Complete Guide to Buying a Chinese Motorcycle

Egle Gerulaityte | 10/23/2021

So many things have been said and written about Chinese motorcycles and Chinese motorcycle brands. For the longest time, the general assumption has been that motorcycles with Chinese names stamped on them just aren’t cut out for serious motorcycling. These days, however, motorcycle reviewers and enthusiasts are unsurprisingly reversing their earlier verdicts on Chinese motorcycles.

Granted, Chinese motorcycle brands, for a long time, focused on making small, single-cylinder bikes that were only put to transportation use. Some Chinese motorcycle engines were clones based on the Honda Cub, the Honda CG, and the Honda 400 single-cylinders. Other China motorcycles have been based on Yamaha designs. The most common is the CG clone, a low-maintenance and simple single developed for the Brazilian market. The CG engine is a ubiquitous design used worldwide, with variants ranging from 125cc to 229cc.

Things are changing fast for Chinese motorcycle manufacturers, though.

The Rebirth of Chinese Motorcycles

Since acceptance in the US market is often seen as the key driver for sales elsewhere, the majority of Chinese motorcycle manufacturers are always interested in the US market. For instance, the US acceptance of the Chinese motorcycle, Zongshen RX3, led to enormous sales of that motorcycle in Colombia and other Central and South American countries.

For one, Chinese motorcycle sales in the US are increasing even though they’re still not as popular as US motorcycle sales. Chinese motorcycles are lighter and smaller than most other bikes available in the United States, but they offer reliability and low costs. The Chinese bike industry has refined its engine-making skills, stepping up effort in making large-capacity multicylinder engine designs that are bigger and faster – much like their Western counterparts.

As a result, Chinese bikes are both more attractive to new riders and have better quality. The issue of Chinese motorcycles being of lower quality is long in the past. China’s motorcycle industry has advanced to a global scale by adopting modern manufacturing methods, and China is now a key source of parts for major motorcycle manufacturers worldwide.

What are Chinese motorcycle brands?

Chinese motorcycle brands began to take the world market around 1978. Some of the most popular Chinese motorcycle brands today are:

Zongshen: This Chinese motorcycle brand is one of China’s biggest manufacturing companies, established in 1992. Zongshen primarily focuses on making accessible, low-displacement motorcycles. They are especially a leader in Chinese motorcycles 250cc.

Lifan: Founded in 1992, Lifan is a Chinese motorcycle brand known for making cheap Chinese motorcycles that are durable and easy to maintain. They make different classes of motorcycles including entry-level motorcycles and dirt bikes.

Loncin: Loncin Chinese motorcycles are known throughout the world. In Italy, its motorcycles are sold under the Italian brand name. It’s sold under the AKT brand name while in Colombia, and as Viper Motorcycles in Ukraine.

Benelli: Benelli is the pioneer manufacturer of mid-size motorcycles in China. They are the popular manufacturers of Chinese motorcycles 250cc and other mid-range cheap Chinese motorcycles and mopeds.

Other popular Chinese Motorcycle brands include:

Chang Jiang
Lexmoto
FB Mondial
CFMoto
Zontes
Voge
AJS
Baotian
Chang Jiang
Evoke
Jinan Qingqi
Jincheng Suzuki
Qianjiang
Yinxiang
Znen

10 Best Chinese Motorcycles

Following are our 10 best Chinese motorcycles. We’ve selected these Chinese motorcycles primarily based on their affordability. Further, we consider their engine type, ease of maintenance, and their similarities to the Japanese, European and American kinds of motorcycles.

1. Benelli TNT 600

Although Benelli is an Italian company, it’s majorly owned by Zhejiang, a Chinese company. Benelli TNT 600 is an inexpensive, reliable, durable, and easy-to-maintain Chinese motorcycle. We’ve chosen Benelli TNT 600 as one of our best Chinese motorcycles in the China motorcycle world because it has the sound, feel, and general aesthetic of the European bike and other popular motorcycles. $5,999.00

Emission type	BS6
Number of cylinders	4
Max power	85.04 PS @ 11500 rpm
Engine displacement	600cc
Max torque	54.6 Nm @ 10500 rpm
ABS	Dual channel
Tachometer	Analogue
Max speed	NA

2. Lexmoto LXR380

The Lexmoto LXR380 Chinese motorcycle has a 378cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine with Supersports chassis. It’s one of the cheap Chinese motorcycles available on the market, yet with very decent performance. The Lexmoto LXR380 China motorcycle has twin wave disc front brakes and a full aerodynamic fairing. This Chinese motorcycle makes our list because of its affordable price and performance.

Emission type	Euro 4
Engine type	Twin, four-stroke
Max power	35.0 hp (25.5 kW) @ 9000 rpm
Engine displacement	378.0 ccm (23.07 cubic inches)
Fuel capacity	13.50 liters (3.57 US gallons)
Transmission type	Chain
Fuel system	Injection
Max speed	145.0 km/h (90.1 mph)

3. CFMoto 650 NK TT

The CFMoto 650 NK TT is a Chinese motorcycle with a 650cc parallel-twin engine design that puts out around 60bhp. Its engine is liquid-cooled, has a Bosch fuel injection system, and is Euro 4 emissions compliant. CFMoto 650 NK TT China motorcycle has Metzeler tires, LED lighting, and a digital dashboard. No doubt, this Chinese bike makes our list because it’s well priced for its spec.

Emission type	BS6
Engine type	2-cylinder inline, 8-valve, Liquid-cooled, DOHC, BOSCH EFI
Number of cylinders	2
Max power	61.18 PS @ 9000 rpm
Engine displacement	649.3 cc
Max torque	56 NM @ 7000 rpm
ABS	Dual Channel
Cooling system	Liquid-cooled
Transmission	Manual

4. Benelli 752S

This Chinese motorcycle has a parallel-twin engine with a 754cc capacity. With that type of engine, the 752S puts out around 75bhp, from a high-tech fuel-injected, DOHC, eight-valve liquid-cooled layout. Benelli 752S is equipped with an LCD dashboard, LED lighting, and ABS. This Chinese bike is among our picks because of its minimalist, stylish bodywork as well as its engine design.

Emission type	BS4
Engine type	Liquid Cooled, Inline 2 Cylinder, 4-Valves, DOHC
Number of cylinders	2
Max power	81.57 PS @ 9000 rpm
Engine displacement	754 cc
Max torque	67 Nm @ 6500 rpm
ABS	Dual Channel
Transmission	Manual
Clutch	Wet, multiple disc

5. Evoke Urban Classic

The Evoke Urban Classic Chinese motorcycle is an electric motorcycle by Evoke. This Chinese bike makes the equivalent of 26hp, but it can provide all that even at 0 rpm. The Evoke Urban Classic can reach 80mph, as well as go over 130 miles on a charge. We selected this Chinese bike because of its power.

Motor power	19000 W
Drive type	Hub motor
Max torque	116.6 Nm
Range	200 km/charge
Transmission	Automatic
Starting	Self Start Only
ABS	No
Braking type	Combi Brake System

6. Zontes ZT310-T

The Zontes ZT310-T is a street touring Chinese motorcycle with a 312cc four-stroke single-cylinder engine that works like a bigger engine, giving 35hp. We’ve included this Chinese bike in our top 10 best because of its suitability for learning.

Gearbox	6-speed
Engine type	Single cylinder, four-stroke
Fuel control	Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Max power	34.9 hp (25.5 kW)) @ 9500 rpm
Engine displacement	312.0 ccm (19.04 cubic inches)
Max torque	30.0 Nm (3.1 kgf-m or 22.1 ft.lbs) @ 7500 rpm
Fuel system	Injection
Transmission	Chain
Compression	12.5:1

7. VOGE 300RR

The VOGE 300 RR is a Chinese motorcycle inspired by the Kawasaki Ninja 300 and the KTM 390R. It’s a sports bike that uses a 292cc four-stroke single-cylinder that produces 30 hp. We consider this bike as one of our top 10 Chinese motorcycles because of its featherweight of 360 lbs (wet).

Displacement	292.4 ccm (17.84 cubic inches)
Engine type	Single cylinder, four-stroke
Fuel system	Injection
Max power	29.0 hp (21.2 kW)) @ 8500 rpm
Gearbox	6-speed
Max torque	25.0 Nm (2.5 kgf-m or 18.4 ft.lbs) @ 7000 rpm
Cooling system	Liquid
Transmission	Chain
Top speed	135.0 km/h (83.9 mph)

8. AJS Isaba 125

The AJS Isaba 125 is a Chinese bike with USD front forks, a combined braking system, and smart LED lighting. Although it’s a little down on power—with just 11bhp—the AJS Isaba 125 has a 136kg dry weight. Aside from its affordability, this Chinese motorcycle makes our list because it’s great on fuel and running costs.

Displacement	124.50 ccm
Engine type	Single cylinder, four-stroke
Fuel system	Injection
Max power	10.73 HP (7.8 kW)) @ 9500 rpm
Top speed	96.6 km/h (60.0 mph)
Max torque	8.72 Nm (0.9 kgf-m or 6.4 ft.lbs) @ 8000 rpm
Gearbox	5-speed
Transmission	Chain
Clutch type	Wet, multi-plate

9. CFMoto 400GT

The CFMoto 400GT is an easy-to-ride parallel-twin 400cc sport touring Chinese motorcycle. It has a full-color display dash similar to those on KTM bikes, and also puts out 27 lb-ft of torque. We choose this bike because it’s very easy to ride.

Displacement	400 cc
Engine type	Liquid-cooled, 2 cylinders inline 4-stroke
Fuel system	Fuel Injection
Starting	Self start only
Emission type	BS4
Transmission	Manual
Cooling system	Liquid-cooled
Compression ratio	11.3:1
Gearbox	6 speed

10. FB Mondial HPS-300

The FB Mondial HPS-300 is an inexpensive neo-retro Chinese motorcycle with a 250cc four-stroke engine. This Chinese bike is well known across Europe for its great build quality and durability, and this bike makes our list because of those qualities.

Displacement	249.0 ccm (15.19 cubic inches)
Engine type	Single cylinder, four-stroke
Fuel control	Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Torque	22.0 Nm (2.2 kgf-m or 16.2 ft.lbs) @ 7000 rpm
Transmission type	Chain
Lubrication system	Wet sump
Cooling system	Liquid
Compression ratio	11.5:1
Valve per cylinder	4

What are the cheap Chinese motorcycles?

China motorcycles of 125cc displacements are often the cheapest Chinese motorcycles for sale. Some of the cheapest Chinese motorcycles brands include:

Hokii 150-23A ($625)
Minimoto DG02-A Dirt Bike ($491)
CBU GP1 ($450)
Upbeat DB125-CRFN ($500)
Apollo Rfz Gazelle AGB-34-2 ($450)
Emto DB012 ($320)
RZM 125J ($500)

What are the best Chinese 250cc motorcycles?

The best Chinese 250cc motorcycles are commonly dirt bikes. Listed below are some of the best 250cc Chinese motorcycles for sale:

X-Pro Hawk 250cc
Zongshen RX3
X-Pro DB-W005
Apollo AGB-36-250cc
Lifan X-Pect
X-Pro Hawk DLX 250 EFI

Where to buy Chinese motorcycles?

There are so many Chinese motorcycle dealers out there, but it’s best to engage the trusted ones. Some of the trusted Chinese motorcycle dealers offering Chinese motorcycles for sale include:

After You Buy a Chinese Motorcycle

Following are tips every owner of a Chinese motorcycle should know:

Always ensure your chains and sprockets are lubricated. When you oil your chain, you’ll benefit from less friction and better performance.
Always clean your air filter thoroughly, dry it well and then soak it with air filter oil.
Prevent rust and corrosion by always cleaning the outside of your pipe. Check the muffler packing while you’re down there.
The carburetor is more than likely to give out first if it isn’t maintained. Even if you’re not riding, you need to check the carburetor and your jet plugs, because the evaporated gas residue can get on them.
Be mindful of the condition of your transmission fluid or gear oil. When you are unsure, always use fresh oil.
The security of your Chinese bike is very important. Many bikers use security chains, padlocks, and ground anchors. To prevent your Chinese bike from being stolen, you can also use the classic solid metal D-shaped lock commonly sold by bike manufacturers as a handy lock they’ve designed to clip onto the bike or under the seat. You can also consider immobilizers, alarms, and steering locks. Finally, consider installing a GPS motorcycle tracker to make sure you can see the live location of your bike at all times and track it in case it’s being moved.
Maintenance is everything: to make sure your bike remains in top-shape, check out our comprehensive motorcycle maintenance guide for more tips.

FAQ

What is the best Chinese motorcycle brand?

The best Chinese motorcycle brand is Lexmoto: they offer a wide range of motorcycles and have an extensive network of dealerships and service points making it easier to get spare parts and maintain the Lexmoto bikes. From scooters to street, naked, and urban bikes, Lexmoto is one of the Chinese motorcycle brands offering the most variety and the best aftermarket support.

Are Chinese bikes good?

Absolutely. Many good Chinese motorcycles can compete with excellent specs and performance while keeping the cost reasonable.

Are Chinese motor scooters any good?

Chinese motor scooters are good and last for a long time with proper maintenance. Apart from being cheap, they also have very low maintenance costs.

When it comes to Chinese motorcycles, the options are enormous. There are now many quality Chinese motorcycles from various Chinese motorcycle brands on the market. Chinese motorcycle brands are worth a look, especially if you are a first-time rider who is conscious of their expenses or a veteran rider who prefers low-displacement bikes with classic styling. Many of us just want to have a good time on something affordable that won’t break down or look funny.

Lastly, just as with buying the established Japanese, European and American types of motorcycles: the specs we want and our intended use differs. Therefore, it’s best to consider your intended use and carefully choose a Chinese bike that’ll meet your needs.