7 replies to this topic

[Tony_In_Mexico]

Hiya folks

You all were so helpful the first time I came here for answers that I thought I'd try again. I'm finally settling in here in Chapala and figure that I'm going to need to find a vehicle of some sort if I want to get around. I have a secure parking area so that's not an issue, but I don't think I want the hassles that come with car ownership. I've been considering a scooter or, more likely, a quad. I'm a big guy (6'3" 300+ lbs) so I'd need a hefty machine.

So my questions are thus:

1. Is it possible to find one of these things used? I can afford to buy one new if I have to (and if it's advisable for some reason) but I do have limited resources and the longer I can stretch out that reserve the more secure I'll feel going into the future.

2. What are the regulations concerning these things, i.e. licensing, insurance, etc? Not just the rule of law, but what's advisable for a gringo living here without a resident visa.

3. Does anyone know how safe these are from thieves? As I said, I have secure parking at home, but if I park at the Plaza in Chapala for lunch or at the cinema for a movie, what are the chances someone has loaded the thing on the back of a truck, or hotwired it, and skeedaddled?

4. Finally... if I get a quad, can anyone show me how to drive one of the darned things?

Your help is much appreciated.

Ok... one last question - should I just forget the scooter/quad idea and go ahead and find a car? In that case, see question 1.

[sundown]

Riding a scooter here is very dangerous !

[hensley]

Mark found our vehicle for us and what a deal he got us, used in great condition and low miles. Very professional guy. He did all the paperwork with us.
We have owned a Quad here and sold it, we also owned a Yamaha Rhino which was way cool but we never used it. These as transportation just didn't cut it but they were fun, we had them both licensed and it was expensive, they will not insure the Quad or the Rhino because of high theft.
What happens when it rains for days here, it has once in a while.

Mark Turford
333-398-9045
765-4341
markturford@yahoo.com

[lakeside101]

i have a car and scooter.... use car maybe once a week. insurance for scooter (full coverage) was almost the same as car... so i carry liability only.

[Ajijic]

There is danger in crossing the street. There is danger from shootouts and grenades. There is danger from food poisoning. There is danger from skin cancer due to higher elevation. There is a danger in eating at Salvador's because of all the car fumes. There is a danger ... well you got my point.

Life is a journey, live it.

We have had scooters in Ajijic and in San Miguel and now a Suzuki motorcycle. This is our 6th two wheel vehicle. We love the economy, ease of parking, no insurance fee and most of all the sheer enjoyment of exploring back roads and lanes and streets you would never do in a car. We have never had an accident and drive about 7000 km a year on these. My wife drives the 125 cc Suzuki which has more power (12.5 HP) than anything in its class and will do 60 mph on the flat. Yet, it is light for a motorcycle. She also drives all over SMA with our 7 year old daughter.

We have tried Vento and Italika scooters and they are cheap in price and cheap in quality plus they depreciate quickly.

We also had a Honda Unicorn 150 cc motorcycle and like Suzuki great quality. it is just that it was too heavy and tall for my wife.

In summary, enjoy the experience and buy quality and new as here you never know what you are buying used. For your size I doubt there is a scooter that would please you as the larger scooters found NOB are not sold here and the largest ehre have less than 10 HP. I recommend you go to Guadalajara and try some on for size and speed. Liverpool also has some and Sears but again avoid the Chinese makes. You do not want to go so slow you are holding up traffic and can not have any speed going up a hill. And, finally, do not always compare a Honda here to one say in the US. The engines while the same cc in some cases have less horsepower etc. FYI same happens sometimes with cars.

PM if you have questions.

FYI Spencer has a Honda motorcycle and may jump in.

[Shira]

I had a scooter for a few years and sold it as it was hit when parked on more than one occaision. The missing cobblestones can be a hazard as are drivers who fly around corners without looking. Several people have been killed riding them at Lakeside.

[DC5]

I actually agree with Ajijic on this one. We also have people killed walking across the street, and how many people have twisted ankles on the uneven cobblestones? Scooters aren't for everyone but if you can they are definitely fun, easy to use and economical.

[Ajijic]

"Several Shira"? You mean like the man who was drunk out of his mind?

Enjoy this journey called life. The destination sucks.

Be yourself everyone else is taken..... sooooo ... ride the darn moto or whatever; stay sober; enjoy the scenery; explore outside the expat enclaves and you will be much wiser, more compassionate towards Mexicans and at the end of the day say "wow" at all you saw.