Buying a 125cc in Mexico to ride through CA

[patcam]

Hello ,i am a Canadian that will be flying into Brownsville, TX in march and plan on crossing the border on foot. I was wondering if it would be possible to purchase a small 125cc bike in Mexico to ride through central america? What documentation will i need? and how will i obtain them? I do not have a motorcycle license but from what I've read i do not need one. Ive searched alot but cannot find a definitive answer. Any links/resources would be greatly appreciated!! I could also switch my flight to san diego if that made more sense. (2 month itinerary)

Again any suggestions are welcome!

Thank you all for your time

[MikeMike]

Who told you a motorcycle license is not needed in Mexico?
You do.
Unless you are riding a bike below a certain cc limit in some states, you need a license.
A 125cc bike will need a license and a plate.
It will also be useless on major highways and even some state highways. Yes, anything can be done and people do tour on them all the time. Give yourself lots of time. The Chinese/Korean bikes are sold even in supermarkets and you get what you pay for. They are poorly assembled, carry a warranty difficult to actually use, and are also the most stolen of all bikes in Mexico.
You have zero motorcycle knowledge, zero knowledge about Mexico, so you need to spend some time looking for correct and current information.
The internet is also a fool's paradise for complete BS about Mexico.
First, if you are crossing Brownsville on foot, you will be entering Matamoros. One of the worst cities in Mexico to start a trip, not to mention carry the cash around while bike shopping.
Do you speak Spanish? You don't need it at yhe border but in rural areas farther south you most certainly will.
Have you any experience with Mexican traffic? Mexican highways? Rural roads?
How about basic tools and mechanical knowledge? First aid kit and skills? How about a helmet and basic motorcycle safety equipment?
Have you ever ridden a small cc bike for even half a day? They are different than a Bahama moped.
Have you researched the different cheap brands of bikes?
How about traveler insurance? It is more skill oriented to ride a small bike through a country than taking a bus.
PM me and I can help you if you are still serious after reading what I have posted here. Be very realistic with yourself so you dont ruin your trip.
I am also a Canadian and a licensed rider in Mexico. Mexico has beem my home for more than 20 years of on and off road riding. I know of a few people who have succesfully done what you are thinking about. Personally, I would seriously consider another point of entry, first. Understand Mexican law regarding ownership and operation of a motorcycle. Learn to ride some place easier than Mexican traffic. I am not trying to put a damper on your enthusiasm which is quite admirable, I am only asking you to prepare accordingly for the adventure.

[patcam]

I didn't mean to offend anyone. I do have some motorcycle knowledge. I am a licensed light duty + heavy duty mechanic with limited mechanical experience on bikes. I do not have experience on Mexican roads but only one way to learn right!? I was thinking of taking bus from Brownsville to Monterrey and finding a bike there. Thanks for your input.

[MikeMike]

Offend? Nah, I was going on the info you posted originally. Check if licensing requiements are differeng in Nuevo Leon than in Tamaulipas. Make sure you check the important things on a Chinese/Korwan 125 pizza bike. The chances of the guys assembling it comprehending torque values for fittings is likely nill.

[mollydog]

Since when does a tourist need a Mexican driving license in Mexico? I've never been asked for my license ... only tourist Visa and Passport. I WOULD get insurance of course, best bought on USA side of border.

A 125cc bike could be "challenging" on fast roads (dangerous?) but can't be any worse than the many many bicyclists I see on every trip. But I'd try to stay OFF fast roads, watch your mirrors and be prepared to bail off the road if a BIG truck or bus comes too close when passing you.

I've not owned or ridden the latest Chinese bikes ... have you owned a few Mike?
I hear from Mexican locals they are getting better. I met a guy in Mazatlan with 60K kms on his. (!!!!) ... and guys at the bike shops I visited said latest gen bikes are better. Would not be my choice for a bike ... but what the hey! Live and learn!

(PS: you could buy a nice 2nd hand 250, 400 or 650 on the USA side for same price as one of the new Chinese bikes sold new in Mexico!)

Whatever happens, have fun! Mexico is a blast! Learn some Spanish!

[VicMitch]

For the same $$ or less you can get any number of used Japanese bikes on the US side. Street bikes for less than $2000 are everywhere. Ninja 250, Rebel 250 are small cheap and reliable and will keep up with traffic if you don't bother with the Cuota roads.

[patcam]

Thanks for the info! My spanish is coming along...slowly lol. Was actually going to try to find one used , maybe a ybr125 or honda maybe. Spoke to a few people that have done this as tourists and as far as I know, I need 4 things: Valid I.D,
Passport, Proof of residence (he got from hostel he was staying at which was a electricity bill),
Receipt of ownership transfer

Any suggestions as far as travel routes go? what highways to avoid ? (fast highways) . I want to spend most of these 2 months outside of Mexico FYI.

Thanks again guys!

[MikeMike]

He will need a Mexican motorcycle operators licence depending on the requirements of the state he is purchasing the motorcycle in.

He mentioned he doesn't have a valid motorcycle licence, that is why.

And remember, just because someone has not been asked for their licence does not mean they don't need one.

Perhaps, one of these days, people might realize that Mexico is a country that actually does have laws that people should make some sort of effort at adhering to.

All of this depends on the state where the bike will be purchased. However, if a plate is needed in that particular state and there is no plate on the bike, it simply opens one up to a potential encounter with cops here. That is best avoided especially in some states in Mexico.

A cheap Chinese or Korean bike can be bought off the floor here at Walmart, Commercial Mexicana, Soriana, Chedrahui, basically any supermarket or department store will sell you one. Sure, you can ride a bike without a plate or a bike licence even if they are required, but you are simply breaking the law if they are required.

Best of luck.

[mollydog]

Originally Posted by MikeMike

A cheap Chinese or Korean bike can be bought off the floor here at Walmart, Commercial Mexicana, Soriana, Chedrahui, basically any supermarket or department store will sell you one. Sure, you can ride a bike without a plate or a bike licence even if they are required, but you are simply breaking the law if they are required.
Best of luck.

Are you quite sure that a NON MEXICAN there as a tourist is required to have a Mexican Motorcycle license? I'm quite sure you are right, one would have to jump through some hoops to legally register your Chinese bike bought in Mexico and getting that plate might be tough for a foreigner.

You've done this, yea? So what is involved? Can a tourist even do it?
You probably have FM2 or FM3 status, no?

Do you think a Mexican transito or Federale will know if a US or Canadian driver's license is also good for riding bikes? My California license has one TINY little box checked, indicates "MC Endorsement". Trust me Mike, it's Greek to anyone outside California ... even US cops in other states have NO CLUE.

None asked if I had an MC endorsement. (I do of course) I assume the OP has some sort of Canadian license? ... which I'd bet would be FINE for riding bikes in Mexico.

Of course, Mexico has laws and in my experience Tourists obey the laws FAR MORE closely than most Mexican nationals.

IE: How many Mexicans carry valid insurance? Answer: not many. How many Mexicans own a Mexican Passport? Answer,about 10%-15%.

Also, virtually every tourist in Mexico PAYS FOR a 6 month tourist Visa (about $25 now),98% of those with vehicles post a $400 bond and pay a $70 fee for the pleasure of riding their bike into Mexico, good for 6 months.

As a foreigner I can only use my local Mexican friends as examples of how things are done. Dealing with Police usually involves small cash payments.

[Peter Bodtke]

What is your plan for the end of the trip? Are you planning to sell the bike in Mexico? I have zero experience trying to sell a motorcycle in a foreign country, but would assume the length of time to find a buyer and complete the deal is variable. You may face extending your trip to find a buyer, leaving the bike with someone to sell it or selling it at a steep discount. Alternately this could be the start of a long love affair with Mexico and you find a place to store the bike, which you enjoy on return visits.

I have read on the HUBB there are restrictions on importing some motorcycles into Canada. If you choose to take your bike back to Canada, then sooner or later you'll have to pay some kind of importation fees/taxes.

Considering the above hassles, then combined with the uncertainties and hassles of buying a bike in Mexico (or any country where you are a tourist), the idea of simply buying a bike in your home country and riding to Mexico starts looking better and better... And you have the comfort of knowing your bike in advance of an extended trip. It will be broken in properly and outfitted to you needs and in the end you'll have a bike at home. Its not that far to ride, from Canada to the Mexico border.

My dream is to buy a KLX250 and either ship it to Brazil or ride there via Mexico and Central America if I can take enough time away. Light bikes are a lot of fun.

Two strong guys can pick up a 125cc and toss it into a car or truck in seconds flat. Don't leave it unattended on the street and never at night. A thick cable and strong lock will slow down most thieves.

[AndyT]

Originally Posted by mollydog

Are you quite sure that a NON MEXICAN there as a tourist is required to have a Mexican Motorcycle license? ......
.......None asked if I had an MC endorsement. (I do of course) I assume the OP has some sort of Canadian license? ... which I'd bet would be FINE for riding bikes in Mexico.

I think the point is that you need to be licensed to ride a motorcycle somewhere. If you are licensed in your home country, Mexico recognizes that license for tourist stays, but if you are not licensed at home, there is nothing for them to recognize.


I have been asked for my motorcycle endorsement when getting my TVIP maybe twice in twenty or so trips into Mexico. On my Texas DL, it is just the letter "M" as a suffix to the type of license, and it took a little convincing.

[mollydog]

Originally Posted by Peter Bodtke

Considering the above hassles, then combined with the uncertainties and hassles of buying a bike in Mexico (or any country where you are a tourist), the idea of simply buying a bike in your home country and riding to Mexico starts looking better and better... And you have the comfort of knowing your bike in advance of an extended trip. It will be broken in properly and outfitted to you needs and in the end you'll have a bike at home. Its not that far to ride, from Canada to the Mexico border.

I agree 100%.
Setting up a bike to your specs and knowing it's ins and outs, to me, is a PLUS. Also, having legal paper work from USA or Canada is nice too. Riding it down will give you time to dial it in and "learn" (and fix) your bike before crossing the border.

Originally Posted by Peter Bodtke

My dream is to buy a KLX250 and either ship it to Brazil or ride there via Mexico and Central America if I can take enough time away. Light bikes are a lot of fun.

A great little bike! If you buy one, think about going with the 300 or 330 kit for the KLX. See the BIG KLX Thread over on ADV Rider, Thumpers forum.
Lots of good KLX info there. The big bore kit transforms the little KLX from an under powered girls bike to a real, strong 250, matching the WR250 in power.


The above KLX is my buddies bike I detailed and sold. I rode it around quite a bit, on and off road. Really needs the big bore kit IMHO. reliability with the kit is said to be very good!

[MikeMike]

The HUBB has really gone to hell, like a lot of other forums with people not really knowing very much about their neighbor, counseling people to break laws in other countries, and so on.
That is pathetic.
Telling someone that legal matters can just be solved with monetary bribes is ignorant, foolish, and dangerous. Try that with the Mexican military and marines who are currently the acting police forces in many locales. The results will be as fascinating as how totally clued out some people are on this forum.
As for the original plan of the original poster, it was not very solid and not thought through. Looks like he modified it a little.
Time of year also plays a large role in tourists riding in Mexico. Chugging along at 70kmh max gets tiresome in 45c, very quickly. As does riding into an 80kmh headwind, and dealing with flooded roads.
But hey, to each his own.
Just dont tell people thst everything in Mexico is solved with money.
Because it isnt.
And trying to bribe the military is just plain stupid. As stupid as not knowing in the first place that the military are the police in certain parts of Mexico. People would know that if they have ridden here in the past few years.

[jordan325ic]

For what it's worth, I used an expired license with no motorcycle endorsement when dealing with authorities in Mexico and Central America. I had a current, MC endorsed license as well, but it was never requested. I think it would be no problem to ride Latin America with only a car license.

It was experience in Latin America (on a 250cc motorcycle) that made me choose a 125cc for my next trip trip. In my opinion 125cc is perfect size for 3rd world travel.

I never paid a bribe and will never pay a bribe. People who pay bribes at the slightest request are contributing to corruption and making things more difficult for every person who follows.

[patcam]

Stumbled across this badboy, thought I would update. I ended up flying to Guatemala instead to meet friend and bought bike there (only needed valid passport, no ID). Rode the bike to Panama, took around 3 months , stopped whenever I could to explore. Took every side street\ trail that intrigued me. Honestly the most rewarding thing I've ever done. And the truth is, no planning was done and I liked it that way. Had a paper map and 30 litre backpack ratchet strapped to the bike. Anyone that has any questions or wants to bash me, shoot me one!