China and Tibet Motorcycle Rentals and Tours
China isn’t at the top of most motorcycle travellers’ to do lists because you can’t take your own bike into the country without an expensive compulsory guide. But if you’re joining a tour there you don’t have that problem. Here’s a selection of great companies offering rides there.
Recommended Motorcycle Rental and Tour Companies in China and Tibet.
Please contact the companies listed on this page directly for more information.
Tibet Easy Rider
“Tibet Easy Rider is the only official BMW motorcycle rental and tour company in Tibet. We have our own travel company and are dedicated to offering you an incredible experience of riding to Everest.”
Services: Tibet Easy Rider offer BMW motorcycle rentals, tours, airport pick-up and drop-off, accommodation, support van for luggage and pillion passengers, local guides, a lead rider, mechanic, all permit applications, all attraction entrance tickets, oxygen and other basic medicine, drinking water and snacks and insurance for both motorcycles and riders. Tibet Easy Rider take care of all these services so you can focus on riding, while they take care of everything else.
Rental and Tour bikes: They currently have a fleet of six BMW F800 GS, six BMW R1200 GS, one F750 GS and one R1200 GS ADV. Altogether 14 motorcycles, so the maximum size of a customers in a group is 12 riders.
Rentals only: You can rent motorcycles from Tibet Easy Riders without going on a tour, but will need will need to find another tour agent in Tibet. The law in Tibet doesn’t allow foreigners to travel by themselves. You must always be with a local travel agent.
Tours and prices: The most popular tour is the 10-day ride to Mount Everest on BMWs. The price is around 2,500 USD for a group of eight riders. For an accurate costing, get in touch with Tibet Easy Rider and quote Mad or Nomad for a discount.
Travel arrangements: Tibet Easy Rider is based in Tibet, China. You will need to fly to Lhasa airport and a van will be waiting to pick you up and will drop you back once your tour is over.
Insurance: Full motorcycle insurance is included in the price.
Kit availability: A range of helmets and clothes are stocked in their office, but it’s in Asian sizing so is less likely to fit European and American riders. It’s best to take your own gear.
Info
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Hearts & Tears Motorcycle Club
“Hearts & Tears is a Nepal based motorcycle touring company who live and breathe the Himalayas. From years of experience we know how to strike that fine balance of adventure, personalised experiences, culture/tradition, epic riding, fun nights, and ‘oh my god this is freaking awesome’ vibes, all whilst ensuring a professional, genuine, and honest approach to everything we do.”
Services: Guided motorcycle tours. Hearts & Tears offer fixed departure packaged tours and also custom packaged tours.
Touring bikes: The Royal Enfield Himalayan is their main touring bike. They also have the Royal Enfield Classic and 250cc enduro bikes in their fleet.
Tour prices: Prices are from US$1,720 (£1,245) /rider for an all inclusive 7-day tour. Please see the website for full details.
Insurance: Yes.
Kit availability: Yes. Included free of charge.
Info
Matt Gardner
+977 9805 870 644
ride@heartsandtears.com
More tours: This company also provides tours in Tibet, India, Georgia and Spain.
Nomadic Knights
“We offer the most unique and authentic motorcycle adventures across India, Nepal and Tibet. We live the culture full time and provide the best fleet of motorcycles, mechanics and support team.“
Services: Full motorcycle tour package including the bike, fuel, support team and vehicles, medical back up, hotels and meals.
Tour bikes: Royal Enfield Himalayan and Royal Enfield 500cc Bullet.
Tour prices: Vary in price starting from £3,820.
Insurance: Yes, motorcycle insurance is included.
Kit availability: No.
Info
Alex Pirie
WhatsApp 0091 9623 048879
alex@nomadicknights.com
Tours are also provided in: India, Nepal and Tibet.
Quick Facts on China Motorcycle Rentals and Tours
Budget
Compulsory guide required. Check for current prices
Money: ATMs can be found throughout China.
Currency: Yen.
Food: £15 per day on average.
Accommodation: £20 per day on average.
When to go
The best time to ride a motorcycle in China.
The best time to join a motorcycle tour in China is in Autumn and Spring.
Paperwork
Visa, insurance and motorcycle licence
Visa: Visa requirements are dependent on your nationality. Please visit the country’s government website for visa information.
Driver’s licence: You need a valid motorcycle licence to legally rent a motorcycle or join a tour. If you risk riding without the correct licence, then not only will you be breaking the law, but your insurance will be invalid too.
International Driver’s Permit: An IDP is a requirement for many countries. The UK Gov website lists every country that requires one and which IDP is required.
Insurance: Motorcycle insurance needs to be checked with the rental or tour company. Ask what they offer, what’s included and what the legal requirements are.
You should purchase personal travel insurance separately from your home country before travelling.
Facts
Capital: Beijing
Country code: +86
Emergency: 119
Language: Mandarin
Time: GMT+9
Land Mass: 9.597 million km²
Don't miss
The best motorcycle riding routes and attractions
The Great Wall of China is a must.
Most motorcycle travellers visiting China will plan a route to Tibet to visit Mount Everest.
Flying in/out
The best airport to fly into and out of
Beijing or Lhasa airport.
FAQs on China Motorcycle Rentals and Tours
No, sorry. Mad or Nomad do not offer any rentals, tours or services. Please contact the companies listed on this page directly.
This page displays motorcycle rental and tour companies from around the world. We do a lot of research into these companies before adding them and speak to the managers and owners. Many of the companies we have also used in the past or have met the owners while travelling.
While we have collected them all together in one place for your ease, we take no responsibility in your business with them. We’re simply showcasing companies in one easy-to-use place and are not involved with your dealings with them. Any business you have with these companies is at your own risk. We will not be held liable or responsible in any way.
The best time to go on a motorcycle tour in China is Autumn and Spring.
As China is such a huge country and you have the option of also riding in Tibet, tour prices can vary dramatically – especially considering you need a guide to accompany you. Contact the companies listed on this page directly for more info.
Take a video on your phone of the entire bike, do a walk around and film the condition of the chain, fairings, tyres, any bumps, dents and scratches. By doing so, you can’t get caught out and blamed for something you didn’t do when you return it.
Check the wheel bearings, chain, oil, coolant, brakes, clutch and that the handlebars are straight. Tyres need a decent amount of tread and should be suitable for the terrain you’re riding in. Take it for a short test ride and don’t feel pressured or rushed. Go with your gut and if there’s anything that catches your eye, speak to the owners immediately.
This is down to personal preference, where you’re riding and what’s available. If you’re renting or joining a motorcycle tour in the States and you’re going to be primarily on road, then you may want to opt for a big touring bike. If you’re headed to rural or mountainous countries and are going off-road in Central Asia for example, then go for a mid-weight single-cylinder.
We usually find lighter and cheaper rental bikes are better because they’re less stress, you don’t have to worry about dropping them all the time, are easier to fix and more fun.
For more info on choosing the right motorcycle for your trip, have a look at the below guide and also check out the adventure bikes page too.
READ MORE:
We recommend lightweight and comfortable gear suitable for the climate you’re travelling in. If you’re heading to a particularly cold place, then go for Gore-Tex pro laminate.
But, the best all-round option is ventilated, light and comfy adventure bike gear. Take the thermal and waterproof liners out and leave them at home. Take a cheap pair of waterproof throwovers and a compressible down jacket that can be stuffed into a small bag. You can use both items as layering if it’s cold and rainy and they double up when off the bike and will reduce the amount of gear you have to take with you in your luggage.
It’s always better to take your own bike gear over renting or using kit from the rental company. You know your own stuff fits, works and is comfortable – especially your helmet. The last thing you want is to get a few days into your trip and get a headache from a tight lid.
Check out our riding gear article for more info on how to choose the right clothing and the guides section for our recommended kit.
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Contact the rental or tour company and ask what luggage the bike comes with. Your bike might come with soft bags, hard boxes, a top box or nothing at all.
You can often leave the gear you don’t want to take with you on the trip at the rental or tour company’s headquarters. So you can travel on a plane with a larger kit bag and just take the bag and gear you need on the bike.
The type of luggage you need depends on the type of trip you’re on, how much off-roading you’re doing and how long you’re going for.
A good option is to go for a waterproof duffle bag and a pair of Rok Straps as this type of luggage setup can be fastened to any bike’s pillion seat and you don’t need racks. And take an additional small and light rucksack for your important gear (camera, passport etc) so you don’t have to worry about it when off the bike.
For more info on choosing your motorcycle luggage, check out our guide page below.
READ MORE: Adventure Bike Luggage Guides
Companies may offer motorcycle insurance as an optional extra, include it in the price or not offer it at all. This again depends on the country you’re riding in.
It’s worth getting insurance if you can and ask what the excess is as you will usually be liable for damage to the bike.
Motorcycle insurance is separate from personal travel insurance. This is incredibly important and you need to be very careful when choosing your personal insurance policy because the fine print often won’t cover you for bikes over 125cc, renting, touring or using a bike as your main mode of transport.
Check out our Admin section as you’ll find detailed guides on personal insurance, paperwork and safety on the road.
READ MORE: Admin Guides
Read more on Motorcycle Travel in China and Tibet.
Thanks for checking out our China and Tibet Motorcycle Rental and Tour Companies post. We hope you found what you were looking for. Here’s a few more articles on motorcycling in China and Asia that we recommend you read next.
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