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Hi y'all,
I might take on an assignment in Beijing next year.
I have got a DRZ400 and a KTM 450 that I would like to take with me. The company I am working for will provide a container.
Honestly I have no idea so pls excuse my questions.
- do you think importing the bikes will be a big issue?
- if yes, can you get bikes there?
- are the Chinese bikes junk? (most I have seen are)
Thanks in advance for your input.
Alex
Hi, welcome to MCM..
China is an awesome place to discover by bike. Unfortunately, you might be stuck with China bikes only. Which aren't that bad really, if you can just stop comparing them to others made in the last 20 years :lol8:
Still, it's possible to find a few nuggets and things are much better than when I was in China a year ago. Seems joint ventures like Yingang and Benelli are offering some solid bikes, but only in 150 to 250cc range ..
Can I import my bike question has been answered a few thousand times here .. so no need to go over that again, you can use the search box on the top left to find those threads.. But please, even on the shittiest bike possible, it's worth getting lost outside of Chinese mega cities.. please do join the club..
Thanks!
Maybe I am looking wrong but couldn't find some if I look for "import"
But I think it will be nearly impossible or very costly..
Just don't want to sell my babies here in the states... ;-)
Cold you recommend some bikes that are similar for ex. to a DRZ 400??
Thanks! Good to make some first contacts. Are you in Beijing?
Step back, take a deep breath, use the search button. Everything you want to know has been beaten to death at least a dozen times on this forum.
Understand that their are 3 economic motorcycle groups here.
Economy: Bikes under $2500 USD, probably a Chinese moto, with the rare exception of a few illegally imported bikes (most likely thrashed).
Business: $2500 ~ $7500 USD, a small variety of local hardware, mostly 250~650cc, primarily road oriented. The occasional import, though most fall under "dodgy" when it comes to legal issues.
First Class: $7500 ~ $60,000 USD, pretty much anything you want if you have the cash and patience.
You are not going to find something like a DRZ or KTM unless you have A LOT of money. You can not import your bikes without major connections and/or a ton of money. You will pay at least double the price for everything here, be it bikes, gear, tires etc. If you have high expectations, and expect to duplicate your DRZ/KTM lifestyle, it's going to be big, big, bucks. A lot of people leave that behind and discover that small, cheap, Chinese bikes are plenty good enough to take in the sights and experience the culture. For the most part, Chinese bikes are junk, but they're fun and economical, which can make every ride a true adventure.
Do some research, get here, settle in, and then look for something that fits your budget with the help of some of the people in Beijing.
Cheers!
ChinaV
That's very valuable info. Thanks!
I called the people that would do the shipping from the US to China and they confimed that China protects its market from import like this.
I was thinking a carnet de paddage would be an option but not really since carnets are obviously not accepted in china. Then would be the option to import the bikes in parts. But even if I have the bikes then in the country it will likely result in more problems...
Hi Alexisan,
as has been stated before: Spend some time to search and browse the forum. This will not only give you all the information you are looking for but also some "feeling" for the pros and cons of riding an m/c- and which one - in China.
I don't know your budget but my first impression is: forget about importing your bikes. it will result in A LOT of money and a lot of mafan (one of the first words you should learn in chinese, means something like trouble, inconvenience). Look at the 150-250 cc dual sports class with QingQi, Jialing, Galaxy and the likes offering enough models to make riding chinese roads worthwhile.
Looking forward to welcoming you in China!
Hi all, we are getting closer to china....hope the contract stuff works out.
Before the states we were n south Africa and I rode my bmw back to Germany.
Would love to do some like this after china. Would you think some of these Chinese motos would be up for the job through Russia, Mongolia,kasachstan and the way back to Europe? :-)
Welcome Alexian!What they must be very rigth! ( I never be there yet but i want too in the future). There is a bike that in my opinion ( i hope the guys in China contribute in this one) could be your bike. Its the Feishen/Puzey xtr 300cc.This bike was tested in competition (Roof of Africa) a doing pretty wheel, and the motor is based in the Kawasaki KLX 300 desing (Bullet proof desing). Also now that you are in South africa you can try one over there in the Puzey brand. Its como in mx,motard,dualsport models. Here is a picture.Attachment 8450
Sounds interesting. Couldn't see the picture.Quote:
Originally Posted by motoviva
And these bikes come from china??
Yeap! From China! Mike Puzey from South Africa did the desing and Feishen manufacture them.You can see at puzey.co.za also they sell in Uk at ccmmotorcycles.co.uk also the factory website is buayangvehicle.com.I am sure you will not be dissapointed. They claim 28hp so enough to dirt and street too!
buayangvehicle.com does not work, and those bikes can't be registered in China.
Cheers!
ChinaV
Why is registering a problem? They look good
Probably over a hundred motorcycles produced in China that are not available here, they are export only.
The rumours I heard about the Puzey is that Mr. Puzey got a little pissed off doing all the R&D and then having his suppliers rip off his ideas and sell them. The XTR300 has several "key components" that were not/are not made in China. Eventually the Chinese figured out how to reproduce those components, thus you can find some of these bikes on Taobao / Alibaba etc.
Because this is China and they don't give a $%&^## about adventure motorcycling or making it reasonable for people to partake in the sport of motorcycling. Motorcycles are for stupid peasants and trouble-making foreigners.Quote:
Originally Posted by Alexisan
You still haven't stated your budget, which would make helping you a lot easier.
Cheers!
ChinaV
Ok, understand. The good stuff goes into export?
Budget: 3-5000 dollars for a decent dual sporter.
Damn, I'm guilty on both counts - a foot in each camp!Quote:
Originally Posted by ChinaV
Alex:
Once you get to Beijing, you'll find some fantastic riding in the area. And, as ChinaV properly notes, riding a China-bike is part of the "full-meal-deal" experience. Trust us, what you ride will be of little concern when compared to what you are confronted with re: traffic, drivers, food, language, lodging, toilets, and a million other things.
AKA "Crack-China", we all know it is very bad for us, but we just can't give it up.
For 3-5K, lots of legal options. But you really need to be here to see for yourself.
You see Alexian thats was i said they i hoppe the guys in China could helpwith thisone! I heard before about the top models doesnt sell in China.This doesnt make sense because the expansion market is there.Regardin about Puzey China V is rigth i talk fewtimes with Mike Puzey(email) and he was mad with the manufactures.He still sell the xtr4 300cc and a 500cc model.Plus is coming with bomb (literaly) in the frame of the bike.Now he sell a 300cc 2 stroke racing dirtbike (like the europeans) using a TM motor.There is video in you tube of the prototype.I think the only alternative is the Galaxy(which is a good one).Attachment 8469
All very valuable info!! Thanks a lot.
We will probably come January next year.
Now I got to find out who is in Beijing and where you guys live ;-)
Hi guys another question: has anybody ever tried to import a bike on pieces?
Was just thinking if I disassemble the bike (wheels, handlebars, etc.) would I be able to take it with me?
Just an idea maybe stupid. Thanks for the input. Alex
.Quote:
Originally Posted by Alexisan
Alex,,,,,,,,
Your not listening,,,,,,,,
It's not just about getting the bike into China, be it in one piece or 1000 pieces.
What are you going to do with it when you have put your 1000 pieces together?
Your still no better off, as you won't get registration or licence plates for it.
So whats the point?
Go back to square one.
Mothball the bikes in USA, or sell them.
Get your ass over to China, then hook up in Biejing with some members.
You will be surprised just how much fun you can have on a Chinese bike.
Believe be, when they say "The type of bike you ride will be the least of your problems"
They are 10000% right,
Oh, and don't forget you will need to do your Chinese driving/riding licence.
Gra.
Ok, ok ... Got it ;-)
Well the plan is to ride back to Europe when the contract is finished. And therefore I Would like to heave the Beemer and not some crappy china Moto. Anyways I think I will have to make plans when I am there and see how everything works...
Is there a Bike you would say can Last about 17 km's ???
Dear Alex,Quote:
Originally Posted by Alexisan
There are plenty of China bikes that will last two or three or four times times that, given proper maintenance and service, etc. (I would include your bimmer in that, despite their propensity to break down.) For a ride from China to Europe, our any touring inside China, you'll want a bike that can be serviced easily and inexpensively, with readily available parts. Most of the Chinese clones fit this description far better than a BMW, as you can often swap out inexpensive parts from Honda, Suzuki or Yamaha that are widely available. If your BMW clutch goes out in Zheigastan or Neigastan, you'll be cooling your heels for one to two weeks waiting for your gold-plated parts to be airfreighted in from Europe or America. Some guys/gals ride expensive Euro and Jap bikes in China and get along fine, but they tend to be wealthy (or posers who don't ride much). You can read all about it in MCM.
Spend a few days searching through our the MCM forums, especially the many excellent ride reports -- most of which are done on China bikes. This will give you a strong sense of what's reliable and what's not, and how easily repairs can be managed if you break down in some godforsaken place. Once you have a better idea of what's out there, you can ask informed questions and expect excellent answers.
Good luck!
Here's a quick list to get you started, some bikes you might want to consider for china - europe trip:
Reliable all rounders:
Yamaha YBR250 - THE proven all rounder
Yamaha YBR125 - a lot cheaper
Honda CBF150RR
Suzuki GW250 - just came out, not proven yet but high hopes for it
A little lower on the reliability scale
Jialing JH600 - the only big cc chinese ADV bike
CFmoto 650NK - street
CFmoto 650TR - touring
Qingqi 250 Liger - you won't find one
Galaxy XTR250 - fun dirt bike
Bottom of the reliability ladder
Asiawing LD450 - such a shame...
Excellent and helpful post, Felix. Given the number of newb posts asking "which bike" or "what about this bike" it would be nice to get your list into a new, easily searchable sticky titled something like: Which China bike in China? The Good, The Bad and The Wretched. The list could then have links to more detailed threads about the individual bikes.Quote:
Originally Posted by felix
Interesting that all of your A-list bikes have Japanese DNA.
cheers
Hi Guys, I'm new here.
Actually I'm looking to buy a Gilera Runner 180/200 (Scooter), I saw some used one on taobao.com but turnsout they dont have available at the moment.
Anyone know how I can get one in China, preferably in Beijing, Tianjin or online? I'm willing to bring it to Beijing. It's pretty hard to find a foreign brand/made scooter here, am not looking for R9(FYI I dont like the R9 at all), I want something a bit foreign, a Aprilia Scooter is also welcome.
Thanks guys.
Greetz
I am just thinking which of those bike would be able to cope with the roads that might be found in Mongolia.
But a good start. Thanks y'all for the info's. They are very valuable to me.
Can't wait to get there. Alex
hey guys, got an email today there were are coming!! great!! prob in Feb next year!
don't come to tianjin - I had to go to Beijing to get my bike. Tianjin is a no-bike city since 2005, so there's no real dealerships here (outside of e-bike shops that sell an R9 or 2).Quote:
Originally Posted by Modocodo
FWIW I got my bike at the dealerships at the jiugong Beijing subway stop. They had a TON of scooters, including Aprilla.
Good luck!
Quote:
Originally Posted by thedannywahl
Thank you very much, I'll just drop by the tomorrow to check them out.
By the way, I was 2 days ago in Tianjin, went to Tanggu to check out the bikes there, some great motorcycles and relatively cheap, comparing to Beijing here, but couldn't find any big foreign brand scooter.
Again thanks for the info.
GRTZ