We tried this at the Laos/China border at Mohan in 2009. It doesn't work.

They guys that got into China were coming from Mongolia.

The fact that we had a relatively big bike with Australian number plates would be a dead obvious sign while riding in China that we didn't have permits as when with an organised tour they arrange for temporary Chinese number plates on the bike(Quoted from NAVO and Globetrotters). Not to mention you'd stick out like a sore thumb with an R1 or BMW (there are only a handful in the country at best!

According to the Chinese Customs official we argued with for 3 days non-stop, he cited a motorcycle as prohibited goods and would not let us pass. Even with the bike on the back of the truck!

The Chinese are not stupid. They are smart-arses and they take a perverse pleasure from making stupid tourists run around to try and get permits that either don't exist or you need to speak fluent Mandarin to obtain. It's their game. If you want to play it, good luck! (oh and read the fine print)

The easiest hassle free option is buying a second hand bike in China and if you get stopped plead ignorance. This would work if you are outside of Tibet and major capital cities where you NEED permits to circulate.

Save the hassle, and concentrate your efforts on enjoying the trip and travel rather than getting bogged down in Chinese bureaucracy and red tape.

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TurboCharger + Francois (our BMW R1200gs) '07
www.riding2up.net, blog.riding2up.net