Bought US Bike, entering Mexico - registration docs ?

[scouse]

Hi

We are novices to this game & have just arrived from the UK to start on a journey across Mexico, central america & further by bike. We have put a deposit a used 650 vstrom from a Houston dealer (thx for recommendations on the HUBB

Before picking up the bike we have an option to register the bike, and so pay the sales tax and wait 3 weeks for the registration documents, thus delaying our start date and costing us valuable cash!

Alternatively, we could not register, save the sales tax and only have the title documents to prove ownership - this would mean no registration and a paper plate.

We're confused over the paperwork we need, even after reading the threads.

We'll be riding in Texas for a few days to get to Mexico, then crossing the Mexico & subsequent central & souther american borders.

Can we travel on paper plates ? In the US ? In Latin America ?
Do we need the registration documents for riding in Texas, even though we will be riding directly out of the country to Mexico ?
Do we need the registration docs to get into Mexico, or would proof of ownership suffice? ? into any other latin american countries ?
If we need to ship/fly the bike (eg around the Darien gap or to any other latin country), will a lack of registration docs cause problems or stop us doing this ?

Is there a definitive position, or can anyone offer advice ? any of you experienced HUBBers encountered this ?
(in the UK it seems much simpler with one document !)

Any swift response would be most appreciated and earn a ! as Houston, we might have a problem !

thanks
Scouse & Sara

[AndyT]

I don't think the license plate is a big deal, but my experience is that you will need the state issued title (not just the contract from the dealer) to get across international borders. I wouldn't chance it. If you hand carry your documents from the dealership to the county clerks office (the dealer will know where it is) you may be able to get expedited service. Passport, drivers license, and bike title is what I was asked for at every border through 13 Latin American countries last year.

If you get to San Antonio, I'll buy you a .

[Riq]

I think that a Vstrom with no plate would attract some attention in Central America and give the police one more excuse to pull you over.

Just my thought.

Rick

[scouse]

Thx gents, this is useful info & food for thought. It's so easy to become overwhelmed and not see the wood for the trees.


AndyT, as we are probably heading through San Antonio we'd be glad to meet up for a & a chat - once we get moving ! If you drop me your email address I can keep you posted, and you could tell us about your trip - I read your snippets

Cheers
Scouse
graham.seddon@gmail.com

[mollydog]

Since Andy is living in Texas, he may know best how things work there.

[AndyT]

Originally Posted by mollydog

Ask your dealer about this....it's part of his job to get you registered and insured....not your job!
If you need a local address....ask Andy to help out? (sorry Andy !! )


Patrick

No problem, Patrick. Graham has been in touch, and hopefully we'll meet up when they com ethrough San Antonio. You are right about getting the dealer to do the legwork though. Better to get someone whose business it is than take the advice of some of us wankers on a bulletin board.

For what it's worth, the counties in Texas seem to be more provincial than those in most states, they like to collect there own vehicle taxes and liscense fees. Meaning for instance that if you live in one county and work in another, you can't go to the one motor vehicle office down the street from work on a lunch break, you must go back home to the office in the county you live in. There is also a $90 "import duty" to bring in a vehicle from another US state and register it here. But I digress.