Buying a motorcycle and traveling China on a temporary visa

Hi,

I am planning to make a motorcycle trip in China and from China back to Europe in the first half of 2018, with my wife on two small motorocycles. We are from The Netherlands and will have a 3-month visum for China. Global plan as of now is:
- Fly to Beijing and get a temporary divers license (I understand on the airport I should be able to get one within a couple of hours, I presume it is possible in other places as well, but there it might take much longer).
- Take the train to somewhere in the south-east part of China.
- Buy two small motororcycles there, preferable new and with a European type approval, so I can register and keep on using them when back home (e.g. YBR125, I am familiar with that one). But otherwise a cheaper or secondhand bike that I will scrap in the end might do as well.
- Get the license and insurance for the motorcycle. I do understand that getting license plates in my own name will be impossible with a 3 month visum. I am thinking of a formal rental agreement, with the rental fee covering the purchase and other costs of the bikes, to circumvent that issue.
- Drive through the south, mid-west and north-west of China, towards the border of Kazachstan, skipping the city centers, and from there back to Europe.

Could anyone of you recommend me a Yamaha dealer or other motocycle shop somewhere in the south-east of China that could help me with this? Since I don't speak Chinese myself it would be helpfull if someone at the shop would speak English of course.

Thanks!

Gijsbert

Hi and welcome to MCM
Now I could be wrong on this point but I am sure the Netherlands has a special deal with China as regards to Chinese Driving license?
To the point that you don't need to take the 100 multi choices computer question test.
I am sure I have seen a post on MCM about this but not 100% sure.
If I am wrong then yes you can obtain one at either Beijing or Shanghai Airport.
Make sure you get either C1E or C1D.




The bike.


Attachment 19652


You can view more pictures of the bike from this RR ..... link .....http://www.rideasia.net/motorcycle-f...o-Hainan-China


Good choices, Yamaha YBR 125cc but try and get the YBR 125 KG model? has a bit more off-road orientated.
Not sure if it still made, but should cost about 12.000 RMB or less.

Because you say the "Southeast China" then let's say you will fly into Shanghai.
That's the problem? you need now to go way outside Shanghai to buy a Motorbike.

Now if you have found a shop that sells the bike you need and you are hoping that someone in the shop will speak English? stop turn round and get back on the plane.

You need help on this matter, without a translator, you will find sorting out stuff very very hard OK.

To make things easy and simple you need to register and have insurance in someone who lives here in China or you could get the shop to put it in his name?

That said you will need a letter from the owner to allow you to take the Motorbike out of China.

Next problem...... getting the bike out of China "could" be a problem if you don't have an ATA Carnet?

If you do get a Chinese ATA and you leave the deposit required which could be 300% of the bikes cost? (36.000 RMB) then this money will be forfeited if the bikes do not return to China.

But my advice would be to not get an ATA and try your luck at the border, and just insist you are allowed to leave China on the bike but you understand you can't return with the bike.

I have only left China on a Chinese Bike 10 times now, 9 times was at the Chinese/Laos border, very easy no ATA needed.

The other time was at a Russia/Chinese border very hard and needed an ATA to get back in?.

Back in was way off Kazakhstan/China (Khorgas Port.)
I think I have covered most points if you need some more advice just post.

It will be interesting to hear how you get on so please keep us all here on MCM posted.
Good luck and wish you well.

Hi Steve,

Thanks for your reply! Very helpful!

As for the details:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by prince666

Now I could be wrong on this point but I am sure the Netherlands has a special deal with China as regards to Chinese Driving license?

---

I am afraid the lucky people involved are the Belgiums, our southern neighbours (wondering why they got that special treatment, is it their driving habits, being somehwat similar to the Chinese ;-) or just an influential ambassador? They also got their Panda bears long before we did ;-). With a 3 month visa I will only be entitled to a temporary driving license, I understood you don't need the exam for that, just the load of forms to be filled in.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by prince666

Because you say the "Southeast China" then let's say you will fly into Shanghai.
That's the problem? you need now to go way outside Shanghai to buy a Motorbike.

---

I was aiming to start somewhere in a smaller town in the Guangzhou / Nanning area, outside the big cities banning motorcycles, but in a place big enough to have a decent motorcycle shop. Is there any specific place to recommend? Perhaps on Hainan Island, with its focus on tourism?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by prince666

Now if you have found a shop that sells the bike you need and you are hoping that someone in the shop will speak English? stop turn round and get back on the plane.

---

That's a clear advise! I will start looking for someone that can act as a translator in that area first (I will need that anyway) and find a shop through him/her. Would be nice if the translator had a link with motorcycling. Any specific suggestions?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by prince666

Next problem...... getting the bike out of China "could" be a problem if you don't have an ATA Carnet?

---

From what I learned elsewhere I should not need a carnet when leaving for Kazachstan. I don't intend to return the bike to China. Anyone with other experiences?

I sure will update the forum on new findings and developments.

Thanks again,

Gijsbert

Quote:

---

I am afraid the lucky people involved are the Belgiums, our southern neighbours (wondering why they got that special treatment, is it their driving habits, being somehwat similar to the Chinese ;-) or just an influential ambassador? They also got their Panda bears long before we did ;-). With a 3 month visa I will only be entitled to a temporary driving license, I understood you don't need the exam for that, just the load of forms to be filled in.

---

Sorry, my mistake lol but I was close heh heh.
Yes you are correct no need to take the 100 question test when you apply for a temporary driving license in China

Link.....http://motorhome-china.com/report_dl.html (Beijing Airport)

Strange you mentioned Hainan? because of that's the place I purchased the YBR in the picture.
From a Dealer in Wuzhishan which is just north of Sanya.
The dealer was ok to work with have details if you need them.
Also, Hainan great place to start your trip has some of the best ridings in all of China is found on Hainan, and easy to get on/off by ferry.

Most towns/citys if not a banned one have a great selection of bike shops, the hard part is finding a shop owner/work person who has some English skills.

ATA Carnet was not to get you into another country but just to get your Chinese plated bike OUT of China.
Things work a bit strange here in China.

Quote:

---

That's a clear advise!

---

Sorry about that I was a bit to the point, but take my word for it, this will be your biggest challenge (very few people speak English)

Just look at a normal single day and take.

1. Food
2. Bank (ATM)
3. Petrol
4. Hotel
5. Directions
6. Police Check Points

Let's look at each point and see why you could have problems.

1. Not many restaurants have English menus and some don't even have pictures.
What is this I am eating could it be Dog, Snake?

2. So you have an ATM credit card, sounds simple, but it's not because not every Bank ATM will accept western Credit card, don't matter it has the correct logo on the machine.?
So you could have to go to the main branch in that town.
Then when you are at the correct ATM machine, not all have an option for English lol.

3. How much fuel do you need, what type you need 92,95,98.
Yes, simple you just find the correct one 92/95 open up the tank and raise your hands. (FULL)
But this falls on deft ears.

The person could be telling you.

A. you need to use a fuel kettle.
B. You need to show a Chinese ID card. ( Yes that happens and you try to explain you are not FUCKING CHINESES.)
C. You got your fuel at the pump ok but she won't allow you to start the bike at the pump and you need to push it 30 meters away before you can start the bike. WTF

You try and push a bike that stands in with all the gear nearly 350kg.

I just smile and ride off, got the fuel now who cares a shit.

4. Not all hotel take western people, so after a long day riding your Hot,Cold,Wet and all you are after is a room with a shower.
But this hotel cant takes you in, how will you know that, and how will you ask for direction for a hotel that can?
Ok luck is in the hotel will take you in, and you have found out the room is 200 RMB.
Things are looking up today so you give the person 200 RMB but there are saying no good no good or some shit. WTF.
The reason is most hotel need a "KEY DEPOSIT".

So you need to pay 200 + key money to which you get back when you check out.

5. DIRECTION????? Don't waste your time most Chinese don't know how to get home let alone what is down the road.

6. These are normally ok, just show your passport and nothing more OK.
Never show your nice new Chinese DL, never show your details for the bike.
These are never requested, but if there are you have.




All these are just a few times you will be in trouble if you can't speak Chinese

But for me, that's when all the fun and the adventure starts lol


TIC (This is China)


Just one other interesting point about Hainan, its the only province that you can get a VOA ( Visa on arrival)
And is valid for the Main Land China as well
But is only valid for 15 days but you can extend for a further 30 days very easy.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by prince666

Strange you mentioned Hainan? because of that's the place I purchased the YBR in the picture.
From a Dealer in Wuzhishan which is just north of Sanya.
The dealer was ok to work with have details if you need them.

---

That's quite a coincidence! Or an omen? On Google maps I found two motorcycle shops in Wuzhishan, but neither seem to sell Yamaha. So if you have details like the name of the shop and an email address or WeChat account that would be great and I will send them a message. I will have someone translate that in Chinese. Who knows he has a nephew or so speaking Enlish ;-)

Thanks for the warnings for the language issues! Clearly learned from practice! I hope a translation app, a digital map (maps.me seem to work fine in China, used that in Cuba as well), a Chinese/English speaking mate on the phone in case all else fails and a good portion of good will and patience will help. Anyhow, as you said, that's part of the charm of traveling :-)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by infralin2

That's quite a coincidence! Or an omen? On Google maps I found two motorcycle shops in Wuzhishan, but neither seem to sell Yamaha. So if you have details like the name of the shop and an email address or WeChat account that would be great and I will send them a message. I will have someone translate that in Chinese. Who knows he has a nephew or so speaking Enlish ;-)

Thanks for the warnings for the language issues! Clearly learned from practice! I hope a translation app, a digital map (maps.me seem to work fine in China, used that in Cuba as well), a Chinese/English speaking mate on the phone in case all else fails and a good portion of good will and patience will help. Anyhow, as you said, that's part of the charm of traveling :-)

---

Will ask my wife about the details when she gets up.

Now with the bikes, you may want to consider a make called Zongshen.

The RX3 Cyclone is sold all over the world and guys in the USA rate them, cost about 20.000 RMB. (250cc)

Also, there have a new model called the RX1 cost about 14.000 RMB (200 cc) comes with ABS ready to travel and both are EFI engines which if you head into Yaunan and Sichuan Provinces then carburettor bikes will be a problem.

Links.. you may need to copy and pastes.

RX1......https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?sp...7b&abbucket=11

RX3........https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?sp...455&abbucket=1

Good to hear you are a seasoned travel and only this year I help along a very seasoned travel from the USA called Doogle.
If you get time here is the RR, China part starts about page 4 but due to Photobucket blocking pictures now, a lot of his great pictures have been loosed.
But he still goes into details about the ride.

Link to RR ......http://advrider.com/index.php?thread...-asia.1208680/

Translator, yes great but how will that work the other way round???
Most Chinese don't have an app on their phone, and even if there did it's never used?

So my advice is download 2 translator apps

1. English to Chinese.
2 Pinyin to English.

That way you can hand over your phone and then you can translate what there are saying.

Maps.Me yes I use as well in China not bad, but you will find 50% of the Chinese roads are not shown and towns with a 1.000.000 people in are not even on the map. lol

patience will help yes but you are going to need loads of it .......
Covered most things again, hope you are still keen about China because it's a great place to ride around and very few people put their self out to experience the country.

Check out for a small book which is called "point it". Has no words just pictures for all life situations.

Install a Chinese input method on your phone and the apps Prince mentioned. The Chinese -English should enable character typing too.

For some provinces cut a funnel from big cola bottle or similar to fill fuel. They will have the craziest containers to force you using it for bike filling.

Sent from my GN8003 using Tapatalk

@prince666,
The Zongshen bikes look interesting. Especially the RX1, quite comparable to the YBR125. Although I am a bit suspicious about the reliability (looks good, better than the average Chinese brand, but no track record, no reports on status after say 20.000 km). If the YBR125 doesn't work out I will certainly consider it. The RX1 is imported in France under the brandname Cyclone, so a EU type-approval is probably available. When looking at the somewhat bigger bikes like the RX3, my favourite would be the new BMW G310R (made in India). I am an oldtime fan of BMW (still have a 1957 R50 stored in my garage), that might bias my opinion, but I made a testdrive on the G310R the day it was available on the Dutch market and I very much liked the easy handling. And the price is not too much higher than the RX3. But for my China trip I prefer something more simple though (reliable, so it won't break down, light, so it can be lifted by 2 people on a lorry in case it does break down, cheap, so it can be discarded if all goes wrong and no need to go fast, I am not in a hurry and will take country roads anyway).

Have been reading Doogle's report on his China trip. Very interesting! Good to have him confirm that the far majority of people are just simply nice (and you and your wife obviously belong to that group)! His experience with the Shineray is food for the bad reputation of Chinese bikes though. My YBR125 did about the same distance as his Shineray and all I had to do was filling up the tank once in a while and lubricate my chain after heavy rain!

I have installed The Translator app of Microsoft on my Android. It has a mode where you can press either one of two mic's so it translates spoken text either way. So no need to have separate apps. I don't have any real life experience with it yet, but it seem to work fine.

@Shuben,

Thanks for the tip about "point it". I noticed there is even an app version, making it even more practical.

I enabled the Google Pinyin keyboard in Android (via Google Play). I can't realy test it though since I would not know how to use it not knowing Pinyin. But the combination with the translate app looks nice if spoken text or a picture from a written text don't suffice.

Thanks both for your feedback again!

So it will be the YBR 125cc but remember the Chinese one are not EFI models so anything above 3000 meters and the little power you have will be nonexisting.
And a lot of Yunnan and Sichuan provinces are over 3000 meters and some roads over 4500 meters.

Somewhere here in the forum was also a long Chinese-English list of motorcycle parts and functional elements.

Sent from my GN8003 using Tapatalk

Found it: http://www.mychinamoto.com/forums/sh...ts+translation

I think it's worth pointing out that any bike you buy will need improvements for the type of journey you want to make. Most of the trouble people encounter with Chinese bikes is the result of poor preperation and maintenance. Plan on a minimum of 2 days to go through the bikes COMPLETELY. Everything needs to be checked and re-checked before departure. Every bearing needs to be pulled and greased. Take the stock chain and throw it in the trash. Bring the highest quality, most expensive chain you can buy with you. Bring your own chain lube. Don't expect that you will be able to find anything easily. CAN you find things in China, sure, but it can be very frustrating.

hi Gijsbert and other guys


yesterday I spoke to one of the MCM's and he told me it's not possible to get temporary license with D or E category. they will give you only C1, no bikes.

I was told, that temporary driver license for motorcycles is possible to get only through tourist companies, which provide motorcycle tours.

can anyone justify this information?

Prince, what about Doogle who rode China this spring? did he get Chinese DL with E or D?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by infralin2

When looking at the somewhat bigger bikes like the RX3, my favourite would be the new BMW G310R (made in India). I am an oldtime fan of BMW (still have a 1957 R50 stored in my garage), that might bias my opinion, but I made a testdrive on the G310R the day it was available on the Dutch market and I very much liked the easy handling.

---

I am not surprised it handled well. G 310 R would be my choice too, if I would buy a new bike. That or another Jawa 350 Type 640 :)

Quote:

---

Prince, what about Doogle who rode China this spring? did he get Chinese DL with E or D?

---

Hi Steel

Doogle had neither, took his chances with the police and it worked out ok.
My advice is still to obtain a C1 at the airport backing it up with an IDP and if the shit hits the fan then just explain I done my best to abide the Chinese laws, but it's not my fault your stupid system won't allow me to get a C1E.
Better to have than to have nothing.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by somjit1980

SportBet
แทงบอลออนไลน์

---

First great post.
Hi and welcome to MCM.

แทงบอลออนไลน์ Sport betting online.

New Bike made by Honda here in China.
No price yet will post when I find out.
But could be a good bike for your trip.

Link......http://www.mychinamoto.com/forums/sh...5928#post85928

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ChinaV

I think it's worth pointing out that any bike you buy will need improvements for the type of journey you want to make...

---

I did plan to spend ample time improving the bike in term of a more comfortable seat, luggage, telephone holder/charger, etc. But I also with Doogle's experience in mind I will certainly followup on your advise to extend that to the aspects I normally presume to be troublefree.
Many of the things I buy today in Europe come from China, so one tends to assume that everything can be found there. Good to know that often is not easy.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by a_steel

I was told, that temporary driver license for motorcycles is possible to get only through tourist companies, which provide motorcycle tours.

---

I heard the same, but not from a reliable source. A similar rumour was that a temporary DL provided in Beijing would only be valid in the Beijing area. But I don't mind too much. As prince999 pointed out, it is better to have some than no DL at all. And I understand the temporary Chinese DL is only valid with a translated accompanying original DL, which does state the proper categories. At least it will show that I did my best to follow the rules ;-) If things go more or less as planned I will know for sure in March 2018 and I will of course let you know the outcome!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by moilami

That or another Jawa 350 Type 640 :)

---

Totally off topic, but that makes me sentimental. I was driving an older model single cylinder Jawa-CZ across Kenia for 3 month back in the early 70's :-) Nice to see the brand is still alive and kicking!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by prince666

New Bike made by Honda here in China.

---

Looks nice! I will keep an eye on it. Thanks!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by infralin2

I heard the same, but not from a reliable source. A similar rumour was that a temporary DL provided in Beijing would only be valid in the Beijing area. But I don't mind too much. As prince999 pointed out, it is better to have some than no DL at all. And I understand the temporary Chinese DL is only valid with a translated accompanying original DL, which does state the proper categories. At least it will show that I did my best to follow the rules ;-) If things go more or less as planned I will know for sure in March 2018 and I will of course let you know the outcome!

---

One bit of advice if you don't have an IDP which is just a translation?
Then get your country DL translated into Chinese and then get the translation allfentercated by the Chinese embassy in your country.
Or just use the Translation you need to do at the airport.
Remember the police will not understand what your DL covers.
The more paperwork you have the better IMO.

Quote:

---

f things go more or less as planned I will know for sure in March 2018

---

My yearly schedule is the same, each year I leave my bike in Kunming (Mid October) and travel down to Thailand for the winter.
Returning the END of March.

If you are either near Kunming or Hainan let me know and I could arrange to hook up with you to help you get along with arrangements.
Not rode Hainan for a few years now, so I would love to have the opportunity to ride there again.
Keep me up to speed with your plans.
Download WeChat it will come in useful, all the other stuff don't work in China.
Even VPN is getting hard work nowadays.

Quote:

---

Many of the things I buy today in Europe come from China, so one tends to assume that everything can be found there. Good to know that often is not easy.

---

What ChinaV is saying I think, yes ALL stuff we can purchase here, but you need to understand most Chinese people use Taobao (Chinese eBay) and then you need to know what is real and what is shit.
Like DID chains on Taobao can be purchased for 55 RMB.
That price alone must tell you these are not real DID chains and are copies that only last 3000 km at best.
Most stuff you guys get in the EU from China is not sold here.
And are generally a better quality.
Take 1 item you need to buy a USB port? will the shop who sells you the bike have one in stock? NO.
Can he get you one YES from Taobao but will take 5 days to arrive.

Here is a link to Taobao for Motorbikes chains 13 pages and if I search another word I may get 100 pages more come up.

link. https://world.taobao.com/search/sear...17-PR854-PR895


USB charging ports. link 60 pages https://world.taobao.com/search/sear...17-PR854-PR895


Every new bike I have had in China, I set up with loads of stuff like you want to do, but on average by the time I have order and take delivery and then fitting the stuff is about 2/3 weeks.
Not sure if you have this time spear

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by prince666

If you are either near Kunming or Hainan let me know and I could arrange to hook up with you to help you get along with arrangements.

---

That would be nice! The timing doesn't match, but March is still some time away, lets see how things develop.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by prince666

So it will be the YBR 125cc but remember the Chinese one are not EFI models.

---

In Europe the YBR125 is now sold as YS125 (slightlly different engine, style changes as with every new model, but for the rest very much like the YBR125. I checked the yamaha cn site (with the help of the translator of course) and it also shows the YS125 (http://www.yamaha-motor.com.cn/mc/pr..._qs_ys125.html). Does that mean that this model is indeed sold in China? According to the specs it does have EFI.

The site also lists dealers per province and cities (http://www.yamaha-motor.com.cn/mc/index.html). Not sure if I understood things correctly, but I did not find any dealer in Hainan. I did find some in Yunnan, but not in Kunming.

My first priority now is to get in contact with a dealer who can confirm that the YS125 can be purchased in China. Then find a way to get it registered. I intend to order the bikes before arriving. It is unlikely they keep two exactly the same bikes in store.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by prince666

What ChinaV is saying I think, yes ALL stuff we can purchase here, but you need to understand most Chinese people use Taobao (Chinese eBay)...

---

I often order things from the aliexpress.com site and assumed I could things have delivered in China. Based on your remarks I checks the delivery options, almost any country on the list, except China. I think I start to understand. Don't expect things to be logical. TIC!

But the Taobao site looks all right as well. As you said it will be tricky to distinct crap from quality. An how are payments handled? I was planning to order this before leaving home and have it delivered to the place I will buy the bike, paying with my creditcard. Would that be possible?

I was planning 4 weeks for the preparation phase in China, including getting the DL, registering the bike, ordering the required accessories and doing the mods. So that timing seems all right.

I already created a WeChat account some time ago (id: linden1952) and use it occasionally. Works fine, also from the Netherlands.

Credit card is basically useless throughout much of China. Purchasing on Taobao is a total pain in the ass. You need to set up an Alipay account and then put money in it via a Chinese bank account. I'm not kidding when I say, buy EVERYTHING you can possibly think of before you leave.

If you find a friend in China with an Alipay/Taobao account, you can just give them cash and they can handle purchasing stuff for you. Would be very helpful to have a contact that can drop ship an important part via Taobao if you break down somewhere and need something sent quickly.

As ChinaV said unless you live in China and have a Chinese Bank account then Taobao will be a no no for you.
Will add your WeChat account ok

Buying from Taobao would be possible for non-Chinese language users/buyers and those located outside of Ch!na, if using an agent (there are quite a few agents that deal with Taobao sellers) such as Taobaofocus. Such agents act as an intermediary and deal with the communication, purchasing and dispatch etc. for a fee. It's probably not the same as dealing with a Taobao seller directly and there's likely to be issues around warranty and exchange due to the time involved with sending and receiving items etc. however it can work. Keeping in mind though that not all items advertised on Taobao or many other sites inside Ch!na are as advertised or even available or exist, so an agent may have to find an alternative seller of a particular item etc.
YMMV

Re: Taobao & foreign credit cards. I've been doing fine with a US based Visa credit card for about a year now. I pay a little extra ~3% but I also get a % back. Doesn't work for paying bills (e.g. Cell phone too up) but it's worked fine for me for all other things. YMMV.
Having said that, do yourself a favor, follow bikerdoc's advice and use an agent. If you lived in China you could practice using Taobao, but considering your timeline... you have enough adventure coming without that.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk