Here's a scenario and question for someone who has actual experience in this:

I'm planning to leave in July 2015 on my RTW trip. I am a US citizen, living in Texas, so I'll be headed into Mexico first. I'm thinking about buying a new Yamaha XTZ660 Tenere in Mexico, which isn't sold in the US, to do my trip. I'm not planning to "import" it into the US, so I'm not concerned about EPA/US registration issues.

I've ridden bikes with Spanish, French, and Italian registration into neighboring countries with my US passport, but those didn't require Visas, carnet, etc.

My question is: Am I going to run into a lot of logistical issues/questions/paperwork problems as I cross other borders with a US passport and a Mexican registration?

And before you start with the "Why not just buy a GS (had one), Super Tenere (have one), KLR, DR, whatever"... I'm just looking for an answer to this question. We can discuss all of that later!!!

Thanks!!!

Why make things hard for yourself unless it's an XTZ that you really want? I think the only small hurdle will be finding an address to register it in Mexico. The question remains on parts and service and the cost of bringing it back / importing it into the US.

Should be NO PROBLEM as long as the original title has YOUR NAME on it with no liens shown. My guess is the selling dealer would allow you to use their address, or perhaps someone in the HUBB community can help out?

As a foreigner in Mexico, I do not believe there are restrictions against buying a new bike there.

You should be able to secure local insurance there as well. (at local rates) But of course not valid outside Mexico.

For crossing borders, your passport address and nationality DO NOT have to match your bike registration ... only the owner's name must match.

But it is important that the original title/registration document be legit, and look legit. The fact it will be in Spanish will be good for all of Latin America borders, but not so much in rest of the world. No matter, if it's an official title with your name on it, then should pass muster RTW at any border.

I think it's a great idea! I've thought of doing similar, but buying that 660 Tenere' in the UK (bought a bike there before, simple) and then heading down to Africa.

I remember seeing bikes for sale at a big fancy Mall somewhere near Mexico City. I was surprised the bikes that were there for sale: New model Triumph's, Ducati, MV Augusta ... plus all the Japanese brands. Prices were higher than USA however.

Good luck, hope it works out!

As long as you somehow manage to get the papers in your name everything should be fine

Thanks Molly! That all makes perfect sense. I have a couple of options already for a Mexico address. Doing a little more research online, it appears that the annual taxes/registration renewal aren't too bad, after the intial sales tax. Will do a bit more carnet research and probably talk to a dealer or two nearest the border.
Thanks again. Maybe we'll cross paths somewhere in Europe someday on Teneres.

for xt660z so much trouble? eeeh, not worthy.

Have a better idea? Read Post #1. He wants the XTZ, has owned (or owns) many other major players in the ADV Bike lineup. I think it's a great choice!

You can't buy the Tenere' 660 in the USA ... so it would be something different for " The Man who has everything".
(hey, you could do a lot worse!)

Trouble? Try to ship your bike over here ... or anywhere ... and get back to us on how "trouble free" that went!

My guess is the Mexican bike dealer will take care of everything, all paperwork. Just have the cash and it will all get done for you and you'll be on the road. The dealers know the "system" and are expert at working that system. It's what they do.

RTWPAUL bought his tenere in uk did a bunch of miles and i think that bike is here in the US now,after so many miles,ie for cal it is 7500 to bring in a 49 state bike it maybe exempt. contact Paul

they are a bit pricey down there.