Thinking of upgrading from that handy bicycle of yours to something with a little more power? After obtaining your motorcycle driver’s license in order to save your butt (legally and financially, shall you get in an accident), either search online or visit motorcycle shops around Beijing.

Most motorcycle dealers are located outside the 4th Ring Road and in the suburbs of Beijing. Many operate as standalone dealers, much like bicycle dealers for Giant and Merida in the city, or are located in clusters with other motorcycle-related shops. Some interesting ones are located near the 798 arts district, so keep an eye out for them the next time you’re in the area.

Purchasing a motorcycle is a rather straightforward process. Make sure that either you have a good grasp of Mandarin or have a friend come along who can help interpret for you. Understand that the prices you see are not exactly the out-the-door prices. New motorcycles have a net price and an after-tax price. Taxes are a little under 9%, added to the net price of the vehicle. Remember to factor in the cost of getting a license plate and insurance. In all, you can expect to add at least 10% to your purchase price.

Unlike most other things that are negotiable in price in China, the motorcycle market is a different story. Prices are firm at dealers, but you can look to negotiate on other goodies like equipment, accessories, and perhaps service. Feel free to look at online listings to get an idea about the going rate for different bikes. Remember that not all bikes are legally able to be registered, so do your research beforehand.

One important piece of advice is to keep the original invoice “fa piao” in a safe place, as it is required shall you ever need to transfer the registration in the future.