Chinese motorcycles - any good brands?

[graeme250]

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]

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]

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]

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

[EJK]

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 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.

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.......

[Sable]

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]

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

[graeme250]

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]

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]

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

[James Deuce]

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]

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]

Steve

[koba]

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

Benerri?

[mossy1200]

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.