bikes in kunming

Hey there,

Me and my brother are hoping to ride around china for a few months from the end june. So far we have decided on starting in Kunming, for no real reason but there seems a good amount of info on getting bikes there. Neither of us speak chinese, so we are not really sure how hard the process is going to be. we have a rough idea that we are going to aim to get two Quinqi 200cc bikes, i saw somewhere they cost around 8000rmb, does that sound about right?

We are hoping to get it registered so we can take it out of china eventually, but I am not sure if a foreigner can get them registered. whats the most legal way of getting around, having it under someone elses name? we need something official for the border surely, as i don't think they would appreciate us driving round europe without number plates, if we get anywhere near that far!!

any help or any info at all that might help would be really appreciated!

Welcome lem101

I'd recommend that you spend a day, or two, or three searching through this forum. The following areas are a good start:

1) Getting a motorcycle driving license in China
2) Visa and residency permit requirements
3) Dangers of riding in China (traffic, laws, etc.)
4) Language barriers
5) Crossing a border with a motorcycle

I wish you well in your adventure, but my guess would be that you two would be 99% illegal (no license, registration, insurance, etc.). Then again, you might think that seeing a Chinese jail, up close & personal, adds color to the excitement. Something to tell your grandchildren.

Good luck!