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[Keithincda]

I have to  make a trip to Manzanillo (Pacific coast of Mexico about 200 miles south of Puerto Vallarta) the 1st week of May for a week of work. I have the time to take extra time going down and back and am seriously thinking of riding the CVO. I would be be with another guy who rides a Harley, though not a CVO and we both are experienced riders.
Anybody ever crossed the border at Nogales south of Tucson and ridden down into Mazatlan or further south? Thoughts on riding that far down into Mexico? I am not worried about insurance as I can buy that and I have been reading up on the net about that stretch of road but am just curious on any feedback from guys that have ridden a decent distance south of the border whether on the baja peninsula or on the mainland through one of the US border crossings.
Just as an fyi I have vacationed every year for the last 5 in Manzanillo but have flown into there out of LAX in fact I was there for a week back in February this year. this trip is a little different as I am going to be helping out a good friend who ons the place where I usually vacation fix it up and do some repairs for a few days without the wives...

[Road_Glider]

I live in South Texas and we used to enjoy crossing the border often for vacations, food and fun.  But not any more.  With the violence happening in all of the border towns due to the drug cartels I would not even consider doing it now.  I hightly recommend you reconsider travel in Mexico thru any of the border towns.  It is just too dangerous these days.  Sad it has come to this but one has to pay attention to the  reality of the situations there now. 

[Wrongway]

It may be that we live closer to the border, but the violence is way out of control in the border states and I am not going there. Yesterdays paper had an article on a police chief found with his head in his lap, his brother also killed. I am man enough to say, I am not going there. Find another mode of transport to Manzanillo!

[Grizzly]

My wife & I rented a place in Lake Havasu, AZ for the month of Feb. '09 and were warned then not to venture too far south by the border with Mexico due to the violence happening back then... As we've all seen & heard in the news, it's a whole lot worse nowadays.

I've always wanted to take a trip the included riding into Mexico, but unfortunately it looks like it'll be a few years yet before things settle down, if ever.

[2harleys]

Make sure you hide enough money for the bus ride back. Hopefully they do not take your money (or your life). No not worry about the bike, as your insurance will help you get a new one.

[Keithincda]

Thanks for the thoughts fellas. 

[Indenial]

Sounds like they let the air out of your balloon. Never been there, can't say.

[Ultra2010]

IF you insist on riding, rent a bike.  I doubt if you took the CVO there that you would be bringing it back.......... sad to say.  Back in the early 80s I use to ride down there often, lived in Del Rio Tx., had fun back then but it's a different world today.

[Keithincda]

The reality of it after looking at mileage and the time needed to get there, work for week and then get back home probably doesn't make any sense to try, though I'd really like to. I have been researching a lot on the net and talking to folks who have (and do every year) drive cages down but a bike is certainly different. I know I could outrun any banditos but not the bullets

[JCZ]

SanjoseDuke just got back from Ensenada (1000 miles down Baja) last month.  Ernie (Enriezap) and Michael (motomichael) have both been down to Ensenada recently.  I think they'd do it again.  I would, if I had the time off from work.

[2harleys]

SanjoseDuke just got back from Ensenada (1000 miles down Baja) last month.  Ernie (Enriezap) and Michael (motomichael) have both been down to Ensenada recently.  I think they'd do it again.  I would, if I had the time off from work.

I have seen mice take the cheese out of a mouse trap without getting caught, but some times that same mouse gets his head flattened the second time he tries.

[DDavidson]

I hear of tourists getting robbed and killed in many American cities every year including here in the Bay Area. I use caution where ever I go but I'm more partial to adventure than to throw it all away with too much caution.

Many California riders have great adventures visiting our Southern neighbors. Look at the US Consulate web site for warnings.

Like JCZ stated in a previous reply, these guys had very successful rides there recently.

You could always travel to the San Diego area to cross to minimize your Mexico travel.

Look for ways to accomplish something versus a way to avoid them unless you have all the time in the world to do it when there is a time when nothing is risky.

Just my opinion.

[kraut]

I haven't been to Mexico yet but I know my ways in some pretty freaky Eastern Europe and South American countries.

If you don't make yourself a target you can travel almost anywhere quite safely - except in a full blown war maybe. All it takes is some precautions and the situational awareness recommendable in any big city anyway.

If you don't know country and people however, a local guide is essential.

Small groups of foreigners are a target in areas where they can be expected - the big motorway service areas in Poland or Serbia for instance are such a place. So avoid those hotspots and you can travel safely - far safer than in some areas in Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne or Hamburg that is. But allways make sure you have a local as backup, especially if you don't know the language. So if it's just the two of you and it's your first time in the area I would not take the chance.

That's no Mexico-specific advice, just common sense 

[howtodoit]

I live in Arizona and retired from law enforcement here, just recently the assistant police chief of Noglaes Sonora and four of his body guards were killed and be headed, the state department has a travel advisory out for Mexico.  It is very hard to figure out who, if anyone you can trust down there, most local cops are either being paid by the cartels, or they are to afraid, un trained, under equipped to do anything if you would need help. If you do need help the military is the best source. You have to remember you are in a third world country, also if you get hurt, medical care is not the same as you would expect here in the US.  You take a flashy bike down there, you might have no problems but then again you are saying hey look at me I have money, and don't even think about crossing the border with a gun, you will spend several years in a Mexican jail if you do.  Lots of great places to ride in the southwest without venturing into Mexico. Too many problems going on down there, you could be in the wrong place, not the target, but near by the target and still get whacked.  They are not just shooting, but are using grenades and rocket launchers also. Stay in US and stay alive. Safe riding!

[Chains]

I have traveled Mexico alot in the past and have to tell you with the drug cartels exhibiting the violence they are today there is no way I would take my bike there with one other person.  I had partners in Matamoris and they could get me the needed protection required no matter where I would enter, but it is absolutely out of control today, to many killings and believe me Americans are a target. Today if you get caught with a weapon you may die at a rode side stop by the Federalise. I doubt if you would bring your bike back or worse yourself if you rode.
Just my two cents worth, be carefull.