MORNING’S COLD, DOVE-GRAY LIGHT cast upon Bisbee’s century-old downtown buildings shifted to soft gold as the illumi- nated riders backed their motorbikes per- pendicular to the curb in front of the Coffee Company, the meeting place to begin our five-day journey south into the Mexican states of Sonora and Chihuahua. Eventually 10 riders gathered, checking paperwork and passports to travel to their ultimate destination, Barrancas del Cobra – the Copper Canyon. The riders exchanged greetings, savored
their first cup of joe, then kitted up, checked their fuel, started their engines and within minutes, pointed the packed-up machines south to ride six miles to the border town of Naco. This small town is an easy border crossing because it lacks the commercial traffic other border towns incur. Traveling into Mexico is simple and safe as long as you follow the rules. Here are some facts regarding riding
bikes into Mexico. Most parts of Sonora and the Baja are “Free Zone” or as the Mexi- cans say, “Hassle Free Zone,” meaning vehi- cles are permit exempt. Since we are going deep into the states of Sonora and Chihua- hua, we’re required first to get a tourist visa using a passport at the local Mexican immi- gration office. Then, we take the visa to the Banjercito (government bank) to procure a vehicle permit. The permit requires posses- sion of a current registration, current driv- er’s license, and $200-400 deposit (depending on the value of your motorcy- cle), which will be returned to you when you bring your bike back to a Banjercito office after your trip. They will photograph the stamped VIN on the motorcycle frame. You must hand in the vehicle permit before it expires or you forfeit the deposit – plus you won’t be able to bring in another vehi- cle in the future. The exception is the “Free Zone” area. Permits and deposits can be paid in cash or credit card. Because of the liability laws in Mexico, it
is strongly advised you obtain Mexican vehicle insurance. Not only does it cover you if you do some damage or cause injury, but most policies have roadside and legal assistance as well. I’m unsure how well it works, but it’s better than being arrested on the spot for having no insurance. One last word of warning regarding insurance: if you don’t have a vehicle permit outside of the Free Zone (half of Sonora and all of the
86 BMW OWNERS NEWS June 2016
Riders crossing one of three river crossings on the Ruta de Sonora.
Baja Peninsula) and you’re involved in an accident, there is a good chance the insur- ance company will consider your policy void and deny any claims. My advice is to always play it safe. Riders experienced in crossing into Mex-
ico usually get all the above paperwork requirements done a few days in advance because small crossings such as Naco have limited hours and days the Banjercito is open. Best advice is to check before you go! The final step is a short ride to the Mexi-
can customs agents’ area for the cursory checking of bags for narcotics and guns.
The officers will ask you your destination and check your papers while someone searches your bags. Don’t take guns or ammunition with you to Mexico unless you’re itching for a different kind of lengthy adventure. Most officers are polite but seri- ous, so it’s best not to fool around. One of the most asked questions before
riders take a trip into Mexico is regarding communication. I don’t speak or under- stand Spanish. That doesn’t mean I don’t try to learn some simple phrases other than cervesa or buenos dias. If you are patient, courteous and try, you can always get your
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