I just received the message below from a reader in the UK – Thanks for writing! – with a couple of questions about motorcycle touring in Mexico and South America. I thought I could share my answers and comments here with other readers.
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Actually, a friend and I would really like to ride bikes in a different part of the world. We live in the UK, and would like to go to Mexico, and buy a bike there and ride it round South America.
But I wonder whether you have any good sources of information which might answer some of these questions:
1) What sort of license would we need to ride in South America?
2) Can you buy a bike there? And can you register it in your name, even if you don’t have proof of address etc, being foreign nationals?
3) What about other matters like insurance etc.
Or would it be easier to buy bikes in the States, and then just cross the border?
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My answer and comments…
1.- Your UK license will do in Mexico. I suppose it’s the same in Central and South America.
2.- Yes, you can buy bikes in Mexico. Anyway, I would recommend buying the motorcycles in Southern US and ride it down the border. You will find a larger choice at better prices. Besides, doing business in English should be easier than in Spanish.
Regarding registration and insurance, I am not quite sure how it works for a foreigner either in the US or Mexico, but I am sure there is a way to have the bikes insured.
The above also answers question number three.
Extra comment…
Plan your ride carefully. Riding across Mexico and down the American continent can be a great experience, but it also presents some challenges. The roads to the good spots are not always in good condition and some are even dangerous.
I don’t know what kind of ride you like nor your budget, but choosing a big solid and reliable bike that also allows you some back road riding (the likes of BMW R1200GS) will let you visit some great places you wouldn’t be able to if you ride a Harley Davidson or a Honda Gold Wing.
I would also recommend to check some motorcycle forums. They are a great source of information, tips and advice for this kind of endeavors.
Hope this helps and enjoy the ride!
P.S. By the way, don’t forget to let us know how your trip went.
IMPORTANT: If anyone else has more info that can help our fellow riders in their next adventure, please share it in the comments of this post.
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