Chinese motorcycles - any good brands? [Archive]

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graeme250

16th August 2009, 23:50

I am wondering if any of the Chinese motorcyle makers will be the "new Honda or Suzuki?"

I have read Loncin, Zongshen, and Jialing are three of the larger ones - they seem to make millions? So anyone here think any of these or any other brands might be the 'next thing'?

Cheers

Graeme

p.dath

16th August 2009, 23:52

The problem is not just the initial purchase, its the ability to get ongoing parts and people who can service them.

There have been many complaints on here that if they break down your stuck.

EJK

16th August 2009, 23:52

Honestly I havn't owned any Chinese brand so can't really recommend you one, however I heard from many that a consumer should steer way clear from a Chinese brand.
Many also suggest to stick to a well known brand such as Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha etc...

SMOKEU

16th August 2009, 23:54

There are good and bad ones, I have a cheap Chinese pit bike and it was falling apart from new.

EJK

16th August 2009, 23:55

Here are some quotes from well experienced KBers.

Being as constructive I as can be....for the love of God,don't buy one!
Build quality is not there at all.

Stay away from them, I was told by the dealer that it was a good reliable bike and that what with the back up from Triumph NZ that they would be no problems. Since getting it (brand new) in March, I have had to take it back to the dealer no less than 14 times :oi-grr: and some times on the trailor. The dealer has been giving me the run around with stories that its the fuel and the like, even though I go to different stations.
As mentioned from others, the build quality is shocking to be kind and to have the clutch leaver break at 10K is not on.:crybaby:

I have ended up going to TriumphNZ to sort out the rest of the problems and will be moving onto a lot better when I have sorted out the full licence.

Happy Riding

Like a lot of the Chinese trail bikes sold over here - one jump and they literally fall to bits - I've seen 2 with bent forks and frames, one was 2 weeks old. Talking to a guy who rode with the Krusties over here, he reckons the quality of the trailbikes has actually dropped over the last 2 yrs!

But then - what do I know.......:spanking:

Sable

17th August 2009, 00:10

I work at a place that sells and services scooters, amongst other things. Chinese scooters? Some blow up within the first ten k's. Even European designed, built in China with European quality control suck compared to the proper made in Europe ones. Avoid. Taiwanese and Korean scoots are pretty good, surprisingly.

James Deuce

17th August 2009, 00:17

The only good Chinese brand is Benelli. Can't say I like the bikes they make though.

graeme250

17th August 2009, 00:23

What about the future? Do you think one of these companies might produce decent stuff - the car makers in China have gone from complete junk to quite good cars in the last 12 months or so - quite remarkable. Ten years ago they sold 1 million cars and this year 10 million cars - more than in the US.

I know they have millions of bikes but now a lot of the bigger stuff look as good as the Jap ones? Are any of the companies seen to be a bit better than the rest?

Cheers

Graeme

graeme250

17th August 2009, 00:31

I see Benelli is owned by the Qianjiang Group who make about 1 million motorbikes pa. Benelli are still made in Italy I think.

graeme250

17th August 2009, 00:46

Waht about Lifan - I see that have a good website here and a lot of dealers?

James Deuce

17th August 2009, 01:06

Benelli production for the new models is moving to China and the bikes are double U ugly.

What we're trying to say Graeme is do not buy a Chinese bike simply because they make a lot of them. In another 10 years they may be able to make a motorcycle that is fit for purpose. China produces cheap transport, not vehicles built to standards we're used to in the "West".

The cars "look" good. I doubt they'll hack the rigours of modern Western consumers who expect vehicles that run for a decade and 200,000kms with only regular servicing.

YellowDog

17th August 2009, 05:37

Easy answer:

If you have a face like a slapped arse, buy a FUGLY Chinese bike 'cos it will make you appear attractive when people see you walking past them whilst pushing it home!

CookMySock

17th August 2009, 06:57

koba

17th August 2009, 07:03

The only good Chinese brand is Benelli. Can't say I like the bikes they make though.

Benerri? <gobblegobble><gobblegobble>

mossy1200

17th August 2009, 07:19

Biggest problems include chrome rusting etc.Take the new gn250s no longer made in Japan.You get what you pay for.They seem to be like large throw away items.Cost less but not worth repairing.Cost of repair to close to cost of replacement.They have their place in a learner market because you can get one cheep and run it until graduated in licence then flog it off.Just dont expect big trade in value and dont park it in the weather every day.

EJK

17th August 2009, 09:57

Devil

17th August 2009, 10:17

Waht about Lifan - I see that have a good website here and a lot of dealers?

They'd have the biggest presence here, and also the greatest level of backup. I've heard some reputable people in the business say some good things about them.
If there was any reason for me to look at a chinese bike, it'd be Lifan and only Lifan.

CookMySock

17th August 2009, 10:18

Chinese invented an Airbag-built-in steering wheel. 2 in 1 benefit.Thats just to the airbag can bash you in the face before the steering wheel cuts your head off at the shoulders.

Steve

imdying

17th August 2009, 12:41

If their mini motos are anything to go by, then the quality is scarily bad :eek:

crazyhorse

17th August 2009, 12:46

Would suggest you stick with common brands - at least you know parts are available and reliability.

The Pastor

17th August 2009, 12:52

zongshen are ok for what you pay.... know someone who had one, parts were dirt cheap and he did the coro loop on it a few times :)

Insanity_rules

17th August 2009, 15:33

Ever heard the term "goes like a chinese motorcycle"? They OK, reliable enough but nothing stellar. Enough room for the whole family too.

kjames

17th August 2009, 19:10

The future...

i think the quality will get better...

i design glass facades on towers / buildings and now regularly use Chinese suppliers / contractors. They've hired the best european / american guys they can. Kitted out their factories with state of the art equipment. They’re implementing top notch QA procedures and have a genuine desire to do things better.

They are now producing equal quality products to more of less anything in the world.

I’m sure the auto industry will follow this model, just like Japan and Korea have.

But at the moment... don't think i'd buy a bike from them..

Elysium

17th August 2009, 19:32

And yet they still pay slave wages.

toycollector10

17th August 2009, 21:49

Think Japan in the early 1960's. Many makers and parts suppliers. Copying the European manufacturers. Then, by the 1970's, it was just the big four, Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda and Kawasaki. In no particular order. The small players were taken over and pushed out by the big boys.

In my opinion the 30 plus Chinese makers will be gobbled up by the big producers and there will emerge 3 or 4 big manufacturers, such as Lifan, the same as happened in Japan, and the build quality will be very good. So it will be "look out world."

But, maybe not in this decade.

graeme250

18th August 2009, 22:29

Thanks for that chaps - so maybe Lifen, maybe Zongshen but maybe wait a few years. I have seen the Chinese government is keen to almalgamate the car companies so I guess thay will encourage the bike makers to do the same.

Still I think they will catch up faster than anyone might think possible. The progress in cars in the last 12 months is simply stunning. A couple of years ago they said China market would take over the US in 2017 - they have done it this year! The govt only allows 50/50 JV's - so the Chinese get all the knowledge for free. They may not pay big wages but they are not stupid.