Transfer to PR

[popeye13433]

Ok guys so i have a tough decision to make not only is my bike up for the winter here in Michigan but i found out i will be transferring to Puerto Rico. any one know how the roads are down there. should i bring my bike with me or sell her and try to buy another when i return stateside?

 

[anrkizm95]

take it lots of twisties

 

[freak2180]

TAKE IT.

 

[konarider94]

i wonder if you should invest in a big ass chain for it. hows the crime down there?

 

[popeye13433]

so have you all rode there? From what i see the rides could be nice but a lot of things say traffic is slow and how is the conditions of the roads?

 

[Bossanova]

I lived and worked in San Juan 2005/2006. I commuted from the airport in Isla Verde to an area called Carolina where I lived. I worked for an airline and was able to commute home to Miami on weekends if needed. I did not have my bike with me. There were times when I wished I had it when I had the opportunity to get out of the San Juan area, but all in all I would say I am glad I did not have it. The crime is very bad, the cops are corrupt and the roads and traffic are horrific. Unless you have a very secure place to put your bike un-attended, I would be reluctant to bring it.

If you can, store your bike at home in the States with family so you have it when you return home. I know I might get some comments from some Puerto Ricans but it is what it is. My.02 cents...

 

[funnythebunny]

Depending on where you're transfering to, the traffic can be a nightmare in some places, especially in the San Juan Metro Area during commuting hours. Outside this area, it's a biker's paradise; sunny, warm, lots of open twisty roads through mountainous terrain, beautiful single women wanting to ride with you to all those gorgeous beaches. The terrain varies widely from flat metro urban areas to tropical mountains in the central range (including the ONLY tropical rainforest in the US Parks Registry) and deserts down in the south.
There's only one HD dealer in the whole island, but they have two main stores; one in Mayaguez on the southwest and one up north near the metro area, which means if you need parts, you can get them.
As for motorcycle laws, it's one of the most strictest in the whole USA and territories. Helmets, gloves and protective jackets are mandatory (due to an increase in fatalities). Reflective vests are mandatory from dusk 'till dawn. Blood/Alcohol tolerance is the strictest as well; .08% for drivers overthe age of 21, but .02% for motorcyclists (one beer and you're toast). (Legal drinking age is still 18).

As far as crime goes, it does exist. Think of it as Miami or NYC. If you don't lock it up, it'll disappear.

Take the transfer and you can always buy a used bike while you're down there. (Note: vehicle prices are slightly higher than in the US due to import fees and taxes; bringing your own vehicle will still need to pay an import tax.)

Have fun in the sun!

 

[popeye13433]

thanks for the input guys. I will be living in gated Base housing and living and working in Aguadilla. because i am military i dont need to pay import tax on the vehicle that i bring with me but i am only aloud one and both my wife and i will work. i was thinking she could take the truck and i would ride my bike. both locations home and work would be secure.

 

[wupat19]

Great roads around the hills of Aguadilla and Rincon, was just there for a surf trip. Road conditions might be a concern but never had a problem with traffic.

 

[funnythebunny]

USCG? I've got a beach front property near the Air Base right on the beach in Brisas del Atlantico, just to the south. As far as I remember, the base is not a gated community; it's a nice area though, which is why we decided to buy. With retirement in less than 2 years, it was a good investment.

Go ahead, take the bike, you're going to love it!

BTW, if you're not a diver, get your certification (the both of you); this is a diver's paradise as well. Just to the west is Desecheo, a non-inhabited island considered to be a top dive site in the Caribbean and to the south you have La Parguera, a bio-luminescent bay great for swiming at night (it glows as you stroke the water) or diving during the day with so many coral encrusted walls.

I can't wait myself!!

 

[popeye13433]

yeah im in the coast guard are you? im not positive about the gated community just going by what i have been told. I am a diver my wife has ear problems so no joy there we tried. really looking forward to the tropical paradise after 6 years in northern michigan

 

[funnythebunny]

Not USCG, sorry. I am familiar with the area, so the only active unit there is USCG; the airfield is mostly for cargo and commercial airliners now. You're gonna be busy out there... What's your field? I was a aircraft technicial back in the USAF, but was stationed in Little Rock... it was ackward at best.

Keep in touch, maybe we can go for a dive or a ride together one day...

 

[popeye13433]

im an 1st class avionics tech (e6) will do im excited about the diving

 

[funnythebunny]

Just don't get lost in "La Perla". Not even cops go in there. The roads are crappy due to the government keeping the money instead of fixing the roads, (not everywhere.) Make sure you have full coverage insurance. A chain will not keep a thief from grabbing your bike. The crime is worse than Miami or NYC. I have family in NYC and I live in Miami and PR's crime is way higher (corruption is a factor also.) I'm not trying to scare you at all, PR is great and beautiful, but don't rely 100% on the brochures. I was born in San Juan and lived in Trujillo Alto and Bayamon. PR, with all of the bad stuff, is still a great place to live and ride. Just my thoughts. Some may not agree with me, but, this is based on my experience living there.

Ah, but he won't be living in the Area Metropolitana, he'll be in the relaxed "La Base" in Aguadilla. All these scary places mentioned are in the San Juan area. I know out of experience as well.

One thing though, if driving at night, and there's no other cars on the road, you are allowed to proceed past the red lights (to prevent a carjacking) once you've made your full stop.

 

[bunkstar]

True.

 

[popeye13433]

off the topic but is there hockey in Puerto Rico that anyone knows of?