Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Northern and Central Asia
Japanese motorways Japanese motorways
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Northern and Central Asia Topics specific to Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China, Japan and Korea
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 31 Dec 2007
Wheelspin's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Colchester, UK
Posts: 149
Japanese motorways
I have read that you can't carry a passenger on major japanese roads, and that sometimes means you can't use bridges / tunnels etc which cause a massive headache. Are the police very hot on this ? And is it really such a problem ? I can see it could have a major effect on trip planning....
__________________
Honda CBR 1100 XX, Yamaha XTZ 660, Harris Special
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 31 Dec 2007
palace15's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONDONISTAN, England
Posts: 1,034
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wheelspin View Post
I have read that you can't carry a passenger on major japanese roads, and that sometimes means you can't use bridges / tunnels etc which cause a massive headache. Are the police very hot on this ? And is it really such a problem ? I can see it could have a major effect on trip planning....
They can't be serious.....can they ?
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 7 Jan 2008
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wheelspin View Post
I have read that you can't carry a passenger on major japanese roads
It used to be illegal. Now you can ride with a passenger except on the loop line at the center of Tokyo. But traffic is so slow there it really doesn't make much sense to use it there anyways.
Look for this sign to know where you cannot ride with a passenger.
__________________
Japan touring information
Last edited by Chris in Tokyo; 10 Jan 2008 at 03:01.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 7 Jan 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 18
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris in Tokyo View Post
It used to be illegal. Now you can ride with a passenger except on the loop line at the center of Tokyo. But traffic is so slow there it really doesn't make much sense to use it there anyways.
Look for this sign to know where you cannot ride with a passenger.
Just curious, what was the reasoning behind the no passenger rule?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 8 Jan 2008
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
Quote:
Originally Posted by Izatafac View Post
Just curious, what was the reasoning behind the no passenger rule?
When they first made expressways in Japan in the 50s, there was a rash of accidents involving motorcycles. So, the police banned carrying passengers for "safety reasons". At the time, there was also no special license for motorcycles, I belive.
Improvements in licensing, motorcycle safety and road building technology were made, but for years the police refused to change the rules. Basically, it was a matter of nobody wanting to take the responsiblity. If accident rates went up after allowing passengers on expressways, somebody's job would be at risk. They came up with all sorts of excuses for years.
Eventually, the police gave in about 3 years ago and the law was changed.
Of course, there was no significant increase in accidents.
Now we can ride two-up on the expressway rather than pass through hundreds of intersections, which are far more dangerous than travelling at 100 km/h in a straight line.
__________________
Japan touring information
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 10 Jan 2008
Wheelspin's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Colchester, UK
Posts: 149
Thanks - thats a relief ! Next question is therefore - renting a bike in Japan... Is it possible / feasible ? I have been there before, but not by bike and English web searches aren't helping me much !
__________________
Honda CBR 1100 XX, Yamaha XTZ 660, Harris Special
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 11 Jan 2008
klaus's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Ehime-ken, Japan
Posts: 273
Chris is right...
...but to my understanding you must have ridden a bike for one year solo until you can go 2 up on the highways! Prove of this will probably be your driver's license - I assume!

Concerning renting a bike in Japan - it can be done, but is expensive. Using "normal" bike dealers they charge you something like 5.000Yen up a day, depending on the engine size. I don't know for how long you are planning to use the bike, but you can find good used bikes for a very acceptable price. I bought my 400ccm Honda TransAlp 2 years ago - had to pay 250.000 Yen and it was in excellent condition (despite its age and mileage - 40.000km). Took me more than 3.000 kilometers this year during my Hokkaido trip and no problems whatsoever!!
So you might want to check into this option, too.

If I can be of any further help, just send me a mail!

Safe riding!

Klaus
__________________
Klaus D. Orth
A German in Japan
1992 Honda TA
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11 Jan 2008
Wheelspin's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Colchester, UK
Posts: 149
Thanks Klaus - trip would be no more than 3 weeks. Financially, buying a bike sounds like it could make sense but realistically - finding one, doing the admin stuff ( I thought it was very difficult for a non-resident to buy and insure ? ) and then selling it again would probably take most of my holiday.... If its OK, I will ask you for rental possibilities nearer the time.

I've had a licence for ever so that part should be OK

Kevin
__________________
Honda CBR 1100 XX, Yamaha XTZ 660, Harris Special
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 18 Feb 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 2
was on roadrunner site the other day and saw an ad for renting in Japan....japan bike rentals i think it was....good luck with it
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 19 Feb 2008
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
rental shops in japan
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tigger21 View Post
was on roadrunner site the other day and saw an ad for renting in Japan....japan bike rentals i think it was....good luck with it
Checked that out ( http://www.edelweissbike.com/tours/E...NTS/Asia/Japan ) , and it seemed like a tour rather than individual rental.
Maybe if you contact them, they can tell you who is providing the bikes.
This is the only place I know that specifically rents for foreign travelers. But it is off the beaten path in Okayama. Not too bad from Osaka, but a long distance from Tokyo.
All the other shops that rent have websites only in Japanese language, making it hard for the casual traveler to use...
__________________
Japan touring information
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 19 Feb 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 2
just checked again and I'm pretty sure its rentals. address is Motorcycle Rentals Japan - Japan Bike Rentals
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 20 Feb 2008
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tigger21 View Post
just checked again and I'm pretty sure its rentals. address is Motorcycle Rentals Japan - Japan Bike Rentals
OK. Thanks.
The banner at the top page of the Roadrunner site advertising for Japan was a tour company and I didn't see Japan Bike Rentals.
This must be a fairly new company. I haven't heard of them before.
Prices are a bit high, but insurance etc. seems to be included, so I guess it isn't that bad.
__________________
Japan touring information
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 22 Feb 2008
Contributing Member
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Japan
Posts: 3
Thumbs up Riding Tandem in Japan
Chris and Klaus are both correct regarding when tandem (pillion) riding on Japanese highways. However when i arrived in Japan I first obtained a 400cc licence, easy to do by just showing my UK licence and then i obtained a big bike (unlimited) licence. This was also easy but this time I had to sit a practical test. No problem, that's it i thought. Then I was told that I would have to wait for one year before i could take my beloved on the back if I used the highway. Not being Japanese i went to the local cop shop to state my case. I insisted that i had been riding for many years and used highways in many other countries at much higher speed than permitted in Japan. They relented and reissued my licence to full status. Biking in Japan is wonderful. I fully recommend it. Just watch out for the cyclists
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 26 Feb 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 232
Red face Safety
You know what? they want to do the same in India: it would be forbidden to carry more than 3 passengers on your bike..

In fact, there is only one "real" motorway in India, and it is forbidden to 2- (and 3-) wheelers altogether. And in some state, wearing a helmet is mandatory.. for the driver only!

Laurent
Blog: A ride to Asia
__________________
2- and 4-wheeled explorer and photographer
Overland Aventure
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Wanted japanese Bike in South America brad13ryan South America 7 27 Feb 2009 01:17
Bmw Gs To Go Round The World : A Myth - Breaking Down ? vincent danna Which Bike? 130 10 Oct 2007 14:30
Homage to the Universal Japanese motorcycle normw Which Bike? 6 5 Apr 2006 08:23
Japanese Encephalites - Rabies - Malaria Ceasar Staying Healthy on the Road 25 19 Jul 2003 04:57

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 17:40.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top