How strict/harsh are the Dali police regarding foreigners who ride unlicensed and/or unregistered motorcycles?

Now - here's an incident waiting to happen...sounds like you prefer the thrill of skirting the law as opposed to just getting the bike and yourself legally licensed and registered...the constant fear of being discovered.

Although it's a pain - again, I highly recommend you just get the bike and yourself legally licensed.

laotou, thanks for your concern. You are right of course. But I am just wondering if the Dali police are strict. Do you know offhand? Thanks!

I generally try to personally avoid doing things that I know are illegal and grounds for a potentially hostile deportation...such as riding unlicensed (and potentially stolen) bikes - especially without a valid Chinese driver's license and MOST especially as the leadership change is coming up and the police are expected to be especially vigilant and meticulous.

The general rule of thumb - if you're caught, apologize profusely, try to see if you can just pay a fine - at the VERY least have a foreign (international) driver's license - which doesn't mean doodley here anyway.

The unlicensed bike means you're probably also not carrying insurance - a double whammy should you injure someone or damage property - regardless of fault.

If you have an accident you could be in trouble. Even if it is not your fault.

Big head, giant laowai, crazy or not, do not fear Dali cops!

How does one register a bike that he bought unregistered?

If you have the Fapiao then it can be registered, if not then you can't. You need to have a police registration slip from outside the 2nd ring road.

Yuantongsi, so if I have a bike I bought privately, with no receipt, then there is no way that I can ever register it?

I don't think so, plus if your bike was ever confiscated by the police I don't think you would be able to get it back as you have no way to prove you own it.