Did you, or do you, get your FMM to go down all the way to tip of Baja. I've been doing to N Baja, only 4 hours south, for about 15 yrs and never got my FMM, but...going to Loreto and La Paz etc and all over, wondering if I should get it or need it.... Thoughts?
Excellent points for Baja trip. I crossed the border at Tecate. From San Diego. No wait time or crazy lines. Also the ride down from San Diego is very nice to Tecate. i forgot to get my FMM card stamped on Mexican side. So I went back and got it stamped. When it comes to night driving, I would probably skip the Rt. 1 and 5 highway south of San Felipe. Between Bahia de Los Angles and San Felipe. I remember it had so many potholes a few years back. Look like it was carpet bombed. Also some of the bridges were still washed out for hurricanes . So research that area. Take first aid kit and a few ace bandages. Someone will eventually get hung up on sand somewhere and need an ace. Otherwise some very good points and recommendations for Baja trip. Beautiful place and great food. Kam
Advice needed: I'm planning a solo trip to La Paz next year, starting from Mexicali, but can't decide which bike to take. I'd like to go more off-road on my XR650R (what better bike for Baja, right?), but like you said the solo risk factor is a concern. Should I take my Valkyrie or VFR800 instead and stick to the highways? I have lots of experience in Mexico (my Spanish is pretty good) but I've never taken a motorcycle to Baja before.
Its tough to say really, but my personal opinion if you don't take the 650 you'll be like "I should have brought the 650." With your experience id say the highway bikes are only needed for crushing highway miles in a short period of time. I want to ride my 450 crf most of the time down there. I think you'll have a better experience with the 650, you just need to be selective about how technical of terrain you're getting yourself into.
@@MobMoto my comment seems douchy now that I re-read it. We should all have such first-world problems. Thanks for your reply regardless. I think I'll stick with my original Johnny Campbell dream and take the 650 but be extra selective like you advised.
@@kingbee1971 Its a good question and there's nothing wrong with having options. I just think with that 650 you're gonna wanna ride on the beach and shit! 😜
I did this trip a couple of months ago and the info in this video is good except for one thing - the prices. I was surprised to see gas was the same price there as it was at my home in the PNW. It was $25mx/litre ($2+ canadian, $1.50 USD), which is pretty pricey. Same thing with the food, it seems like I was paying $8 - $10 USD for a couple of tacos and a Coke. The friends I was visiting down there said the prices have jumped in the past couple of years, it's sad to see. It is still worth the trip, but plan accordingly.
I'm considering a ride to La Paz from Yuma and using a 1100 Virago. Can cruisers make the trip? Looks like pavement to La Paz with a less direct route. Great Vid btw.
Yes, I mapped out a route on the GPS but included several points of interest as waypoints if we chose to check them out. Normally its not needed to book ahead for hotels, but during the 1000 race its probably best to book hotels in the big cities like Ensenada ahead of time. There has always been secure parking at the hotels we stayed at, even the cheap ones.
Good video. A few things... We ride in Mexico regularly and have never been asked for the FMM card. I've only been shaken down once, and that was in mainland MX. Speaking a bit of Spanish can help. Give NO MONEY to cops stopping you for traffic offenses. Be firm, be honest, keep your sense of humor and give them no money. Do not ride at night. It isn't worth it. Potholes, animals in the roadway, etc. It's all good in MX until it's not; it's a bad place to get hurt. Like you I love riding here. Enjoy the ride!
I plan on riding down solo in September. I have a 2021 r1250 gs. I’m an experienced traveler (former navy sailor) is it dangerous for a solo rider on a fairly expensive bike? Thanks.
Merry Christmas from Calgary Alberta Canada!! Hope you had a great one! I love this video and watched it 5-6 times. I’m thinking of going in March or April. Will be a solo trip but my fiancé will meet me in Cabo San Lucas for 4-5 days. I’m a bit nervous haha. But your video gives me confidence. I’ll bring my bike in back of my truck to San Diego and then cross in Tijuana. Good idea to cross there? I’ll stop now haha. Take care and Happy New Year! Darin
Hey! I am also from Calgary, Alberta and throwing around the idea of touring around Baja California in the later part of March 2024. Bike is currently stored in vegas... when are you going exactly?? Would be nice to have someone to ride along with. Cheers.
Thanks for the video and valuable info! I am still deciding if I should start the travel with my own bike in San Diego shipping it from Cincinnati or renting a bike in Tijuana .. not sure what to do, I will be riding with my wife. Any advice?
I think if you rent it would be best out of Las Vegas. There is a big motorcycle renting market here and you'll get more of the bike you want and at a better deal. Vegas is less than 300 miles to the border. Plus its super cheap rates to fly into vegas. I don't have experience renting bikes in Mexico. What kind of bike are you interested in renting?
Yes, thats a great bike to tour baja. Both of my bikes take 91 the GSA and the 790, but I just ran low grades because its far and few between down there. I never had a problem and I run mid-grade in the states a lot and low grade as well with no issues.
@@deandoucette7206 A friend had mentioned that half the fuel stations have 91, mostly in the big cities like San Felipe and Lapaz, and you could also take octane booster as an option.
I recently saw an article, that a Houston couple was stranded in Mexico, because they tested positive for COVID-19. Apparently the US requires that you are vaccinated or show a negative test within 3 days. Is this something that is only being enforced for air travel, and not by vehicle crossings? Also, how was the quality of the gas? Especially from the guys on the trucks. Did it effect the performance at all?
The quality of gas is good, its pretty much one company in the whole Baja. I was never asked or tested about anything cov, and crossing the border on a motorcycle I was never questioned coming into the US. I think what you are referring to is airline regulations for packing people in small spaces.
I think my response is quite late, but the gasoline sold with the guys on the trucks is the same as the gasoline station companies. They just buy it from there and then sell it at a bit higher price in places where gas stations are not available.
I think there is more fuel in the northern half and you'll be fine but, its a little more spread out in the southern half of baja. the longer stretch has guys selling out of trucks it's not over 150 miles apart.
We rode all the way down to Cabo and back to Vegas. It was 10 days total for us, but it depends on how many miles you want to ride a day. 2200 miles round trip from Vegas. Check out my Cabo series.
Nice. FYI gas here in Cali is only now above $4 per gallon in some places. I gassed up in Morgan Hill the other day for $3.69 a gallon. But in LA and SF I’ve heard it’s that high. This is great information btw
@@steelhawthorne The US doesnt stop you from leaving the border, they only check when you want to get in. Then you need a passport and they run the plates on the vehicle. I think that helps them decide who gets secondary checks. Ive never been asked for registration proof coming into the US, but Mexico did ask for registration on my dirtbike one time when I was towing it into baja.
Face masks, temperature checks and hand sanitizer when entering places. Covid tests are not required when crossing between US and Mexico land borders into Baja.
Theres no requirement crossing either border by land. Air travel is a different story. In baja most businesses require masks but nobody turned me away without one except a very small amount. They want the money.
$160 for 10 days? Holy extortion Batman. Where I’m at in the U.S. 10 days worth of full coverage (not liability) costs me about $16. Why is it so much more expensive in Mexico? I was under the impression dollars for a long way in Mexico.
This is a great video! You answered most of my questions. Well done, sir!
Thank You for the great information. I've been on the fence about doing a solo Baja ride, this really helps.
Its a lot of fun! Thanks
Great information..... Taking GS 1250 from Palm Springs to Loreto in December. Can't wait!!!
That's the ticket!
I’m making the same trip in February, have any suggestions or guidance you care to share?
Great tips! Thanks
Excellent informative video Rod. Heading down end of this month!
Thanks for watching, have a good time!
Did you, or do you, get your FMM to go down all the way to tip of Baja. I've been doing to N Baja, only 4 hours south, for about 15 yrs and never got my FMM, but...going to Loreto and La Paz etc and all over, wondering if I should get it or need it.... Thoughts?
Im planning a trip this year 2024. I ride a pan america, would you advise on a fuel bag for just in case between fuel stops?
Thank you the information
yes it wont hurt, but if you stop in the bigger towns for fuel you should be good.
Great review and follow up Rodney! I feel much better about heading down to San Felipe now. Thanks for all the info!!
Thanks Bob, I wanted to show people its a great and safe ride!
Excellent points for Baja trip. I crossed the border at Tecate. From San Diego. No wait time or crazy lines. Also the ride down from San Diego is very nice to Tecate. i forgot to get my FMM card stamped on Mexican side. So I went back and got it stamped. When it comes to night driving, I would probably skip the Rt. 1 and 5 highway south of San Felipe. Between Bahia de Los Angles and San Felipe. I remember it had so many potholes a few years back. Look like it was carpet bombed. Also some of the bridges were still washed out for hurricanes . So research that area. Take first aid kit and a few ace bandages. Someone will eventually get hung up on sand somewhere and need an ace.
Otherwise some very good points and recommendations for Baja trip. Beautiful place and great food.
Kam
The road is not as bad as in previous years, at least not right now. Yes, if you're not comfortable riding at night dont. Thanks for watching!
Great info. Thank you for sharing.
Great video very informative
Advice needed: I'm planning a solo trip to La Paz next year, starting from Mexicali, but can't decide which bike to take. I'd like to go more off-road on my XR650R (what better bike for Baja, right?), but like you said the solo risk factor is a concern. Should I take my Valkyrie or VFR800 instead and stick to the highways? I have lots of experience in Mexico (my Spanish is pretty good) but I've never taken a motorcycle to Baja before.
Its tough to say really, but my personal opinion if you don't take the 650 you'll be like "I should have brought the 650."
With your experience id say the highway bikes are only needed for crushing highway miles in a short period of time.
I want to ride my 450 crf most of the time down there.
I think you'll have a better experience with the 650, you just need to be selective about how technical of terrain you're getting yourself into.
@@MobMoto my comment seems douchy now that I re-read it. We should all have such first-world problems. Thanks for your reply regardless. I think I'll stick with my original Johnny Campbell dream and take the 650 but be extra selective like you advised.
@@kingbee1971 Its a good question and there's nothing wrong with having options.
I just think with that 650 you're gonna wanna ride on the beach and shit! 😜
I have an XR650R and a Ninja 1000SX. The XR would be the ticket.
What about any gear you wish you had?
I did this trip a couple of months ago and the info in this video is good except for one thing - the prices. I was surprised to see gas was the same price there as it was at my home in the PNW. It was $25mx/litre ($2+ canadian, $1.50 USD), which is pretty pricey. Same thing with the food, it seems like I was paying $8 - $10 USD for a couple of tacos and a Coke. The friends I was visiting down there said the prices have jumped in the past couple of years, it's sad to see. It is still worth the trip, but plan accordingly.
Excellent video. Good info
I'm considering a ride to La Paz from Yuma and using a 1100 Virago. Can cruisers make the trip? Looks like pavement to La Paz with a less direct route. Great Vid btw.
Yes, its paved all the way to Cabo. Thanks, have fun!
Did you map out your rides and make reservations at the hotels ? also, site security at the hotels for your bike ?
Yes, I mapped out a route on the GPS but included several points of interest as waypoints if we chose to check them out.
Normally its not needed to book ahead for hotels, but during the 1000 race its probably best to book hotels in the big cities like Ensenada ahead of time.
There has always been secure parking at the hotels we stayed at, even the cheap ones.
Headed down this week. Have to admit I’m a little nervous
Just curious, how the Mexico trip went?
Good video. A few things... We ride in Mexico regularly and have never been asked for the FMM card. I've only been shaken down once, and that was in mainland MX. Speaking a bit of Spanish can help. Give NO MONEY to cops stopping you for traffic offenses. Be firm, be honest, keep your sense of humor and give them no money. Do not ride at night. It isn't worth it. Potholes, animals in the roadway, etc. It's all good in MX until it's not; it's a bad place to get hurt. Like you I love riding here. Enjoy the ride!
I plan on riding down solo in September. I have a 2021 r1250 gs. I’m an experienced traveler (former navy sailor) is it dangerous for a solo rider on a fairly expensive bike? Thanks.
Great, thanks.
Great info ! I'm doing a solo ride in February
February is the best time to go! have fun, thanks!
I'm also planning for February, can't wait!!!
I"m going solo also around Feb 8th, 2022 on a Yamaha FJR 1300. How about you?
@@Steven-zx7uo Feb 19- 28 now there is 3 of us going on 690 enduros , it sounds like we were doing mostly off road .
@@bradfuller1667 sounds Fun, wish I had a dual bike! I will be mostly on pave roads.
Merry Christmas from Calgary Alberta Canada!! Hope you had a great one!
I love this video and watched it 5-6 times. I’m thinking of going in March or April. Will be a solo trip but my fiancé will meet me in Cabo San Lucas for 4-5 days. I’m a bit nervous haha. But your video gives me confidence. I’ll bring my bike in back of my truck to San Diego and then cross in Tijuana. Good idea to cross there? I’ll stop now haha. Take care and Happy New Year! Darin
Sounds like a good plan. Just take your time and you'll be fine. Have fun, you're gonna enjoy the hell out of that trip!
Hey! I am also from Calgary, Alberta and throwing around the idea of touring around Baja California in the later part of March 2024. Bike is currently stored in vegas... when are you going exactly?? Would be nice to have someone to ride along with. Cheers.
What road is that at 3:32? I hope to make it over there sometime
Conception Bay, its over halfway down on the sea of Cortez coast. Epic motorcycle ride!
@@MobMoto Thanks! Was hoping it’d be closer. Gotta take some extra time to get there I guess
Thanks for the video and valuable info!
I am still deciding if I should start the travel with my own bike in San Diego shipping it from Cincinnati or renting a bike in Tijuana .. not sure what to do, I will be riding with my wife.
Any advice?
I think if you rent it would be best out of Las Vegas. There is a big motorcycle renting market here and you'll get more of the bike you want and at a better deal. Vegas is less than 300 miles to the border. Plus its super cheap rates to fly into vegas. I don't have experience renting bikes in Mexico. What kind of bike are you interested in renting?
Muy buenas recomendaciones ✌
Have ridden to Baja in the summer? I’m going down in June. Curious about the weather I will be facing.
Ever been in Las Vegas in June? Or Arizona? Same thing, be careful out there,
@@damasodelgado4542 Thanks. Leaving in a couple days.
You need a permit to go into baja sur, past gerarro negero!
Nice informative video 👍
Thanks man🙂!
Thanks Mike
Headed towards Leon on a Honda 300cc wish me luck! Thanks man
Have fun brother, you'll enjoy it!
Need more adventure videos from you man. love your channel. quick question, do you use any LED lights for night riding?
Yes I run Denali lights D4. Thanks for watching.
Would you recommend doing the Baja on a BMW K1600GT? Is the 91 Octane available in most places?
Yes, thats a great bike to tour baja.
Both of my bikes take 91 the GSA and the 790, but I just ran low grades because its far and few between down there. I never had a problem and I run mid-grade in the states a lot and low grade as well with no issues.
the new bikes will compensate the fueling because they come with an oxygen sensor that will adjust for the lower grade fuel.
@@MobMoto Thanks for clarifying. I was wondering about that. I don’t want to damage the amazing K1600 engine.
@@deandoucette7206 It wont damage your engine, your bike will run just fine on lower octane, its just not rocket fuel.
@@deandoucette7206 A friend had mentioned that half the fuel stations have 91, mostly in the big cities like San Felipe and Lapaz, and you could also take octane booster as an option.
I recently saw an article, that a Houston couple was stranded in Mexico, because they tested positive for COVID-19. Apparently the US requires that you are vaccinated or show a negative test within 3 days. Is this something that is only being enforced for air travel, and not by vehicle crossings?
Also, how was the quality of the gas? Especially from the guys on the trucks. Did it effect the performance at all?
The quality of gas is good, its pretty much one company in the whole Baja.
I was never asked or tested about anything cov, and crossing the border on a motorcycle I was never questioned coming into the US.
I think what you are referring to is airline regulations for packing people in small spaces.
I think my response is quite late, but the gasoline sold with the guys on the trucks is the same as the gasoline station companies. They just buy it from there and then sell it at a bit higher price in places where gas stations are not available.
My KTM 690 enduro only gets about 150 miles on 1 tank. Riding from SD, are there enough fuel stations w/in 150 to get me to Cabo? Good video
I think there is more fuel in the northern half and you'll be fine but, its a little more spread out in the southern half of baja. the longer stretch has guys selling out of trucks it's not over 150 miles apart.
Great video. How far south did you go? How much time do we need to go all teh way down to the south and back to LA?
We rode all the way down to Cabo and back to Vegas. It was 10 days total for us, but it depends on how many miles you want to ride a day. 2200 miles round trip from Vegas. Check out my Cabo series.
Nice. FYI gas here in Cali is only now above $4 per gallon in some places. I gassed up in Morgan Hill the other day for $3.69 a gallon. But in LA and SF I’ve heard it’s that high.
This is great information btw
Vegas is around the same price at $3.60 - $3.70, I was in Blythe and it's over $4 as well. Thanks for watching!
would you say M1 is necessary or can you go with a permit? @RideofRides
I think you would be ok with a permit. I think they're just checking registration for stolen bikes going back and forth.
@@steelhawthorne The US doesnt stop you from leaving the border, they only check when you want to get in. Then you need a passport and they run the plates on the vehicle. I think that helps them decide who gets secondary checks. Ive never been asked for registration proof coming into the US, but Mexico did ask for registration on my dirtbike one time when I was towing it into baja.
what is the covid requirement?
Face masks, temperature checks and hand sanitizer when entering places. Covid tests are not required when crossing between US and Mexico land borders into Baja.
Theres no requirement crossing either border by land. Air travel is a different story.
In baja most businesses require masks but nobody turned me away without one except a very small amount. They want the money.
$160 for 10 days? Holy extortion Batman. Where I’m at in the U.S. 10 days worth of full coverage (not liability) costs me about $16. Why is it so much more expensive in Mexico? I was under the impression dollars for a long way in Mexico.
Please don't bribe, pay the F@#$in ticket... Corruption is not ok
RIDEHARD
Man, if that's isn't a Californian accent, I don't know what is! LMAO.
“A quick video”… video is 15 minutes long. Haha