Hola! I'm flying to Mexico City at the end of November to take part in the Maya End of the World Rally http://www.mayarally.com/, starting in Guanajuato. I'm looking to buy a Honda XR600 or similar in DF to use for the rally and then sell it again. I will probably arrive around 26th November and the rally starts on 3rd of December (my birthday!) so I will not have much time to find a bike and ride to the start.

Ideally I would like to buy one before I arrive but I would need to find someone I can trust who could help me that end to make sure the bike is ok. Is there anyone who can help or can anyone recommend some good trusted dealers in DF that have a good selection of used bikes?

Many thanks, Andy.

Andy, having lived and bought and sold motorcycles for almost 20 years here in Mexico, let me give you the following thoughts.

Bikes, meaning motorcycles different from scooters or pizza delivery bikes are much more expensive than in many other countries.

The selection here has always been limited, for example, the Africa Twin which is a near perfect bike for Mexico was never sold here, but it was in neighboring Guatemala so go figure!

Selection will be limited and accessories hard to find and likely quite expensive.

Luck plays a major part in this. You are in a good area to find something as the Federal District and the State of Mexico are home to well over 20 million people. The bad news is that about .000001 percent of that population will know what you are looking for. But it is a start.

Be very careful with you cash, and also who you trust!!!!! You will have zero chance of ever seeing your money again if you screw up.

Start looking at this page for some idea of what is available in the area where you will be. The area around Guadalajara sometimes will have better options for what you are looking for but that's a fair distance from Mexico City. http://motos.mercadolibre.com.mx/doble-proposito/

I don't recall the really big Honda XR's being sold for any stretch of time in Mexico. Start thinking about a KLR, or maybe a Suzuki DR400 as you might have more luck.

Remember, parts can be hard to get for bikes that were not sold or supported in Mexico.

Remember, many of these bikes that are uncommon in Mexico have been "imported" either legally or illegally into the country. This can be a potential mine field and major headache and expense. If the bike is illegal in Mexico you will have a hard time plating it. If the bike is legal in Mexico but the yearly tenencias or road tax have not been paid you will be on the hook to pay every single one that is owing before you can plate it. You need to know what you are looking for when it comes to this. Many imported bikes in Mexico have a gray background or dubious past and it is easier for people here who know the system to get things done rather than someone who doesn't know the system and is an outsider.

Do you speak Spanish? Can you read Spanish? Are you aware of what you are getting into? Be honest.

Ok, if you are going to see it through, contact the rally organizers for suggestions for local bike shops that might be able to help you. It is better to have a few people on your side and looking out for you here rather than just being another gringo who is ripe for pickings.

I am being blunt, but seriously, buying and selling bikes here is a fool's paradise and you will need some help.

So start looking at what is on the internet market, not everyone will be out to fleece you but be aware you have basically zero consumer rights in Mexico.

Garry Dymond might be able to give you an opinion or two, also, and he likely will be a good contact for you.

Best of luck, I hope to see you on the rally if the route brings you to Veracruz.

I think Mike has offered you some good honest advice.

A couple of thoughts:
- How long do you need the bike for? There are a few agencies that will rent you a large BMW or Suzuki for a daily or weekly basis. If you just want the bike for a week or two that might be the simplest way to go.

- On the other hand, if you have a lot of time to spare, you might want to consider flying into Houston or Dallas and buying a used bike there, then riding south to Guanajuato. Not sure what your schedule is like, but you will have much better slection and prices in Texas than in Mexico.

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Bruce Clarke --- 2011 Honda CBR125R (black)

Andy, I was not planning to travel as far as Mexico City but I might be interested in selling my bike. I am unable to PM you as I do not have 5 post. PM me for details if you are interested. It is registered in Canada.

We saw a TTR600 Jammy for sale today in Hermosillo, I have to admit to being very surprised to see it which is why it caught my eye, we are hear until Monday afternoon if this is of interest to you I will get details as it is only 10 km ish away from where we are staying at the mo.

It is however a wee way off from Mexico city.

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Cheers Andi & Ellen .... twomotokiwis.com Two Moto Kiwis Alaska - Argentina - April 2012 -> Somewhere

Andy already has a bike I found for him here in Mex City. It is sitting patiently waiting for him to arrive.

Great! So what did he get and how much?
Call me "chismoso" but it's good to see if he got what he wanted at a decent price and if it'll do the job and be "los bollocks del perro".

Apattrick,

Do you have a slot in your team? I'm going to those places anyway and that seems to be a great ride

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On a relaxed LONG trip all over Latin America

He got a 2007 Honda 250 Tornado for 36,000 pesos. It is very clean and has all the tenecias paid. The previous owner was a very nice honest guy and had receipts for services and parts.
I think it will get the job done.

Garry

If it doesn't, he won't lose any sleep or money over it.

By the way, Gary, JohnD says hello. He's having fun in Oaxaca.

Real shame i couldn't put him up here in Mex City. Mother-in-law had cataract surgery and is still in recovery but luckily doing very well. Amazing what medicine can do. She was basically blind in one eye and can now see.
We should be able to have visitors again after my brother's visit finishes on Dec 14th.

Garry, sorry I couldn't help out with the loan of a bike for your brother, I need mine for personal transport since I sold my truck.