Anyone bought and registered a bike legally in Suzhou?

[billinsuzhou]

Hi! I'm new to the group and have searched the forums, but I don't seem to find out how to register a new motorcycle here.

I managed to get my Chinese license and now want to buy a bike. I've been to a few shops in Mudu and Meicun (just outside of suzhou). They tell me that I need to give them ~800 rmb and wait a few weeks. They said that I can't get a legal plate in Suzhou or Wuxi. Something seems strange about this. Does this seem to be the way to go? I also had a guy tell me I could buy a used bike with a legal plate.

Anyone with ideas or suggestions?

Thanks,
Bill

[CrazyCarl]

Billiam...

Although certain provinces and cities have different rules. You can register a new bike by taking your license, 1,000 small pictures of yourself and any other document you can imagine and going to a Driver and Vehicles Administration Center (name may vary) in your province. In your case, likely near Shanghai.

At the Admin Center, you'll likely pay for taxes, insurance and registration/plate fees which should be around 1,000 depending on local laws n' stuff.

Second hand bikes in China have already been registered and the plates travel with the bike for life, thereby entirely avoiding having to go to the Admin Center.

What kind of bike you thinking about getting?

CC

[Mike]

Many cities or districts refuse registration of bikes, or they have strict requirements like only one vehicle on one hukou. Or limits on the cc. Sometimes shops are looking for a person living in a certain place to register a bike in her/his name.

[billinsuzhou]

I have been looking at the QM 200 GY or the Suzuki YBR 125.

I have seen the Suzuki at a few places and it looks like a good bike to ride. I have also riddeng it a few times with motorcycle taxis here.

I have a friend that knows a second hand shop. Might give it a look this weekend.

I've enjoyed reading the site so far. It looks like you have a lot of experience in Chengdu. I have a friend out there, maybe i'll come out in the spring time. It must be getting a little cold to ride there.

I want to do some kind of big ride next year. Have you had people ride through Chengdu from Shanghai? How long should I plan for a trip? Maybe two weeks?

Thanks,
Bill

[CrazyCarl]

Billiam,

I'm not in Chengdu now, although I was for the past five years. For a trip from Shanghai to Chengdu, 2 weeks is enough for a one way journey. It really depends on what you want to see and how much time you can take off.

Good luck at the second hand motorcycle place and be sure to take some pics. The YBR is made by Yamaha I think and they now have a 250cc version available in China which looks promising so keep your eyes peeled for it.

What kind of riding did you do before getting to China?

CC

[ZMC888]

I think the area you are in and the visa you are on are important. Some areas it's just easier to put the bike in a trustworthy Chinese friend's name. Don't ride without plates, as it will get you stopped too quickly!