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  1. #1 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS 
    C-Moto Not-so-Noob
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    Seems the V-strom entered the market (Beijing) couple of months ago. Very upright, looks pretty versatile.

    Does anyone have experience riding and can offer some evaluations?

    Also, any market intel on the different versions/pricing (seems there is no adventure or 1000cc version here yet)? Since it is an import, the price is going to be up there.
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  2. #2 Re: Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS 
    foreign China moto dude bikerdoc's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by newyork View Post
    Seems the V-strom entered the market (Beijing) couple of months ago. Very upright, looks pretty versatile.

    Does anyone have experience riding and can offer some evaluations?

    Also, any market intel on the different versions/pricing (seems there is no adventure or 1000cc version here yet)? Since it is an import, the price is going to be up there.
    The DL650 (wee-strom) has been available legally in PRC since last year... the price in PRC is...

    139,800 plus tax and plates... yes thats the PRC pricing for ya.
    The DL1000 V-strom is not officially imported by Suzuki...

    Hence one don't see too many around... especially if one considers the F700GS with comfort package comes in under the DL650 price... and BMW enjoys a coverted reputation in PRC...

    Refer to my International PRC vs Thailand thread for some relevant info on the subject.
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  3. #3 Re: Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS 
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    Thanks, very helpful. Seems the F700GS is only officially imported in the red color version. I still like that V-strom; dare to be different.
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  4. #4 Re: Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS 
    foreign China moto dude bikerdoc's Avatar
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    The F700GS is available in colours aside from red. Sure the DL650 is a competent bike and likely well suited to the average road conditions in the majority of PRC at this point in time (so is the KLE650, KLR650 and CB500X), too IMO. However one does need to consider servicing vz a vz warranty and part availability etc. Brand recognition and so forth are also important considerations. It's one thing to wish for something, but sometimes quite something else to live with 'it'.
    LoL.
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  5. #5 Re: Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS 
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    Pretty much every bike on this earth can be bought in China, but they are prolly smuggled into the country. For example, check out jlmoto.com.

    Ever wonder why the prices mentioned in this post is so outrageous? Tariffs! Last time I checked the effective tax rate for a 600cc is around 60%. So for example, price in USA * exchange rate *1.6 * (1+ profit) = final price. That's why they are so high. You can get around that if you are willing to take the risk and buy a smuggled bike (水车 in Chinese). They CAN be semi-legally plated. You have to change the VIN and engine VIN on the bike though. But hey, the police will prolly give you a free pass if you are white. It's rare that they check the VIN even when they pull over a Chinese dude, so it should be fine for yall.
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  6. #6 Re: Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS 
    foreign China moto dude bikerdoc's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by kur4deitch View Post
    Pretty much every bike on this earth can be bought in China, but they are prolly smuggled into the country. For example, check out jlmoto.com.

    Ever wonder why the prices mentioned in this post is so outrageous? Tariffs! Last time I checked the effective tax rate for a 600cc is around 60%. So for example, price in USA * exchange rate *1.6 * (1+ profit) = final price. That's why they are so high. You can get around that if you are willing to take the risk and buy a smuggled bike (水车 in Chinese). They CAN be semi-legally plated. You have to change the VIN and engine VIN on the bike though. But hey, the police will prolly give you a free pass if you are white. It's rare that they check the VIN even when they pull over a Chinese dude, so it should be fine for yall.

    Singing to the choir....
    0 tariff = 0 import tax (though there are many other threads on the cost of MC and importing/imported MC in PRC)

    There's much more to the whole situation, including changes to rules, regulations and policies, plus changes concerning the 'CCC' and 'ccc' certification. Different trade agreements also have to be factored in. individuals importing also are required to pay a one off 30K import administrative fee irrespective of duties and taxes for any LEGALLY imported MC. Also legally MC's have valuations as determined by the PRC Customs authorities, irrespective of what invoice might be provided by the importer.

    Smuggled MC's provide a not-insignificant risk IMO that is worth a whole chapter devoted to the merits or otherwise, most of which is already covered in various threads and posts on MCM - if you care to read through MCM.

    Landing a MC illegally and changing the bikes identity to that of another does not always guarantee the MC a free painless ride through the 'system'. Nor does skin colour guarantee/provide a free pass... even when fully legal and compliant with the law.
    While, it might be rear that the PSB traffic enforcement officers, bother to check VIN, engine # etc., it does happen. Become involved in a crash and there's the possibility that the MC will be scrutinised a little closer. While 99% of the time, compulsory stops and road side inspections of documents proceed without issue, there's always that 1 percentile that don't.

    Easiest method, is go 100% fully legal, doing anything less puts oneself and others at risk... sooner or later. There are legal MC's at various price points to suit every budget.

    It is what it is. One consideration that few might factor in when considering a legal imported model MC versus anything less, is that, a legal imported MC is more likely to retain it's resale value over the long term compared to a illegally imported one (the latter of which are becoming harder to off load).
    Last edited by bikerdoc; 06-02-2014 at 03:20 AM.
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  7. #7 Re: Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS 
    Senior C-Moto Guru zhu's Avatar
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    Preaching to the choir. \o/
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  8. #8 Re: Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS 
    C-Moto Senior DavidC's Avatar
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    Official import will always fare better than grey market ones.
    Ride like the wind but stay safe.
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