Will China end up being the ‘new Japan?’
RIDE INVESTIGATES
China now produces an array of high-tech, great-value bikes. Industry expert Ben Purvis looks at what the future could hold…
Words Ben Purvis Pictures Bauer Archive
BMW-based Voge DS900X has been one of the success stories of the year
The story of the British motorcycle industry’s fall from grace is already a well-worn one – complacent about its superiority, it noticed only too late that customers were turning to Japanese bikes in droves. And today we’re witnessing a leap in technology and capability from Chinese bike makers that could put them in a position to carry out a similar coup.
The rate of development today is breathtaking, even if many aren’t aware yet. Take QJMotor, for example: the brand was created by Benelli and Keeway owner Qianjiang in 2020, with a single bike – the SRK600 – that was essentially a restyled Benelli TNT600i. Five years on and QJMotor’s global line-up includes more than 140 models – from 50cc scooters to 1000cc four-cylinder sportsbikes, electric bikes and even a range of ATVs. The company races in the World Supersport Championship with its own SRK800RR, is title sponsor of the MSI Moto2 team, and we’re sure it has its sights set on the UK market.
In this country, CFMoto is perhaps the best-established Chinese bike brand. In the past they have collaborated with KTM for engines, but now also develop their own, too. The firm has also recently launched their first three cylinder models, the 675SR-R sportsbike and 675NK roadster. At less than £7000 they’re both stunning value, highly competent and loads of fun. In China they also have a four-cylinder sportsbike and machines as big as the 1250TR-G tourer – a technological tour de force with the largest touchscreen dash of any production bike, radar, and a KTM-derived V-twin engine that produces 141bhp.
Last year saw the launch of China’s most ambitious motorcycle yet, the Souo S2000, made by a newly created motorcycle arm of car and truck-building giant Great Wall Motor (GWM). The company took Honda’s Gold Wing as a template for ‘biggest and best’ and aimed to outperform it in every area, resulting in a 2000cc eight-cylinder tourer with an eight-speed dual-clutch semi-auto transmission and every gizmo imaginable.
“Positive attitudes are increasingly prevailing”
CFMoto’s 1250TR-G: not in the UK yet, but watch out BMW RT…
Growing demand
The increasing acceptance of larger-capacity Chinese bikes can be seen in their rapidly rising sales figures. CFMoto, for example, `achieved only 70 new bike registrations in the UK in 2021 according to DVLA figures, but that’s rocketed since then. In the first six months of last year – the most recent available figures – 406
CFMotos were registered, and the quarter-by-quarter graph shows rocketing growth since 2023.
The number of Chinese manufacturers offering large, 600cc-plus bikes in the UK is growing fast as well. In the past couple of years, we’ve seen newcomers like Voge – part of BMW-partnering Loncin – Morbidelli and Kove appear on the market. We ran a Voge DS900X, which shares crucial components (including the engine) with BMW’s F900GS, and found it to be practical, fun and fitted with a stunning level of kit for its £9199 sticker price.
The common theme is a combination of high equipment levels and low prices, making a tempting proposition for riders who are prepared to venture away from the safety net of mainstream brands.
Dominic Harris, spokesman for CFMoto in the UK, told us: “Positive attitudes are increasingly prevailing among customers and dealers. Many are excited about the build quality and affordability of Chinese bikes, often comparing them to Japanese and European competitors as opposed to other Chinese brands.
“This shift is evident in the growing interest and sales, as well as the favourable feedback regarding their value for money and reliability from both motorcycle press and customers themselves.”
When it comes to ownership, reliability and parts availability, he’s similarly upbeat, saying: “Feedback from customers has predominantly been positive with regards to ownership experience. Customers and dealers alike have found these bikes to be reliable and durable, often exceeding expectations.”
RiDE reader Seb loves his CFMoto 800NK Advanced
‘MY CFMOTO HAS BEEN SO IMPRESSIVE’
RiDE reader Seb Seal made the leap to a £7099 CFMoto 800NK Advanced last winter, swapping from a 200hp-plus supercharged Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX to the Chinese-made twin.
“The fit, finish and quality of the machine is genuinely outstanding,” he said, “And the feisty, crackling twin is more than enough for mere mortals on the road. The bike is great fun and does everything the Ninja did apart from the ballistic and unusable top end.
“The only downside I have experienced is general xenophobia – something similar to that of when people still harped on about ‘Jap Crap’ when I was starting out.
“The 800’s cruise is the most glitch-free I’ve ever come across and contrary to reports is terminated by any additional throttle, clutch or brake input.
“The J.Juan brakes are every bit as good as Brembos and suspension is on the supple side of sporty. It’s worth noting that parts for these direct from China cost peanuts – a genuine comfort seat is £60 including VAT, taxes and delivery.”