New BJ entry.

[Barry]

I basically have no riding experience, beside motorized scooter. Which is what I am currently driving. I was looking into the Galaxy XTR a bit, but it doesn't really seems like it could carry a fussy girlfriend if you take my height in consideration! What inspired me, guess the same issue you have in Shanghai: cars are useless and bikes are to slow! Furthermore both my office and home address are in central area of BJ, so 京B already wouldn't be enough.

[euphonius]

Yes, at 200cm you must look a bit goofy on a little scooter, especially with a fussy miniature GF on the back...

If two-up riding is important, have a look at Bikerdoc's excellent review of his big Jetmax scooter as well as Pfaelzer's most recent Wet and Muddy ride report, which chronicles his two-up journey by JH600 through Fujian.

Don't quite know how Beijing is taking to such scooters these days. The JH600 is an excellent mid-sized dual sport (think Kawasaki KLR650) that holds its own pretty well on dirt and mud, and is big enough to fit big guys like you. they are about 32,000 rmb so a new one would put you over your budget a bit, depending on the price of the 京A plate, but you'd have a really solid two-up bike.

cheers

[chinabiker]

Hi Barry and welcome to ride in Beijing

I second Euphonius' recommendation for the Jialing JH600. With plate you might end up at 45k RMB though.

[Barry]

I would like to thank everyone here for all the information and advice you gave me (in)directly, to make my decision on which bike suits me. I especially would like to thank Lao Jia Hou, for his help and time.

The good news: it took some time, but if everything goes well (paperwork) I should be receiving my bike today around lunchtime.
The bad new: it's quite windy in BJ today and I will have to go back to work after I get the bike.

I'll update you later with some photos!!

[barnone]

And the bike is a ?????

[euphonius]

Congratulations, Barry. Sorry about the 沙尘暴, which the South Koreans say is laden with radioactive isotopes as well as dirt and grime, so please do bide your time and wait till the skies clear a bit.

You gonna keep us all in suspense about what you bought???

[Barry]

I went over the initial budget I had in mind! (see 1st post). It's not new though, but has jing A plates and the color is blue. Think this should narrow down the options quite a bit when it comes to Chinese bikes!

[euphonius]

Ah, you won't be disappointed!

[jape]

Congratulations Barry! Must be a jialamaha if it is blue? Don't get too much dust up your nose before you ride mate.