Great post!

Seems a little complicated down there in Kunming! Although the basics I'm sure are relevant everywhere.

Don't forget that in most circumstances the dealer can be persuaded to do all this for you, a simpler format could be this... where I am it is really pretty simple...

1. Go to dealer and select desired machine.
2. Give dealer a photocopy of someone's ID card that you trust*.
3. Pay dealer a deposit, maybe around 500-1000 yuan.
4. Inform dealer that you will pay him/her the remaining money when you bike is registered insured and road worthy.
5. Wait up to a month to receive a phone call from the dealer, pay dealer the remaining money and collect keys, documents and bike!

* This can be done in your own name if you have a residency visa with over 180 days left, but hardly anyone bothers here, as it's slightly more complicated, and your Chinese boss will know you have a new bike....