I cannot see a problem with selling bargain priced Ducati lookalikes to those who would never be able to afford the real thing. Remember these bikes are sold in developing countries where £25,000 will take decades to earn. We are lucky to afford our toys, most of the world's population are on the breadline.
We laugh at them today but remember the Japanese bikes from the 60's and early 70's. Now they rule, maybe that will happen with the Chinese bikes, who knows..
Except the 8 cylinder black bike trying to be an Honda touring bike and maybe the one trying to look like an Harley Davidson, all the rest is just ridiculous
all same style bikes have uncomfortable drive, totally wrong driving position, hard to hand,arms,back,not good travll or city bike, only short time race area can use.
The Japanese were laughed at back in the day and ridiculed by the British manufacturers. Only a few years later, they were winning TTs and dominating grand prixs. The British manufacturers whose sniggering criticisms had been heard in every pitlane were to be put out of business by perseverance and constant improvement of Japanese excellence.
@TorquilBletchleySmythe A friend of mine had one of the first Hondas. He said that the frame welding was terrible. A front wheel collapsed on him, and the paintwork was not good. However, the design was good. Indicators, electric start, didn't leak oil, mechanically reliability, a very new but very good dealreship was being established. The rest, as they say, is history.
@martinhambleton5076 regardless, the Chinese are still not interested in QC. They design nothing, instead stealing designs they barely understand, and therefore cannot develop them further. One error on a copied critical control point can mean a dangerous steering angle without a single employee noticing, as they don't have the design heritage or provenance. They are garbage and will stay thst way for as long as they are manufactured by communist labour with no incentive for quality or reputation
Please not another derisive comment on the British motorcycle industry. We laughed at the original Japanese bikes because they were crap. Today the Japs still copy Triumphs, Harleys etc styling wise especially retro.. Take the KW800 . I call it a fake Triumph. My classic T120 ,my modern T120 and my Rocket better than Japanese any day.
I can see plenty of young people buying these sort of bikes. They are cheap, can be used to both commute and do some touring. We should be encouraging young people to get into biking and this is one avenue.
@@kasperkjrsgaard1447 Depends on where you are really .. I've been residing in a post-com cent. European country for almost 30yrs now, and motorbikes are still huge among youngsters here, a bit less among the youth living in large cities than in smaller towns and villages, but that's mainly due to lack of storage places for motorbikes in larger cities during the winter no-riding months (aprox from Oct. to April). You can't just leave a motorbike on the street in the snow and ice in front of a matchbox stacked apartment building without shelter. But during summer you see all sorts of bikes ridden by bikers from all age categories .. adv's, supersports, large scooters .. ect., and then there's the odd large cc sport-tourers like myself, but I'm no longer that young to not want a motorbike. ... but truth be told, most buy used, they prefer importing a high mileage used bike from Italy, Austria or Germany than buying a brand new warrantied Chinese bike locally.
I couldn't think of anything more humiliating than being seen on a Chinese knock off.. especially when it's broken down on the side of the road. Nothing that a box of matches won't fix 😎
I think that some of the power outputs are in kW rather than hp. Would make the figures more sensible. I am old enough to remember how we laughed at Japanese bikes in the early 1960s.
I've worked on a couple of Chinese bikes over the last few years and I have to say they are nowhere near as bad as people like to make out, they really have improved in their quality
Motorcycles aren't allowed to be ridden on motorways / freeways / expressways in China so the low power output makes more sense if you limited to riding at 40kph on the streets
I am old enough to remember the first Japanese bikes to hit the U.S. market. Saved my lawn mowing money to buy a Honda 50cc. Most of the kids I knew had one, while the 'big' name makers scoffed at them. They got us around town and were loads of fun. Now I am 74 and ride a Honda NC750X with DCT. It just goes to show how things change.
The Japanese were the original motorcycle thieves stealing East German engineer Walter Kaaden's two stroke MZ engine technology. These were years ahead of their time and were the first two strokes to start beating the four strokes in racing. By uniting three key technologies for the first time - the expansion chamber, the disc valve and the boost port - the MZ 125 became the world’s first normally aspirated engine to make 200 horsepower per litre. The Japanese robbed this tech and the rest in history. Lets also not forget that NASA was built upon the USA robbing Nazi Germany of it's top rocket scientists.
Considering most motorcycle manufacturers are out sourcing parts production to China it’s not surprising the Chinese are ripping off designs ,plus prices of new bikes is crazy high ,not sustainable for a toy which most bikes are
Just bought a Chinese Voge Rally 300. I was hoping that you would throw in the good with the bad and mediocre. But I guess your video is more about blatant copies not Chinese improved versions of other bikes. Not sure if you’ve already made a video about 5, 10 or 16 bikes the Chinese are making which outperform or bang for buck their European or Japanese counterparts. But that’s a video I’d like to see 😊
@@motorsforthemasses I watched the review. I liked it. But personally I’d like to see a video highlighting how the Chinese are shaking up the motorcycle industry with motorcycles for the masses. Sorting the wheat from the chaff I guess. The Kove, CFMOTO, Voge, Zontes of the new generation. Maybe offering value alternatives to the Indian REs etc.
I too have a Voge 300 Rally and I cannot praise it enough. I’m a through and through Honda motorcyclist but there is no way I would have bought a CRF over the Voge, no only is it such good value but it is better where it really matters, the suspension is up to the job straight off the showroom floor. The upgrade that the Honda needs would end up meaning it would cost twice as much as the Voge. It’s a bike that I bought to use on tracks, in mud and through brambles and trees, the bargain price helps me get over the thought that if I use it in the manner that I bought it for it’s going to get the odd bump and scratch but that’s what it’s for. I’m not being swayed to Voge completely, I have ridden and really liked the 525DS but I prefer my Honda 500X for the touring and camping trips that I do on that. When I’m far from home and out of touch with civilisation that Honda reputation for reliability is a great companion to have. The 500X’s amazing fuel economy, large fuel tank and range is also a huge factor for me.
My guess would be that after a few years as with most things out of the Middle East, they will iron out their problems. If you look at how much motorcycles from India have improved and design has caught up with the rest of the world. The home market is large enough to keep them in business long enough to catch up. Some of the quote high end bikes are purchasing lots of their parts and accessories from China. They are no more reliable than the Chinese bikes because of this. However they don’t lower their price to reflect the cheap parts and don’t want to fix their bikes. Think KTM etc.
I think these are great things. I'm 62 and I'm the youngest western rider I know. Right now an 18 year old who wants transport can buy an acceptable second hand car for 2000 and be taught by their parents, or a second hand motorcycle for 5000, plus 200 for boots, 500 for a jacket, 500 for a helmet and they can't take their romantic interest on the back for 3 years. Motorcycles are dying. 25000 for a wankpanzer on two wheels might appeal to the cashed up retired folk, but they're not going to keep the sport going.
@gasdive motorcycles is only "dying" because eu has banned sales of gas powered motorcycles from 2030, electric powered vehicles is already going somewhat full on. That has caused the big 4 Japanese to slow down developing . This will be changed as the electric grid is not ready and wont readybe for 2030 so it will probably lead to hydrogen to be the next phase, and a revolution in hydrogen powered bikes as next step. The Japanese is already leading the way so don't give up your hopes in bikes yet. Scooters are already bigger then even as world needs cheap transport more than ever, which was the reason motorcycles got popular in the first place.
@@Xoxox-q5e you think an 18 year old is thinking "I better buy a car because petrol motorcycles won't be available when I'm 24"? Or that they're thinking "I would buy a motorcycle but the Japanese bikes aren't much better than when I was 13, so I'll buy a car instead"? They're looking at buying a 10 year old motorcycle anyway and comparing that to a 10 year old car. The lack of "development" over the last 5 years means nothing to them.
@gasdive it's because you don't live in a motorcycle country like southern Europe where people can ride all year and need this as a cheap transportation as cars and petrol has become too expensive. They need a new reliable motorcycle with a guarantee, not some older bike. The Chinese see that the world is not ready to electric and they are taking over. As soon as Japan develops hydrogen engines that are economical viable the choneese are going to copy these two. The years ahead looks interesting. You fucking boomer lol 😆
@@gasdive Yep, in the UK it's such a palaver to get a full licence that youngsters rarely progress beyond the CBT/125 stage. By then they're old enough to look at 4 wheels and they're lost to motorcycling until late middle age when they find themselves with a bit of spare cash.
@@kenbrooks7794 it's not quite as bad here in Australia, except Queensland where you're required to hold a car licence for a year before you're allowed to get your motorcycle learner's permit. Madness.
BHP isn’t a massive deal for me ..I’ve got a Royal Enfield 350 classic reborn and it’s only 20 BHP but it’s a great bike and it’s very torquey so It’s a great ride
Low power bikes have a charm of their own, especially if they're comfortable, flickable and have a pleasant engine note. Gentle Sunday morning rides through the Peak District, experiencing every aspect of the scenery and the ride on my 1990s Enfield Bullet were amazing. I can't tell you how much I regret selling it.
He he he, i have a Chinese Znen "classic" scooter with an 50cc 4 stroke engine. The classic curved handlebars always had a strong argument with my knees. So i mounted a set of Harley risers and a wide Harley drag bar style handlebar which where floating around in my shed. I did some cosmetics and rebranded it David Harleyson.
Harley Davidson already have something as cheap and nasty looking in their line up. They are for people that have no understanding of what a Harley is all about.
The GS replica is worth having to remind you of what the bike that's in the shop because you need special tools to even get the oil fill plug out looks like.
China has been making components for many brands, so why not make complete machines. Folks Laughed and mocked my 750 k model in 1974 and we see how well they developed, China is next... I will put that 675 CFMoto next to my 2018 Kawasaki Zed 900 naked and my 2023 119 C.I. Harley FXST. I have owned many brands in 55 years in the wind so, if I live long enough it will be interesting how the Chinese industry grows.
@@chujon9 I BET it will not be long for a CFMOTO Team will shake up the whole MOTO GP circuit. thanks for that information... I will have to watch some of the MOTO 1&2 races, now👍👍👍
Having spent decades in China, I have observed these "copies" that claim to be "Just as good" as the originals but CHEAPER. The results of a copy of "Look and feel" ideals is a chocolate cake that looks like a masterpiece but tastes like Shitt.
Laugh it up, but these are big steps forward for China, and many of us absolutely hate what the US ‘big name’ motorcycle dealers are doing with their additional fees🤑🤑🤑. I’ve got 1,200mi on my ‘Grom clone’ CG150 powered China bike, no oil leaks, I did a few upgrades but considering it’s $1,618 delivered it’s a great deal….oh, it’s ‘only’ 11hp, but the Grom is 9.7hp.
Maybe all the manufacturers are controlled by the Chinese Government and only allowed to release these low powered motorcycles they look like a total rib off but as long as they are not exported fill your boots. Wouldn’t consider any of these motorcycles and can understand why the genuine manufacturers couldn’t be bothered to contest their release as that would be a waste of time and life is to short to worry these products in the throw away culture.
What you need to recognize is how easily all these Chinese companies easily tool up to make the rip offs. My KTM 890 Adventure is made in China, the quality equals any Japanese bikes.
BSA Triumph and Norton laughed at Japanese motorcycles in the 1960s not a threat just making the cub 50 70 and 90 but within 10 years the CB 750 was born so don't laugh at Chinese bikes they will be beating the European and Japanese bikes within the next 5 years
And American brands are having a hard time competing with the European and Japanese makers. Indian and even Harley Davidson are pretty much niche brands now.
@@denmikseb The Netherlands: 8000 dollar for a used Harley which has been in an accident and had the front wheel literally side by side to the rear wheel. That is beyond niche.
Theres a difference, mate. Japanese were doing excelent products, while the chinese ones are made to scam u of your money.. They been making cars for 25 years now.. they're not even close to japanese cars in the 80s reliability.. They still scammers
Most cities in China banned motorcycles a few years back. Before the ban, chinase bikes were limited to 125cc. Police had 150cc. So, the bikes are not being sold in China. With a $20,000 plate, you can ride an import bike in Beijing , I don't think they were allowed to write them to other cities. Don't expect much when the product is banned in the county of manufactur. Until the CCP changes their attitude, motorcycles make the nation look poor, motorcycles from China will not be anything to write home about .remember 62mph is the fastest speed alowed on any road or highway in china.
The Husqvarna is made in China as is KTM / Duke, Benelli, CFMoto and a couple of other noteworthy bikes that out perform the Japanese equivalents. However, I must admit some of these names are even new to me... My god, 400cc and 20 hp. I do have a Chinese bike, almost 10 years now and it is still going strong. It is part swap-able with Yamaha TTR 225cc but only cost all of $1800 on road in 2014. Apart from tyres, chain and sprockets and new brake pads which were done during regular service periods...Nothing has broken or worn out. The design is typical dirt bike with plastic panels on a plastic fuel tank. One interesting fact about the engine though, the Yamaha is an overhead cam, while this one is like my BSA 650, OHV and pushrods'. I changed the tyres to 80/20 and took the 30mm carburetor off, replacing it with a 28mm flat slide carburetor. The new tyres and Carburetor required some finessing and so I got my mechanic to go over the timing and valve clearances. When it was all tidied up, the bike will run on our expressway at legal speed of 100km/h very easily now. The tyres are a great improvement over the old "Universal tyre". So, sure there are new makers out there who are jumping in on the market and you have found some of them. FYI, there are 96 EV car manufacturers in China at present and I can only name about ten. I can also name about ten Chinese bike manufacturers, that are capable of delivering a good marketable bike. Mostly, they sell engines as complete units and some guy decides he is going to start up a company, copy something for domestic market and export to Vietnam, Africa and Sth America where the looks are important but the performance is secondary to what an original cost.
Im not so sure if selling to 3rd world countries work. Mostly cause asphalt roads r theory in such countries , hence you need ruggedness and maintainability even for commuter bikes. They are getting lesser and lesser percentage of market in Africa from their Indian competitors.
What an utter waste of energy and resources! 🤦🏻♀️ .. here we are drinking through paper straws to reduce plastic waste, yet these people are intentionally mass producing rubbish.
I’ve owned 2 Chinese bikes which I bought new, I’ve also owned about 15 Japanese bikes over the years. One of the Chinese bikes was a Jonway (named after John Wayne who is called Jonway in China, rather like Rover is called Roway in China) and it was a disaster in everything except the engine which was rather good. I got rid of it after a month and then bought another Chinese bike a generic copy of a Honda xl185 which was actually very good. I sold that after a year or so and bought a Honda. I bought the Chinese bikes In 2008/2009 for an unusual reason related to registration in the country I was living in. Now I live in Europe and ride a 1998 Pan European 1100 that looks and rides like new. Chinese bikes are getting better and better but I think Honda from the late 80s through to late 90s are the best quality ever made.
This is all very humorous, but what is the build quality, the price, and the ride quality like of these bikes. Some of them look really amazing, and I bet they are dirt cheap.
However the 8 cilinder look like a Honda style boxer, i would not be surprised if it is a 600cc 2 cilinder boxer with the other 6 cilinders as a mock up and an sound module with American V8 sound with more white noise then a dusty 1940 open reel tape recorder.
I believe there would be a market for 1936-1964 Harley clones. The patents have long since run out. The original panheads and knuckleheads are now worth more than new bikes. Many riders would love to own a panhead or knucklehead, but they are priced out of the market. If the Chinese could clone these bikes, they'd make a fortune. The old technology they used never produced a high horsepower engine anyway. The low output of those Chinese motors would not be a problem. With panheads starting at $20 grand and knuckles closer to $40 grand, a Chinese clone for $10 or $15 grand would be alow-cost alternative. Call them Harrey Daversons
" 'Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." I have no objection to Chinese copying popular motorcycle. In early days, Japanese motorcycles were remarkably similar.
They were junk when they started ; I'm 71 and been riding since I was 7, saw the very first imports and until they stopped the planned obsolescence they had notoriously bad chrome, suspensions, some had lousy brakes and you'd see a lot of them in garages just rusting away. I could go on.
@@garychandler4296 I'm 78+>8months old. I started on Benelli 50cc Fireball in 1965. It was quicker than Honda CB 50, and better handling. Never the less, modern Ninja 400 is very powerful and with good handling. Modern top brand Chinese motorcycles now inherit these desirable qualities. Of course, don't compare them with cheaper Chinese motorcycles.
Motorcycles are not allowed in major cities or highways any way in China so these Motocycles are toys for the masses. Not for commuting. I think they even have a 250 cc limited in many cities.
it seems unfair that you ridiculed the Jonway YY400-5 for sad horsepower without mentioning that Harley Davidson Fat Bob has 1868cc and with it's "mind-blowing performance" produces 93 horsepower. If Harley could achieve the same hp per cc ratio Jonway did the Fat Bob would be over 150 hp. Perfect case to ask "how are they getting so little horsepower out of a bigger capacity engine." Also, I would have compared the Lifan Hunter 125 to the 125 Monkey bikes many manufacturers are making. I think most people that are buying the Lifan are choosing it compared to those, not any Ducati and not any scooter engine machine.
Lifan would have the expertise to make a L-twin. They made a nifty little home market water cooled inline twin 200 and 250 years back. The engine's cylinders was nearly horizontal like the Honda horizontal clones. I would love a Honda Trail 125 clone with that little 250 inline twin.
@@tauncfester3022 I don't know about other places but, here Lifan is the gold standard for made in China e22 replacement engines. For years people have been putting them on the little bikes that came with the horizontal engines and you seldom hear anything bad happening. I have a 1963 Honda Cub that came to me with the original engine gone and an uninstalled 70cc Lifan. I think it's a bit less than a Honda 70cc engine but, it is getting better as I break it in. Most times when you see a China made bike for sale here and it's in sad shape, it's pretty clearly been abused.
Because that's legit, not a rip-off copy - SWM *bought* the rights for the Sportster from HD. They then retooled the bike from the ground up, including making a new, Euro 5 compliant, engine.
Great post. I seriously considered a CFMoto 450NK but when I considered resale value, parts availability, etc, i got a Kaw Z400 and love it. No regrets!
The BMW gs copy is probably made in the same factory as the BMW as I believe there made in China, apart from the BMW that's been made in Mexico as far as I can find out BMW only make 2 of the bikes in there range in Germany. Lol. If you look into where the bikes you buy are made I guarantee you'll be very shocked.
@robfallon6346 I know. The BMW GS310 is made in India. I know where most bikes are made, or where their parts come from. It's not about where it's made, more where its QC is done.
@@motorsforthemasses Wasn't the mid 2000 aughts Funduro 650 made by KymCo in Taiwan? Those engines have a following because they last and are easy to service.
BMW not has can made any good bike all BMW history, all have totally worst and engineering fails. totally worst bike all world, maybe cheap chinese bikes have lot lot better than genuine BMW factory ewer can made.
Clone a 1976 Garelli Tiger Cross ! cheque book out ready to sign ! ( yeah I know its impossible , but this machine started me off, on motorised two wheels --- oh and make it with electronic ignition and auto lube, and a speedo that works , and lights that actual chucked out brightness, and a centre stand ,brakes that worked and a non dragging clutch --------- apologies got nostalgic )
Or KTM, because the US dollar is near worthless and people are becoming ok with crap that functions snd looks ok to fit in but a full price real bike is not fun to pay for. Current world economic issues deem Chinese bikes as a reasonable offering now!
The Kove 450 has had some pretty impressive reviews. This bike did quite well in the Paris Dakah rally, All entries completed the trial with the best coming in 9th overall I believe.
If these bike's are rip-off's as your title says, then why do you keep saying that they look nothing like? I'm no fan of the shit that the Chinese throw onto the market but please refrain from saying copy's. Just judge them on what they are.
Chinese have been doing this for a long time. I remember seeing a Hongda motorcycle and seemed reasonable, especially for the price. Power seems to be the only thing Chinese cars, trucks and bikes seem to be lacking. While I don't agree with ripping off intellectual property from other companies, but they are driving the others to do better and eventually bring prices down. When you think about the pace of progress they have made in less than 2 decades, their future seems promising.
Probably a good thing it’s only got 66hp. But considering they’re already making much of our tech equipment there’s no reason they can’t make competent motorcycles provided they approach quality-control correctly. The Brixton Cromwell 1200 at least seems to be a capable machine for a retro styled bike with comparable specs to the Triumph T-120 liquid-cooled. I know these are nominally Austrian but made in China. And it looks great too. Be interesting to see how these go?
It could be that these bikes were positioned chiefly for their own domestic markets. The hp and torque figures may be less disadvantageous in those cases?
The Great Wall 2,000cc 8 cylinder tourer may be OK since it is made by a car company. Because of that the electrics likely are decent and if is significantly less than a Gold Wing it may be a winner provided dealerships and parts are available.
I think the 125 could be a fun learner if it was properly made. The lack of power isn't a massive problem in urban traffic, it's the superbike styling on a basic commuter that's a bit laughable. They'd be better going for retro styling on their retro (low power) engines, or maybe very light, flickable trail) adventure styling I think. I'd love to see that 8 cylinder bike in the flesh though, that's intriguing!
wow! some of these are pretty tasty pound for pound of course. The Moxy-whatever 500 "panigale" type thing with the single side swing arm and sweet silencer is pretty cool, not to mention the goldwing rip off!!
10-15 years ago, the Chinese made ATVs and they were blueprints of the Honda TRX 350. I bought a "Chinese" similar gearbox, the engine looks exactly the same. changed the seat cushion fit like a piece of a puzzle "exactly" my friend just 😲. yes of course his lasted longer than mine but his cost three times as much. Now 10-15 years later, the quality is more than acceptable. But the price differences are even more. So I won't be surprised if the same happens with motorcycles. it's the same with car tires. you are not in the top three in serious tests for a reason.
Because it's not a copy, despite looking like one - SWM retooled it from scratch to make it Euro 5 compatible, the engine is brand-new. And they did it with HD's blessing (they bought the rights).
Nevertheless, there is a serious, 100% own development brand from China: Kove. Mainly off road/rally bikes. They are tested next to KTM and preform equally. Real Brembo brakes, real Ohlins suspension, real Renthal handlebar, real Twin Air filter. But, yes, compare to the other Chinese bikes they are quite expansive. But affordable compare the KTM and Husqvarna.
Different horses for different courses,i genuinely feel the big manufacturers are ripping us all off ,these bikes are more realistic prices. Nobody would buy one over the original bikes they are copying unless your budget is low,but as starter bikes what more could ya want ,some are better than others so choose wisely
These bikes are aimed at 3rd/developing world countries where the markets are massive for cheap two wheel transport. Yes, to us they are pretty much objects of ridicule, but in their target markets they are aspirational.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so it's said. Anyway, Chinese-made bikes are ubiquitous in my part of S/E Asia and they're cheap, easy to fix and relatively well-equipped
Maybe they are quoting HP per Cylinder ? Could be a China thing where that is what's required ? Also I would never judge them until they've been actually road tested over here .
The reason their hp isso much lower than it's counterparts, is because they use very high RPM engines, 14,500 - 16500 and that's how they make up for low hp . My brother has a 250 VTwin Chinese bike, only puts out about 15 hp, but rvs up to 15,500 RPM.
An interesting expose of these most unoriginal of bikes. Yes, some of the most blatant copying of original designs ever seen! I reckon I might keep my 'proper' 1098S. But they are coming out of a very different society and economy to ours, so perhaps we shouldn't judge too harshly. Let's just count ourselves lucky that we have access to 'the real thing'. With options like these, many of us may not have become motorcyclists in the first place! Thanks for showing them to us. The designers of the original bikes must be a bit unhappy.
The GWM looks pretty spicy, but the rest are cheap, mass produced and work for the home market. None are for me really, but I'm sure that the originals would take 50% of the sales volume in the rest of the world 😅
I cannot see a problem with selling bargain priced Ducati lookalikes to those who would never be able to afford the real thing. Remember these bikes are sold in developing countries where £25,000 will take decades to earn. We are lucky to afford our toys, most of the world's population are on the breadline.
who idiot pay 25000 or more one little bike, no any normal smart people waste money too much to shit.
Actually you have a good point. And the fake will probably never meet the real one.
Funny enough, budget Chinese & Indian bikes are extremely popular in the developing world as a means of affordable, quick transport.
It takes most people decades to earn and save £25,000 in the UK as well!
Clone a RD400, they'll sell like hot cakes!
Young people don’t even know what language you’re speaking now💨
OR an H1 triple 500, faster than the RD350/400 and oh so loud !!
@@Between-BikesEu emissions killed that. They have to make a clone of some KTM 2 stroke engine to do that now
daytona special pleeze
My first new bike I got after passing my test on the RD250 . That was in 1976
We laugh at them today but remember the Japanese bikes from the 60's and early 70's. Now they rule, maybe that will happen with the Chinese bikes, who knows..
@petergarner5991 Oh there are some great Chinese bikes put there...these ones, not so sure.
i will stick to honda .have had many since the 1970s .yamaha are good as well . and kawasaki .
Ehh.......no. Chinese= absolute crap.
Except the 8 cylinder black bike trying to be an Honda touring bike and maybe the one trying to look like an Harley Davidson, all the rest is just ridiculous
China won't get ahead till they will come up with English repair manuals and available parts. And multiple us dealerships.
That Chinese Ducati looks just as uncomfortable as the real thing.
all same style bikes have uncomfortable drive, totally wrong driving position, hard to hand,arms,back,not good travll or city bike, only short time race area can use.
Made me laugh out loud!😂🤣
The Japanese were laughed at back in the day and ridiculed by the British manufacturers. Only a few years later, they were winning TTs and dominating grand prixs. The British manufacturers whose sniggering criticisms had been heard in every pitlane were to be put out of business by perseverance and constant improvement of Japanese excellence.
Yes, but the Japanese were interested in Quality Control
@TorquilBletchleySmythe A friend of mine had one of the first Hondas. He said that the frame welding was terrible. A front wheel collapsed on him, and the paintwork was not good. However, the design was good. Indicators, electric start, didn't leak oil, mechanically reliability, a very new but very good dealreship was being established. The rest, as they say, is history.
@martinhambleton5076 regardless, the Chinese are still not interested in QC. They design nothing, instead stealing designs they barely understand, and therefore cannot develop them further. One error on a copied critical control point can mean a dangerous steering angle without a single employee noticing, as they don't have the design heritage or provenance. They are garbage and will stay thst way for as long as they are manufactured by communist labour with no incentive for quality or reputation
Please not another derisive comment on the British motorcycle industry. We laughed at the original Japanese bikes because they were crap. Today the Japs still copy Triumphs, Harleys etc styling wise especially retro.. Take the KW800 . I call it a fake Triumph. My classic T120 ,my modern T120 and my Rocket better than Japanese any day.
I can see plenty of young people buying these sort of bikes.
They are cheap, can be used to both commute and do some touring. We should be encouraging young people to get into biking and this is one avenue.
I really don't think todays youngsters would like to be seen riding cheap Chinese knock offs
@@ghassanalfarra8935
I really can’t see the youngsters ride motorcycles at all.
@@kasperkjrsgaard1447 Depends on where you are really .. I've been residing in a post-com cent. European country for almost 30yrs now, and motorbikes are still huge among youngsters here, a bit less among the youth living in large cities than in smaller towns and villages, but that's mainly due to lack of storage places for motorbikes in larger cities during the winter no-riding months (aprox from Oct. to April). You can't just leave a motorbike on the street in the snow and ice in front of a matchbox stacked apartment building without shelter.
But during summer you see all sorts of bikes ridden by bikers from all age categories .. adv's, supersports, large scooters .. ect., and then there's the odd large cc sport-tourers like myself, but I'm no longer that young to not want a motorbike.
... but truth be told, most buy used, they prefer importing a high mileage used bike from Italy, Austria or Germany than buying a brand new warrantied Chinese bike locally.
@@kasperkjrsgaard1447 sad you are probably correct
I couldn't think of anything more humiliating than being seen on a Chinese knock off.. especially when it's broken down on the side of the road. Nothing that a box of matches won't fix 😎
I think that some of the power outputs are in kW rather than hp. Would make the figures more sensible. I am old enough to remember how we laughed at Japanese bikes in the early 1960s.
Not really! I just checked because that was my initial thought.....20kW is 26HP, 40kW is 53.6HP, so still not blinding numbers.
I've worked on a couple of Chinese bikes over the last few years and I have to say they are nowhere near as bad as people like to make out, they really have improved in their quality
have a honda dax copy at the mo , no problems
Motorcycles aren't allowed to be ridden on motorways / freeways / expressways in China so the low power output makes more sense if you limited to riding at 40kph on the streets
I am old enough to remember the first Japanese bikes to hit the U.S. market. Saved my lawn mowing money to buy a Honda 50cc. Most of the kids I knew had one, while the 'big' name makers scoffed at them. They got us around town and were loads of fun. Now I am 74 and ride a Honda NC750X with DCT. It just goes to show how things change.
I remember in 1963. I saw a Honda 50 it was black an old man owned it,he let us kids ride it on the schoolgrounds in Ahsaka Idaho
Those Honda fifties were great ultra reliable run on a smell of gas and got me home from the pub.
I have a Honda lawn mower.
The Japanese were the original motorcycle thieves stealing East German engineer Walter Kaaden's two stroke MZ engine technology. These were years ahead of their time and were the first two strokes to start beating the four strokes in racing.
By uniting three key technologies for the first time - the expansion chamber, the disc valve and the boost port - the MZ 125 became the world’s first normally aspirated engine to make 200 horsepower per litre. The Japanese robbed this tech and the rest in history.
Lets also not forget that NASA was built upon the USA robbing Nazi Germany of it's top rocket scientists.
Considering most motorcycle manufacturers are out sourcing parts production to China it’s not surprising the Chinese are ripping off designs ,plus prices of new bikes is crazy high ,not sustainable for a toy which most bikes are
Those Chinese Ducatis are probably more reliable than a real Ducati.
Ouch 😂
You'ee probably never owned à Duc!
Its very possible yes.....
I was going to say KTM but the Chinese make those engines already. 'Nuff said 😂
99 st2 Ducati with over 124k on the never opened engine. Yea I’m thinking you’re regurgitating things you have heard on the internet.
Just bought a Chinese Voge Rally 300. I was hoping that you would throw in the good with the bad and mediocre. But I guess your video is more about blatant copies not Chinese improved versions of other bikes. Not sure if you’ve already made a video about 5, 10 or 16 bikes the Chinese are making which outperform or bang for buck their European or Japanese counterparts. But that’s a video I’d like to see 😊
I have reviewed the Voge 300 Rally, have a search for the review on my channel.
@@motorsforthemasses I watched the review. I liked it. But personally I’d like to see a video highlighting how the Chinese are shaking up the motorcycle industry with motorcycles for the masses. Sorting the wheat from the chaff I guess. The Kove, CFMOTO, Voge, Zontes of the new generation. Maybe offering value alternatives to the Indian REs etc.
I too have a Voge 300 Rally and I cannot praise it enough. I’m a through and through Honda motorcyclist but there is no way I would have bought a CRF over the Voge, no only is it such good value but it is better where it really matters, the suspension is up to the job straight off the showroom floor. The upgrade that the Honda needs would end up meaning it would cost twice as much as the Voge. It’s a bike that I bought to use on tracks, in mud and through brambles and trees, the bargain price helps me get over the thought that if I use it in the manner that I bought it for it’s going to get the odd bump and scratch but that’s what it’s for. I’m not being swayed to Voge completely, I have ridden and really liked the 525DS but I prefer my Honda 500X for the touring and camping trips that I do on that. When I’m far from home and out of touch with civilisation that Honda reputation for reliability is a great companion to have. The 500X’s amazing fuel economy, large fuel tank and range is also a huge factor for me.
My guess would be that after a few years as with most things out of the Middle East, they will iron out their problems. If you look at how much motorcycles from India have improved and design has caught up with the rest of the world.
The home market is large enough to keep them in business long enough to catch up. Some of the quote high end bikes are purchasing lots of their parts and accessories from China. They are no more reliable than the Chinese bikes because of this. However they don’t lower their price to reflect the cheap parts and don’t want to fix their bikes. Think KTM etc.
So the chineese Fatbob puts out 38bhp, arguably more power than the Harley.... :D :P
Triggered......my Fat Bob smokes Busa's
I think these are great things. I'm 62 and I'm the youngest western rider I know.
Right now an 18 year old who wants transport can buy an acceptable second hand car for 2000 and be taught by their parents, or a second hand motorcycle for 5000, plus 200 for boots, 500 for a jacket, 500 for a helmet and they can't take their romantic interest on the back for 3 years.
Motorcycles are dying. 25000 for a wankpanzer on two wheels might appeal to the cashed up retired folk, but they're not going to keep the sport going.
@gasdive motorcycles is only "dying" because eu has banned sales of gas powered motorcycles from 2030, electric powered vehicles is already going somewhat full on. That has caused the big 4 Japanese to slow down developing . This will be changed as the electric grid is not ready and wont readybe for 2030 so it will probably lead to hydrogen to be the next phase, and a revolution in hydrogen powered bikes as next step. The Japanese is already leading the way so don't give up your hopes in bikes yet. Scooters are already bigger then even as world needs cheap transport more than ever, which was the reason motorcycles got popular in the first place.
@@Xoxox-q5e you think an 18 year old is thinking "I better buy a car because petrol motorcycles won't be available when I'm 24"? Or that they're thinking "I would buy a motorcycle but the Japanese bikes aren't much better than when I was 13, so I'll buy a car instead"?
They're looking at buying a 10 year old motorcycle anyway and comparing that to a 10 year old car. The lack of "development" over the last 5 years means nothing to them.
@gasdive it's because you don't live in a motorcycle country like southern Europe where people can ride all year and need this as a cheap transportation as cars and petrol has become too expensive. They need a new reliable motorcycle with a guarantee, not some older bike. The Chinese see that the world is not ready to electric and they are taking over. As soon as Japan develops hydrogen engines that are economical viable the choneese are going to copy these two. The years ahead looks interesting.
You fucking boomer lol 😆
@@gasdive Yep, in the UK it's such a palaver to get a full licence that youngsters rarely progress beyond the CBT/125 stage. By then they're old enough to look at 4 wheels and they're lost to motorcycling until late middle age when they find themselves with a bit of spare cash.
@@kenbrooks7794 it's not quite as bad here in Australia, except Queensland where you're required to hold a car licence for a year before you're allowed to get your motorcycle learner's permit. Madness.
BHP isn’t a massive deal for me ..I’ve got a Royal Enfield 350 classic reborn and it’s only 20 BHP but it’s a great bike and it’s very torquey so It’s a great ride
Low power bikes have a charm of their own, especially if they're comfortable, flickable and have a pleasant engine note.
Gentle Sunday morning rides through the Peak District, experiencing every aspect of the scenery and the ride on my 1990s Enfield Bullet were amazing. I can't tell you how much I regret selling it.
I'm looking forward to seeing a Charlie Davidson by WangDong.
He he he, i have a Chinese Znen "classic" scooter with an 50cc 4 stroke engine. The classic curved handlebars always had a strong argument with my knees. So i mounted a set of Harley risers and a wide Harley drag bar style handlebar which where floating around in my shed. I did some cosmetics and rebranded it David Harleyson.
The 2023 SWM Stormbreaker is a Chinese take on the EVO Sportster. Google it.
A hardly Davidson by yamasuki
Harley Davidson already have something as cheap and nasty looking in their line up. They are for people that have no understanding of what a Harley is all about.
The GS replica is worth having to remind you of what the bike that's in the shop because you need special tools to even get the oil fill plug out looks like.
China has been making components for many brands, so why not make complete machines. Folks Laughed and mocked my 750 k model in 1974 and we see how well they developed, China is next... I will put that 675 CFMoto next to my 2018 Kawasaki Zed 900 naked and my 2023 119 C.I. Harley FXST. I have owned many brands in 55 years in the wind so, if I live long enough it will be interesting how the Chinese industry grows.
BTW CFMoto has won races in Moto2 and Moto3 races in World MotoGP this year.
@@chujon9 I BET it will not be long for a CFMOTO Team will shake up the whole MOTO GP circuit. thanks for that information... I will have to watch some of the MOTO 1&2 races, now👍👍👍
Most Japanese bikes and BMW are predominantly China made parts, assembled in Thailand or Malaysia nowadays
The Chinese R&D department must be in the Photo Copy room😊 That’s one thing the Chinese do really well!
aside from the cooking of course
The 6.6 liter was a Ram Air, and it produced 335hp in the 1970 Trans Am
Having spent decades in China, I have observed these "copies" that claim to be "Just as good" as the originals but CHEAPER. The results of a copy of "Look and feel" ideals is a chocolate cake that looks like a masterpiece but tastes like Shitt.
I have a Chinese " Whoflungdung" bought second hand. Have had it 17 years now, it passed the MOT again last month.😄👍
funny as fluk you crit crunt......
have you tried the BangMeGood model 69???
@@jimnunya1253
If i could "Get my leg over" I would try it.👍
I’m holding out for the soon to be released “Feiken Poon Tang 450”.
@dougsmith7580 I'd have one of those lol.
Laugh it up, but these are big steps forward for China, and many of us absolutely hate what the US ‘big name’ motorcycle dealers are doing with their additional fees🤑🤑🤑. I’ve got 1,200mi on my ‘Grom clone’ CG150 powered China bike, no oil leaks, I did a few upgrades but considering it’s $1,618 delivered it’s a great deal….oh, it’s ‘only’ 11hp, but the Grom is 9.7hp.
Bit of Ricky Gervais humour and facial expressions !! I loved it ! 😅
Maybe all the manufacturers are controlled by the Chinese Government and only allowed to release these low powered motorcycles they look like a total rib off but as long as they are not exported fill your boots. Wouldn’t consider any of these motorcycles and can understand why the genuine manufacturers couldn’t be bothered to contest their release as that would be a waste of time and life is to short to worry these products in the throw away culture.
What you need to recognize is how easily all these Chinese companies easily tool up to make the rip offs. My KTM 890 Adventure is made in China, the quality equals any Japanese bikes.
BSA Triumph and Norton laughed at Japanese motorcycles in the 1960s not a threat just making the cub 50 70 and 90 but within 10 years the CB 750 was born so don't laugh at Chinese bikes they will be beating the European and Japanese bikes within the next 5 years
And American brands are having a hard time competing with the European and Japanese makers. Indian and even Harley Davidson are pretty much niche brands now.
don't gloat so flippantly ~ you're spelling out the future destruction of the West's bike industries !🙄
It already happen: Google for Kove, especially their rally bikes.
@@denmikseb The Netherlands: 8000 dollar for a used Harley which has been in an accident and had the front wheel literally side by side to the rear wheel. That is beyond niche.
Theres a difference, mate. Japanese were doing excelent products, while the chinese ones are made to scam u of your money..
They been making cars for 25 years now.. they're not even close to japanese cars in the 80s reliability..
They still scammers
Most cities in China banned motorcycles a few years back. Before the ban, chinase bikes were limited to 125cc. Police had 150cc. So, the bikes are not being sold in China. With a $20,000 plate, you can ride an import bike in Beijing , I don't think they were allowed to write them to other cities. Don't expect much when the product is banned in the county of manufactur. Until the CCP changes their attitude, motorcycles make the nation look poor, motorcycles from China will not be anything to write home about .remember 62mph is the fastest speed alowed on any road or highway in china.
A good laugh, but! wait another 10 years of the top brands moving production to china, and maybe it won't so funny
Spot on!!!
Many are moving to India already😂
The Husqvarna is made in China as is KTM / Duke, Benelli, CFMoto and a couple of other noteworthy bikes that out perform the Japanese equivalents. However, I must admit some of these names are even new to me... My god, 400cc and 20 hp.
I do have a Chinese bike, almost 10 years now and it is still going strong. It is part swap-able with Yamaha TTR 225cc but only cost all of $1800 on road in 2014. Apart from tyres, chain and sprockets and new brake pads which were done during regular service periods...Nothing has broken or worn out. The design is typical dirt bike with plastic panels on a plastic fuel tank.
One interesting fact about the engine though, the Yamaha is an overhead cam, while this one is like my BSA 650, OHV and pushrods'. I changed the tyres to 80/20 and took the 30mm carburetor off, replacing it with a 28mm flat slide carburetor. The new tyres and Carburetor required some finessing and so I got my mechanic to go over the timing and valve clearances. When it was all tidied up, the bike will run on our expressway at legal speed of 100km/h very easily now. The tyres are a great improvement over the old "Universal tyre".
So, sure there are new makers out there who are jumping in on the market and you have found some of them. FYI, there are 96 EV car manufacturers in China at present and I can only name about ten. I can also name about ten Chinese bike manufacturers, that are capable of delivering a good marketable bike. Mostly, they sell engines as complete units and some guy decides he is going to start up a company, copy something for domestic market and export to Vietnam, Africa and Sth America where the looks are important but the performance is secondary to what an original cost.
Im not so sure if selling to 3rd world countries work. Mostly cause asphalt roads r theory in such countries , hence you need ruggedness and maintainability even for commuter bikes.
They are getting lesser and lesser percentage of market in Africa from their Indian competitors.
what is the HP rating on that honda goldwing clone? 8 cylinders ...it might actually sound pretty good
What an utter waste of energy and resources! 🤦🏻♀️ .. here we are drinking through paper straws to reduce plastic waste, yet these people are intentionally mass producing rubbish.
I’ve owned 2 Chinese bikes which I bought new, I’ve also owned about 15 Japanese bikes over the years. One of the Chinese bikes was a Jonway (named after John Wayne who is called Jonway in China, rather like Rover is called Roway in China) and it was a disaster in everything except the engine which was rather good. I got rid of it after a month and then bought another Chinese bike a generic copy of a Honda xl185 which was actually very good. I sold that after a year or so and bought a Honda. I bought the Chinese bikes In 2008/2009 for an unusual reason related to registration in the country I was living in. Now I live in Europe and ride a 1998 Pan European 1100 that looks and rides like new. Chinese bikes are getting better and better but I think Honda from the late 80s through to late 90s are the best quality ever made.
The Chinese are skilled craftsmen, they could replicate the Vincent Black Shadow, if they wanted to.
Yup and exactly 2 weeks later it is broke down on the side of the road. No Chinese Crapolium for me thanks.
@@freeride6073 I wish they would, they would make it better than the original.
This is all very humorous, but what is the build quality, the price, and the ride quality like of these bikes. Some of them look really amazing, and I bet they are dirt cheap.
However the 8 cilinder look like a Honda style boxer, i would not be surprised if it is a 600cc 2 cilinder boxer with the other 6 cilinders as a mock up and an sound module with American V8 sound with more white noise then a dusty 1940 open reel tape recorder.
I believe there would be a market for 1936-1964 Harley clones. The patents have long since run out. The original panheads and knuckleheads are now worth more than new bikes. Many riders would love to own a panhead or knucklehead, but they are priced out of the market. If the Chinese could clone these bikes, they'd make a fortune. The old technology they used never produced a high horsepower engine anyway. The low output of those Chinese motors would not be a problem. With panheads starting at $20 grand and knuckles closer to $40 grand, a Chinese clone for $10 or $15 grand would be alow-cost alternative. Call them Harrey Daversons
Bang goes any chance of 16 'potential' dealerships and a quick billion!!
Most of these are made on the night shift. The real ‘European’ ones are made on the day shift.
" 'Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." I have no objection to Chinese copying popular motorcycle. In early days, Japanese motorcycles were remarkably similar.
I wouldn't want one of those either.
@@garychandler4296 Why not? The Honda's those days were often better then the original bike.
They were junk when they started ; I'm 71 and been riding since I was 7, saw the very first imports and until they stopped the planned obsolescence they had notoriously bad chrome, suspensions, some had lousy brakes and you'd see a lot of them in garages just rusting away.
I could go on.
@@garychandler4296 I'm 78+>8months old. I started on Benelli 50cc Fireball in 1965. It was quicker than Honda CB 50, and better handling. Never the less, modern Ninja 400 is very powerful and with good handling. Modern top brand Chinese motorcycles now inherit these desirable qualities. Of course, don't compare them with cheaper Chinese motorcycles.
These bikes are why china has so many scrap yards.
'Especially in court' 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Motorcycles are not allowed in major cities or highways any way in China so these Motocycles are toys for the masses. Not for commuting. I think they even have a 250 cc limited in many cities.
There are 85 million registered motorcycles in China. 20 million are sold each year, but sales are slowly declining. Car sales are increasing.
Most copies that the Chinese make are grossly under powered in comparison with the original ones.
Yes but it’s also an under priced bike by miles
it seems unfair that you ridiculed the Jonway YY400-5 for sad horsepower without mentioning that Harley Davidson Fat Bob has 1868cc and with it's "mind-blowing performance" produces 93 horsepower. If Harley could achieve the same hp per cc ratio Jonway did the Fat Bob would be over 150 hp. Perfect case to ask "how are they getting so little horsepower out of a bigger capacity engine."
Also, I would have compared the Lifan Hunter 125 to the 125 Monkey bikes many manufacturers are making. I think most people that are buying the Lifan are choosing it compared to those, not any Ducati and not any scooter engine machine.
Lifan would have the expertise to make a L-twin. They made a nifty little home market water cooled inline twin 200 and 250 years back. The engine's cylinders was nearly horizontal like the Honda horizontal clones. I would love a Honda Trail 125 clone with that little 250 inline twin.
@@tauncfester3022 I don't know about other places but, here Lifan is the gold standard for made in China e22 replacement engines. For years people have been putting them on the little bikes that came with the horizontal engines and you seldom hear anything bad happening. I have a 1963 Honda Cub that came to me with the original engine gone and an uninstalled 70cc Lifan. I think it's a bit less than a Honda 70cc engine but, it is getting better as I break it in. Most times when you see a China made bike for sale here and it's in sad shape, it's pretty clearly been abused.
As to the power figures, they're probably using some of the millions of leftover Chainsaw carburetors in the spare parts bins!
There again, the Cagiva Mito was a reasonable success, and who can approach those outputs day to day, on the road....
"Would you get one!?" Would be a better question to ask, that "would you trade your Ducati, Harley, Yamaha.." in for one of these! 💁♂️🤦♂️
I have a dollar that says one of those dual discs is decoration.
There's also an electric motorcycle copy of the Kawasaki Z1000.
Half of the bikes on this list look like plastic toys.
I'm surprised you didn't include the chinese version of the sportster
Because that's legit, not a rip-off copy - SWM *bought* the rights for the Sportster from HD. They then retooled the bike from the ground up, including making a new, Euro 5 compliant, engine.
@@NickBurmanwow !
CFMOTO 675 Will be in my stable soon
I have an ibex 800t, you'll love your bike !!
clearly the lifan hunter has a conventional c90 based engine and a visible final drive chain so wont be CVT,AND I LOVE IT
Any one of those will do. Just to own something that no one else can own.
Great post. I seriously considered a CFMoto 450NK but when I considered resale value, parts availability, etc, i got a Kaw Z400 and love it. No regrets!
The BMW gs copy is probably made in the same factory as the BMW as I believe there made in China, apart from the BMW that's been made in Mexico as far as I can find out BMW only make 2 of the bikes in there range in Germany. Lol. If you look into where the bikes you buy are made I guarantee you'll be very shocked.
@robfallon6346 I know. The BMW GS310 is made in India. I know where most bikes are made, or where their parts come from. It's not about where it's made, more where its QC is done.
@@motorsforthemasses Wasn't the mid 2000 aughts Funduro 650 made by KymCo in Taiwan? Those engines have a following because they last and are easy to service.
BMW not has can made any good bike all BMW history, all have totally worst and engineering fails. totally worst bike all world, maybe cheap chinese bikes have lot lot better than genuine BMW factory ewer can made.
I just don’t get it either. Are horses in China a lot stronger or something?!
Could be kw instead of horses.
Clone a 1976 Garelli Tiger Cross ! cheque book out ready to sign ! ( yeah I know its impossible , but this machine started me off, on motorised two wheels --- oh and make it with electronic ignition and auto lube, and a speedo that works , and lights that actual chucked out brightness, and a centre stand ,brakes that worked and a non dragging clutch --------- apologies got nostalgic )
Yes, they don’t need to go fast in Asia. Bad traffic and road conditions. Nobody usually goes faster than 50 miles per hour.
Don't forget Cessna were producing the C162 in China and though it was cancelled it was not because of quality concerns.
Wow, never knew about these. Dealer network? Parts? We'll see.
Why dafuq would ANYONE want to look like the Husquvarna?
Or KTM, because the US dollar is near worthless and people are becoming ok with crap that functions snd looks ok to fit in but a full price real bike is not fun to pay for.
Current world economic issues deem Chinese bikes as a reasonable offering now!
The Kove 450 has had some pretty impressive reviews. This bike did quite well in the Paris Dakah rally, All entries completed the trial with the best coming in 9th overall I believe.
You should quote prices to enable a fair comparison
Any prices available?
If these bike's are rip-off's as your title says, then why do you keep saying that they look nothing like? I'm no fan of the shit that the Chinese throw onto the market but please refrain from saying copy's. Just judge them on what they are.
@karl7383 erm....but they are copies. The style and body shapes are the copy...but not the power or mechanics, it's not that difficult to understand.
Chinese have been doing this for a long time. I remember seeing a Hongda motorcycle and seemed reasonable, especially for the price. Power seems to be the only thing Chinese cars, trucks and bikes seem to be lacking. While I don't agree with ripping off intellectual property from other companies, but they are driving the others to do better and eventually bring prices down. When you think about the pace of progress they have made in less than 2 decades, their future seems promising.
Probably a good thing it’s only got 66hp. But considering they’re already making much of our tech equipment there’s no reason they can’t make competent motorcycles provided they approach quality-control correctly. The Brixton Cromwell 1200 at least seems to be a capable machine for a retro styled bike with comparable specs to the Triumph T-120 liquid-cooled. I know these are nominally Austrian but made in China. And it looks great too. Be interesting to see how these go?
The "Feckin 250' gets my vote ... purely for comedy value 😂😂... seriously though, I wouldn't touch any of these with a bargepole.....
It could be that these bikes were positioned chiefly for their own domestic markets. The hp and torque figures may be less disadvantageous in those cases?
Early Japanese bikes were copies of British bikes. Every bike is a copy of another bike. All cruisers are copies of American bikes.
The Great Wall 2,000cc 8 cylinder tourer may be OK since it is made by a car company. Because of that the electrics likely are decent and if is significantly less than a Gold Wing it may be a winner provided dealerships and parts are available.
Badly copied designs with inferior quality that won't last. Not supporting that ghastly government.
I think the 125 could be a fun learner if it was properly made.
The lack of power isn't a massive problem in urban traffic, it's the superbike styling on a basic commuter that's a bit laughable.
They'd be better going for retro styling on their retro (low power) engines, or maybe very light, flickable trail) adventure styling I think.
I'd love to see that 8 cylinder bike in the flesh though, that's intriguing!
Well done vid. Funny how they copy designs. That 8cyl goldwing copy is amusing. Like that is going to make it 100k miles. Right…… Thanks for sharing!
wow! some of these are pretty tasty pound for pound of course. The Moxy-whatever 500 "panigale" type thing with the single side swing arm and sweet silencer is pretty cool, not to mention the goldwing rip off!!
The BHP could be related to drivinglicense limitations in China. We in Europe have different drivinglicence classes for motorcycles.
10-15 years ago, the Chinese made ATVs and they were blueprints of the Honda TRX 350. I bought a "Chinese" similar gearbox, the engine looks exactly the same. changed the seat cushion fit like a piece of a puzzle "exactly" my friend just 😲.
yes of course his lasted longer than mine but his cost three times as much. Now 10-15 years later, the quality is more than acceptable. But the price differences are even more. So I won't be surprised if the same happens with motorcycles. it's the same with car tires.
you are not in the top three in serious tests for a reason.
No SWM Stormbreaker V1200 on the list 😞
Because it's not a copy, despite looking like one - SWM retooled it from scratch to make it Euro 5 compatible, the engine is brand-new. And they did it with HD's blessing (they bought the rights).
Nevertheless, there is a serious, 100% own development brand from China: Kove. Mainly off road/rally bikes. They are tested next to KTM and preform equally. Real Brembo brakes, real Ohlins suspension, real Renthal handlebar, real Twin Air filter. But, yes, compare to the other Chinese bikes they are quite expansive. But affordable compare the KTM and Husqvarna.
Is the horsepower understated to evade import tariff cost.
Different horses for different courses,i genuinely feel the big manufacturers are ripping us all off ,these bikes are more realistic prices. Nobody would buy one over the original bikes they are copying unless your budget is low,but as starter bikes what more could ya want ,some are better than others so choose wisely
At present I wouldn't buy any of those. Neither to replace my BMW, Honda nor MZ.
These bikes are aimed at 3rd/developing world countries where the markets are massive for cheap two wheel transport. Yes, to us they are pretty much objects of ridicule, but in their target markets they are aspirational.
yes, true.
Is there a law in China restricting motorcycle seat padding?
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so it's said. Anyway, Chinese-made bikes are ubiquitous in my part of S/E Asia and they're cheap, easy to fix and relatively well-equipped
Maybe they are quoting HP per Cylinder ? Could be a China thing where that is what's required ? Also I would never judge them until they've been actually road tested over here .
The Fat Boy clone looks good. I'd rather have 3k tied up in that than 18k tried up in a Harley.
The reason why all these bikes are underpowered is simple: The brakes suck, so no point going fast!
The reason their hp isso much lower than it's counterparts, is because they use very high RPM engines, 14,500 - 16500 and that's how they make up for low hp . My brother has a 250 VTwin Chinese bike, only puts out about 15 hp, but rvs up to 15,500 RPM.
Some of those look tasty if your not bothered about crazy power
An interesting expose of these most unoriginal of bikes. Yes, some of the most blatant copying of original designs ever seen! I reckon I might keep my 'proper' 1098S. But they are coming out of a very different society and economy to ours, so perhaps we shouldn't judge too harshly.
Let's just count ourselves lucky that we have access to 'the real thing'. With options like these, many of us may not have become motorcyclists in the first place! Thanks for showing them to us. The designers of the original bikes must be a bit unhappy.
The GWM looks pretty spicy, but the rest are cheap, mass produced and work for the home market.
None are for me really, but I'm sure that the originals would take 50% of the sales volume in the rest of the world 😅
I have a QJ Motors SRV400 here in the Philippines. Like a small version of the sportster. I'm happy with it
Would be interesting to see what the fuel consumption is compared to the higher HP of the thoroughbreds. cheers.
I think China is a bit like those old-school carnivals where you stand in-front of those warped mirrors.