The Million-Dollar Question: What Should I Ride?

The TL;DR: Ride your ride. Ride what’s comfortable. Ride your level.

Young man and his motorcycle in a village near El Cuyo, Yucatàn

I ride a 2017 Triumph Street Twin with a few added knick-knacks and wuzzits. Someone once told me, “I don’t give advice, I only give opinions.” When it comes to motorcycle types, I’m firmly on the opinion side.

With only 55,000 km of Vancouver ⇄ Mexico under my belt – on only one motorcycle – my opinion comes from a narrow perspective. But you don’t have to ride the exact same bike I do to take something from my experiences.

Another gem I once heard was, “What is the problem you’re trying to solve?” So, instead of giving you a shopping list, I’ll share the kinds of problems you and your bike might face, and some solutions that might help your decision-making.

I made my bike choice based on a blend of comfort, logic, and personal taste. You probably will too. But here’s what hindsight (and a few sore muscles) has taught me. You can also jump straight down to the checklist below.

Problem: Overtaking trucks on mountain passes 

I ride a 900cc Triumph Bonneville. It’s plenty of power for highways, mountain passes, and overtaking trucks. But I’ve met travellers on scooters, and they’ve done just fine, as long as they accept a slow and steady mindset.

Solution:

• Highways, high altitudes, or windy regions = more cc gives you safety and stamina.

• Smaller roads or travelling ultra-light = smaller bikes work; just requires patience.

• Ask yourself: Do you want to keep up with highway traffic, or are you comfortable cruising at your own pace?

Problem: Roads can go from smooth to goat track in a blink

In Mexico a “shortcut” might turn into a gravel pit for a few (dozen) kilometres.

Solution:

• Street bike? Consider 70/30 or 60/40 tires for traction off-pavement.

• A skid plate is cheap insurance for your engine case.

• Practice riding on loose gravel before your trip, or do it like me and figure it out en route.

On the way to a waterfall, Chiapas

Problem: Trips last longer than you planned

That “three-hour ride” somehow turns into eight thanks to the infamous “Mexican Shortcut”. 

Solution:

• Comfort matters: seat, bar height, peg position, suspension, and vibration dampening will all affect your endurance.

• Highway pegs are gold for stretching your legs (I don’t have them, so I stand up when my knees cramp).

• Keep hydration within reach but not on your back. I’ve found the tank bag to be ideal.

Problem: Topes (speed bumps) are everywhere, and they make their own rules

Some are ankle-high, some are painted, some are just stealth lumps waiting to catch your sump. On the road between San Cristobal de las Casas and Palenque, I’ve counted about 480 topes over 213km — You’ve been warned.

Solution:

• Ground clearance is essential, especially if you’re shorter like me (5’3”).

• Test-sit bikes to make sure you can clear bumps comfortably.

Problem: Fuel stations can be farther apart than you think

Running on fumes in the desert is a special kind of stress. And not every fuel station has fuel.

Solution:

• Look for a tank range of ~400 km (mine’s 450km).

• Carry a small fuel can (I carry 5L).

• Research fuel station locations for remote stretches.

Problem: Your bike might draw attention, wanted or unwanted

People are curious about anything that looks out of place.

Solution:

• If you want to blend in, choose a bike with a local profile. My Triumph looks like the little 150ccs here, so I stay under the radar (bonus: bug guts make excellent camouflage).

• If you don’t mind attention, a shiny ADV or Harley will get you noticed, for better or worse.

Problem: Parts and service may be scarce for your brand

Mexico has three Triumph dealerships. Total. Bigger cities tend to have ADV motorcycle shops, which are great!

Solution:

• Honda and Yamaha have the best coverage.

• If you choose to ride a niche brand, learn basic repairs, carry common parts (brake pads, sparkplugs, air/oil filters, chain), and know where the big-city shops are.

Amazing team at Triumph Monterrey

Problem: Luggage and load can throw off your handling

A poorly balanced bike is exhausting to ride. I’ve had the wobbles, and it’s not fun.

Solution:

• Check weight limits before buying luggage.

• Keep heavy items low and centered.

• Waterproof panniers + a tank bag + tail bag are a good starting combo.

Problem: Weather changes fast

One day you’re in desert heat, the next you’re freezing in mountain snow.

Solution:

• A windscreen that actually works. Mine doesn’t, it just delivers a bug buffet straight to my visor.

• Heated grips are magic.

• Hand guards and some fairing coverage will save you in wind and rain.

Somewhere in Utah riding north from Mexico

Problem: Strong crosswinds can drain your energy

In La Ventosa, the wind is so fierce it can flip semis.

Solution:

• Bigger ADV bikes with fairings cut through the wind better.

• My friend on her BMW GS 800 looked graceful while I bobbled like a hula doll. The exhaustion gap between us was real. That said…

Problem: Heavy bikes are hard to wrangle in sand, gravel, or tight cities

Tipping over is part of the deal. Can you pick yours up?

Solution:

• Choose a bike you can confidently pick up alone.

• Practice slow-speed maneuvers before your trip. My friend is infinitely more skilled than I am, but I have the benefit of a smaller ride.

Problem: Theft happens

Thankfully it’s not happened to me yet, but I’m not naive and neither are you.

Solution:

• Use a steering lock, disc lock, or alarm.

• Park where locals park: visibility =-security.

The Moral of the Story

No matter what you ride, you’re solving for your own mix of comfort, terrain, and taste. When your friend hops off her bike after a day of crosswinds looking like she just had a spa day, and you peel yourself off your seat like a stressed-out fainting goat, don’t complain. You made your choice.

Ride your ride.

Checklist: What to Consider When Choosing Your Ride

1. Engine & Power:

   • What CC range suits your trip? (Highways, altitude, overtaking require more power; scooters/small bikes work if you’re okay going slow and steady.)

   • Do you want to keep up with highway traffic or cruise on secondary roads?

2. Weight & Handling:

   • Can you handle the bike’s weight in gravel, sand, or city traffic?

   • Could you confidently pick it up if it tips over?

   • Is the low-speed balance manageable for your size and strength?

3. Seat Height & Ground Clearance:

   • Can you flat-foot or comfortably touch the ground at stops?

   • Does the bike have enough clearance for speed bumps (topes) and rough roads?

4. Comfort & Ergonomics:

   • Is the seat comfortable for 6-8 hour days?

   • Does your handlebar height suit your natural posture?

   • Does your peg position allow you to stretch or adjust for long rides?

   • Does the suspension smooth out bumps and reduce fatigue?

5. Tires & Wheels:

   • What’s the mix of terrain you’ll ride (pavement vs. dirt)?

   • Do you need dual-sport tires (e.g. 70/30, 60/40) for occasional off-road (there will be occasional off-road)?

   • Are your tire sizes commonly available in the region you’re travelling.

6. Range & Fuel Capacity:

   • What’s the bike’s average tank range (km per tank)?

   • Can it go ~400 km between fill-ups, or will you need extra fuel storage?

7. Load & Luggage:

   • What’s the bike’s max load capacity (rider + gear)?

   • How easily can it be fitted with panniers, racks, or soft luggage?

   • Does weight distribution affect handling?

8. Protection & Touring Features:

   • Does it have (or can you add): skid plate, windscreen, fairings, hand guards, and heated grips?

   • How much weather/wind protection does the bike give you?

9. Reliability & Maintenance:

   • Is the brand widely serviced where you’re going (e.g. Honda, Yamaha) or niche (e.g., Triumph, BMW, Moto Guzzi)?

   • How easy is it to source spare parts locally?

   • Do you want a bike you can wrench on yourself, or one with dealer networks?