Quote Originally Posted by karabs View Post
I am interested in super /touring sports bikes like the Kawasaki Ninjas 650cc+ , Suzuki sports bikes, Yamaha R1/R6, well l am 6 ft 1 , so l need a big bike.
My aim is to take her out on the weekends away from the CBD for some fun. Hopefully meet some like minded people for cruises, track work etc.

Can you please point me in the right direction? The bike can either be second hand or new but must be legal, hence no hassles from Chinese police etc. I live in the Chaoyang hepingjie ten area

Also what is the process of obtaining a legal motorcycle license in Beijing? As I currently hold a probationary motorcycle license in Australia, and currently using my Oz license to get around on my R9.

Sorry for the nob question, does Beijing have full comprehensive motorcycle insurance for fire and theft etc?
Does the law vary for each city on the types of motorcycle you can own?

Many Thanks

Sam
Sam, somewhere on this site are a few maps to the Harley & FHL shops. It is easiest to find the Harley dealership. Get into the North East, grab a taxi, and keep saying HaLei, HaLei ... the driver will know where it is. Just a block, or so, East of the Harley shop is the brand new Suzuki Big Bike shop (just opened July 2). It is joined to the Piaggio shop. The Harley, Suzuki, Piaggio and FHL shops are all owned by the same company. FHL is nearby, but it is impossible to find, until someone shows you for the first time (it is tucked down a little lane).

Honda also has the ST1300 available from its specialty bike shop in Xidawang Lu (out by New Town SOHO).

Kudos to you for your desire to be legal - a smart move these days. BUT, your Oz DL is meaningless here ... although it might help you when you convert into a Chinese DL (don't know about the probationary aspect).

There is a really nice legal, plated Sportster for sale right now - but I won't tell you where because I might buy it! Hahahaha. Seriously, if you are interested, PM me. I already own one Sportster, but I believe a person can never have too many MCs. There ARE used, legal bikes available, but not many make it into the shops - we (the Beijing biker community) tend to pass them around among ourselves. Heck, I even just bought a little Regal Raptor cruiser off a HOG buddy (legal with a super cool A plate number) because I am going to use it to teach people how to ride cruisers (e.g., move up to a Sporty). My point is ... the bikes are there, but you need to hang around the shops & community.

As for insurance, yes, full coverage is available (including collision, fire & theft), but be prepared to pay Western prices (Sportster full coverage is about 7,000 rmb).

And yes, there is variance in laws between cities. It is complicated, to say the least.

Good luck. Start with Harley & Suzuki, and if you are still standing after seeing the prices, let us know.