Can a 600cc Motorcycle Be Licensed?
2 Answers
Motorcycles with a 600cc displacement cannot be licensed. According to regulations: two-stroke motorcycles, motor tricycles, motorcycles with a displacement of 50CC (including 50CC) or below, and motorcycles with a displacement of 250CC (including 250CC) or above are not allowed to be registered. China's motorcycle management regulations stipulate that motorcycles with a displacement of 80-250ML can be licensed. Those below 80ML are considered power-assisted and do not require a license plate, but a motorcycle driving license is needed for operation. Motorcycles exceeding 250cc are not allowed to be licensed. The following situations will result in motorcycles not being registered: 1. The proofs or certificates submitted by the vehicle owner are invalid; 2. The origin certificate of the vehicle is altered or the vehicle owner recorded in the origin certificate does not match the identity certificate; 3. The proofs or certificates submitted by the vehicle owner do not match the vehicle; 4. The vehicle is produced without the permission of the State Council's motor vehicle product department or imported without the permission of the national motor vehicle import department; 5. The technical data of the vehicle does not match the data announced by the State Council's motor vehicle product department; 6. The model, engine number, vehicle identification code, or other technical data of the vehicle do not comply with national safety technical standards; 7. The vehicle has reached the mandatory scrapping standard set by the state; 8. The vehicle is sealed or seized by the People's Court, People's Procuratorate, or administrative law enforcement departments according to the law; 9. The vehicle is stolen or robbed; 10. Other situations that do not comply with laws and administrative regulations.
I have some personal experience with whether a 600cc motorcycle can be registered. When I worked in Guangzhou and wanted to buy a 600cc Honda motorcycle, the vehicle management office said no because local policies restrict the registration of motorcycles above 250cc, citing higher noise levels and increased accident risks. However, after moving back to my hometown in Changsha, I easily completed the registration process—600cc is fully legal there and just right for medium to long-distance trips. The key takeaway is that regulations vary significantly by location: major cities like Beijing and Shanghai generally ban or restrict such registrations, while second-tier or rural cities are more lenient. My advice is to check the local vehicle management office's official website or inquire directly about policies before purchasing—don’t just trust the seller’s pitch. A 600cc bike offers strong performance and a thrilling ride, but safety-wise, always wear proper gear, and ensure it meets at least China V emission standards to avoid issues during inspection. Stay flexible in your approach and avoid impulsive decisions—it’ll save you a lot of hassle.