I ve been travelling in quite a few continents all over the wolrd : Russia, China, Australia, South America, North Africa, Europe. The only place where i got an unpleasant experience was also in the United States, in South Carolina. I was ordered to leave my hands on the tank while checking if i had a gun on me. The policeman was quite rude, with a loud "shut up" when i started to protest with my foreign accent. I had to follow him to the police station and was offered to pay a fine or stay in prison.

What did i do? I passed between two cars on a highway, and as a matter of fact became instantly a dangerous criminal.

In Russia, policemen have machine guns but they smile at you when they find out you are not a local, in Australia, they apologise for stopping you, in China, they help you the best they can with directions...

I wouldnt generalise tho. Near the Grand Canyon, an indian police officer after checking me twice 10 mph over the limit, asked me if i had a problem with my speedometer...some can have a real sense of humor too =)

Some words from Costa Rica
 

I'm costarrican and had travel to Panamá and Nicargua without any problem. A friend of mine travel these year from Costa Rica to Alaska and then to Costa Rica without any problem, except some mechanical problems in the bike in Mexico.

Don t hesitate to contact me when you arrive Costa Rica.

Be patient in the borders.

Jaime

Due to time constraints we decided to change our plans from Houston to Costa Rica to a tour of Mexico.

We're going to ride through Big Bend, then head down to Chihuahua and Creel (Copper Canyon). From there we're going to go to Durango and then Mazatlan, take the ferry to La Paz and ride baja peninsula to visit a friend in LA. We'll spend our last couple nights in Vegas before shipping our bikes home and flying back.

Have traveled in 3 of the countries you'll pass through (Mex, Nica, CR) and they have been great. I'm only 21 but plan to make the trip in May or June. I think my coolest experience is actually learning and being able to use the language. Not to mention the friendliness and hospitality the folks down there show. I'll be doing most of my trip alone... and although I am nervous... I'm not scared but will be a little paranoid for the first few days south of the border...

Your friends say you are crazy, mine say "Awesome! You're going to have so much fun." Infact the university's newspaper just did an article on me. Check my website : AventuroLasAmericas - Aventuro Las Americas (will be on the right side)

EDIT: just saw yall arent doing the trip after all....

Hi Drumboy

Just did the very same trip, set off from Houston on Oct 9th & now in Nicaragua.

2 up on a Vstrom 650, only niggle was the topes (speedbumps) which will catch you unawares & make your nachos rattle ! [Rife in Mex, some in Belize & Guate, a lot less further on] On the Beemers probably not required, but a good sump guard is good insurance :thumbup1:

We've been stopped several times by police, once in DF Mexico city & it was a scam, but politeness, basic spanish, talk of liverpool football club & a request for a receipt saved the day with no $100 changing hands :clap:

Stopped by military in Chiapas, Guatemala & El Salvador, but again, politeness & friendliness helps a great deal. El Salvador people are just tops !

This site is a great ref for all things biking so read all the topics & posts too (El Salvador into Honduras at Amatillo was a nightmare but now I've sussed it it wouldn't be again :)

Some drunken geezer in Zipolites, Mex, reversed into the bike & the topple bust the clutch lever, then he did a runner after a tussle & the police didn't want to know. Relatively easily sorted in a nearby town, but speaking spanish basic helps a great deal.

Not riding at night is a very wise move, as we've found that most of these latin countries have a number of drunken drivers


Ok, hope this helps. If you'd like any specific info you can mail.


Scouse
graham.seddon@gmail.com

I'm currently in Nicaragua and I left Colorado back in late October on a V-strom 1000.

I've paid two bribes. One in Acapulco (i hate acapulco) and one yesterday just outside of Granada, Nicar. where there is a major shakedown operation.

Other than that, no problems. Other than crashing at 75 mph.

An Aerostich suit is worth every penny. Not a scratch on my body. photo - rtwrider photos at pbase.com

But I do that in the States as well.

Having a good time.