South TX to Merida

In considering travel to Merida, (and wanting a warm weather moto ride in December), I'm thinking of riding from South Texas around the Gulf up to Yucatan. Google route choices include Mex 180, or Mex 105. I'd like to spend 3-4 days getting there, have 8-10 days in Yucatan and turn around and come back.

Purpose of trip. 1. See Yucatan again after 38 years. 2. Moto adventure in Mexico. 3. Vacation 4. See the hoopla over end of era re: Mayan Calendar 5. Relax on beach at Carribean.

I was in Merida in 1974 for a semester studying Mayan architecture, visiting the ruins, having loads of fun and now, at 60, it seems like a good time to return.

Being on the West Coast, it is not possible for me to ride the 3000 miles there and back in the time I have.

I rode the length of Baja a few years back so know a little about Mexican roads, at least in that part. Is the 180 route interesting, scenic, safe, etc.? I'd probably be riding my '05 R12GS that would involve shipping to Brownsville=pricey......or buy a decent older sport tourer, ST11 or Connie in Houston/Austin/San Antonio.

Any knowledge of this would be appreciated. Anybody wanting to sell a nice older UJM or sport tourer set up for distance riding?

I have my 1996 BMW R1100RS up for sale..$4500. I'm in McAllen, TX with 4 border crossings to choose from. Easy setup for fly and ride.

OK, that settles it. Thanks.

If you decide to buy a bike in Texas do so well before your planned
entry to Mexico and make sure all the proper Texas documentation
for it is clearly stated in YOUR name. Nothing will delay or stop you as
badly as inadequate or unclear proof of ownership at the Mexican
customs.
Since you are riding round trip take Mex 180 on the way to Merida
and follow a totally different route away from the coastal plains. on the
return trip .go farther inland maybe down from Palenque thru Ocosingo
to San Cristobal and then Mex 190 ALL the way back to Puebla
A short jog west to Pachuca and then Mex 105 north back to Tampico and
Mex 180 again to the border where you entered if you must
Or Pachuca then Mex 85 all the way to Laredo
Lots of variety , good for 3 or 4 weeks and bazillions of photos

OK, good information about proper documentation on bike in my name. Is TX DMV like CA, taking 2-3 weeks for a new title? If so, that pretty kills the idea of buying in Texas, as I would fly in, buy bike and leave within a couple days.

Transaction receipt in your name from DMV. Should suffice. Of course you never know until the deed is done. I have signed the title over right at the Banjercito and was on my way. Things could change.

I just verified this today:

In TX...go to DMV, transfer title, pay tax, get receipt (registration), this takes care of needed bike documents. Your personal documents will require passport.

Hope this helps.

Any thoughts from Tricepilot?

Thanks Pancho. I'm still on track to make this work. I attempted, unsuccessfully, to do the electronic pre-authorization for immigration and got a message saying to file the TVIP at the Mexican border Port Office. Any word on this? The message on the pre-authorization page stated "You may request your permit 7-60 days prior to entering MX by vehicle." Can I do all the immigration and TVIP processing once I am at the border....or does any of it need to be done well in advance? Again, thanks in advance.

TVIP is easily done at the border as, of course, is immigration.

This is too big of a trip right now. I will get back to Yucatan at some point, just not in 2012. Thanks for all the replies; I'll archive the information for use in the future. Need to stay closer to home for this holidays season.

A word to the wise: Best do these trips while ya can as the clock doesn't stop.