Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > West and South Asia
West and South Asia From Turkey to Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Ladakh and Bangladesh
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 20 Nov 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Brussels
Posts: 8
Where to buy bike in China

After reading post after post it's pretty clear to me that importing your own motor bike into China is as good as impossible (unless your willing to pay a lot of money for taxes and documents).

So... i was thinking of selling my Enfield before i cross the border and buying myself a chinese version once i am in China.

Does anybody know the price of a good second hand motor bike and a place where somebody can help me with this? I would like the purchase one in Tibet but i know that might be a little difficult so... if anybody knows somebody who can help me just let me know.

Thanx
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 21 Nov 2008
farqhuar's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Oztralia
Posts: 646
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dutchman View Post
After reading post after post it's pretty clear to me that importing your own motor bike into China is as good as impossible (unless your willing to pay a lot of money for taxes and documents).

So... i was thinking of selling my Enfield before i cross the border and buying myself a chinese version once i am in China.

Does anybody know the price of a good second hand motor bike and a place where somebody can help me with this? I would like the purchase one in Tibet but i know that might be a little difficult so... if anybody knows somebody who can help me just let me know.

Thanx
Hi Dutchie, dependent on which province you buy your bike you will be limited inthe capacity you can purchase. I bought my Haobon 125 road bike brand new in Qinzhou (Guangxi province on the border of Vietnam) for US$500 (3,500 yuan) in April this year. In Guangxi you cannot buy bikes larger than 150cc.

A 200cc offroader would be at least double this price. I didn't bother with rego plates or insurance - just rode from Qinzhou north to Xian, north east to Beijing, north west to Mongolia, and south east to Shanghai - 7,500kms in 30 days and average fuel consumption of 2.5l/10km and average speed of 40kmh (mainly due to quality of roads, bikes are not allowed on freeways in MOST provinces so average speeds are very low).

Garry from Oz.
__________________
Garry from Oz - powered by Burgman
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 21 Nov 2008
PocketHead's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Sucre, Bolivia
Posts: 535
CalRider knows alot about this, I have read his ride reports, maybe search for him. Try to get a QingQi, it's the DR200 copy.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 21 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Posts: 312
What about a Chang Jiang?

cj750.net ::: about us
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 21 Nov 2008
farqhuar's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Oztralia
Posts: 646
I saw VERY few CJ750s in China, and everyone I did see had a chair attached. To be honest, none of them looked to be in what I would call "healthy" shape, and let's face it they were never reliable even when new. I spoke to the mob who are exporting CJs (and you can buy one in China from them for export) and these babies are NOT cheap from them.

If it were my choice, I'd stay a minimum of a bargepole's distance away from any CJ.

Garry from Oz.
__________________
Garry from Oz - powered by Burgman
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 22 Nov 2008
TBR-China's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: CHINA...
Posts: 1,016
G'Day,

Chang-Jiang sidecar bikes are fine and work well with a bit of TLC. Riding them beasts since 1989....

Best regards, ride safe! BUTCH
__________________
Somewhere down the road in China since '89 ~ along the route I've learned the hard way that pleasing everyone is impossible, but pissing everybody off is a piece of cake....TBR
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 25 Nov 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Brussels
Posts: 8
Thanx for the reply guys... im a little wiser now
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 29 Nov 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: South China
Posts: 29
I'm on the fourth week of a trip across South West and South China.

I'm riding a QingQi QM200GY formely owned by Crazycarl and ChinaV. Both of them have added few improvments to the bike before I bougth it.

The bike is really fine and the engine runs great. It can be repaired by any local mechanic.

In 4000km, half of it dirt or bad roads, I changed the clutch plates and both tires. The seals of the front and rear suspension and the gear foot lever leak. Everyday you have to check nuts and bolts because of the vibrations.

I have to remove the airbox cover when riding on the Tibet-Qinghai plateau (3000m+) to allow the engine to breath.

One point is to ride legally (driver license, bike registration and insurance). I got involved in a light hit with a little girl. She was technically responsible but the police holds my bike and the way they write their accident report for 4 days until I settle a deal with the family (hospital fees). If I was not legal, Today I will be in deep trouble.

__________________

Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 15 Mar 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 23
I'm also looking at buying a bike in China, but am surprised, as from what I've read thus far, it seemed almost impossible for a foreigner. To those who have bought bikes previously, where there any legal hurdles to jump? Did/do you have Chinese driver's licenses? What did you have to do as far as registration and insurance was concerned at the time of purchase?

Thanks,

Jimmy
__________________
Jimmy
http://blokesonspokes.com/
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 15 Mar 2009
farqhuar's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Oztralia
Posts: 646
Jimmy, I suggest you PM me directly. In short, I broke every rule (no licence/rego/insurance as foreign visitors are not allowed to purchase or drive vehicles in China) but was warmly welcomed and assisted by local police at every interaction - at least 4 to 5 times daily as I had to keep asking them for assistance with directions.

Garry from Oz.
__________________
Garry from Oz - powered by Burgman
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 16 Mar 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 23
Thanks for your prompt reply Garry. Unfortunately, I can't PM you - cause I haven't made enough posts on HUBB to qualify for PMs yet!

In short, I guess I'd like to know how you went about achieving what you did. I've seen your posts pop up in various spots on the HUBB, and it seems like you had quite an adventure! Where did you buy your bike? From a dealership, or privately? How did you negotiate at the point of sale - given your lack of license and insurance (and everything else!). Were you ever threatened by the authorities when/if found to be riding illegally? Did you do all of this with any local language skills (ie - do you speak Chinese)? Were you just travelling on a tourist visa? What did you do with your bike once you'd finished your ride?

Sorry to bombard you with questions - and I really appreciate your time!

Jimmy
__________________
Jimmy
http://blokesonspokes.com/
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 16 Mar 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: South China
Posts: 29
You should be able to buy a used bike with a plate and some papers.

Since you won't get a local driver license you will still be illegal but unless you are involved in an accident it should be ok. In case of police checkpoints, they will be more interested to see the bike papers than your driver license and you call always show your international/country driver license even it have no real value here.

For the insurance, since you won't have a valid driver license, there is big risk that they won't cover you anyway.

If you come in China in the Macau area before July, I can drive you to a local bike shop and help you find a bike. You will have a used local 125/150cc for 3000 to 5000 RMB. If you want to land in another region, go to MyChinaMoto.com - Chinese Motorcycle Community and Resources, a forum used by many riders across China.
__________________

Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 16 Mar 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 23
Brice, thanks for your reply - I do greatly appreciate it. And thanks very much for the offer to take me to a local store - it's very generous of you! At this stage though, it looks like I'll be landing in Shanghai. I will definitely check out the link that you posted though.

I have not been to China before, so am in the dark a little as to the political situation there. Like India, if you're involved in an accident, is it possible to settle the matter on the spot with cash, in order to avoid both the police and insurance companies?

Also, how often are you likely to encounter border crossings and police checks? Daily? Only in certain areas? Only when crossing provincial borders? I'd love to make my way towards Lhasa - is this unrealistic, given the political sensitivity of the region?

Your time, and knowledge is greatly appreciated!

PS. Wuming - I replied to your question on the other thread here. I am not looking to take the bike out of China.
__________________
Jimmy
http://blokesonspokes.com/
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 16 Mar 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: South China
Posts: 29
Quote:
I have not been to China before, so am in the dark a little as to the political situation there. Like India, if you're involved in an accident, is it possible to settle the matter on the spot with cash, in order to avoid both the police and insurance companies?
This happened to me. See my ride report here Few weeks in South West China - MyChinaMoto.
I settled by paying the family and got reimbursed partly by the bike insurance. You won't avoid the Police but they will help/force you to settle as they did with me.

Quote:
Also, how often are you likely to encounter border crossings and police checks? Daily? Only in certain areas? Only when crossing provincial borders? I'd love to make my way towards Lhasa - is this unrealistic, given the political sensitivity of the region?
Police/military checkpoints are seldom. They don't really care about bikes unless there is an accident.
Riding to Lhassa, you will certainly meet some checkpoints and if they stop you, they will ask you to got back if you don't have the special visa needed for Tibet.

In Shanghai, there are many western riders and some of them could help you for the bike.
__________________

Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 16 Mar 2009
farqhuar's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Oztralia
Posts: 646
James / Wuming, drop me an email at farqhuarforever@yahoo.com.au and I'll try and answer your questions.

In essence, I took a laisse faire attitude towards achieving my objectives (as Nike is wont to say "just do it!").

Brice and others were of invaluable asistance in helping me purchase my bike.

As far as local officials being an obstacle, the reverse was true, although I do NOT recommend Shanghai as the best place in which to attempt to perform all the illegalities I did.

Garry from Oz.
__________________
Garry from Oz - powered by Burgman
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Q: Buying a bike in China chris_otwell West and South Asia 35 23 Jun 2009 19:28
Help me get my bike OUT of China! Duncanrickelton West and South Asia 0 22 Jun 2008 07:35
XT in Mongolia...Bike in China... Polly Bike Swap or Rent 0 26 May 2007 14:09
Transporting bike through China? peerke Trip Transport 0 25 Sep 2003 13:54

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 09:46.