From Liverpool, United Kingdom to Altamira, Tampico, Mexico - September, 2008

Originally from the UK I have been living in Mexico for the last 7 years. My father, who lives Near Liverpool bought, a brand new Triumph Bonneville T100 back in 2004 and then left it in the garage for 4 years only using it very occasionally. His loss was my gain because he decided in to give it to me as a gift. The first thing was to look for a way of shipping the bike via air to Monterrey, which is in the north of Mexico about 12 hours from Mexico city and 6 from the nearest port, Tampico (Altamira). Unfortunately we were unable to find anyone willing to fly the bike to Monterrey I could only find a flight to Mexico city at a cost of 1200 pounds sterling. So I decided to ship to Tampico. After looking around we found Godiva Enterprises based in Liverpool. The cost of 600 pounds included crating the bike. The bike was delivered to a warehouse in Liverpool for crating on the 26th of September. It was then taken to Felixstowe to await the ship to Tampico. Originally the bike was supposed to leave Felixstow roundabout the 30th of August and arrive in Tampico on the 22nd of September. Unfortunately due to Hurricanes the bike was delayed and didnt leave Felixstowe until the 13 of September finally arriving in Tampico on the 5th of October. The first thing I had to do was pay the shipping agent an additional 4000 pesos (about 200 pounds) at this end for basically unloading the bike. Additionally I had to get a temporary import visa for the bike. You can do this on-line if you wish. However, you will still probably have problems at the port as they are not geared up to individuals bring in vehicles. All in all it took me about 2 days of messing around at the port to actually get the paperwork necessary to pick up the bike. I speak fluent Spanish I wouldn?t like to have had to deal with all the bureaucracy if I didnt. The bike was fine when I finally got it only the bobble was broken off the front brake lever. It started first time and I rode it home 350 miles to Monterrey. My advice to anyone who wants to bring a bike from the UK to Mexico is DONT. Bikes are much cheaper in the USA than they are in Mexico or the UK. I think you would be far better off buy a bike in the US and do the temporary import at the border, which will be much easier, riding it around Mexico or where ever and then reselling it in the US. If anyone needs any more information dont hesitate to email me.