 8 Dec 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Kingston ON Canada
Posts: 16
Remember most of these helpful comments are made by Americans that have never been outside America.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 8 Dec 2008
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Out of sight, out of mind.

I have had stuff on my dash nicked but learned not to leave stuff on there.
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 21:30.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 8 Dec 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 166
wizened or wise?

there's a difference.
if you never, ever go, you'll never, ever know. start her up!
cheers,
andy.
__________________
www.outforaspin.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 8 Dec 2008
RIP: 5/3/21
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Onalaska, Washington, USA
Posts: 335
Ride on

Dan
My wife (08 Softtail DLX) and I (05 SE2 Electra Glide) rode 1500 miles in to Mexico last winter. Had a great time and never once felt threatened. Would recommend that you cross in the morning and get at least 100 miles from border before stopping for the night. Only problem was the topa's (speed bumps) as my SE2 would drag over some of them. The people were friendly and really like motos. Got lost once and the police gave us an escort for 30 min. right to our hotel. Had the best New Years Party you could think up, (you know it is going to be good when you get to the town square and there are 7 ambulances and 4 fire trucks lined up ready to go)
your bigest risk in Mexico is you can drive as fast as you want and no one will care, If I stayed in Mexico I surely would have ended up killing myself.
You can traval any country you want on your Harley but may be limited from heading into the back country. Atleast that was my line of thinking as I bought an 08 Buell Uly which is on a boat to Chile right now. It should be high enough with a long suspension to take the topas when I ride it back up thourgh Central America and Mexico.
Road Hog (aka Bob, Roberto)
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 8 Dec 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: California
Posts: 92
No way

Good to Mexico and have a great time.

Your bike will not get "nicked". If anyone is going to get a bike stolen it is going to be someone riding a Honda 250 - a bike that that someone can pick up and put in the back of truck, roll down the street or hotwire.

Your HD is more likelt to be stolen inthe US than in Mexico.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 9 Dec 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: winnipeg, MB, CDN
Posts: 71
Buy Theft Insurance.

Juanuary to April 2005 my wife and I travelled through Mexico and Central America on our Brand New 2005 HD Ultra Classic. From November 2006 to April 2007 we travelled on the same bike from Tierra del Fuego Argentina, back to Canada. And again this year we will be spending Jan, Feb, and March in Mexico with our Harley.

I do not worry about my bike being stolen. But that is not too difficult as I always have Theft and Collision Insurance. Theft and collision insurance for Mexico is available and is very reasonable compared to Manitoba Canada prices. Theft and collision insurance for all of Central and South America is also available from a US company, but is more expensive.

The choice whether to purchase collision and theft insurance is up to you. But it is available.
You need to decide how much a little more peace of mind is worth.

Send me a email if you are interested in links to pursue this.
__________________
1 LIFE
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 10 Dec 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: london
Posts: 57
Talking stressin bout Mexico

Guys
thank you all so much for your words of advice and encouragement.Soon as the weather perks up a bit ( we have sleet/snow at the moment here in Texas), we are heading west, then due south!
Muchos gracias a todo
dan & Jacquie
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 10 Dec 2008
keyskruiser's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: marathon, florida usa
Posts: 17
Go!!

I will second all the good information you have recieved already. I made the trip from Key West to Ushuaia and back in 2006. I found everyone I met along the way to be honest, friendly, helpful, and interested in helping me, in any way they could. I always had secure parking and nobody ever touched the bike.

Have a wonderful adventure.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 13 Dec 2008
jc's Avatar
jc jc is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Mandurah, Western Australia
Posts: 231
Sounds good and all the above advice made me look forward to Mexico even more. We will be entering in 3 days time. . . . The American Couple that is traveling with us has managed to arranged full insurance cover for their 2007 Harley. I'll just get my 3rd party insurance on the border.

Cheers
johan
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
Gas question? gilghana1 Equipping the Overland Vehicle 4 29 Oct 2007 21:15
Here's a question for you!!! Chris1200 Yamaha Tech 8 23 Aug 2007 09:12
Hello, and a question or two. tufty Yamaha Tech 0 2 Aug 2007 09:54
Hi, I'm new...... And a question! Ben Breese Honda Tech 9 13 May 2007 23:07
Question about oil jelvis Yamaha Tech 12 18 Sep 2005 23:30

 
 

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
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
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.

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 11:06.