10 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Buy A Chinese Motorcycle
You might have heard someone saying, “A Chinese motorcycle? You must be joking!” And it’s easy to see why. Not long ago, the idea of buying a Chinese motorcycle would have seemed like a wild fantasy, since their cheap prices usually indicated low quality. But times are changing, and it’s now more common than ever to find them on the roads.
While Chinese motorcycles have some appealing qualities, they’re by no means without risks. Chinese motorcycles can seem like a bargain, but with all of their potential pitfalls, they are anything but cheap. Whether you’re looking for reliability or performance, a Chinese motorcycle is rarely the right choice due to high maintenance costs, poor quality spare parts, and questionable warranties. Here are 10 reasons why Chinese bikes are still best avoided.
1 Quality Of Parts And Components
Lifan KPR 200 on the street
Chinese motorcycles have been criticized for offering lower levels of quality when compared to Japanese or European motorcycles. Manufacturing shortcomings often lead to more frequent breakdowns, poor performance and longevity, things that are sure to take their financial toll on the owner and leave them with headaches.
It makes far more sense to opt for a higher quality motorcycle from a reliable manufacturer, so you can hit the road with confidence. Take for example the Lifan KPR 200, a Chinese-made sport bike that started appearing in global markets mid-way through 2014. The bike was an instant hit with inexperienced riders looking for something flashy but had the unfortunate distinction of being unreliable and difficult to service due its subpar build quality.
2 Checkered Reliability Record
Blue Lifan KPS200-4V new with white background
Quality concerns are only part of the problem, as these motorcycles suffer from reliability issues, too. People often report issues with parts wearing out quickly and regular servicing being necessary for optimal performance. As time goes on and these parts continue to degrade, owners may find themselves sinking large sums of money into repairs and replacements – making the initial price of purchasing the bike seem like small change in comparison. This means that instead of getting years of use out of the bike, you could be facing major repair costs after only a few months of riding.
3 Weak Aftermarket Support And Limited Spares
Black Haojue NK150S
Chinese motorcycles have grown in popularity in recent years due to their affordability, but this comes at a cost; they rarely come with aftermarket support, resulting in limited availability of parts. Most Chinese motorcycles make it extremely difficult to source spare parts due to limited distribution within the U.S. and Europe.
If you need tires and brake pads, chances are you won’t find them easily, or at the very least they will be expensive. Without any kind of tech-support, if things go wrong you might end up paying a lot more than the bike is worth to get it fixed. This can be especially discouraging for new riders.
4 Lack Of Safety Features
White NK 150 parked in a street
Buying a Chinese motorcycle can be a risky decision, as there are often significant safety limitations found in these vehicles. The biggest concern is that there is usually a lack of safety-oriented features, such as ABS brakes. Without the necessary safety equipment, you may be more likely to get into an accident and suffer potentially severe injuries from it.
Moreover, because Chinese motorcycles are not built with the same standards of quality as those from other countries, there is also the possibility of their sudden malfunction or breakdown due to poor construction. Therefore, for anyone looking for a safe and reliable ride, investing in a Chinese motorcycle does not seem like the best option.
5 Inadequate Warranty Coverage And Customer Service Problems
White Haojue DR 160S black background
One important factor to consider is the warranty coverage and customer service issues associated with Chinese bikes. The typical warranty coverage for Chinese motorcycles often lacks in both scope and duration when compared to leading bike brands. In addition, securing assistance or parts for your Chinese motorcycle could prove difficult due to a general lack of accessible customer service centers and limited resources in other countries. All of these factors can ultimately impact the longevity of your new bike, so it is important to weigh up all potential risks before making any buying decisions.
6 Difficult To Get Insurance For Chinese Motorcycles
white and black Zongshen infinity
When it comes time to insure your Chinese motorcycle, you won’t find the same level of enthusiasm for them as say, a Honda or Yamaha. It will be difficult to find an insurance company willing to cover Chinese motorcycles as many are unwilling to accept the risk associated. Plus, even if you do happen to find a provider, most companies will only accept plans with limited coverage and strict terms. Insurance companies may also find it more challenging to cover Chinese motorcycles due to a lack of parts and repair services.
7 Limited Customization Options
Black RZ 3 Zongshen
For many enthusiasts, customizing their ride plays an important part of owning a bike. Unfortunately, those looking to customize their Chinese motorcycle may be disappointed by the limited options available. Since production happens in bulk, there is often little diversity between models.
This means that you are unlikely to get the same level of customization like you would from other leading brands. Though basic maintenance may still be possible, these bikes might not possess the same degree of appeal for someone who loves tweaking and playing with their setup. Customers are not able to achieve the level of individuality and uniqueness they desire as a result.
8 Easy To Steal Chinese Bikes
White Haojue DR 160S black background
Budget-conscious motorcyclists who are considering a Chinese bike should be aware that it may be more vulnerable to theft or damage than Japanese, American, or European models. Given the fact that they use substandard materials for these bikes, unfavorable weather conditions or rough terrain can cause irreparable damage that puts an end to your riding experience. Locking mechanisms are also easy to break any bypass. This means they will deteriorate faster, likely get stolen more often, and even if you are able to find an insurance company willing to insure the thing the premium will be unreasonable.
9 They Have A Bad Reputation
orange RC3 Zongsehnmotor
As technology has advanced over the years, many of the major motorcycle manufacturers have shifted some of their production to China in order to remain competitive. However, when it comes to buying a bike, you should consider that Chinese motorcycles have a pretty poor reputation compared to other established brands.
Non-Chinese brands such as Harley-Davidson or Yamaha have been around for many years, and are trusted in terms of their quality and reliability; whereas Chinese companies are still fairly new in the market, so there isn’t as much data, and what there is, isn’t good. While some Chinese motorcycle manufacturers have made efforts to improve quality and reliability, the reputation of their various brands remains a significant challenge for the industry.
10 They Have A Poor Resale Value
black and orange ZongShen RX3S
Investing in a motorcycle is a big decision, and if you are considering buying a Chinese one, you should be aware of the poor resale value they generally have due to their low build quality. While Chinese motorcycles may advertise luxurious features that make them attractive at first glance, these features typically don’t add much to their overall value after the purchase. When it comes time to sell or trade your bike, you will find it difficult to get even close to what you paid for it.
Despite the increasing quality standards in recent years, certain issues like poor manufacturing methods, false warranties, and lack of user-friendly customer service are still very real concerns. Overall it may not be worth your while to go through all the potential trouble by rolling the dice when it comes to Chinese motorcycles. Ultimately, doing research prior to purchase can save you time, frustration and money in the long run.
