Hello from SA...and some questions...

[mojoe]

Hello everybody. I am currently living in South Africa. Early in next year I will be moving to Shanghai for work purposes.

I currently ride a 650 Transalp and a CBR1000RR. I can only import one of the bikes (cost covered by employer) so I opted for the TA because of its versatility (I will be commuting and touring in my free time).

However, I have been getting a lot of conflicting information regarding biking in China. For instance, one website stated that the western and Japanese bikes over 250cc are banned. And also that only a few brands are allowed, such as BMW and HD. Now obviously from this forum I see various makes and sizes.

I would appreciate the following information:

1. Will it be possible to import a Honda 650 motorcycle?
2. Or should I just skip the import hassle and rather buy a motorbike in Shanghai? And, if so, what are my prospects in the mid-level, 650cc range?

I would really appreciate any helpful information and hoping to do some rides once there!

[ZMC888]

Hello everybody. I am currently living in South Africa. Early in next year I will be moving to Shanghai for work purposes.

Hi and welcome!

I currently ride a 650 Transalp and a CBR1000RR. I can only import one of the bikes (cost covered by employer) so I opted for the TA because of its versatility (I will be commuting and touring in my free time).

I doubt you'll be able to import either. You are welcome to try, but If you can bring one bring the CBR, as those kind of bikes cost double a western country. Sell it in China when you leave and buy a brand new one when you get home.

However, I have been getting a lot of conflicting information regarding biking in China. For instance, one website stated that the western and Japanese bikes over 250cc are banned. And also that only a few brands are allowed, such as BMW and HD. Now obviously from this forum I see various makes and sizes.

It's bs. You can buy any size you like, but import bikes can be double or more. In some cities all bikes are banned, but that's just in the central cities, except Guangdong province which as some anti-bike fascist paranoia obsession.

I would appreciate the following information:

1. Will it be possible to import a Honda 650 motorcycle?

Highly unlikely, but technically possible. But it might take years.

2. Or should I just skip the import hassle and rather buy a motorbike in Shanghai? And, if so, what are my prospects in the mid-level, 650cc range?

Get yourself a CFMOTO 650NK or TR. Or a Benelli 600. Those are street bikes, next year they'll have road/trail bikes like the V-strom kind of thing. If those don't float your boat you can get Thai manufactured (western brands) bikes on the reasonable side of an expensive price, or bike manufactured outside Asia for an arm and a leg.

[modron]

Welcome to MCM Mojoe

Dont forget about the ugly but popular and reliable JH600

........ next year they'll have road/trail bikes like the V-strom kind of thing........

You sure about this? i know Benelli anounced its "ADV" bike but its just ADV looking bike not an ADV bike. Hope CFMoto will bring something good but you cant wait forever

As a photographer I remember similar story with one particular camera. My friend (wildlife photographer) was waiting for an update for his Nikon D300s. Every few months there were some rumors about new D400 just around the corner and he waited and waited. It was about 2 years ago and D400 is not out yet if at all. So sometimes its better to just go for whatever is available and be happy using it instead of waiting for something that might never come

[ZMC888]

You sure about this?

No, those are just a commonly accepted rumors. Who can know anything for certain in China where dates of holidays are held by bosses as privileged information an not told to workers until 24-48 hours before? Obviously you just go with what's available at the time.

[Lao Jia Hou]

Welcome Mojoe - wait until you are here. There are several MCM members on this forum that live in Shanghai, and they own a wide variety of bikes.

Dont forget about the ugly but popular and reliable JH600

HEY! R u callin' my sister ugly?

[modron]

....dates of holidays are held by bosses as privileged information an not told to workers until 24-48 hours before? ...

well said!

HEY! R u callin' my sister ugly?

Never! must have been high on that China haze that just visited Taizhou - 540 ug/m3
I might be marrying her soon

[mojoe]

Thank you for the useful info

It seems the way to go is to sell both bikes here and buy new in China. Less hassle by far!

[Jonsims]

Getting the bike into the country is straight forward but if your employer has a good shipping agent things should be okay. I suggest you come here first and get established. Then bring your bike over.. You need permission from the customs at shanghai to to this also you need the Chinese Inspection bureau from SA (chinese embassy) to inspect and okay the bike for shipping.
And by the way.. I don't think you could be looking at a better bike for riding in this country.. The high seating position and the 21" front wheel is a life saver. I have a DT400 and I put on a 21' front wheel.. got touring bags and it's almost perfect for this place.. A few more horses would be the trick.

Hi and welcome!

I doubt you'll be able to import either. You are welcome to try, but If you can bring one bring the CBR, as those kind of bikes cost double a western country. Sell it in China when you leave and buy a brand new one when you get home.

It's bs. You can buy any size you like, but import bikes can be double or more. In some cities all bikes are banned, but that's just in the central cities, except Guangdong province which as some anti-bike fascist paranoia obsession.

Highly unlikely, but technically possible. But it might take years.
Get yourself a CFMOTO 650NK or TR. Or a Benelli 600. Those are street bikes, next year they'll have road/trail bikes like the V-strom kind of thing. If those don't float your boat you can get Thai manufactured (western brands) bikes on the reasonable side of an expensive price, or bike manufactured outside Asia for an arm and a leg.

[ZMC888]

Getting the bike into the country is straight forward but if your employer has a good shipping agent things should be okay. I suggest you come here first and get established. Then bring your bike over.. You need permission from the customs at shanghai to to this also you need the Chinese Inspection bureau from SA (chinese embassy) to inspect and okay the bike for shipping.
And by the way.. I don't think you could be looking at a better bike for riding in this country.. The high seating position and the 21" front wheel is a life saver. I have a DT400 and I put on a 21' front wheel.. got touring bags and it's almost perfect for this place.. A few more horses would be the trick.

We've discussed bringing motorcycles in to China legally for years on these boards. The consensus was 'technically possible but in reality impossible or extremely bureaucratic and maddeningly expensive unless you are an importer or manufacturer'. However if you know this to be wrong please author a new thread under 'ride prep and making tracks' and explain to the rest of us how someone can legally bring in their own motorcycle and re-register it. Obviously it needs to be from your own experience not just anecdotal information. Then I'll 'stick' your new thread.

[Jonsims]

It's the same as bringing in your own car. Pain in the ass but possible.. A Portugese guy brought in a BMW to Ningbo.. Fixed the value and got Ningbo Plates. (Its impossible to get ningbo city plates so the Ningbo Traffic police tell us) and I've brought in my own 25' Sailing boat (actually two of them).
So.. you can do it but do you really want to.... I'd not recommend anything too big or heavy. Your honda was about right..Jialing have something similar and you'd have a lot less hassle just buying something legal here. CF moto is going to have a 650 adventurer soon, they are doing it with KTM. If you don't believe me (as some Aussies with mates in a ktm repair shop say so) then the boss of CF moto is lying to me over a dinner and he's a very very VERY nice guy.
Biker Doc has been going on about the CF adventurer and it's all true.. It's happening . It's just a case of when.. The both of us have booked the first ones off the production line so I suggest if you want a good, reliable bike you'd better get into the queue.
So. Back to the SA question. The bottom line is get here first, smell the roses and then make your decision. There is no hurry.. trust me..

We've discussed bringing motorcycles in to China legally for years on these boards. The consensus was 'technically possible but in reality impossible or extremely bureaucratic and maddeningly expensive unless you are an importer or manufacturer'. However if you know this to be wrong please author a new thread under 'ride prep and making tracks' and explain to the rest of us how someone can legally bring in their own motorcycle and re-register it. Obviously it needs to be from your own experience not just anecdotal information. Then I'll 'stick' your new thread.