Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Paperwork
With 3 weeks available should I buy a motorcycle or be part of a tourist pack? With 3 weeks available should I buy a motorcycle or be part of a tourist pack?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 27 Mar 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: London UK
Posts: 141
Quote:
Originally Posted by brclarke View Post
Myownway: I'm curious to know if you ever did the rental in Cuba or Mexico...

I ask because I have 3 weeks vacation later this year and want to go riding in Mexico. I tend to ride in a legal-limit, sane manner and just don't need a 1000cc+ motorcycle to plod along the bumpy back roads. Frankly, I think if one is riding solo on Mexican roads anything bigger than 400cc is overkill.

I wrote to a highly recommended motorcycle hire company, and told them I wanted to rent a smaller motorbike for 18-20 days. They offered to rent me a Honda 250 dual-purpose for $45US per day or a 400cc dualie for $55/day. This would include hard bags and insurance. Considering that most other rental agencies in Mexico want $100+ a day to rent a large BMW or Harley, I think it's a very decent price.

In the end, I went to Mexico and became a normal tourist taking organised tours, booking hotels, waiting at bus stations and getting used to all the occasional sellers in the capital's tube.
Although I enjoyed my days in that country, I would have been really happy to have a motorcycle available, it would have saved me time, given me the chance to go anywhere and organise my own breaks, timing etc.

I tried to get in touch with the recommended guy in Mexico City to hire a bike but I was not lucky.

I would have also considered buying a 125 cc but we were 2 people and it would have been unconfortable and slow together with luggage.

$45 usd per day sounds very reasonable, I would have gone for it unless you bought a 125 cc "together" with another traveller who would get it off you at the end of your trip but I don't know how easy it would be to arrange this or to sell the bike at the end of the adventure.

It sounds more feasable the rental option, whatever you decide I wish you good luck and also some feedback would be nice .

Marco
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 28 Mar 2012
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,969
As long as this thread has been bumped to the top, I'll offer another option. Go to the Dominican Republic (easy and fairly cheap from USA or Europe) to rent a bike. In Cabarete and Las Terranas 150-250 cc enduro-style bikes, Japanese or Chinese, rent for US$25-40 per day. Bring some straps and a waterproof duffel and, if you're picky, a helmet.

I'm no expert, but I've seen some fun riding, not too much traffic, minimal security concerns, nice scenery and very friendly people. Prices are low for the Caribbean, high compared to Central America. Landscapes are similar, and there's enough to stay busy riding around for a couple of weeks--longer if you stop long enough to tan something besides face, neck and hands.

This was my backup trip to the hoped-for-but-never-achieved Cuba trip. If I don't get sucked into the work vortex too quickly I'll write a separate report.

Hope that's helpful to someone.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 28 Mar 2012
brclarke's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
I followed your suggestion and did a little Googling. Looks like you can rent a Yamaha DT125 dualie for as low as $25/day here:
Easy Rider - Cabarete, Dominican Republic

No idea if that is a reputable rental shop, but it looks like renting a small bike for a few days is quite doable.
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 28 Mar 2012
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,969
There are at least a half-dozen rental shops in each of the two towns. I don't like tiny bikes and I don't like 2-cycle engines, so I went for a Honda 200cc dual sport---was supposed to be a 250 ("It's my own personal bike. I used to race motocross. Everything works perfectly. Just got a new battery two days ago." etc. etc. etc.).

I don't think I'd take one of those DT's for a thousand km all over the island, but they'd be fine for buzzing around town. Should be able to get it a bit cheaper unless right in the middle of spring break. All prices are at least somewhat negotiable if you rent for longer than a few days.

Mark

(from wherever I got to on the Autopista Duarte when it started to rain late this afternoon: headed back to Cabarete to return the bike and think about flying home)
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 1 Apr 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Dallas, Tx
Posts: 1
Hi All,
I would go for the 250-400 cc rental in mexico por 45 dlls.. Can you give me more information about where did you find this deal ? i might go there in summer.

thanks,
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 1 Apr 2012
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,969
Quote:
Originally Posted by robertodelagarza View Post
Can you give me more information about where did you find this deal ?
If you are asking me, I rented in the Dominican Republic, not Mexico. If you're asking someone else, maybe they'll respond. I was responding to someone looking for a cheap, short riding holiday coming from Europe.

Whenever I've ridden in Mexico I've brought my own bike from that large, ungainly country to the north.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 2 Apr 2012
brclarke's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
I was the one who posted about the $45/day offer. I'll send you a PM.
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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 Used Bike in Santiago Chile lachy South America 187 5 Dec 2023 14:53
Buying and registering a motorcycle in Chile timyarb Trip Paperwork 16 2 Jan 2018 19:55
A Gringo in Colombia Ride4Adventure Ride Tales 13 20 Apr 2012 03:15
Information wanted from experienced bikers in South America joentje100 South America 35 1 Jan 2010 04:00
Looking for some help in getting started TotalTomination South America 20 30 Oct 2009 18:02

 
 

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

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. 11-15
  • 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!

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 07:19.

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