Current Baja Highway 1 Conditions?

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Doc_V

Well-known member
Considering a ride down to Cabo in the spring on a Yamaha Roadstar [think Harley full dresser] and I was hoping to get an up to date report on the condition of Hwy 1 all the way through Baja.

I can handle packed gravel but anything sandy or muddy and it's turn around and head back home.

I've never done the ride before, but from what I've read, the conditions are improving all the time, yet changeable. [see below] Preferably I'd like to hear form someone who's made the trip in the past year; that said, any and all input would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Doc_V

P.S. I've heard gas prices in Mexico just took a 20% hike as of Jan 1st, and locals have been protesting as a result, blocking Hwy 1. What's the concern there? Does anyone know the current price per gallon after the increase?


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Tally Whacker

Tally Whacker

Not another Mike
Well, I'm here in Ensenada tonight and the toll road from TJ is perfectly fine (that's the landslide section in the photo you posted).

I couldn't tell you how it is south of here.
 
D

Doc_V

Well-known member
Thanks all and thanks Cabrito for the extremely useful links.

Any additional advice on riding a big cruiser down to Cabo would be greatly appreciated.
 
monkeythumpa

monkeythumpa

When I go slow, I go fast
I rode a Vulcan 500 from Oakland to Cabo 10 years ago. The road was pristine. There was a stretch that they were working on, that was hard but dusty dirt for about 5 miles. The only other rough road were through the towns where cobblestone was used.

Parking lots and side roads can be dirt, but unless it is really wet, there should be no problem. I went in March and every day was sunny and warm except the last. From Ensenada to LA it was a tropical storm and from LA to Oakland it was just raining.

Mulage, Loreto, and La Paz were great towns to stay. Gurerro Negro and Ciudad Insurgentes were terrible. Gas was only a problem for one stretch where I needed a gas can. There was a guy half way that was selling gas out of a drum but I chose not to risk it.
 
Tally Whacker

Tally Whacker

Not another Mike
Doc_V said:
Thanks all and thanks Cabrito for the extremely useful links.

Any additional advice on riding a big cruiser down to Cabo would be greatly appreciated.
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Do it. I see plenty of guys riding HDs, Goldwings and even the occasional GS down there.

As Monkeythumpa mentioned, it's all fairly decent pavement on Highway 1.
 
D

Doc_V

Well-known member
What about the "topes" or Mexican speed bumps? I've read there's lots of them and can sometimes be unmarked, or barely visible, in the worst spots. Just check out this Mexican cop on a Harley who didn't see one: (Link to video) Damn... I've never seen a Harley catapulted into the air before. Are they anything to be concerned about as long as you keep it in the limits?

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HadesOmega

HadesOmega

Well-known member
Doc_V said:
What about the "topes" or Mexican speed bumps? I've read there's lots of them and can sometimes be unmarked, or barely visible, in the worst spots. Just check out this Mexican cop on a Harley who didn't see one: (Link to video) Damn... I've never seen a Harley catapulted into the air before. Are they anything to be concerned about as long as you keep it in the limits?

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Yep they're fun to do wheelies over! That dude should have given it more gas and stood up. For a dual sport it's really nothing.
 
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D

Doc_V

Well-known member
HadesOmega said:
Yep they're fun to do wheelies over! That dude should have given it more gas and stood up. For a dual sport it's really nothing.
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Well then, there's the rub, I won't be riding a dual sport; I'll be on a bike like that cop... (doh!) That said, I do have a set of RaceTech fork springs sitting here, that will be installed before I go.
 
dravnx

dravnx

Well-known member
Do you ride over curbs? Probably not, so why would you go blasting over a tope? They are all clearly marked and easy to see. They are always in populated areas where the speed limit is very low. It's a non issue.
There are more important things to worry about in Baja such as where are you going to turn in your beer bottles so you can get your deposit back.
 
Eric B

Eric B

Know-it-none
Potholes were more of a concern, on our drive down to BOLA last year, for the BARF Baja thing.
 
dravnx

dravnx

Well-known member
The pot holes can really get you. The road to BOLA used to be horrible. They laid 4" of asphalt over dirt with no base. Most of the roads in Baja are in great shape.
 
OaklandF4i

OaklandF4i

Darwin's exception
dravnx said:
Do you ride over curbs? Probably not, so why would you go blasting over a tope? They are all clearly marked and easy to see. They are always in populated areas where the speed limit is very low. It's a non issue.
There are more important things to worry about in Baja such as where are you going to turn in your beer bottles so you can get your deposit back.
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:thumbup Dravnx speaks the truth. Dont over analyze and just do it! While my preferred method of Baja travel is offroad, I have done it many times in sportcars and sportbikes... at stupid speeds. The only section now that seems to be consistently potholed is south of Catavina near Lake Chapella. No worse that riding in SF if you have a head on your shoulders.
 
D

Doc_V

Well-known member
Hey OaklandF4i, I've been reading your posts from another old Baja thread, [good stuff] and was going to PM you. Glad you showed up here.

So how many days should I plan on to get to Todo Santos from the boarder crossing at Tecate?
 
OaklandF4i

OaklandF4i

Darwin's exception
Doc_V said:
Hey OaklandF4i, I've been reading your posts from another old Baja thread, [good stuff] and was going to PM you. Glad you showed up here.

So how many days should I plan on to get to Todo Santos from the boarder crossing at Tecate?
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Take as much time as you can. Most folks do it over two full days if the only goal to arrive quickly. Take more time if you can. I have done Cabo to TJ in 14 hrs, but wouldnt recommend it. Illegal cannonball speeds. its 1000 miles, all two lane, some very twisty. How long do you have?

Lots of great places to stay and see on the way down amd back. San Iganacio, Santa Rosalia. Mulege, Loretta, and La Paz.
 
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