Riding Rare: Why ADV Motorcycles Are Safer — and Special — in Mexico

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Riding Rare: Why ADV Motorcycles Are Safer — and Special — in Mexico

When most people think about adventure riding in Mexico, a natural concern sometimes comes to mind: Is it safe to ride an expensive bike here?
At first glance, "common sense" might say that riding a high-value motorcycle — a Ducati, KTM, BMW, or similar — could make you a more attractive target for theft or criminal attention.

But good sense, the kind earned through real experience living and riding here, tells a very different — and much more reassuring — story.

The Reality: Big Adventure Bikes Are Extremely Rare — and Recognized

In Mexico, the average motorcycle is very different from the adventure bikes foreign riders use.
The vast majority of motorcycles on the road are small displacement commuter bikes, usually between 150cc and 250cc, and typically cost between $1,400 and $2,000 USD new.
For many families, these motorcycles are daily necessities, vital for transportation to work, school, and the market.

In contrast, a large-displacement ADV bike — a Ducati DesertX, a KTM 1290, or a BMW GS — is a rare and exotic machine, often costing five to seven times the median annual income in Mexico.
These bikes are immediately recognizable — not just for their size and brand, but for their quality and style — and they send a clear signal:

This rider is a foreigner, a tourist, a traveler. Someone passing through. Not a threat, and not part of the local criminal landscape.

This positive identification actually increases your safety, not decreases it.

Criminal groups in Mexico — for all their notoriety — are very aware of two things:

  • Foreigners bring money into Mexico. Tourism matters even to the underworld economy.

  • Harming foreigners brings serious consequences. Incidents involving foreigners draw unwanted attention from national governments, the press, and law enforcement.

Because of this, criminals are far more cautious when it comes to travelers and tourists. Foreign ADV riders simply aren't their target.

Mexico’s Love of Motorcycles — and of Motorcyclists

Mexican culture also has a deep love for motorcycles and motorcyclists.
Riders are generally greeted warmly, with smiles, waves, and curiosity — especially in the rural areas RideMex tours pass through.

There's a kind of brotherhood among riders here, regardless of the size of the bike.
But there’s an undeniable aura of respect and admiration for those riding the big machines — the ones built to cross continents.

Your Ducati, KTM, BMW, or Husqvarna isn't just a bike here — it’s a symbol of adventure, independence, and dreams.

A Rare Privilege — And a Deeper Gratitude

When you ride with RideMex, you’re not just enjoying world-class routes, scenery, and experiences.
You’re also living something rare and exceptional, even among locals.

Out of a country of more than 130 million people, only a tiny handful own adventure bikes like the ones we provide.
Owning — and riding — a machine like this in Mexico is a privilege few can experience.

It’s a reality that fills every ride with deeper gratitude and makes every mile that much more meaningful.