Make life a ride

Editor's note: Renowned economist and BMW motorcycle owner Li Daokui shared their enjoyable experiences with the vehicle and his insights and outlook on life, as Li Fusheng reports.

It might be hard to imagine a world-class economist motorcycling in such a fast-developing city as Beijing.

Yet that is exactly what Li Daokui, a professor at Tsinghua University's School of Economics and Management, does every day.

Li said he became interested in motorcycles when he studied at Harvard University, where he obtained his doctorate, more than two decades ago.

"I have been motorcycling for four years in China and gradually refound the fun and excitement I experienced back then."

Asked about the challenges of motorcycling in megacities, Li said that safety for him is a priority, thus he enjoys his rides without concerns.

He said motorcycling is a great way to prevent being late for appointments because your traveling is more predictable if you ride a motorcycle in a city ridden with traffic jams.

"I have rather tight work schedules and little time to simply ride for fun. So the motorcycle is my major means of transport. In fact, I seldom drive unless I have to due to weather conditions."

That is why Li usually rides his R 1200 RT to and from work. "As is known to all, BMW motorcycles are equipped with ABS. BMW offers a whole set of accessories from helmets to outfits. That is why I choose the brand."

Li said motorcycling could be the best transportation plan, in addition to the metro. "The perfect model is BMW's pure electric C evolution."

(China Daily 04/20/2015 page6)