Hello riders!

**Bakas** · 10-28-2012, 04:56 PM

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Hi all!!

Just got signed into this site as Im planning a trip over Kunming side next week. Im a photographer and stay in Shanghai. It was more than a year since I wanted to travel Yunnan and its now or never, so my plan is as follows: Get on train to Kunming, get off one stop before in Qujing, get a second hand motorbike, 125cc farm bike will do just fine + some basic tools and head over to Shenzhen. My budget for a bike is 2-3K rmb. I have to be in Hong Kong 21 on November for visa extension so it gives me almost 3 weeks on the road to cover about 2000km. I will avoid big roads as much as I can, more interesting for me to see small towns and photograph local people. Now call me crazy if you will, but I havent got chinesse driving licence as with the visa that I have its just too difficult to get and time is tight. I have plenty of riding experience as I used to take part in enduro motocross competitions back in Lithuania where Im from.

I would love to hear some advice from people that have experience traveling by motorbike, whats the police like if they catch you without license and how to deal with it, is it difficult to get fuel, any advice where is the best place of getting a bike ect. Any related experience is much appreciated!

Big THANKS!
Bakas

**ChinaV** · 10-28-2012, 10:45 PM

We're a pretty grumpy group when it comes to people like you doing things illegally. When you get in an accident and deported for breaking the law, it makes the rest of us motorcyclists and foreigners look bad.

Have a good trip and stay safe.

Cheers!
ChinaV

**bikerdoc** · 10-29-2012, 12:10 AM

+1. What he said. Once upon a time it was not a big deal, but that has changed immensely. Times have bought about huge changes, and with them have come the altered expectations and perceptions. You might be fortunate and not have any problems or troubles, but if you do they might be small ones or ones that see you wish you'd followed saner advice. The way to look it is, how do many of us in our home countries feel about outsiders not following the rules and expectations of the majority?

**Bakas** · 10-29-2012, 12:33 AM

Originally Posted by ChinaV

We're a pretty grumpy group when it comes to people like you doing things illegally. When you get in an accident and deported for breaking the law, it makes the rest of us motorcyclists and foreigners look bad.

Have a good trip and stay safe.

Cheers!
ChinaV

Sorry, probably started of on a bad note. Will go search the forum of ways to get a licence quick, maybe theres something I dont know.

Thanks!

**Zorge** · 10-29-2012, 06:36 AM

Hello Bakas.

It would be better for you to play basketball. That way you will not violate any law.

**td_ref** · 10-30-2012, 01:55 PM

at least motorcycle driving license, no excuse to local traffic bureau.

**Bakas** · 10-30-2012, 03:15 PM

Zorge, nice one. td_ref, what exactly do you mean about the licence?

**bikerdoc** · 10-31-2012, 12:38 AM

If you at least get a Chinese motorcycle riders/drivers license then you are better of with it than without it, even if any bike you might be riding be anything less than 100% bona-fide legal. Sometimes when police stop you they may not ask to see documents, and other times they want everything, but in most instances just producing the Chinese drivers license is enough and they may not want to see anything else. Instead often what happens is small talk and banter ensues, usually about where you are from, where you are riding from/to, how much the bike costs etc. In the worst case scenario if you have the Chinese drivers license and are stropped on an unplated bike or one with fake plates, the bike will be confiscated. You will be free to go after a time, and have to find other means to continue your journey, likely from the road side. If you don't have a drivers license though then the crap your possibly in might ramp up a notch or ten on the ol' crap meter...

**Bakas** · 10-31-2012, 12:44 AM

Thanks for that bikerdoc. Any ideas if I can get a temporary license with F visa 20days remaining? What about a little bribe on the spot (if stopped), any experience with that?

**euphonius** · 10-31-2012, 02:18 AM

Originally Posted by Bakas

Thanks for that bikerdoc. Any ideas if I can get a temporary license with F visa 20days remaining? What about a little bribe on the spot (if stopped), any experience with that?

Please do your homework. MCM is full of guidance on getting licensed and getting legal. Advanced search is your friend. As ChinaV already hinted, China-based members have little time or patience for cutting corners or illegal behavior. China does not make it easy for short-term residents and visitors, and what you are asking for is virtually impossible. You will not find members of this forum recommending illegal practices, or encouraging illegal behavior. The reasons: We live here and get very grumpy when foreigners show contempt for the law because it reflects badly on all of us.

Zorge is right; basketball is a much better option. Sorry, but, as we say, This is China.

So far you've been getting gentle, friendly advice. Take it.

cheers