Hi SIG,
welcome to MCM. So how's QD treating you? So what line of work are you in? I'm curious since you've moved about a bit here. This also is a factor that needs consideration when you sit down to decide what you want for a set of wheels.
I suggest you look more at the bicycle or electric bike/scooter route more so than a motorcycle, since you don't need a driver's/rider's license, and vehicle licensing is far more simpler for the aforementioned options, they're less challenging to work on - especially if you don't have a suitable setup at home to do your own work/maintenance (something that I prefer), and more importantly you don't have to worry yourself over licensing, compulsory 3rd party insurance and inspections etc. Also you mention that you've lived in 3 cities in PRC already so if you were to buy a motorcycle then sooner or later either you have to concern yourself with freighting it out when it's your next move or selling it, which. You've mentioned there's not a lot of bikes around you in QD and surprisingly none of your new? friends there have much experience with them, so that tells me the market for a used motorcycle is less than ideal. The other big plus is that an bicycle or ebike will ease you more gently into the traffic chaos and all the trappings of road userdom <- is that a word, I've invented a word! kewl! One idea is to consider a higher end foldie (fold-up) ebike, like a high-end electric assist Dahon bike, or some other high end brands... (if your going to go for longevity I'd go high end, but if that's not your thing or budget then find a Giant or Yamaha branded ebike)
for the Dahon specifically http://www.dahon.com
and check these sites for ideas and other models/brands http://www.nycewheels.com/electric-folding-bike.html
http://s.taobao.com/search?q=if+mode...ilterFineness=
http://www.nycewheels.com/if-mode-fo...ke-review.html
and this Taobao bicycle dealer in BJ has lots of foldies http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=5719230559
I've owned more than 4 Dahon foldies in my 9 years in PRC. The last two I still have, and used one in particular a lot when I lived in SH. It has 20" wheels, and suspension front and rear and lots of other innovations, and weighs 16kg which includes far too many accessories. I've carried it with me in its travel bag through many airports to many different cities and countries. awesome. I've been known on occasion to unfold my bike upon arrival at an airport, stow the carry bag, put my day-pack over my shoulders and ride off. Even better when I combine that with my handlebar mounted HTC GPS.
Having never been to QD myself, however if there are a lack of bikes around, it's advisable that you check the local regulations and laws too, maybe there's a city ban on the riding of bikes, just observing what is and what is not being used on the roadways will give you some definite clues?
Let us know how you get on... and again welcome to MCM
