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  1. #1 Gear to bring from US vs. buying in China? 
    C-Moto Not-so-Noob
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    Hi all,

    About to leave for China from the US on Aug. 26 - besides my protective gear (jacket, pants, helmet, gloves, etc.) would anyone recommend bringing any specific items over with me to China versus buying them there? Any advice appreciated. Thanks!
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  2. #2 Re: Gear to bring from US vs. buying in China? 
    Senior C-Moto Guru euphonius's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bmold View Post
    ...would anyone recommend bringing any specific items over with me to China versus buying them there?
    Is that an offer?????



    OK, the most important thing is a valid US motorcycle license, but I seem to remember you already have that.

    Are you sending a shipment of personal goods? Not just what you can carry on the flight? We're having a devil of a time getting quality tires for our medium-displacement dual sports (JH600). If you know what bike you'll be riding and have a favorite tire, send in a set or two. (Too many, though, and you'll get hammered for obscene import duties.)

    I think you've got the right idea: Personal gear that you especially like is best brought in. Once you are here you learn to adapt to what's available in the local ecosystem. Taobao, rather than eBay or Craigslist, is your friend.

    Shaoxing, right?

    travel safely!
    jkp
    Shanghai
    2010 JH600 "Merkin Muffley" (in Shanghai)
    2000 KLR650 "Feezer Ablanalp" (in California)
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  3. #3 Re: Gear to bring from US vs. buying in China? 
    C-Moto Guru MotoKai's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by euphonius View Post
    Are you sending a shipment of personal goods? Not just what you can carry on the flight? We're having a devil of a time getting quality tires for our medium-displacement dual sports (JH600). If you know what bike you'll be riding and have a favorite tire, send in a set or two. (Too many, though, and you'll get hammered for obscene import duties.)
    Be sure to bring an extra set of Contis with you. I'll explain why after you arrive
    http://www.conti-online.com/generato...escape_en.html

    Seriously though...think about what you're comfortable with buying locally and bring everything else, as imported (or smuggled) gear is very expensive in China:
    - Your favorite tool(s)
    - Nav/GPS equipment
    - Camera (for pics)
    - Cam (for HD video - like GoPro)
    - Communications (if you're into talking with your fellow riders)

    Welcome to Shaoxing! (last year RR is here).
    _____________________
    嘉陵 JH600-A (Upgraded)
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  4. #4 Re: Gear to bring from US vs. buying in China? 
    C-Moto Not-so-Noob
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    Thanks for everyone's input. I guess if you guys nearby Shaoxing really want any specific small stuff I could bring some over - I'm trying to not lug a whole shit-ton of stuff over with me, just the essentials. PM me if you really need something. Seems like the general consensus is that there are no quality tires available in China. Not sure if I'll go to the trouble of bringing over any tires just yet - not even 100% sure which bike I'll be getting yet. Do GPS navs bought for example in the US work when put into action in China? Or are these better bought on taobao?
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  5. #5 Re: Gear to bring from US vs. buying in China? 
    Senior C-Moto Guru bigdamo's Avatar
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    ski gear especially telemark/back country gear and bicycle gear.
    Last edited by bigdamo; 08-11-2011 at 12:07 AM.
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  6. #6 Re: Gear to bring from US vs. buying in China? 
    C-Moto Guru milton's Avatar
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    Bringing stuff in from the States not only is cheaper (name brand, in most cases), but also gives you the confidence that they are not counterfeits. I remember that I've brought the following items in from the States:
    - Spark plug
    - Disk Lock

    If you're gonna bring in anything electrical, make sure it comes with universal power supply as the power spec here in China is different from the States (my trickle charger from the States now hangs off a converter, a real pain).
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