Buying and Using the Bike in China
I'm in the "Buy the Bike in China" school. Sure it's not your awesome bike from home, and sure it's kind of an over-grown kid's toy with a puny 125cc engine in it. But I did it last fall and let me tell you this: If you brought your enormous BMW or whatever with you to China, you'd be sorely sorry. The roads are trash and you won't be going much faster than 25 mph most of the time. Besides, why bring a bike that will get stolen.

(This is the bike and a page from my book)
I bought a Chinese bike for $600 USD and it took me all the way to South Thailand, through Laos and Cambodia too. I put 12,000 kms on that bike and it was still running when I sold it. I can say this about China - DIRT BIKE!
Finally, steer clear of any kind of guides or agencies. They will want to be with you all the time and watch you. I say, do it illegal and cheap. I got caught by the cops 6 times and they didn't do anything.
Anyway, I talk more about this on my website and in my e-book. Check them out if you decide to go this way. If not, be sure to post back here to tell us how you got your bike in etc.
Good luck to you. And remember - the roads are terrible, so be ready!
Chris
Chris' Trans-Continental Motorcycle Adventures
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