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Here are a few reasons why Chinese-made motorcycles are worth considering

Today’s crop of made-in-China motorcycles are surprisingly well equipped and have proven to be worthy rivals to mainstream two-wheelers.

EJ Punsalang EJ Punsalang on Aug 12, 2024
Are Chinese-made motorcycles worth owning?

Until now, there’s usually a negative stigma surrounding things that are made in China. Understandably, there’s a reason for this, as in the nineties and early 2000s, a lot of Chinese made gadgets and appliances were inferior compared to their Western and Japanese counterparts. Of course, the same can be said even today, with a lot of Chinese products—especially those you’d find on Shopee and Lazada—tend to rip-offs and knock-offs of name brand items.

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A lot of mainstream manufacturers have partnered up with Chinese manufacturers to outsource production

Benelli TRK 702

As is usually the case, we can’t generalize, and in the motorcycle industry in particular, there are quite a few Chinese motorcycle manufacturers that have proven themselves on the global stage. I’m talking about the likes of CFMOTO, Benelli, Loncin, and QJ Motor among others. These brands have developed a rather strong presence outside of China—in the European and Asian markets to be precise. For example, the CFMOTO 400 NK was, for a time, the most inquired big bike on MotoDeal.com.ph. Additionally, in Europe, the Benelli TRK 502 held the crown as the best-selling adventure bike in Italy and Spain. 

The growth and success of a good number of made-in-China motorcycles can be attributed to partnerships formed with Western manufacturers, with technology trickling down to models produced by these Chinese manufacturers. For example, CFMOTO’s partnership with KTM resulted in the 800MT, one of the most capable middleweight adventure bikes in the market. Likewise, Loncin makes engines for BMW’s 850 and 900 series of motorcycles, and it’s clear to see that some of the technology and manufacturing practices have made their way to Loncin’s new model range, particularly those under the Voge brand. 

Technology has advanced leaps and bounds

Benelli Leoncino 800

Those of you who are old enough to remember the time when Kia and Hyundai debuted in the global market would also remember the negative stigma surrounding these cars. Fast forward some three decades later, and Kia and Hyundai are well within the mainstream roster of car manufacturers. 

Indeed, if you go back in time even further, Japanese cars were once looked down upon. These days, Japanese vehicles are held to such a high regard that they pretty much set the standard in the industry—both for two and four-wheelers. That said, with how fast Chinese motorcycle manufacturers have been stepping up their game, it’s only a matter of time until these brands will be at the very top sitting next to the likes of Ducati, Yamaha, BMW, and Harley-Davidson.

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