Motorbike in China ?

[Simon_CH]

Hi,

I've been wondering if it's possible to buy (or rent) a 2nd hand motorbike in China for a year during my stay. I love to explore and ride a bike, and having to rely just on public transport wouldn't be as nice as riding around by myself.

I'll probably go to either Chengdu or Kunming, but general advice or experience is welcome too!

Thanks,

Simon

[abcdefg]

It's easy and cheap to buy a used motobike and sell it when you leave.

[Simon_CH]

Great, any chance to get a bigger bike 125cc upwards at a reasonable price? And how much would you expect to pay for a well-functioning but 2nd hand bike ?

[abcdefg]

Great, any chance to get a bigger bike 125cc upwards at a reasonable price?

Sorry. I think I misled you. I meant an electric bike or electric scooter. Petrol ones are available as well, but I don't know anything about their cost.

[cui ruide]

I briefly looked into this for a second, so I can't be to helpful, but here's some general info to lead you on your way. You need a motorcycle license, which requires going through the local driving test and paying the fees--it's in Chinese I believe. Not sure how much that is. Depending on the city, there might also be rules about which part of the city you can drive it in. For instance, I was told in Beijing, if you want to ride your bike within the 4th ring road (i.e. anywhere in "Beijing" as far as most people are concerned), you're gonna have to pay like 9000 RMB just for the right plate to go on your bike. I talked to a guy who'd gone through all of it, and he had a 2nd-hand Chinese bike (the company that puts out the suzuki models), which he got for about 2000 RMB. Think it was 125cc? Maybe 150?

Of course there are people who choose which parts of these regulations to follow, and I do not know what consequences they encounter.

[Simon_CH]

Thanks for the answer, not hassle-free at all it seems

[Prodigal Son]

it's not that much hassle. I've had a 250cc dirt bike for 2 years, no license. Never had a real problem. I have a lot of foreigner friends who ride here also, I think only one has an actual license. I bought my bike for 4000rmb used and now I'm trying to sell it to get another (interested?).

they're in the process of changing the laws about motorcycles in major inner cities, they say that in chengdu now they don't allow motorcycles inside third ring road (whereas previously foreigners could ride anywhere but normal motorcycles can not - silly, I know). they used to give foreigners black license plates for free which are like diplomat plates almost, no one bothers you. if you buy a used bike from a foreigner look for those. otherwise if you get pulled over (I have) the not having a license thing isn't a big deal as long as you aren't driving dangerously. obviously it's best to have the license, but like you said it's a hassle and I have a US motorcycle license which I carry with me when I ride.

[Simon_CH]

Great, thanks for the info! It'll still be a while until I come to China for a year, will visit for a couple of weeks before and look into it when I'm there. I love biking in new countries, it's just so much more fun than riding local busses.

[Prodigal Son]

china is a REALLY beautiful and great place to have a motorcycle. especially outside of the major cities there aren't many cars or trucks (as long as you avoid highways) and the scenery is beautiful and fascinating. some of the best times I've had in china were on motorcycles, really do not miss the opportunity to get a bike and ride around.

[gerri]

If I understand correctly, we are getting advocates of *not* getting a Chinese driver's license... I'd want to advise against that in the strictest of terms. You get into any kind of trouble with only a foreign driver's license, you are obviously doing something illegal... would you really want to ride around with one foot in a Chinese jail already?

http://www.aimeebarnes.com/blog/?p=475

[Prodigal Son]

If I understand correctly, we are getting advocates of *not* getting a Chinese driver's license... I'd want to advise against that in the strictest of terms. You get into any kind of trouble with only a foreign driver's license, you are obviously doing something illegal... would you really want to ride around with one foot in a Chinese jail already?

No one has advocated not getting a license. Clearly the best case is to have it just in case. From what I've seen, most foreigners riding motorcycles don't bother and I have never heard of one of them seeing that result in serious consequences. The worst I've heard of is a 100元 fine. Speaking for myself, I've just communicated the terms under which I and the people I know have conducted ourselves (we are foreigners who ride motorcycles in China) and the results of that. Keep in mind, this is China and you are taking a risk by stepping onto a motorcycle no matter where you are.

Edited June 3, 2009 at 07:56 AM by Prodigal Son

[bored]

a few months ago I got into a small accident with my small electric scooter while driving without a license. I only had to pay some money. I even got my scooter back (gf's friend is a traffic police officer so i was lucky). the police told me that a license is required to drive any motorcycle that weighs over 80 jin (in my city only??). they also said the law states that it is a mandatory 15 days in jail and a 2000rmb fine if u drive without a license (in my city only??). after this I went to the motorvehicle department and they told me that foreigners can't get motorcycle licences anywhere in China. This didnt sound right to me but thats what they said. dont know if they were lying, if they were right, and/or it is a regional law

[Prodigal Son]

If you go in on another day and speak with someone else you might find that the rules have changed over night. This is how it goes sometimes. Foreigners can get motorcycle licenses, though. If you want more information I recommend you check out a site one of my friends started, www.mychinamoto.com there are lots of riders in China on that forum with more information.

[peekay]

Riding in China without a valid PRC license might be fine, until you get involved in a serious accident:

1. As a foreigner without a license, any accident is automatically your fault.

2. Foreigners

have been thrown in jail

after being caught without a license. Technically they can jail you for 15 days.

3. No license means no insurance. Even a simple accident could cost you thousands of dollars in "compensation".

4. The police will

prevent you from leaving the country

until you pay up.

[Prodigal Son]

Riding in China without a valid PRC license might be fine' date=' until you get involved in a serious accident:

1. As a foreigner without a license, any accident is automatically your fault.

2. Foreigners have been thrown in jail after being caught without a license. Technically they can jail you for 15 days.

3. No license means no insurance. Even a simple accident could cost you thousands of dollars in "compensation".

4. The police will prevent you from leaving the country until you pay up[/quote']

great points

[bored]

thanks for the useful info. The training school also told my gf that foreigners cant get licenses. Maybe its a Jilin provincial law or maybe like above another person will allow it. the website above doesnt work. does any one know of any similar websites? thanks again

[americanincq]

I have 6-year drivers license for motorcycles and a car. It cost me about 100RB for everything. I had to take a physical and written test. I did not have to take a drivers test. I have a 250cc. It cost 16,000RMB. You can purchase a new 125cc to 250cc for 4000RMB to what I paid and sometimes more depending on what you want; a small scooter for as little as 2500RMB. Chinese motorcycles are very cheap.

If you get pulled over by the police without a driver's license in Chongqing, you will lose your motorcycle and most times a foreigner will spend up to 15 days in jail. If you are involved in an accident and you have no license, you may as well plan on spending years in this country until it is resolved. No insurance or license will not only prevent you from leaving, but you will end up spending thousands upon thousands of RMB to resolve the problem.

It is not wise to try and ride a motorcycle in this country without being legal. Many have done it and got away with it, but are you willing to take the chance? I wasn't

[Simon_CH]

Thanks for the update americanincq, appreciate the info!

I agree it's much more safe and comfortable to drive legal, I will try to get that done when in Kunming!

[americanincq]

I am seriously considering moving to Kunming. I like that area very much.

[Prodigal Son]

Americanincq, do you know any foreigners who've been jailed over motorcycle license problems?

Also where do you get your insurance and how much do you pay?