Motorbike Licence

Posted by Rolf Streete (1617 days ago)

There don't seem to be too many motorbikes in Beijing compared to cities like Guangzhou and Dongguan but there seem to be plenty of motorbikes with side cars! They seem to really popular with expats and locals alike. What are the regulations, procedures and costs for getting a licence for both normal motorbike and the m/bike sidecar combo??

Anyone know of any good motorbike dealerships in Beijing - for Honda or Suzuki? Has anyone got the contact for the CJ750 dealer in Beijing - I've seen the ad in a paper but have lost it. Thanks for any info or general opinions/experiences on getting around on a motorbike.

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Posted by Martin (1506 days ago)

Very dangerous to drive a motorbike anywhere particularly in China. I dont know of any expats who would consider this

Posted by Beijing Resident (1506 days ago)

I think if you buy a second hand bike they would have number plates for it. Yeah, I think the side car bikes are popular because of the novelty factor and they are based on old designs. I think they still even produce them today.

The other way would be purchase a bike outside of Beijing and bring it in. Not sure about the transfer of address to Beijing is possible.

Posted by Rolf Streete (1506 days ago)

Thanks for the useful input, Martin. I take it that your from another part of China from Beijing.

I ask due to the fact that I am interested. If you look around the streets of Beijing or indeed Shanghai, could can see laowai on these motorbikes and sidescars. Yesterday I saw 2 foreigners on a CBR 600 - 2 up with no helmets. I agree that it can be dangerous (especially with no lid) but plenty of people do it. I staggered out of a party a few weekends ago at a French blokes house and there were 5 or 6 outside the place.

Cheers!

Posted by Rolf Streete (1506 days ago)

Thanks, Marx. I'm making headway in the quest for motorbike and licence, and it may not be so complicated after all....nothing that 4 or 5,000 kuai doesn't solve.

My safety is a concern though....managed to rip off the front bumper of a taxi yesterday morning with the pedal of my bicyle after this taxi cut me up and tried to put me into the side of a bus. Total tw@t .....but what do you expect from these (much needed) idiots. God knows what trouble I'd cause or end up in if I had an engine and greater speed at my disposal! ; )

Posted by Rolf Streete (1506 days ago)

Yes, one and the same.....it take it Biker Chick has miraculously turned into Sanlitun Girl!

Posted by Rolf Streete (1506 days ago)

I'm deciding on either a CJ750 without sidecar (looks heavy on its own) , smaller CBR type death trap or retro-Lambretta type scooter. It all revolves around when I can be bothered to do the licence thing and stump up the cash.
The 'Luke' Chang Jiang dealer near the airport seemed quite knowledgable on getting the licence, but there were still grey areas that I couldn't get a straight answer on.

Is your bike carrying Yellow Hebei plates or Blue Beijing plates, SG?