Printable View
Cool.
Let me know.
I paid for everything last week end, waiting for em to get the paperwork done, the bike arrived a week earlier, they called me so I was there when they took it out of the box.
It's a nice moment.
I took pics of engine and chassis serial numbers. Just in case.
I'll follow up too, especially after I get controlled by the 1st cop...
Later on.
a yellow plate is a must for motorcycle / sidercar riding in shanghai. as well as your driving license D (sidecar) or E (motorcycle), and the insurance card (about 300rmb/year for motorcycle and 550 for sidecar).
a yellow A plate is perfect, but the yellow C (as my CBF150) is not bad at all. I can ride everywhere in Pudong 100% legally, and pass once a week to the central town without any trouble since 3 years as it's 80% legally (the rest 20% cost just 200rmb each time penalty for the intrusion of local prohibitive zone).
any motorcycle without a shanghai yellow plate will be driven out soon.
so take care of the safty of your 沪A or 沪C, which may be stolen by others in the comming months.
沪A cost 44000rmb, and the 沪C about 7000rmb. all those 2 yellow plates are private ones and can be trade easily.
Hey Daniel, could you please explain what do you mean by that ? Did you hear a rumor about new policies / regulations ?Quote:
Originally Posted by nostalgie
Also, in case of theft, because you have the papers to prove you are the owner of the plates, it's not lost completely ("only" the bike is). At least this is what I understand...
I have similar question. There are lots of Shanghai blue plates aroud, with the blue 沪A highly valued as it allows you to go just anywhere in Shanghai.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fred
As far as the bike stolen issue, you do get the license back but only after a wait of 6 months to a year (not sure exactly, but it is a rather long wait).
I think what Daniel is referring to is similar situation that has occurred in SH previously on occasions. Thieves scope out and target license plates, since they cost so much to begin with, consequently they have a rather high inherent value (way overinflated price for tin plate). Usually the gangs involved target car plates, but bike plates especially the prized 沪A plate also appear on their radar. What the thieves rely on is that the hassle that takes place once the plate(s) are stolen is incredibly complex, and both costly in time and money. They often will steal the plates and leave some kind of calling card, so the victim can make the call to start the process of retrieving the stolen plates - for a price. The price to "buy" back the stolen plates is negotiable, though highly illegal but the police either don't have the resources, or it's a low priority or they're just not interested. The thieves rely on this, and so profit from the whole diabolical situation. Naturally while the plates are the primary targets, that may not preclude the thieves from taking a whole bike, if they have the necessary means. So always be aware of your surroundings all of the time, since there is plenty of crime that surrounds us here, though for what it's worth, foreigners tend not be the direct victims of it, though it does occur.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fred
Those thieves will sometimes target out of town plates too just to make a bit of cash. Any special significant plate with highly sort after or regarded numbers also make nice soft targets. I know first-hand of one case where the victim simply resigned themselves to having to deal with the thieves request after the police were anything less than sympathetic or interested. Even the victim had the contact number for the "handler" with whom the victim negotiated the plates buy back price, the police just weren't interested in following it up at all. At the end of the day it was far easier and less costly to buy the stolen plates back. TIC!!!
While one can simply not deal with the thieves to get the plate back, then dealing with the traffic police and associated departments will result in the original plate being cancelled and a completely new plate with new alphanumeric combination made. It takes time, is a hassle, and it costs, and if you've got that all important special series of numbers on the original plate... forget it.
Wow what a terrifying thought. That may be the last nail in the coffin for me, i don't need any more convincing that's it's not worth spending such a ridiculous amount of money for the privilege of riding in one the least enjoyable places to ride in china. I think when considering the money and risk involved in a yellow 沪A plate (and let's not forget it's only 'money in the bank' if the system doesn't change), other options like a beefed up ebike just seem better. I'll keep my motorbikes in the underground car park and use them to get out of shanghai for weekend rides. If a 200RMB fine is the worst outcome of that scenario it actually seems like a pretty sweet deal.
it's clear to explain this complicated situation:
1. no more motor-taxi will be permitted, reasons omitted...
2. motor-taxis usually without a shanghai yellow plate, neither the assurance.
3. motor-taxis looking for a shanghai yellow plate to continue their life without being noticed.
4. they might stolen or clone your 沪A/沪C, as it's seems new and 100% legal. (no need the papers, they can get a real copy just from your plate/chassis/engine numbers. And this is why on the photos of local Harley/BMW forum, owners often cover their plate number.)
5. they may have accident, even crime one day. there are cameras keeping watching on everywhere, certain can read these number automaticly.
6. they may kindly share those plates and papers with their shanghai/outside shanghai business friends.
7. one day you may be stopped by a regular check in shanghai/zhejiang/jiangsu, as the mobile internet works around those region, you may be invited to have some questions even if everything is proven clear.
8. please pay attention to where you packing your motor, and it's better to cover it entirely as i did everyday. Or, you can start your special business before they action, there exists.
shanghai blue plates are not suitable for our motorcycles ( 125cc + ), so i have no idea about it.
bike stolen issue is quite complex, but the number plate stolen issue is comparatively easier. about 80rmb and one week you'd have them back. but it will be another new number probably.
Just make sure you have a Shanghai yellow 沪C plate. Bikes with an out-of-Shanghai plate run the risk of getting impounded and sent back to its place of origin, as majority of the "Motorcycle Taxi" are plated out of Shanghai and much frowned upon by the Shanghai police, which would cost you a lot more than 200RMB plus the hassle to get it back.Quote:
Originally Posted by felix
Yes that's what I was told by a moto-shop owner recently.Quote:
Originally Posted by milton
He added; even with a yellow 沪C, along with the 200 fine, the bike may also be confiscated, u'll be able to get it back after 24 to 48h. But also said u need some real bad luck (or bad behavior) to end up on the cop that'll give u that trouble. Even the 200 fine seemed avoidable with some smiles and a good story.
I said I'd follow up regarding the Suzuki shop Pubei Rd, I got my Raptor regal last Saturday, everything is fine.
It just gets quite hot after a couple hours (cause no water cooling maybe?), nice thing is that even after 5hours driving, the exhaust stays cool, no more pipe burns.
No cop seemed willing to control my papers. But all seems to be there and fine.
Starting driving a registered vehicle in Shanghai brings another question;
Can I get fined by getting photographed by CCTV cameras for speed excess, or passing a red light or driving in a bicycle lane, or on a prohibited-to-moto lane (eg. Yan'an), as there are plenty CCTV cameras and I wonder if they can mail me a ticket thanks to my plate, or if being on a bike prevents from being subject to such infractions?
Congratulations on getting the new bike! Weather has been perfect for urban riding -- dry and generally warm -- and looks to be good for the next week or so too.
--Did you go for the 沪C or the 沪A? If you got the 沪C, how much did you have to pay and are you confident it will be transferable? Yellow or blue? (I'm thinking the blue plates are used only on sub-50cc bikes, but not certain.)
--Are you getting stopped by cops with any regularity? For what reasons? When you say cops are not willing to control your papers, do you mean they don't ask for them, or just check them and don't take any further action?
--Any issues with buying petrol, especially if you have 沪C plates are are filling up in Puxi/inside the ring?
As for CCTV tickets, I've never heard of anyone on a bike getting one, and I believe I've triggered plenty of camera flashes, sometimes while speeding. But I've never heard that motorcycles are ***exempt*** from camera enforcement.
Many cameras around town seem to be garden-variety "big brother" cameras, which are there to monitor the population and collect traffic data and ***not*** to issue tickets.
Obviously if you are photographed from the front, you cannot be identified since your front plate is mounted laterally. Perhaps grandma now has some face recognition system or maybe scanners that can read your retinas from 20m! OK, your plate can be strobed from the rear, and some of the enforcement cameras do shoot from the rear, whether looking for speeders or red-light runners. But can they read your plate? I do recall that there's a 1000 rmb fine (?) for defacing or concealing your plate, but, hey, a little well-placed mud would look right at home on the back of a motorcycle, no?
Nice to know your passenger is not getting burns on her legs! Hope you can post some pix soon, and not just of your passenger's legs.
cheers
Congratulations on your new bike. Is it a 250? It is more than enough for riding around this part of China where the highway motorcycle riding is prohibited.Quote:
Originally Posted by braillce
I have nerver heard of any case that a motorcycle is fined due to violation photographed by CCTV. In the past 7 years riding around in Shanghai, I have been ticketed twice, both adminstered by a real traffice cop. So I would conclude that the chance of CCTV giving your law trouble is slim. This also implies that at most traffic lights there is basically no enforcement of traffic laws/violations. This is why the traffic condition is so messy.
I myself do take advantage of this sad situation and justify it for not willing to subject muself to those ungodly number of lights. Although I don't have official statistics, Shanghai, or China rather, must have the highest density of traffic lights in the world. I would exercise extreme caution when passing through any traffic lights. Personally I treat them all as "Yield" signs, regardless if it's red or green.
I frequently tour with whole bunch of Chinese riders, none of us stops for traffic lights. I am not proud of this fact, but you must know of this behavior of other fellow riders (including all other ebikes, scooters, pedestrians, dogs, cats, goats, cows, you name it).
Thanks.
Yea the weather was just perfect.
I took a Yellow 沪A, paid 44000RMB at this Suzuki shop. They buy it 1st and then sell u 2nd hand. I'm supposed to be able to sell it anytime. I was proposed a 沪C in another shop, but it couldn't be on my own name, I had to sign a contract with the owner, and it was 7000RMB. Sounded weird.
Cops used to try to stop me a lot on my previous mini dirt bike, which is illegal, but so maneuverable it's easy to evade them. Now they seem to ignore me on this new bike. They don't ask for my papers. I'll follow up here after i get controlled (successfully I'm sure) by one.
About the petrol, some of my friends had the issue riding scooters with no plate, couldn't get gas anymore.
They still found a few (2 at least) stations in town willing to sell them petrol(93-97). Another friend with a fake plate (RMB20) on his scooter can get gas without problem... That's all I know about the issue.
U wrote: "OK, your plate can be strobed from the rear, and some of the enforcement cameras do shoot from the rear, whether looking for speeders or red-light runners. But can they read your plate?" They sure can, my girlfriend's got a car and plenty of fines from those cameras. Many shoot from behind, and fine for illegal lane change, parking, and other stupid things like this..
But it's a car she's got.
And it seems like very few Chinese motorcycle taxi driver cares about them, but it might very well be cause their plates are fake...
Did u ever got a fine from CCTV?
Thanks. Yea it's a 250. I think I wouldn't have minded a 500cc, but the last one was 100cc, and I wanted to grow step by step.Quote:
Originally Posted by milton
I'm glad u never heard about no one getting fined that way, that's kind of what I wanted to hear.
I always worry too much. I drove 2 minibikes, 1 scooter & 2 mopeds the last 4 years, all without plate or driving license, and treat the red & green lights just like u. Check the left, then the right, scr*w the light. Here, green never means safe anyways. But since I got this legal bike, I'm just scared, since there's a number on its rear and it's related to my name & address.
Thanks for prompt answers, thanks for congrats, it's a big event for me, I worked on getting the license and the savings a long time. I'll put 1 pic when I can, without my GF.
You can't get more legal than a Yellow 沪A! And it's surely transferable, even to your next bike. Congratulations indeed.
I didn't mean to imply that the enforcement cameras cannot read a motorcycle plate. What I did mean is that if there's a bit of well-positioned mud on the plate, it should be pretty impossible for the cameras to read!
Yes, being legal comes with responsibility; your name and address are indeed linked to the plate number. I'll take that responsibility any time, especially if there's ever an accident. I'm still amazed by the numbers of unplated pocket-rocket scooters that blast at absurd speeds through Shanghai at all hours, with flagrant disrespect for everyone else on the road, including the cops, and not an inkling of care for others or even for themselves. As a law-abiding all-the-gear-all-the-time rider, I would not mind a bit if there were a severe crackdown on these guys.
hope you and the GF both are wearing helmets. ride safely!
cheers
See you on the roads! I finally got my regal raptor, with the plates, AND my rider's license. I was wondering about whether I would get a ticket too doing illegal stuff as I have gotten some driving a car but I heard that they rarely give tickets to motorcycles, even with plates that can be seen.
Keep us informed on your bike performance. I got the cruiser version and will be taking it in to add HID lights, and air horn and an alarm. But I have yet to ride it. Out of the country and the physical license doesn't come in till Friday.
Congrats then, the license is a pain in the rear.
Performance is fine by me, I like it cause even with no real moto experience I can drive and stay in control all times.
It's just maneuvering at walking pace and slow & tight turns that are a bit touchy, as the bike's heavy while I'm built like a shrimp. I almost dropped it twice like this... But when driving it's awesome.
Let me know how u find urs, one of my Chinese workmates's got the same as u, just older. I can tell he likes it the way he looked at it when leaving it on the office's parking.
Another thing: where on Jiaoji Rd did u get that pocket alarm beeper u showed me @ the shop, I'm not too much for regular alarms, but that beeper got my attention.
Air horn sounds nice, as regular horn catches no one's attention, no one's. I usually yell in emergencies as I found it to be the only thing that makes pple react, most of the times...
You can get the alarm installed at the first shop on the left when you enter the main entrance of the moto mart. It's the biggest ones with a rack of helmets at the right of the store front opening and a long sofa in the store on the left side. Alarm should be 260-270 installed and it's called "Steel Mate".
The place installs new horns too for about 50 rmb. Ask for Xiao Xu.
http://www.steel-mate.com/index1.html
Thanks.
I'll check it out this week end.
Hey Wrangler, I'm not familiar with this alarm system, can you tell me how it works ?Quote:
Originally Posted by Wrangler
Thanks !
Fred
If someone touches your bike the alarm sounds. In addition, an alert is sent to a small pager and the pager sounds and vibrates. The reception is about 100 meters so not that great if you are far away. The higher end versions automatically cut off the ignition as well and sound if someone tries to turn the ignition.
Ok thanks, I'll try to check this too. Do you know if it would work with an underground parking lot ? I'll sleep less than 100 meters away, but it's no use if the pager cannot receive the signal... ;-))
Well, you could sleep in the underground car park...
:lol8::lol8::lol8:
Or I could put the bike in the bedroom, but not sure the girlfriend would be pleased... :confused1: :lol8:
or you could pay a bit more and get the gps connected, cellphone alert version of such an alarm/immobiliser
....or park your GF in the garage...
:clap::lol8::clap::lol8::clap::lol8:
Concrete will definitely block it. If the bike is in the open, and you are in a tall building, reception is good. I have found, in general, however, that having this kind of alarm is a little stressful. The alarm has two modes, one, a slight beep and vibration for people touching it. The other, when someone is really moving the bike around. The first mode is easily set off by loud, low noises as rumbling scooters.
99% of the time the alarms are false alarms. I find that by the time I get to the bike, there is no one around it. So now I just let the alarm sound.