Guys,
Headed south from Brownsville to Vera Cruz, then chiapas, Guatemala and Belize, want to see Tikal and would explore anywhere. Need the usual advice.

Bike is KTM 640 Adventure, question is knobbies, yes or no?

I could do Kenda 270's instead or knobbies but I don't want to miss out on areas/roads that require full knobs.

I have ridden Central and South America already on agressive street tires so I don't need brand info, just what is necessary on lesser traveled roads. I don't plan to hang on Ruta CA1.

Also which guide book?, I have always relied on Footprints but it's been 5 years since I was in Central America, Mexico so I need advice on that too.

Also a good paper map recommendation for Mexico and CA would really help.

Thanks,
bill

Bill, The coast highway Mex #180 has some rough spots (rougher than usual, though some sections have now been renovated) following Hurricane Karl. From Nautla south to Veracruz it is hit or miss regarding construction and resurfacing. There is going to be a very strong norte (north wind) forecast for Sunday and a considerable drop in temps.
Be careful with the unmarked sections of highway that have been torn up.
Usual common sense for Mexico applies.
If you have trouble, PM me, I am in Boca del Rio right next door to the city of Veracruz.
Be very careful with the transit cops in Veracruz and Boca del Rio as it is nearing Christmas and they are even more reptilian than usual when it comes to unwarrented stops and aggressive shake downs.
The new bypass of Cardel is only open from South to North, the North to South isn't even close to being finished yet and the main traffic light in Cardel hasn't been working since the hurricane in September.
PM me and I can send you PDF files of maps of all the states in the Mexican republic and you can print whatever sections you need from them.
The Guia Roji and AAA maps have some errors. The PDF files I have show much more detail and have fewer errors. If you are just looking for main routes than the Roji or AAA will work for you, but if you want some detail go with the PDF files.

Mike,
PM sent.

Anybody with recs for the jungle roads around Tikal....
Knobbies?
bill

There is no need for knobbies in the Tikal area ; I have been riding for 30 years down here and for the last several years all I use are Tourance or Anakee 2 (depending wich one is available) on my 1200gsa and I never had any problems .

Thanks Guat,
Guess I'll go with Kenda 270's.

Dirt cheap.
bill