French Beijinger.

[Lao Jia Hou]

I just bought a black Suzuki GW250F at datone shop. ... I also bought a complete top case + luggages + rack system, but I have to wait for the plate to get it and mount it on the bike. Very strange....

The reason for this is that during the plating process, the authorities take an official picture of the bike. The bike must be completely naked (i.e., no add-on, non-original accessories) when this picture is taken. Once plated, owners then add the farkles. In 2 years, when the first inspection is required, you will need to remove all of the goodies to get the bike to its original, naked condition so that it matches the original picture. It is one of the many unusual China-rules.

Looking forward to hearing your impressions of the new "F" version of the GW250.

Apparently the Jialing JH150 is a solid Chinese brand motorcycle that I'm hoping to get with a Jing B plate for under 10,000 rmb.

Several MCM guys have these and like them. Filip circumnavigated China (>25,000 km) on his JH150, before I bought it off him, and then a year later I resold it to chef-Jeff. It is still kicking, as far as I know. I think they have a few of the typical Chinese issues, but they are very easy to repair, and every hamlet's Zhoa-the-mechanic can get you going. A couple of years ago, a B-plated JH150 was around 7500 rmb, new, out the door. Prices have likely increased, but perhaps only a little. Every now and then, I see them on 58.com, with almost no mileage, for around 5K rmb.