Buying and taking a motorbike around China

[Brian US]

I went through the last couple threads about motorbikes in China without much help. They seem a little outdated or filled with speculation.

I am basically torn between getting a dog or a motorbike here in China. I'm looking for more details on purchasing and making a motorbike legal.

Heard the laws vary by city/province, so in general what would be the "most" legal:

1. How do I get insurance?

2. How do I get a license?

3. How much does this cost?

4. I live in Beijing, so are there specific laws I should know?

5. What laws should I know about traveling anywhere outside of Beijing?

thanks

[humanbeing]

mychinamoto.com had answers about these Qs

[Brian US]

Thanks! I knew I missed that link somewhere in the thread. A quick browse of the website doesn't have the information readily available, but of all places they should have it.

[Gorman]

mychinamoto.com is a great site - and there are a couple good posts on thebeijinger.com that detail the license/registering process:

http://www.thebeijinger.com/forum/2010/07/02/A-guide-on-motorcycle-license-and-plates-in-Beijing

http://www.thebeijinger.com/forum/2010/06/29/How-to-get-a-motorcycle-license-I-hope

I just went through the process of getting a motorcycle license (picked it up yesterday!) - so if you have any specific questions feel free to let me know -

Pat

[Brian US]

I guess they are delaying an announcement of issuing new plates. The current price is 8000+ kuai just for a license plate, so I think I'll hold off on a bike for the time being. With all the traffic in Beijing I don't think the prospects will improve.

[Gorman]

Yeah - the Jing A's are steep - I just picked up a bike this past weekend and opted for the Jing B's - they only run about 800 kuai and the shop takes care of the registration.

You also have the option of buying a used bike (though you have to be careful that it's already legally registered) - Jing A's are good for 11 years - and depreciate a bit in value (though they're inherently valuable as they can be renewed if the bike they're attached to is scrapped).. but I've heard about people getting good deals on 2nd hand bikes with Jing A's.