All of the posts in this thread which are criticizing illegal riding, come from foreign bikers who are residents in China, including myself. Despite our 'rights' of legal riding it is already difficult enough to do. Announcing or advertising of illegal riding does not help us, neither does it help world travelers.
ZMC, BigD and myself had a big fight over this not long ago, but finally we noticed that we are pulling on the same string, in the same direction (I hope we do guys).

Nice for whoever made it un-plated, un-insured and un-licensed - don't blow it up too much or shout it out too loud, please. It is something like coming, spitting into our soup, leaving and proudly telling the world how stupid all the people are here - they are not.

Some of us work on affordable solutions for tourists (rental bikes) and world travelers (on their own bikes) in their free time and without getting payed for it. Feel free to contact us, don't expect miracles and consider it will take time- I wish we knew how much.

Further, please note that most of this is being watched - believe me I saw it with my own eyes.
Our friend, who started this thread was silly enough to leave his credentials and blogsite in his profile.
Chinese authorities are very tolerant regarding foreigners, but everything has limits.

Don't underestimate them, things are looking chaotic, full of b and c, but they are not stupid.

So long

Franki/Chinabiker, I appreciate the thought behind your comments and understand your suggestions regarding keeping a low profile for foreign riders. This will be my last post on this thread.

Franki, in particular I thank you for your feedback and advice 12 months back when I was trying to make my local purchase.

Given, from what I read on this thread, that there is such a vast gulf between the local rider's experiences and those foreigners who have successfully travelled by bike through China, I can only say that there must be either two separate Chinas that we are talking about, or more likely that our experience is very much dependent on our individual experiences as a result of the individual's attitude to authority.

I am not going to waste time refuting some of the more absurd accusations made on this thread but I do know more than a little about deportation rules, risks and consequences given that I worked for Australian Immigration for 4 years.

My attitude to authority is quite the opposite to arrogant. In my interactions in China my standard position was always to be humble and demure, actively seeking out and accept authority's advice. Yes, I played the part of the poor stupid foreigner seeking out the wise policeman's advice, because I knew I would never make it if I did not. I had only one episode where I failed to get the necessary support and this was not from the police, but from army personnel at the Mongolian border.

Another key in my own personal approach was the fact that I went to China with the knowledge that it would cost me $500 a day for an escort if I chose to "legally" ride thorough China. On this basis I had banked and put aside $15,000, which I was more than happy to spend if I had to bail myself out of a road incident.

Frankly though guys, all this needs to be put in perspective because you are all avoiding the real issue. The big risk and danger riding in China is avoiding becoming a statistic, NOT being caught for not having the right paperwork.

Money and deportation do not come into it, by comparison with the risk to life and limb that you create for yourself by riding on Chinese roads.

So whilst you - from your living-in-China perspective - may think that someone is irresponsible for riding in China without the necessary paperwork, I guarantee that the vast majority of westerners who are shown a video of traffic conditions on Chinese roads, will find you far, far more irresponsible simply for riding. Period.

Garry from Oz.

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Garry from Oz - powered by Burgman

Farghuar thank god that is your last post on this thread(I bet it isn't)

Because you keep on digging a deeper hole for yourself and making Aussie's look arrogant.

Your now calling us irresponsible for riding in China.

We have all sat or are sitting the Chinese driving test which contains 800-1300 questions.

So it gives us an idea on the road rules and signs many are which are in Chinese.

But none of us said it was safe to ride in China.Thats the point.

When you study there rules strangely alot of it makes sense.

Something you didn't bother doing.

But now I understand you haven't got your head up your arse your a total arrogant tool.

That comes from working in a Govt department for 4 years.

There the most self righteous arrogant people I have had the misfortune to meet.My dealing with Aust Immigration make dealing with the Chinese Authorities a pure pleasure.

Case in point you used to work for the Immigration Dept
(your not the one who used to work for the immigration dept who leaked important documents to the press and then got caught out by the dept and got fired then sued and lost and is now whinging about loosing all his money )

One of the key points of Australian Immigration department is to stop foreigners coming to Australia and breaking the laws.

But you saw fit to travel to another country and knowingly break that countries laws.

"Another key in my own personal approach was the fact that I went to China with the knowledge that it would cost me $500 a day for an escort if I chose to "legally" ride thorough China. On this basis I had banked and put aside $15,000, which I was more than happy to spend if I had to bail myself out of a road incident."

Why didn't you just do it legally if you had $15,000 banked and more than happy to spend.

By the way If you hit me while your over here $15,000 wouldn't have got you out of the shit.I'd be going for your house back in Australia.