I’m constantly asked how to motorcycle in China but I don’t know! Jim Bryant lent me his bike and, more importantly, his black license plates that allowed me to travel in every province. My travels were slightly, but not dangerously, illegal, as I had no permissions, but I was sponsored by CBW (China Business Weekly) and had some official-looking paperwork to help me get through police barriers. But to help those of you who really really want to motorcycle in China, here’s what I know, and some resources.
Motorcycle purchase: A Chang Jiang motorcycle can be bought for a couple/few thousand bucks. When I was there in 1998 the black license plates cost about the same. The rules in China change daily, so this may have changed (hopefully!). Go to the Frank’s Classic Sidecars website and especially read the FAQs. Then, if you like, contact Frank Li or Jim Bryant to discuss buying a CJ and traveling in China. Jim has lived in China for a very long time and knows everything about buying, licensing, and everything. They’ve got great photos of trips they take on the site, too. And if you just want a CJ to take home, they’ll help you with that, too.
Armchair motorcycle travel in China: For vicarious travel adventures in China, check out the Chang Jiang Unlimited community site where many of the Chang Jiang (CJ) community post dispatches from their travels.
Crossing a border into China with your own bike: This was fairly impossible in 1998 – required an escort, but maybe you can do it now. Usually, a good source of info is the Horizons Unlimited website but I don’t see any China border crossing info there. I’ve heard of people crossing through from Thailand but recall that they found it difficult or impossible. Same for from the north border. And forget about crossing the China/Tibet border. Besides being a political nightmare, the roads are reputed to be the worst. A friend of mine rode through on a bus and said they built the road on a cliffside as they went.
Renting a bike in China: I have heard of motorcycle rentals in China but they have always been escorted and are quite expensive. I have no details on rentals at this time. I had info on a Chinese tour operator a few years ago, but have lost track. I do know that John Sapsy of RideTour did a tour in 2005, but see that his website is out of date. John?
Please let me know if you have any info on entering China on your own bike, or even renting a bike in China.
Thanks!
Carla
Good info Carla – here’s the latest we have:
There is a thread on the Horizons Unlimited HUBB that is all about crossing into China. Currently – as in at last word a few days ago, Jan 5 2006 – it’s not possible LEGALLY to cross on your own with a vehicle without a government guide. It HAS been done illegally, and a VERY few people have gotten away with it – but most people simply get refused entry at the border.
Rentals are also not possible LEGALLY. You must have a Chinese drivers licence, which is not easy to get, as well as a whole lot of other obstacles. MUCH more on this subject at http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/Forum33/HTML/000291.html
Grant Johnson,
Horizons Unlimited
This is a very informative and entertaining post. As what a lot of people say, China is one of the best place to have a bike ride. Unlike other places, Chinese highways have all ther obstacles that suits motorcycles. I know that you have a great time with your experience. For a change, you can try biking around Asia. It will be so much fun.