Do you want to buy a motorcycle but don't have enough money? Pay attention to Chinese motorcycles. They are cheaper than motorcycles from Europe or the USA. The best Chinese motorcycles are of high quality and buyers have a choice. Here are both the simplest and the most luxurious models, “stuffed” with electronics.
Why are Chinese motorcycles so popular? Firstly, Chinese motorcycles are popular due to the fact that China produces high-quality motorcycle models. Secondly, several dozen brands specialize in this. Thirdly, each Chinese manufacturer has its own range of motorcycles, which have occupied their niche in the motorcycle community. For example, in China they produce not only classic road motorcycles, but also choppers, sportbikes and motocross models. Next, let's look at the rating of Chinese motorcycles.
The best Chinese motorcycles in 2022
Chinese motorcycles 2022
Motorcycles made in China, in terms of quality and characteristics, still do not match the equipment of Japanese, American or American manufacturers. But the budget segment was occupied by manufacturers from China, displacing competitors from other countries. Therefore, novice motorcyclists have plenty to choose from. Introducing the TOP Chinese motorcycles.
ENDURO LT
Affordable Chinese motorcycle, on 21/18 wheels. Suitable for driving on asphalt and simple off-road. It is practical and easy to use when driving on city streets, thanks to its narrowed shape and high seating position. This allows you to drive in traffic jams, between cars. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h, which is enough for driving around the city and beyond.
GR2 250 Enduro OPTIUM 21/18
The 2022 bike has a stylish design and low cost. The appearance was developed by a company from Sweden, Husaberg. Refers to mid-size motorcycles, high seating position, but not too high. A full-power engine is installed, air-cooled and with adjustable suspension. The frame is cast steel, a NIBBI carburetor is installed, and there are footrests for the passenger. The seat is upholstered in anti-slip fabric and has rubber with a deep tread.
BRZ X5M 250cc 21/18
Full-size enduro motorcycle. Designed for those who want to do more than ride a pit bike. Suitable for driving on forest roads where you need to overcome obstacles. It is light weight, powerful engine and 21/18 wheels. Reliability is ensured by the simplicity of the design. Electrically, one LED headlight is installed. Suitable for driving along forest trails at a distance of up to 200 km.
KKE suspension and aluminum rims are installed. Vibrations from the engine are practically not felt, thanks to the special fastening of the power unit to the frame. A reliable NIBBI PE 28 carburetor is installed.
Avantis Enduro 250
Chinese cross-country motorcycle with an aggressive design. Suitable for cross-country driving, racing, overcoming obstacles, jumping. Designed for riding by adults and teenagers. Installed air cooling, power unit 172 FMM, 21 horsepower, FastAce suspension. Can be used not only for driving on rough terrain, but also on city streets.
BRZ X6M 300cc 21/18
The best model of the BRZ series. The Chinese motorcycle was developed for those who want to get more from their bike. Suitable for motocross, enduro, competition and training styles. The model was developed on the basis of the SUZUKI RMZ 250 bike. A Zongshen engine with a volume of 298 cm3 was installed. The frame is made of aluminum alloy, which can withstand increased loads, KKE suspension and KKE wheels.
Light road motorcycles 125-200 cc.
IS “LESS WORSE” ALWAYS?
Any questions that arise after reading the article, please ask on a specialized forum about motorcycles from China china-moto.ru Anyone can name the main advantage of “octagons” (as 125 cc motorcycles are often called because their displacement is 1/8 liter) off the top of my head: price. Is that all the advantages are limited to? No, this is exactly the case when the majority, I dare say, is mistaken.
Anyone who sits on an “octagon” after a “normal” motorcycle cannot get rid of the feeling that underneath there is a bicycle. And hence their “high cross-country ability”: they are able to penetrate tight city congestions no worse than small scooters, and if they get into off-road conditions, they are easy to pull out of the mud, even alone. It’s not for nothing that in the old days “Minski” and “Voskhody” were so valued in the villages. Another advantage, if not of all light motorcycles, then of the vast majority of them: simplicity of design and, hence, maintainability. Let's not ignore the cost-effectiveness factor. In the early 90s, the author of these lines participated in a Honda motorcycle race across the CIS. And now, somewhere in Ukraine, one of the test subjects, a Honda CG125, shamefully stalled. It turned out that we had embarrassed ourselves - we forgot to fill it. So it’s my own fault - I made you forget: no matter how you stop at a gas station, you look into the gas tank - and there’s splashing there almost at the neck. So they stopped looking... Nowadays there is a choice of light motorcycles for every taste and budget. Let's divide all this diversity into several groups: “classics”, “chopperoids” and “sports”. CHARM OF "CLASSICS". In all this abundance, classic-style motorcycles remain increasingly popular. It was “aggravated” by the Yamaha YBR125: immediately after its relatively recent debut, the model became a bestseller in our market. Not surprising: the combination of a big name and a rising price (about 58,000 rubles) is irresistible. The car has a modern design, an economical 4-stroke engine with electric start, cast wheels and a front disc brake. And the affordable price is explained by the fact that the motorcycle is produced in China, however, under vigilant Japanese quality control. If you are still confused by the geographical factor, remember that Yamaha has the most developed service network in our country.
KEEWAY Speed 150 is inexpensive and, in the opinion of many, attractive.
PATRON Simpler 125 is the simplest (that’s how simple is translated from English) of the imported motorcycles.
The cheapest champion among all 125 cc motorcycles is the product of the Belarusian OJSC Motovelo, known under the Minsk brand. Thus, the modification MMVZ-3.11214 “Sputnik” costs a little more than 23,000 rubles. The design of the car clearly shows the features of its distant ancestor - the DKW RT125 from 1939: a 2-stroke engine lubricated with a petrol-oil mixture and without an electric starter, a single steel frame, spoked wheels with drum brakes. But the front wing is raised, which makes it clear about the off-road capabilities of the motorcycle. The MMVZ-3.11215 “Pioneer” modification is a little more expensive - it has a low “city” wing and a small semi-fairing. Even more expensive is the MMVZ-3.1135 “Leader” model, which has a more rigid duplex frame. The most expensive (RUB 35,000) modification is MMVZ-3.114. Its 4-stroke power unit (5-speed gearbox, electric starter) is made in China. In the 2008 season, the plant presents an updated range of its motorcycles. The models of series 112 and 113 were replaced by MMVZ-3.119 (RUB 30,000). It still has the same 2-stroke engine mounted in a single steel frame, but now has a front disc brake, a new muffler and Chinese-made suspensions. The MMVZ-3.119 “Lesnik” modification is equipped with a large trunk, high wing, and crash bars. New in the 4-stroke series is a stylish retro modification of the MMVZ-3.127 “Neo-Classic” on 16-inch wheels. Only slightly more expensive (23,500 rubles) than the most affordable model from Minsk, the budget version of the motorcycle from the Ural Motorcycle Company is Patron Simpler 125. Under this Russian brand hides a Chinese motorcycle of the simplest design: spoked wheels, drum brakes. However, the car is equipped with a 4-stroke engine and a 5-speed gearbox. The Patron Aero 125 (RUB 38,000) has a more stylish appearance, a small semi-fairing, cast wheels and a front disc brake.
“MINSK” has a MMVZ-3.114″ Chinese power unit, the chassis is from Belarus.
YAMAHA YBR125 is a modern motorcycle from a venerable brand at a reasonable price.
The Keeway brand appeared on our market relatively recently, but has already gained a good reputation. Which is not surprising: behind it is the Chinese corporation Qianjiang Group, which recently acquired Benelli and is making full use of the experience of the Italians. Keeway Speed 150 (RUB 47,000) is a stylish “classic”, equipped with a 4-stroke engine with an electric starter, cast wheels with disc brakes. Almost the same model is also sold under the name Stels Delta 150. The products of several Russian-Chinese manufacturers are located in the “pole of availability”. A distinctive feature of their cars is a 200 cc engine, which, believe me, is significantly more than 125 cm3. Kovrovsky ZiD-Lifan 200 is the cheapest of this group: 40,500 rubles. In fact, this is the chassis from the familiar “Owl” (ennobled with cast wheels and a disc brake), in which a 4-stroke Chinese-made engine is installed. More expensive are the Izhevsk Forsage 200 Meteor (51,500 rubles) and BM Street 200 from the Kaliningrad company Baltmotors (55,000 rubles).
Baltmotors BM Classic 200 is an example of a “pocket” cruiser.
The Indian company TVS works in alliance with the Japanese corporation Suzuki, and you can feel it: its motorcycles can be distinguished by their modern design and good workmanship. TVS Victor (RUB 53,000) is a classic 125 cc car with a 4-stroke engine and front disc brake. The TVS Apache (RUB 60,000) has a 150 cc engine and backpack-type gas-filled rear shock absorbers. The small semi-fairing gives the device a somewhat aggressive look. Zongshen LZX150-24 is far from the cheapest - 72,000 rubles. One can assume that such a premium is for the glory of winning the Endurance World Championship (though on Suzuki motorcycles). In technical terms, this is a typical representative of modern Chinese “macaques”, except that the semi-fairing is larger and an aerodynamic “beak” is attached below. But the real high cost is the products of the European motorcycle industry: Jawa Dandy 125 costs almost 100,000 rubles! For this money - a design that is truly worthy of its name (and which has hardly become outdated in ten years), rear suspension with a monoshock absorber and disc brakes on both wheels (sportbike 17-inch size). The 4-stroke engine, however, also comes from China... I WANT TO GO TO AMERICA! There are different ways to turn an ordinary road motorcycle into a chopper. Here is the simplest way: we install a teardrop-shaped gas tank, a two-level saddle, a high handlebar, and the front wheel is a little larger than the rear. This is how Patron Tribute 125 (RUB 34,000) and Zongshen LZX125-5B (RUB 60,000) are designed. Iron Eagle DD150E-2 (52,000 rubles) and Iron Eagle DD150E-5 (55,000 rubles) are more interesting: they have an extended base and are equipped with a backrest for the passenger. The motorcycles look very stylish, and the difference between them comes down mainly to variations in the exhaust system: full chrome “pipes” on the “five” and original blackened “stumps” on the “two”.
IRON Eagle DD150E-2 attracts attention with unusual-looking mufflers.
Baltmotors BM Street 200 is a product of a company from Kaliningrad.
KAWASAKI Eliminator 125 is small, but with a name.
The Baltmotors BM Classic 200 (RUB 68,000) and Vento Rebellian 150 (RUB 60,000) are designed in cruiser style. These have cast wheels of small (15-16 inches) diameter, deep fenders, luggage cases, the Vento has a large windshield, and the Baltic has more traction. But the Chinese Guowei GW150-5C (RUB 56,000) effortlessly combines a mishmash of styles: a high chopper handlebar, small cruiser wheels, mufflers angled for a sportbike, a gas tank and the saddle of a classic motorcycle. The “white bone” in this category is the Kawasaki Eliminator 125 (RUB 85,000). It is distinguished by a stretched base, “correct” spoked wheels, a duplex frame, a backrest for a passenger... And a big name.
PATRON Tribute 125 - “Americanization” with minimal means.
JAWA Dandy 125 is, first of all, a non-trivial design.
IN PLASTIC ARMOR. If you want girls to like you, pump up your muscles! If you want to attract buyers, wear a sports outfit! This simple logic apparently motivated the creators of the Chinese Defiant DT-200 Renspeed. It looks like a sportbike. But under the fairing is a conventional tubular frame and a 4-stroke single-cylinder air-cooled engine. So the price is 67,000 rubles. - doesn’t bother me. Even cheaper - 45,000 rubles. — the Chinese Skygo SG200 (III), made according to the same patterns. The designers of the Taiwanese Kymco Quannon 125 (RUB 105,000) did not overthink it either. But here the canons of style are adhered to more strictly: a diagonal frame (even if it is steel), a saddle with a “splash” for the passenger, an instrument panel with a liquid crystal display. An oil cooler helps cool the engine. The Chinese Lifan LF125-30 is suspiciously similar to Kymco, but it has two important advantages over the “Taiwanese”: price (53,000 rubles) and a liquid-cooled engine.
KYMCO Quannon 125-road motorcycle in sportbike clothes.
APRILIA RS125 is a sportbike without any discounts.
But the Aprilia RS125 is, without any discounts, a real sportbike, albeit a small one. The liquid-cooled two-stroke engine is mounted in an aluminum diagonal frame. Despite its combative nature (if you remove all the “chokers” from the engine, it produces about 30 hp and accelerates the vehicle to 160 km/h), it is equipped with an electric starter, a separate lubrication system, and even a balancer shaft. In addition, the motorcycle has an inverted front fork and a 6-speed gearbox. Anyone who is going to master the intricacies of road racing will be pleased with it. It’s not for nothing that Valentino Rossi himself started with its racing version (a racing kit is in the list of options). Only these considerations can be reconciled with the price: about 250,000 rubles!
Text Alexander VORONTSOV
Please ask any questions that arise after reading the article on the specialized forum about motorcycles from China china-moto.ru
Chinese enduro motorcycles: features
The engine capacity of enduro motorcycles ranges from 250 to 450 cm3. Less powerful models are suitable for those who need a bike to ride on city streets, go out of town or for tourism purposes.
Models with capacity from 300 cm3. – have a more professional bias and are suitable for motocross. However, they can also be used as an everyday means of transportation. The cost of specific enduro models depends on engine size. At the same time, such Chinese motorcycles have the following common features:
- Engine. Typically, enduro bikes produced by Chinese manufacturers are equipped with unboosted engines. This makes it possible to ride at lower speeds, eliminating overheating of the power unit. There are also water and oil cooled motorcycles.
- Transmission. Enduros have a manual gearbox, otherwise controlling the bike will become more difficult and only pros will be able to ride it.
- Wheels. The front ones are 21 inches and the rear ones are 18 inches. But there are a number of manufacturers that produce bikes with other wheel sizes.
- Electric starter. Installed on all enduro. But structurally, you can also use a kickstarter if the battery runs out during a trip.
- Suspension. Compared to cross-country bikes, enduro bikes are softer. Irregularities are better “swallowed” and the ride becomes more comfortable. Suspension stiffness is adjustable to suit driving style and road conditions.
- Drive chain. It practically does not stretch, is cast from a reinforced stainless alloy, and has a long service life. An item you can rely on!
- Brakes. Reliable and efficient. Enduros are equipped with a hydraulic disc brake system. They react well if you need to slow down sharply, even on difficult off-road conditions.
Motorcycle MV Agusta Brutale 1000
Prior to the introduction of the Streetfighter V4, the Brutale 1000 Serie Oro was equipped with an engine of the same power. It was introduced in 2022 with a 208 hp engine, which has since been boosted to 212 hp. If you're crazy (and strong) enough to point this beast in a straight line and hold the throttle open long enough, you'll be able to break the 300 km/h mark. Like all MVs, this bike can also be called a work of art.
Chinese motocross motorcycle: how to choose?
Motocross motorcycles are strikingly different from other types of bikes, and to control them you need to have special equipment. Many innovations in such vehicles were introduced back in the 80s. For example, to make it more comfortable to drive, the seat was partially installed above the fuel tank. Drum brakes have been replaced by disc brakes. But when choosing a Chinese motocross motorcycle , consider:
- Height. It is important for a beginner to have a bike that allows him to place both feet on the ground while sitting on it. The dimensions of the motorcycle must correspond to the physique of the person who will ride it.
- Weight. You can understand whether a motorcycle is suitable or not by riding it before buying. This must be done while standing next to the bike, and then sitting on it.
- Landing. The bike should be comfortable to sit on. It is important that your back and arms are in the correct position.
- Colors. Many people consider this parameter to be unimportant. But for a beginner, it’s better to buy a bright bike that can be seen in the mountains and on the road.
- Price. The first motorcycle should not be expensive. And it is better to purchase the following models wisely.
Before buying a motocross motorcycle, you need to understand what you want from it? This vehicle can be chosen for a quiet ride, extreme sports, or rough terrain. The first bike should not be very powerful - a beginner will not be able to cope with this. It is better to abandon a heavy motorcycle, because in the first weeks of riding, the risk of falling from it is high.
BMW S1000RR: 205 hp
BMW had a reputation for great motorcycles even before the brand launched its first superbike in 2009, but with the debut of the S1000RR, success became evident. Inspired by Suzuki's lithe GSX-R1000, the S1000RR delivers extraordinary road manners and incredible track speed. In addition to the 205 hp engine, you can get it with the M Sport package, carbon wheels and all sorts of innovative features.
The best Chinese motorcycles: engine types and sizes
The power units installed in bikes, manufactured in China, are two- and four-stroke. The main difference is the duty cycle.
The internal combustion engine is a two-stroke type, works on compression and expansion. With an identical volume, the power of such engines is 2 times higher than that of four-stroke engines. The cost of servicing a two-stroke internal combustion engine is lower, but their disadvantage is poor ventilation, which reduces torque at medium speeds.
4-stroke engines perform well at medium speeds. But even at idle speed, they have good airflow, so at the start the torque is higher. Compared to two-stroke engines, they weigh more, but benefit in handling.
The size and weight of the engine are related - the more “cubes”, the more the power unit weighs:
- From 50 to 83 cm cubic. Small Chinese motorcycles (mopeds) designed for riding on smooth city streets.
- 125 cm cube They are equipped with a two-stroke internal combustion engine, so they operate at high speeds.
- 250 cm cube A cross-country Chinese motorcycle with such an engine capacity has an ideal power-to-weight ratio. There are two- and four-stroke. Develops good speeds in a straight line. Suitable for driving over rough terrain and performing tricks.
- 450 cm cube Heavy bikes that are not agile, stunts are only possible if a professional is driving.
Damon Hypersport: 200 hp (electric)
The 200 horsepower, 200 Nm Damon electric drivetrain makes this bike frighteningly fast. The maximum speed is rated at 322 km/h. The battery holds 21.5 kWh of energy, which will provide a long range. Damon is promoting this thing more as a technology platform. This is a kind of advertising for their Shift system, which allows you to move the seat, handlebars and footpegs on the go. The Co-Pilot haptic alarm system is impressive, designed to alert you to possible threats before you see them.
Summarize
Every year, motocross and enduro become more popular in Russia. When choosing a motorcycle, you need to pay attention to the reputation and reliability of the manufacturer. When choosing such a technique, you should take into account your physical abilities. Decide which engine to give preference to. It’s better not to skimp on quality, but consider the cost of maintenance.
In addition to the motorcycle, you need to consider the cost of spare parts, their availability and the prices of protective equipment. Cross-country and enduro motorcycles have consumables - almost all parts, many of which need constant replacement. However, this will not stop real fans of rushing into the wind!
Lightning LS-218 (electric)
At 96.5 km/h, this single-speed monster opens its secondary combustion chamber, unleashing an unprecedented rush of acceleration that distorts the sense of space and time. Lightning has opened a new factory in San Carlos, and while the LS218 is still listed as a 200-hp motorcycle, creator Richard Hatfield has revealed a software update that increases power to 248 hp.
Kawasaki H2: 228 horses
The H2 was and is one of Kawasaki's best models. Its base version comes with a 200-horsepower engine, but horsepower is severely limited by firmware, and a simple upgrade could unlock another 30 ponies for those brave enough. The titanium exhaust-only version of the H2R increases the reserve to 310 hp, but this is not legal on public roads.
Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP: 214 hp
Honda has never shown much interest in the horsepower wars, positioning itself 10 or 20 horses away from the more ambitious bikes in the supersport class and letting others win the races. At the same time, the Japanese company concentrated on creating impeccable superbikes for the street. But in 2022, the company finally released a “Fireblade” worthy of this scary name. This is a special limited edition priced at $28,500.
MTT 420 RR (420 hp)
Louisiana-based Marine Turbine Technologies has been making turbine superbikes for 20 years, and the 420 RR is the strangest of them all. It is powered by the same turbocharged Allison 250-C20B engine that powers various Bell and Sikorsky helicopters. Rumor has it that the exhaust fumes are so hot that they can melt the plastic bumpers on cars that sit too close. This is a huge, long, heavy beast that requires special care and awareness when using.
Ducati Superleggera V4
The Panigale V4 is a very fast bike, but Ducati wouldn't be Ducati if it didn't come out with a special edition that didn't break the power record. Not only does this model develop 231 hp. — it weighs only 152 kg thanks to a large number of carbon parts. Every component of this production motorcycle, from the suspension to the brakes and electronics, is absolutely flawless.
