Recomendation for Dual-sport Bike for Trip from China to Europe

Quote:

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Originally Posted by davidzweig

The route is across Western China and into Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan then Kazakhstan. At high altitude (say 2000m) the bike looses something like half it's power.. you have to use high revs and full throttle to keep moving.. this is true for FI and non FI, but the FI at least keeps the fuel/air ratio correct, so the engine isn't running, rich, I think. 125cc at altitude two-up on steep inclines will probably be a bit slow going.

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Ah right, I'm guessing you'll be heading through Qinghai for a while then? The average elevation there is 3,000m- what happens when you get up over say 4,000m? Am thinking of doing a similar trip midyear..

If you're passing through Kunming at any stage let me know, I have a moderate grasp of the lingo and know the city fairly well..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zhu

Getting a new bike registered is not a small job . That is it requires proof of residence and a licence and the right visa and the mood of the Chinese clerk must be right and the moon and stars must be aligned just so. Even then it can take weeks. Buying a used bike which is already registered has many advantages especially in your case, so if you pay over the odds at least you will be on the road.

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The above quote only applies to foreign people and not a Chinese person and you are so correct in saying "The mood of the Chinese clerk must be right and the moon and stars must be aligned just so." Had my CF MOTO TR put in my name today was told by the police clerk in the last 10 years this was the only second one this office has done a bike registration plate in a foreign name , but after some hard work from me and my agent it was all done in my name , but in the end at one point there was 8 lady offices around 1 PC trying to sort it out but i can say there didn't want to do it TIC

Attachment 15312

There are multiple factors as has already pointed out in this thread. Buying a bike actually is probably likely to be the easiest part. Buying a bike that you can make 100% legal in EVERY/ALL aspects is likely to be your biggest hindrance.

Getting said bike plated in ones name (foreign name, or an approved Ch!nese name for a foreigner that links the two names foreigners name to the chosen Ch!nese name for that foreigner together) presents a number of hurdles even for the likes of us that have the correct documentation, and authorisations needed. IMO OP (David) deciding on the bike... buy new, unless you are buying used/second hand from someone you know well enough so you could reasonably be assured of the pedigree (service history) of said bike. The plating is a significant issue if you;

a). don't want to have hassles with the authorities in the event of an inspection of relevant documents and bikes legality;
b) significant hindrances and hurdles in the event of an accident, especially one where there's a question of fault and responsibility;
c). ability to sell bike at any point and be able to transfer registered ownership (plate) and recover a significant portion of the initial purchase price;
d). secure insurance in YOUR name, and lastly;
e). get yourselves and the bike through the various border crossings, legally and intact.

The sellers will make all kinds of promises, and sure plating a bike if it's legal can be achieved usually without difficulty for most dealers and locals, but it is not always so. You decide on a bike, the dealer says something like 'no problem with plate' they go off to the local Traffic Management Bureau with said bike and documents, and even if that dealer/seller has every intention of helping you get the plate in YOUR name, there are likely (HIGHLY likely) to be issues doing so for someone without a fixed abode, a visa of at least several months duration, and a whole host of other requirements. In the end the dealer will just plate the bike in someone else's name or his/her own just to be done with it. The dealer/seller hands you the bike, keys and a couple of free helmets (that wouldn't protect your head much less anything organic in a significant off), maybe a rain poncho, the bikes 'green' and 'blue' book. Unless you can read Ch!nese, it's likely you'd be none the wiser that the bike isn't in your name. Even if you do realise this, and all and sundry reassure you that this is "no problem", it may just be. Whether that problem surfaces at a checkpoint, as the result of an accident, or at a border crossing. Even IF a seller/dealer makes good to write a you a letter of authority assigning all rights, responsibility and liability of the bike over to you, YOU can find out that might mean fark all when 'push comes to shove'.

Forearmed is forewarned.

@foxy88 I found a formula online that says a non-turbo engine looses about 12% of it's power for every 1000m above sea level.. so at 3000m that's something like a 36% loss of power (I had the feeling the loss was a bit more than that..). So a 125cc has the power of a 80cc, and if the jets are not changed on the carburetor, fuel efficiency drops. Yes, we'll past by Kunming, if we do manage to get going at all.. :-)

@prince666 Great photo! How are things looking for your trip?

@bikerdoc We want to be as legal as we can. Hopefully that is legal enough to cross the country via it's backwaters and get across the border. We've already given up on the idea of the 'blue book' being in our name, but I don't see that as a problem? We would be in the same situation as prince666, with the bike registered in someone else's name and a letter. After China, I don't think there will be many difficulties. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan I imagine are pretty lax (plus, according to my friend from Turkmenistan, bribes don't so much as fix problems, but rather are responsible for about half the GDP. I've also had the pleasure of driving around Ukraine), but Kazakhstan and Russia probably have a more through customs procedures. With translations of the Chinese docs into Russian, should be alright. Could also look into registering the bike locally in Kyrgyzstan, if this is possible. I speak Russian so things would be much easier over there.

I'm more worried about the danger of road accidents than the prospect of spending a couple of weeks in prison and loosing the bike. Motorbikes are dangerous, no matter how cautious a driver you are. A momentary lapse in concentration or the simultaneous occurrence of several road hazards (curve + gravel on the road + gust of wind + oncoming traffic crossing into your lane etc.).. the human body isn't designed for motorcycle-speed impacts..

One question. Should the letter be written: I give permission to David to drive my bike around anywhere he likes, including across borders etc. --or rather-- I transfer ownership of the motorcycle registered in my name to David ? If a bike is sold in China, does the name in the blue book always change?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by davidzweig

@foxy88 I found a formula online that says a non-turbo engine looses about 12% of it's power for every 1000m above sea level.. so at 3000m that's something like a 36% loss of power (I had the feeling the loss was a bit more than that..). So a 125cc has the power of a 80cc, and if the jets are not changed on the carburetor, fuel efficiency drops. Yes, we'll past by Kunming, if we do manage to get going at all.. :-)

@prince666 Great photo! How are things looking for your trip?




@bikerdoc We want to be as legal as we can. Hopefully that is legal enough to cross the country via it's backwaters and get across the border. We've already given up on the idea of the 'blue book' being in our name, but I don't see that as a problem? We would be in the same situation as prince666, with the bike registered in someone else's name and a letter. After China, I don't think there will be many difficulties. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan I imagine are pretty lax (plus, according to my friend from Turkmenistan, bribes don't so much as fix problems, but rather are responsible for about half the GDP. I've also had the pleasure of driving around Ukraine), but Kazakhstan and Russia probably have a more through customs procedures. With translations of the Chinese docs into Russian, should be alright. Could also look into registering the bike locally in Kyrgyzstan, if this is possible. I speak Russian so things would be much easier over there.

I'm more worried about the danger of road accidents than the prospect of spending a couple of weeks in prison and loosing the bike. Motorbikes are dangerous, no matter how cautious a driver you are. A momentary lapse in concentration or the simultaneous occurrence of several road hazards (curve + gravel on the road + gust of wind + oncoming traffic crossing into your lane etc.).. the human body isn't designed for motorcycle-speed impacts..

One question. Should the letter be written: I give permission to David to drive my bike around anywhere he likes, including across borders etc. --or rather-- I transfer ownership of the motorcycle registered in my name to David ? If a bike is sold in China, does the name in the blue book always change?

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Hi Dave

This is what i had done, but at the bottom you need to put a copy of the owner chinese I.D.
card and you need to have it in English and Chinese . As to the trip all going nicely should be on my way by next weekend, but the shit has hit the fan in Thailand with people doing a VOR then doing border runs to stay longer then 30 days in Thailand , so i need to pop into Nanning first to pick up a Thail Visa , then i be good to go :scooter:


Authorised permission to take a Yamaha YBRG 125cc motorbike out of china

I ZHANG XXXXXX (ID:2301021XXXXXXXXX),the registered owner of a Yamaha motorbike.
Chinese plate No. 琼D 0XXXXX
Vin number LBPPCJLSXCXXXXXXXX
Engine number 123XXXXXX

I allow my husband Stephen GeXXX PXXX, UK passport number 508XXXXXX to leave china with the above motorbike.

Thank you for your help in this matter.

ZHANG xxxxxx

Contact mob number 1506381XXXXX

http://www.mychinamoto.com/forums/sh...e-Bill-of-Sale

Figured out quite some stuffs today. Went back to the Yamaha dealer, the bike was 5980, but the registration was another 900 (so 6880) on top, and I would have needed to find someone to register the bike's name in. It's a really nice bike, and I'd use it at home, but that's assuming it makes it back and I can register it there.

I took at look at some more used bikes at some shops, they were mostly either seriously in need of work (vibrating engines, leaking forks, no brakes etc.) or pricey. Went back to the guy with the GS125, and after lots of tea and cigarettes he agreed to 4250. Which, after seeing what else was available, doesn't seem that bad. It's a well built bike with some 'luxuries' (for someone whose last bike was a CG125), like a CV carb, disc brake, OHC, oil filter, rear pegs not on the swingarm etc. He's also helping us get a rack sorted out, and invited us for dinner tomorrow. So, probably a bit expensive, but not horribly so, and we're on the road.

Tomorrow I'll borrow their tools to check the valve clearance and clean the carb (and check the diaphram in the carb), check the bearings and brake pads get some bags from the market. Good to go, I think. I'll start posting photos too.

@prince666 I'm going to borrow your letter, perhaps adding a line or two. Do you have a translation in Chinese? I will get a friend of mine to translate it into Russian, and post it here. Then I'll get the seller to sign all three copies, in English, Russian and Chinese.

@humanbeing Just saw your post, thank you! I saw in the 'blue book' that the 'owner' is listed. So I guess as this won't be changing, the letter shoud be "I give permission to David to use my motorbike." Is this correct? What use is the Bill-Of-Sale in this case? How could I be the owner if another owner is listed in the blue book? Or are motorbikes legally sold this way in China, without updating the blue book? Sorry, just this is a bit confusing. I'll get the seller to sign a Bill-of-sale and also a permission letter, but, which one should I be showing?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by davidzweig

Figured out quite some stuffs today. Went back to the Yamaha dealer, the bike was 5980, but the registration was another 900 (so 6880) on top, and I would have needed to find someone to register the bike's name in. It's a really nice bike, and I'd use it at home, but that's assuming it makes it back and I can register it there.

I took at look at some more used bikes at some shops, they were mostly either seriously in need of work (vibrating engines, leaking forks, no brakes etc.) or pricey. Went back to the guy with the GS125, and after lots of tea and cigarettes he agreed to 4250. Which, after seeing what else was available, doesn't seem that bad. It's a well built bike with some 'luxuries' (for someone whose last bike was a CG125), like a CV carb, disc brake, OHC, oil filter, rear pegs not on the swingarm etc. He's also helping us get a rack sorted out, and invited us for dinner tomorrow. So, probably a bit expensive, but not horribly so, and we're on the road.

Tomorrow I'll borrow their tools to check the valve clearance and clean the carb (and check the diaphram in the carb), check the bearings and brake pads get some bags from the market. Good to go, I think. I'll start posting photos too.

@prince666 I'm going to borrow your letter, perhaps adding a line or two. Do you have a translation in Chinese? I will get a friend of mine to translate it into Russian, and post it here. Then I'll get the seller to sign all three copies, in English, Russian and Chinese.

@humanbeing Just saw your post, thank you! I saw in the 'blue book' that the 'owner' is listed. So I guess as this won't be changing, the letter shoud be "I give permission to David to use my motorbike." Is this correct? What use is the Bill-Of-Sale in this case? How could I be the owner if another owner is listed in the blue book? Or are motorbikes legally sold this way in China, without updating the blue book? Sorry, just this is a bit confusing. I'll get the seller to sign a Bill-of-sale and also a permission letter, but, which one should I be showing?

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Hi Dave

Sure you can thats why i posted , the wife is having a cat nap just now will ask her to do the translation later , but please make sure .

1 . you make sure the owners chinese name in the blue book is the same as you put into the letter ??

2. please make sure you copy the owners chinese I.D. card onto the letter as well and his I.D. chinese name is the same ??? i put my wife I.D. at the bottom but did not post that part for reason you understand ....

3. And why not get the owner to sign the letter but to take a inprint of his right hand thumb and put that on the letter as well here in china best to use RED ink for that part

4. Take a picture of you and the owner next to the bike , this way people can see you did meet the owner of the bike and this ties up nicely with his/her I.D. card, in the picture make sure you can see and read the bikes plate ???

With my letter i don't need this as the owner is my wife? but i will still be taking my wedding license along as well so with me it all ties up ??? cross the t's and dot the eyes :naughty:

Thats my 2 cents

I made a couple of changes and a 'key' that will make it easier for others to put the right information into the form even if they don't understand the language (ie Russian). Your suggestions are a very good idea, thanks.

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This part need not be translated:

***1*** : Registered Owners Name
***2*** : Owners ID Number
***3*** : Person using the bike ('User')
***4*** : Users Nationality
***5*** : Users Passport Number
***6*** : Chinese plate No.
***7*** : VIN number
***8*** : Engine number
***9*** : Owners Contact mob number

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To Whom it May Concern,

I ***1*** (ID: ***2***), the registered owner of the motorbike with the identification numbers listed below, give permission to ***3*** (***4*** Passport Number ***5***) to use said motorbike for an unlimited period, for any purpose he wishes, including taking the motorbike across international borders.

Chinese plate No.: ***6***
VIN number: ***7***
Engine number: ***8***

Please do not hesitate to contact me if any further information is required.

***1***

Contact telephone number ***9***

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And in Russian, probably a minor error or two, my friend will check it soon..

Для кого это может касаться,

Я, ***1*** (ID: ***2***), юридическим владельцем мотоцикла с идентификационными номерами, перечисленных ниже, разрешаю ***3*** (гражданство: ***4***, Номер паспорта: ***5***) использовать мотоцикл этот на неограниченный срок, для любых целей он желает, в том числе вождения мотоцикла через международные границы.

Китайский номерно́й знак: ***6***
Число VIN: ***7***
Номер двигателя: ***8***

Пожалуйста, не стесняйтесь обращаться ко мне, если требуется любая дополнительная информация.

***1***

Номер телефон ***9***

Trilingual bill-of-sale. I think there's some Chinese missing, see near the end.

Edit: This is probably confusing to people, so probably better doing two: A Chinese/English and a Chinese/Russian..


***--- Motorcycle Bill-of-Sale | 摩托车卖契 | Купчая для Мотоцикла ---***

Date Sold | 卖车日期 | Дата продажи :

--- Seller | 卖方 | продавец ---

Name | 姓名 | Имя:
Passport / ID No. | 护照/身份证号 | Паспорт / удостоверение № :
Visa No. | 签证号 | Виза №:
Address | 地址 | Адрес :
City | 城市 | Город :
Zip | 邮编 | Почтовый индекс :
Phone | 电话 | Телефон:

--- Buyer | 买方 | покупатель---

Name | 姓名 | Имя:
Passport / ID No. | 护照/身份证号 | Паспорт / удостоверение № :
Visa No. | 签证号 | Виза №:
Address | 地址 | Адрес :
City | 城市 | Город :
Zip | 邮编 | Почтовый индекс :
Phone | 电话 | Телефон:

--- Details of the motorcycle | 摩托车信息 | Данные мотоцикла, который был продан ---

Manufacturer | 生产商 | Производитель :
Model | 型号 | Модель :
Year | 生产日期 | Год выпуска :
VIN | 车辆识别/车架号码 | VIN :
Color | 颜色 | Цвет :
Mileage | 公里数 | Пробег :



Sold for the sum of | 价格 | Продано за сумму : ________________ CNY

The motorcycle is sold as-is. | **CHINESE?** | Мотоцикл продается как есть.

I, the undersigned, hereby swear or affirm that I am the seller of the motorcycle described herein and that the information provided in this bill of sale is true and correct to the best of my belief.

本署名人在此宣誓或确认,本人在卖契上对此摩托车的描述和提供的信息真实无误。

Я, нижеподписавшийся, утверждаю что я продавец мотоцикла описано здесь, и что информация в данном купчая является правдивой и точной, насколько мне известно.

Signature of Seller | 卖方签字 | Подпись Продавца




Date | 日期 | дата :


Signature of Buyer | 买方签字 | Подпись Покупателя




Date | 日期 | дата :

The Chinese registration papers have English on them, right? That should be enough (without translating the whole thing into Russian).

Setting myself up with maps..

I've got a Garmin with me (Nuvi 200, a car one, that should be fine on a bike), but the download is 4gb for the China map, would take forever on this connection, plus there's hassle with the 'shift.' Hmm.

I've also got a tablet with me (LG G Pad 8.3) that I use for maps. Mostly I use OSMAnd for offline maps but the OSM maps seem very basic here in Hezhou. Guess I'll put an internet package on my phone and use Google Maps online. Any other options?

You might like to read through various posts on the ride prep and making track category... where several threads discuss GPS

Quote:

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Originally Posted by davidzweig

Setting myself up with maps..

I've also got a tablet with me (LG G Pad 8.3) that I use for maps. Mostly I use OSMAnd for offline maps but the OSM maps seem very basic here in Hezhou. Guess I'll put an internet package on my phone and use Google Maps online. Any other options?

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There is always the old fashioned way http://www.mychinamoto.com/forums/sh...tlas-for-China

Quote:

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Originally Posted by davidzweig

Setting myself up with maps..

I've got a Garmin with me (Nuvi 200, a car one, that should be fine on a bike), but the download is 4gb for the China map, would take forever on this connection, plus there's hassle with the 'shift.' Hmm...

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Yes the shift (offset) can be an issue especially in the cities where the offset can be as much as 500m... but as for a solution... well, it's long winded so won't go into it. You can maybe find two versions of the map... 'Venus' and 'Mars'... one has the corrected offset built into the map, while the other doesn't- you'd need to do some in-depth reading to appreciate the differences, on other GPS et al., related websites. As for your Garmin Nuvi 200W or just plain 200, well regardless, if it's a manufactured and bought overseas model... there might be a problem with the map compatibility anyway... as far as I can recall, but I might be mistaken. Only some overseas Garmin models are supported and compatible with the PRC maps. I'd have thought that you'd have done research and due diligence on the various topics before you landed here. Most of what you are asking can be found trawling/searching MCM and elsewhere.

@bikerdoc I had taken a look at those posts and elsewhere about setting up the Garmin, but it seemed complex and I decided that it wasn't worth the time looking into it in detail. I did find a 'shifted' 2012 map online which I was going to try, but my connection is not very fast here to download it. I was mostly just logging my thoughts, but of course I am grateful for a useful tip or a point in the right direction.

Today the guys in the garage and I put together a rack, starting with the regular 'bolt-on passenger foot platform' as a base (you know the one..), but fitted in reverse. Still some welding left to do. It's going to swing up to allow the rear wheel to be removed, very clever. Photos coming. Bought helmets, two new air filters, four oil filters (bike has an oil filter, so oil change intervals are 4000km, cool), new clutch cable, brake pads. Some other small jobs left on the bike and a couple more small things to pick up, might also change the fork oil (bouncy) and the wheel bearings (seem fine but will they be in 10,000km?).

Had dinner with the garage owner, he perhaps knows someone who can help with the DL. Will see tomorrow, fingers crossed. I am surprised by how few people I meet who speak any English, had the idea it would be more. There were some blogs I read about foreigners in Beijing who couldn't get anyone to speak to them in Chinese (?!). Well, come to Hezhou! Google translate on my phone is a lifeline, and actually works surprisingly well, two-way conversations are possible.

Hope to get going soon.

there are many hills and valleys between hezhou and Beijing

South of Guangzhou too，where we arrived everything was super-shiny, perfect roads, huge areas being planted with trees. It made most places in Europe look shabby. Not saying I'm a fan of that. Had a snooze on the bus and woke up when we were a couple of hours NW of Guangzhou, things were very different. The roads were still impressive though.

Price666, sorry, I've beaten you to it. If you notice and error, let me know.

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To Whom it May Concern,

I [Owner's Name] (ID: [Owner's ID Number]), the registered owner of the motorbike with the identification numbers listed below, give permission to [User's name] ([User's Nationality], Passport Number [User's Passport Number]) to use said motorbike for an unlimited period, for any purpose he wishes, including taking the motorbike across international borders.

Chinese plate No.: [Chinese plate No.]
VIN number: [VIN number]
Engine number: [Engine number]

Please do not hesitate to contact me if any further information is required.

[Owner's Name]

Contact telephone number [Owner's Contact number]

---

And in Russian, probably a minor error or two, my friend will check it soon..

You can transliterate your name into Russian using Google Translate. For Chinese -> Cyrllic, this tool seems to work: http://mandarinspot.com/annotate

Для кого это может касаться,

Я, [Owner's Name] (ID: [Owner's ID Number]), юридическим владельцем мотоцикла с идентификационными номерами, перечисленных ниже, разрешаю [User's name] (гражданство: [User's Nationality], Номер паспорта: [User's Passport Number]) использовать мотоцикл этот на неограниченный срок, для любых целей он желает, в том числе вождения мотоцикла через международные границы.

Китайский номерно́й знак: [Chinese plate No.]
Число VIN: [VIN number]
Номер двигателя: [Engine number]

Пожалуйста, не стесняйтесь обращаться ко мне, если требуется любая дополнительная информация.

[Owner's Name]

Номер телефон [Owner's Contact number]

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敬启者，

我本人 [Owner's Name] （身份证号码: [Owner's ID Number]），做为此摩托车的注册车主（身份号码如下），允许 [User's name] ([User's Nationality]（护照号码为 [User's Passport Number]）无限期，任何用途地使用上面提及的摩托车，甚至包括穿越国界。

中国车牌号：[Chinese plate No.]
车辆识别代号： [VIN number]
发动机号：[Engine number]

如有任何问题，请随时和我联系。

[Owner's Name]

联系电话 [Owner's Contact number]

What are Chinese spare parts like? I went to the parts shop and bought a complete clutch assembly (plates, springs, holder, whatever) for 50 CNY ($8 USD). Seems.. a little too cheap. It looks OK, the casting is a bit rough. I asked them for their best wheel bearings, they gave my 'KQYQ' made in China bearings (just checked their website, looks encouraging). They cost less than a dollar each. Will they last? Any tips where to find good parts?

Is motorcycle oil generally available for sale? Semi-synthetic? Clutch is sticky and I wonder if it's the oil.

One very important question. How can I check the registration documents are genuine and original, and the bike is legal? I have some reason to wonder.

Is the insurance always 'for the bike', and not 'for the driver?' The seller said everything is fine with the insurance, but I don't understand how it works.

Can't comment non-genuine's quality w/o looking. Some OK (OEM of name brand), some are so so.
Even the crappiest brand in wheels can survival (Under normal usage. Unlike the Tibetan that cross rivers/ streams ... ) if u grease it from day 1.
Oil:
Stick w m/c oil that sells in gas station/ authorized dealer , otherwise...
15w/40 diesel oil (High ZDDP) also quite good in these engine.

Hi Dave

Quote:

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敬启者，

我本人 [Owner's Name] （身份证号码: [Owner's ID Number]），做为此摩托车的注册车主（身份号码如下），允许 [User's name] ([User's Nationality]（护照号码为 [User's Passport Number]）无限期，任何用途地使用上面提及的摩托车，甚至包括穿越国界。

中国车牌号：[Chinese plate No.]
车辆识别代号： [VIN number]
发动机号：[Engine number]

如有任何问题，请随时和我联系。

[Owner's Name]

联系电话 [Owner's Contact number]

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Just got my wife to check Dave "she" tells me all is good .

opps posted 2 times sorry ???

Quote:

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Originally Posted by davidzweig

What are Chinese spare parts like? I went to the parts shop and bought a complete clutch assembly (plates, springs, holder, whatever) for 50 CNY ($8 USD). Seems.. a little too cheap. It looks OK, the casting is a bit rough. I asked them for their best wheel bearings, they gave my 'KQYQ' made in China bearings (just checked their website, looks encouraging). They cost less than a dollar each. Will they last? Any tips where to find good parts?

Is motorcycle oil generally available for sale? Semi-synthetic? Clutch is sticky and I wonder if it's the oil.

One very important question. How can I check the registration documents are genuine and original, and the bike is legal? I have some reason to wonder.

Is the insurance always 'for the bike', and not 'for the driver?' The seller said everything is fine with the insurance, but I don't understand how it works.

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Insurance is for the bike Dave ????? as to the Docs why not get a chinese person other then the seller to take the bike and Docs into your local Traffic Police to check ???? but you run the risk "IF" it is not legal you could lose the bike

:scooter::riding::scooter:

steve

Some photos, just to make it easier for the police to find us :-)

Attachment 15338Attachment 15339Attachment 15340Attachment 15341

Well, we've been on the road a couple of days, national roads seem good! I try to hold about 60kph. The bike does alright, just the rear shocks are a bit soft, even with maximum preload. I've got my eye open for some stiffer ones. More hassle than I thought getting the bike into shape, a new bike would have perhaps made more sense. The scenery around Yangshuo is great, tomorrow heading North of Guiyin, and will try to get to Zhenyuan the day after. It rains a lot round here.

Thanks for the tip about the parts, went to get a chain/sprockets at the Suzuki dealer. They had a set, didn't say Suzuki on the package but I guess they should last.

Will get some sleep now, early start tomorrow. Thanks for the help! I will perhaps make a new thread as a 'trip report' in another thread, if you guys aren't already bored to death of such threads.. :-)

^Congrats. Perhaps getting a brand new MC would have been less agro for you, but taking the course of action you did, has allowed you to see first hand and therefore appreciate some of the inner workings (a little exposure) to what goes on. Since you've had to spend a little time wrenching or assisting, you'll hopefully be somewhat better prepared for most eventualities should the bike stumble some point down the road. Happy trails. Looking forward to your road report (RR). Post a link to the RR on this thread so any subscribers to this thread are better able to pick up the RR thread.

Will be interesting to see how you get on when you finally make the border crossing(s).
:popcorn:
Wishing your trip every success.

Shiny side up, rubber side down.

:riding:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bikerdoc

^Congrats. Perhaps getting a brand new MC would have been less agro for you, but taking the course of action you did, has allowed you to see first hand and therefore appreciate some of the inner workings (a little exposure) to what goes on. Since you've had to spend a little time wrenching or assisting, you'll hopefully be somewhat better prepared for most eventualities should the bike stumble some point down the road. Happy trails. Looking forward to your road report (RR). Post a link to the RR on this thread so any subscribers to this thread are better able to pick up the RR thread.

Will be interesting to see how you get on when you finally make the border crossing(s).
:popcorn:
Wishing your trip every success.

Shiny side up, rubber side down.

:riding:

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Second all that, keen to read about how it goes. Btw how are you coping with the language barrier? You mentioned a bit earlier on that it was surprising how few people speak English, my experience exactly when I first arrived in Kunming. You'll find this more and more the case as you travel further out west away from the more developed seaboard. Not sure if time permits but a crash course in Mandarin could be very helpful, two days intense study or the like, they have a few 'Survival Mandarin' courses like that in Kunming.. If you're interested I can find out more for you, even knowing a little of the language can open doors, people will be telling you how well you speak before you've even finished asking the price of a pineapple..

^ good points raised. Absolutely worth having some working knowledge of Mandarin, but, not all the population speak it, older or less educated citizens speak other dialects so speaking Mandarin won't help. This is especially the case the further away one ventures from a major city, and heads inland. Also if one speaks a little Mandarin then the other party may make the assumption you have a command of the language etc., which may lead to some interesting conversations - all likely one sided of course.

Another important consideration, is asking for advice, directions and such like. Few locals will admit they have no idea. Instead they might offer advice or directions that are ill founded or just plain incorrect. Ask ten people directions to some place and expect to be provided with ten often different directions some seemingly in opposite directions. If you wan't a street location some place, ask a driver, not a pedestrian or even someone waiting at a bus stop, as that person is likely to have little clue or idea. try to ask an appropriate person based on what it is you are asking about.

David,

A big thumbs up to you. You are one of the very few who are actually doing what you intended to, rather than talking and doing nothing. Best of luck for you trip !

P.S. Your Suzuki is the same bike that I bought for my inlaws, a great bike to travel around China.

Symon

How's it all going there Dave, still trucking on? Any nice stories to share? :popcorn: If you make it to Kunming I'll shout you guys a beer :icon10: