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Mar 28
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Another New Chinese imitation of a Sportster

By General Posts

from inputs by Enrico Punsalang at https://www.msn.com/

The Xiang Shuai XN650N Is An Exact Imitation of Sportster 883

It is a Harley-Daivdson in design butt without any resemblance to its performance.

Sportsters have been a bestselling brand of H-D for decades. This latest clone is offered by Chinese manufacturer Xiang Shuai, a rather obscure brand which doesn’t seem to operate anywhere other than mainland China.

Branded XN650N, it is an exact replica of Harley Iron 883. They did not even bother to make tiniest of differentiation. Its fuel tank, headlight, and even the engine casing look almost exactly the same. Powered by a 650cc V-twin engine which supposedly punches 53 hp. Does that mean its more powerful that the Harley-Davidson model? We doubt it at pricing and quality factors.

Refer the previous Chinese imitation we reported — the Motofino Streetboy which looks like the Sportster S model

https://blog.bikernet.com/knock-off-motofino-streetboy-v-maxter-300-looks-eerily-familiar/

Anyways, can you spot any difference between the Iron 883 and the XN650N ? Let us know on our Facebook Page.

Visit : https://www.facebook.com/bikernetbiker

Mar 18
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Harley-Davidson Unveils The X 350 In China

By General Posts

from inputs by Enrico Punsalang from https://www.rideapart.com

The first QJ Motor-built Harley-Davidson machine is ready to hit the road.

Harley-Davidson has confirmed rumors and revealed 2023 X 350 in China. It goes without saying that the X 350 is a bike that marks a new milestone for Harley’s history. It’s their first foray into the sub-500cc segment in the modern era and the first two-wheeler to be crafted by their Chinese partner, QJ Motor.

Retro flair is prominent by the round instrument console, mirrors, and headlight shape, while the aerodynamic and brawny radiator shrouds, as well as the flat-track-inspired tail section, exude a distinctive charm. Interestingly, unlike Harley’s traditional cruisers, the X 350 is entirely devoid of chrome, further adding to its unconventional, surprisingly sporty appeal.

It has mid-controls, a low handlebar, and a tall 32-inch seat height that puts the rider in a more neutral position instead of the usual foot-forward, laid-back posture. A basic digital-analog instrument cluster reflects the fact that this bike was designed with a budget in mind.

H-D X350 is powered by a 353cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine borrowed from previous models in QJ Motor’s lineup. Producing 36 horsepower and 22.8 pound-feet of torque, the chain drive is matched with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Its recognizable fuel tank stores 13.5 liters.

Keep in mind that this motorcycle is exclusive to China and costs approximately $4,793. This is less than comparable motorcycles in the 300 to 400 cc category.

However, the X500 may be aimed at beginner market in USA and would be based on Benelli Leoncino. (Benelli being owned by QJ). It is expected that the Harley-Davidson will launch the X500 first in China and other Asian markets before bringing it home to USA and probably to Europe as well.

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Jan 27
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What We Know About the 2023 Harley-Davidson X350 and X350RA

By General Posts

by Dennis Chung from https://www.motorcycle.com

Streetbike for Asia and a Riding Academy bike for the US

Harley-Davidson held its big 120th anniversary reveal last week, and for the most part, the announcement included the bikes we expected, such as the Nightster Special, and the return of the Breakout with a Milwaukee-Eight 117ci engine. What we also expected to come for 2023 but was not included in the announcement were the X350 and X350RA. Still, despite not being part of the big Jan. 18 announcement, we managed to get our hands on some information confirming more details of the Chinese-built models.

The X350 is the product of Harley-Davidson’s partnership with China’s Qianjiang Motors that was first announced in 2019. After some regulatory delays, the QJ-built X350 is finally close to production as a small-displacement model for Asian markets. The X350 and an X350RA variant appeared in Vehicle Information Number data submitted by QJ to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and as we recently reported, Harley-Davidson included the X350RA in its 2023 model year VIN information.

Following the Jan. 18 announcement, Motorcycle.com has secured a copy of the X350RA’s official owner’s manual, plus a single image of the model, with clear proof it is intended for use for Harley-Davidson’s Riding Academy. We’ve also briefly got a look at the official parts catalog, confirming some of the differences between X350 and X350RA.

The image above briefly appeared on Harley-Davidson’s Service Information Portal, showing a roadster with neutral riding ergonomics and, tellingly, bright orange bars bolted on to either side of the radiator.

The owner’s manual includes an illustration of the X350RA from the rider’s perspective, and it offers another view of the radiator guards. The added protection further confirms our suspicions that the “RA” version of the X350 is intended for the Riding Academy.

The owner’s manual further confirms some specifications of the X350RA. The bike is powered by an eight-valve liquid-cooled Parallel-Twin engine displacing 353cc. The engine isn’t entirely new but a larger version of the engine employed by the QJ-built Benelli 302S. The X350’s 45.2 mm stroke is the same as the Benelli’s, but its 70.5 mm cylinder bore is larger than the 302S’ 65.0 mm. The X350’s 11.9:1 compression ratio is just slightly off the 12:1 ratio of the Benelli 302S.

The X350 reportedly claims an output of 36 hp, but the Harley-Davidson VIN information confirms the X350RA will only claim 23 hp. An executive order issued by the California Air Resources Board further confirms that the RA model has been restricted, as it certifies the X350 and X350RA alongside a “derating removed” version of the RA which would presumably offer its full power output.

The owner’s manual further confirms the X350RA will have a circular instrument module with an analog speedometer and a small digital screen displaying mileage, time or engine speed.

The manual provides instructions for adjusting the damping on the inverted fork and rear shock. Also present are ABS and dual petal-shaped disc brakes, which is a bit of a surprise as many of Harley-Davidson’s larger, more powerful models still only use a single front disc brake.

The X350RA runs on 17-inch wheels, front and back. Pirelli supplies its Angel CT tires with a 110/70-17 up front and a 150/60-17 at the rear. From the parts catalog, we can confirm the non-RA model will have larger tires, with a 120/70-17 up front and 160/60-17 at the rear.

According to the owner’s manual, the X350RA claims a running weight of 440 pounds,with its 3.6-gallon fuel tank at 90% capacity. We expect the non-RA model to come in a bit lighter as it lacks the protective bars. The X350RA also has a 55.5-inch wheelbase, 5.6 inches of ground clearance, and a 30-inch seat height.

We don’t expect to have much longer to wait before Harley-Davidson officially announces the X350 and X350RA. While we thought there was a chance it would have been part of the Jan. 18 announcement, we can see how a small-displacement Chinese-manufactured Riding Academy model would stick out in an event focused on Harley-Davidson’s 120th anniversary. Harley-Davidson likely has a coordinated launch plan with Qianjiang for both the X350 and X350RA

Dec 18
Love0

Knock-off? Motofino Streetboy V-Maxter 300 Looks Eerily Familiar

By General Posts

by Enrico Punsalang from https://www.rideapart.com

This cruiser was clearly inspired by one of Milwaukee’s finest cruisers.
Motofino Streetboy V-Maxter 300 From China Looks Eerily Familiar

The Chinese domestic market is littered with motorcycles that will have you looking twice. Why? Because you’ll be wondering why the bike you’re looking at looks like some weird caricature of some other more popular bike from an actual reputable manufacturer. Don’t get me wrong, not all made-in-China bikes are blatant copycats—I mean, look at the likes of Benelli and CFMOTO, brands which are rapidly expanding their foothold in the global market.

That said, we’re not here to talk about reputable Chinese motorcycles today, as we’ve been doing that quite a bit following EICMA 2022. Instead, let’s take a look at the newest kid to copy someone else’s homework, the Motofino Streetboy V-Maxter 300. While I was chuckling under my breath typing that name, I couldn’t help but realize that the flavor of the month, if you will, of Chinese motorcycle makers is cruisers. We previously talked about copycat Chinese sportbikes like the Moxiao Funny-Gale, and the Finja, a ZX-10R clone. This time around, Chinese manufacturer Motofino thought it’d be a good idea to get in on the sporty cruiser segment.

What better “sporty cruiser” to imitate than the Harley-Davidson Sportster S? The newest member of the Sportster family has received global acclaim owing to its unique styling and killer performance. As such, it’s not surprising that the Steetboy V-Maxter 300 used the Sportster S as…let’s just call it inspiration.

Up front, the Streetboy has a wide oval headlight like that of the Sportster. It even copies the lines of the Milwaukee roadster with its fuel tank and seat and tail section. Heck, even the “Streetboy Motofino” font emblazoned on the fuel tank is a direct copy of Harley’s typeface.

Granted, the Streetboy misses out on some of the Sportster S’ defining features. For instance, it doesn’t get the humongous and wide 150-cross section front tire. Neither does it get the raised exhaust system reminiscent of vintage flat trackers. It also doesn’t get the low-slung stance of the Sportster S, instead opting for a more generic, somewhat dorky stance.

From a performance perspective, the Streetboy doesn’t even begin to compare to the Harley Sportster S. However, it’s interesting to see that the bike makes use of some familiar underpinnings. For a few years now, fellow Chinese manufacturer QJ Motor has been working with Harley-Davidson for a smaller V-twin powered model specific to the Asian market. As it would turn out, other manufacturers have been getting their hands on this engine, including the Streetboy, which packs the same 300cc V-twin engine. Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, it sends power to the rear wheel via a belt-driven six-speed manual transmission.

At the end of the day, the Motofino Streetboy is just one of hundreds, if not thousands, of motorcycles that imitate the styling of popular models in China. As such, the likelihood of this bike making its way to the international market is pretty slim. Having said that, small-displacement models from Harley-Davidson are set to make their way to the Asian, and maybe even European markets, soon.

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May 08
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Chinese Copycat Motrac Unicorn 800 thinks it’s an MV Agusta Superveloce

By General Posts

by Pradeep Shah from https://www.financialexpress.com

China does it again! The home country of Covid-19 is now in the news headlines for one more shameful reason and that is copycat bikes. Here is one more example!

Chinese are very well known for copying designs of some highly respected products and coming out with cheap clones. Auto manufacturers in China have been doing this for years now and very recently, we have come across one more example. This time around, the very gorgeous-looking MV Agusta Superveloce 800 falls prey to this copycat treatment in China. The clone bike is better known as the Motrac Unicorn 800. The Hong Kong-based brand also had the guts to showcase this bike publically at this year’s Chongqing Auto Show in China. Starting with the front section, the bike gets the same circular headlamp as the Superveloce and the front fairing looks quite similar too, however, it fails to make a mark because well, a copy is always a copy.

As you proceed towards the rear, things start to turn ugly as the bike gets a quite regular box-section swingarm compared to the single-sided unit that further adds to the enchanting visuals of the MV Agusta Superveloce. The dual exhausts on the right look no less than an eyesore as well and the rounded rear tail lamp mimics the rear end of the Agusta, however, this again fails to look half as pleasing and doesn’t gel well with the overall design. Speaking of the cycle parts, the bike gets 17-inch wheels at both ends paired with a 140-section front and chunky 200-section rear tyres. The Motrac Unicorn 800 gets its stopping duties done with the help of twin 320mm discs upfront along with a single 300mm disc unit at the rear, coupled to a standard dual-channel ABS.

Powering the Motrac Unicorn 800, as the name suggests, is an 800cc twin-cylinder engine that is good for developing 60 hp of power along with 70 Nm of torque. In comparison, the original Italian beauty draws power from a 798cc, three-cylinder motor that churns out 146 hp of power while the peak torque output is rated at 88 Nm. That said, the performance of the MV is something that its Chinese clone can only dream of.

Apr 08
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Planned Electric Motorcycle from Segway

By General Posts

by Florina Spînu from https://www.autoevolution.com

Hydrogen-Fueled Segway Apex H2 Makes a Stunning Appearance, Production Possible

Looking straight out of the “Tron” movie, a new electric motorcycle called Apex H2, a two-wheeler packed with neon lights and powered by hydrogen fuel cells, was shown this week by Segway’s Chinese parent company Ninebot.

Presented as a continuation of the Segway Apex that was presented a while back, the Chinese company hopes to turn the H2 into a unique product in a few years’ time.

So, what are the features of Apex H2?

First, we have a redesigned frame compared to what we were already shown, only it adds hydrogen power to the mix. More to the point, the bike should get its juice from hydrogen cylinders, which will probably be swappable and refillable. For now, not many details on these are available, given how the product is still in its early stages.

According to Ninebot, the Apex H2 will have a power output of 80 hp, and it should reachh 100 kph (62 mph) in four seconds. Additionally, the motorcycle will have a top speed of 150 kph (93 mph).

Said to be priced at approximately $10,700, the innovative motorcycle is not exactly a low-cost two-wheeled vehicle. However, considering what it promises to put on the table, it could become a strong competitor on the market. This new hybrid motorcycle is scheduled to come out in 2023.

Even though the Segway Apex is still some years away, Segway’s legacy lives on. Its latest products are e-scooters, hoverboards, and other devices that act as an extension of the human body. The company presented in 2020 the Segway S-Pod, a self-balancing chair for urban transport operated by an intuitive assistive navigation panel. It is also developing electric ATVs and dirt e-bikes.

In 2015 Segway was purchased by the Chinese competitor Ninebot, a company that raised no less than $80 million from investors like Xiaomi.

Mar 19
Love2

Harley-Davidson Sportster 300 Could Soon Become A Reality

By General Posts

by Enrico Punsalang from https://www.rideapart.com

We’ve known that Harley-Davidson has plans of rolling out a 300cc cruiser in the not-too-distant future as part of its ‘Rewire’ strategy for some time now. We also know that said 300cc cruiser is being co-developed by Chinese motorcycle manufacturer, Qianjiang Motor who own the Italian Benelli motorcycle brand. Now, while China-U.S. relations are not something I want to talk about, this new bike certainly is.

As it would appear, the baby Harley seems to be coming even closer to reality. Previously, we only had the concept art to show just what the American-Chinese venture had in store for us. This time around, we have an actual photo from type-approval documents filed by QJ Motor for the SRV300. Now, while this bike bears the QJ branding, I’m almost certain that this bike will be the basis for the upcoming entry-level Harley-Davidson positioned for the Asian market.

Interestingly, the new bike features a V-twin engine. Now, given the fact that it bears a displacement of just 296 cubes, this means that this could be the cutest and most compact V-twin to wear the Harley badge. On top of this, we can see that the overall design of the SRV300 draws heavy inspiration from some of the MoCo’s bigger bikes, such as the Sportster Iron 883, and the now-defunct Street 750. While not producing as much grunt as its bigger half-siblings, the SRV300 pumps out a decent 30 horsepower—plenty powerful for the folks over in Asia.

As it would turn out, the partnership between Harley-Davidson and Qianjiang Motor seems to be going strong, with no signs of slowing down. Indeed, the Asian market is a good place for Harley-Davidson to increase its sales volumes, thanks to a growing economy, which translates to increased buying power within the middle class. While a cult following for H-D’s big bikes does exist in multiple Asian countries, the MoCo stands the chance to grow its brand even further by tapping into the mid-tier segment, and positioning its smaller bikes as aspirational products to first-time big bike riders.

May 27
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Chinese copy of Vespa Primavera declared invalid by EU

By General Posts

by Sajan C Kumar from https://www.financialexpress.com

The EUIPO invalidity division annulled the registration since it was “incapable of eliciting a different general impression” with respect to the registered design of the Vespa Primavera, and pointed out that the registration was an unlawful attempt to reproduce the scooter’s aesthetic elements.

Italian two-wheeler and commercial vehicle manufacturer Piaggio Group, which has significant brand equity in India, has won a battle against the Chinese copy of its iconic scooter Vespa by getting the design of the ‘lookalike’ invalidated by the invalidity division of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). The Group’s Baramati facility in Maharashtra produces 3- and 4-wheel cargo vehicles for the the Indian market and export, Vespa scooters for the local market, Aprilia scooters as well as diesel and turbocharged diesel engines for the Group’s commercial vehicles.Piaggio Group, in a statement, said that a design registered by a Chinese party, used to justify the production of scooters similar to the Vespa exhibited at the EICMA 2019 two-wheeler show in Milan, had been declared invalid by the invalidity division of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). The alleged copycat has also been removed by the authorities of the Fiera exhibition centre, after a complaint was lodged by Piaggio.

The EUIPO invalidity division annulled the registration since it was “incapable of eliciting a different general impression” with respect to the registered design of the Vespa Primavera, and pointed out that the registration was an unlawful attempt to reproduce the scooter’s aesthetic elements. The Vespa Primavera is protected by the design registered by the Piaggio Group in 2013, by the three-dimensional trademark of the Vespa scooter and by the copyright that safeguards the artistic value of the shape of the Vespa, a style icon since 1946.

The invalidity proceedings were part of the wider activities against counterfeiting undertaken by the Piaggio Group for years. This includes continuous monitoring of the databases of internationally registered designs and trademarks, which, as a result of the opposition proceedings initiated by Piaggio, has led to the cancellation of more than 50 trademarks registered by third parties in the last two years.Piaggio Group, on May 11, said that all its production facilities around the world have resumed operations after the shutdown due to the Covid-19 virus. Production also started up again this morning at the Indian factory in Baramati. In India, the lockdown among dealers ended last week, with the re-opening of around 190 commercial vehicle and two-wheeler dealers, and the subsequent resumption of commercial activities. Piaggio Group’s Italian factories went back to work on May 4, whereas the Vietnamese facility experienced slowdowns in operations due to suppliers but always continued production.

Releasing the first quarter results on May 8, Piaggio Group chair and CEO Roberto Colaninno, said: “Despite the dreadful emergency created by the world pandemic, the Piaggio Group has successfully passed the first-quarter test and is investing in the future in terms of sustainable, technologically advanced mobility for people as well as for goods transportation. 2020 is obviously a complicated year and it is difficult to have any certainties, but every decision is and will be considered very carefully to ensure we maintain adequate capital ratios. I am confident, it couldn’t be otherwise.” Piaggio Group reported a net profit for the first quarter of 2020 of €3.1 million against €7.8 million in the first quarter of 2019. In India in the first quarter of 2020 the Piaggio Group sold 37,400 commercial vehicles, with a reduction of 14.4% in net sales. Piaggio Vehicles Private (PVPL), the Indian subsidiary had an overall share of 24.3% of the domestic three-wheeler market and confirmed its leadership in the cargo segment with a share of 47.2%, up from 44.8% in the first quarter of 2019.

May 19
Love0

Benelli SRK 600 street fighter spied undisguised

By General Posts

by Nithyanandh Karuppaswamy from https://www.rushlane.com

Chinese-owned Italian motorcycle brand Benelli is in the process of strengthening its middle-weight sportsbike portfolio

Several months ago, a sharp looking street fighter with 600 badge was spied in China, sparking speculations that it was the next generation TNT 600i. However, in November 2019, Benelli unveiled the new gen TNT 600i which looked more like a facelift of the current version and had nothing in common with the previously spotted prototype.

The sportier version of the 600 has now emerged online again, this time with SRK 600 moniker. It looks like Benelli SRK 600 is a premium alternative to the TNT 600i with additional features.

Visually, the Benelli SRK 600 is up there with contemporary street fighters with a sporty headlamp, complete with aerodynamic cowl. The new motorcycle also features edgy fuel tank with sharp extensions and a stubby cantilevered tailpiece with contoured seat and a minimal taillight.

As far as the hardware is concerned, the Benelli SRK 600 appears to inherit its TNT sibling’s components. The new street fighter is underpinned by a trellis frame which is supported by a sturdy inverted telescopic front fork and an eccentrically mounted rear monoshock. The alloy swingarm also looks pretty similar to the unit seen on the new TNT 600i. The 17-inch alloy wheels, thick rubber, twin front discs and a single rear disc are also identical to those of the TNT.

The four down-tubes confirm that the 600 cc inline-four cylinder engine has been carried forward as well. On board the 2020 Benelli TNT 600i, the sweet sounding motor produces 81.6 hp and 51 Nm of torque. Transmission is a 6-speed unit. Considering that the SRK 600 will be positioned above the TNT 600i, we expect the motor to dish out a slightly higher power output. The SRK ditches the underbelly exhaust for a short canister which terminates just below the swing arm.

From the spyshots, we can also observe that the Benelli SRK 600 is equipped with color TFT instrument panel, a flat handlebar, alloy brake and clutch levers. We expect the sportsbike to offer riding modes and a few electronic systems like multi-stage traction control and ABS.

The Benelli SRK 600 is expected to make its world premiere at EICMA 2020 in November provided the even is not cancelled. We expect the motorcycle to make it to India a few months later. Benelli’s immediate focus in India after this lockdown period would be to upgrade its existing portfolio to BS6 emission standards before ushering in new products.

Apr 24
Love0

China-made Brixton 1200 cleared for production

By General Posts

by Pradeep Shah from https://www.financialexpress.com

China-made Brixton 1200 cleared for production: 1200cc modern classic has Bonneville T120 in its sights!

About the new 1200cc model, Brixton says that it “shows the way of Brixton Motorcycles into even higher capacity classes and proves the development competence of our brand.”

Brixton 1200 – a 1200cc modern classic has been cleared to enter production as per a report on Bennetts. The modern classic will lock horns against the likes of the Triumph Bonneville T120 in the segment. Showcased as a concept at 2019 EICMA motorcycle show, the said model will be made in China. However, Brixton comes under the KSR Group from Austria that is responsible for importing motorcycles from multiple Chinese manufacturers. The design and engineering part for the Brixton 1200 has been taken care of at KSR’s design center that is located in Krups, Austria. The Brixton will most likely draw power from a 1200cc, parallel-twin engine that will put itself very much in the Bonneville T120 territory. In terms of aesthetics, the Brixton 1200 looks like a proper modern classic with an all-LED rounded headlamp upfront, wired wheels, all-black theme and touches of chrome just at the right places.

About the new 1200cc model, Brixton says that it “shows the way of Brixton Motorcycles into even higher capacity classes and proves the development competence of our brand.” As of now, the exact timeline for the production of Brixton 1200 isn’t clear and the company says that it wants to create a technically mature vehicle without time pressure, a vehicle that meets more than just the high-quality requirements in these cubic capacity classes.

Apart from showcasing the Brixton 1200, the company launched Crossfire 500 and Crossfire 500X last year. The two get power from a 486 cc, parallel-twin motor good for churning out 47 bhp of power. The said models entered production soon after they were showcased as concepts and the same can be expected from the Brixton 1200 as well. More details on the Brixton 1200 expected soon, so stay tuned for all the updates!

Also, will the Brixton 1200 be able to give a tough fight to the Triumph Bonneville 120?