After 15 years with BMW and Japanese motorcycles, I am clear that the next one will be China

I have been driving motorcycles for more than 15 years and I have seen in the first person how the market has progressed. Being a weekend hobby, I usually change a lot of model, and I have gone through practically all renowned brands: Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, BMW, Triumph … I know how to reliable are the Japanese, how expensive it is to maintain a BWM or a TRIUMPh in the official house and also know that Chinese are eating the market.

Look at the Chinese market Years ago is looking at a photograph that has little to do with the one now. The introduction in Europe of the latest models of giants such as Voge and Zontes has completely shaken the sales rankings in Spain. And if I am clear about something, sooner or later, I will end a Chinese motorcycle.

I’m not alone. Sales data in Spain say everything about the success of Chinese manufacturers: Two of the five best -selling brands in our country are Chinese. Specifically, Voge and Zontes are having simply brutal growth, while European struggle to grow marginally.

It is not for less. Both brands are betting on a network of their own dealers (something that can not even afford minority brands, forced to distribute through multi-brands), guarantee above what their rivals and spectacular quality-quality offer.

There are Chinese, and there are Chinese. Talking about “Chinese motorcycles” is a little precise generality. Not all point to the same segment, buyer and market. The cases of Voge, Zontes, Benelli or CF Moto are similar: they want to keep the European market, and their product is designed to conquer its consumer.

This has led to Premiumization of some Chinese motorcycles, such as VOGE 900 DSX that shares a good part of technology with the BMW F 900 GS. In fact, the motorcycle is born as an agreement between the two brands. And that 900cc engine manufactured by Lancin is no exception, it is the result of an agreement with more than 20 years of history.

The price. Chinese motorcycles are mainly conquering for its price. The price of European, Japanese and Italian motorcycles has shot in recent years. A well equipped trail can go to about 20,000 euros, and for 10,000 euros it is difficult to find (buying new). Even segments such as the half -displacement are quite fired: a Honda NX500 (Antigua CB 500 x) costs more than 7,000 euros new.

For 500 euros less, Voge offers the 625x with more displacement, more power (there is version A2 if this worries you) and full set of suitcases and top case for 998 euros. They give the insurance, the motorcycle comes with the shell, grill for Top Case, a five -year guarantee to 75,000km, directional flashing, adjustable windshield, HD front camera … it is not since it comes more equipped than the rest of its rivals, it is that there are accessories to which their rivals cannot even access.

The guarantee. The first question that may arise when you get a Chinese motorcycle is what happens to the guarantee. Most manufacturers are offering five years (above the three years that the European guarantee marks), with national distribution for replacement pieces.

There may be specific pieces that are asked for factory, as in any motorcycle, and there the distribution deadlines will depend on the manufacturer’s agility. The key is that, with a strong commitment to own concessionaires and distribution in Spain, the friction that the use of the guarantee can be minimized.

The Peros. The main peros with Chinese motorcycles, at least today, are intangible. Let’s be clear: the main barrier of entry is the prejudice that the motorcycle is China. The motorcycle world is somewhat different from that of the car: it is reigned by Japanese motorcycles that have been building their image decades and demonstrating their reliability. The Chinese motorcycle needs time to prove that it is reliable and that, in case of breakdown, the brand responds quickly.

It is something that the Internet will help. It is not too hard to find for Chinese motorcycle forums With about 100,000km (considerable figure for a motorcycle) and without needing more than basic maintenance and spare parts. The fate of the motorcycle industry passes through China and, sooner or later, will be sales leaders in Spain.

Image | VOGE

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