There is a lot of suspicion around Chinese motorcycles, much of it justified if you look at some of the horrendous bikes that have been built there over the years. But while motorcycles built for the Chinese home market will, in all likelihood, continue to be dreadful, the Chinese are nothing if not good businessmen, and they will have noticed a large market for good quality, attractive, practical and - not least - cheap motorcycles in Europe and America.
Some of the new models coming out of China are the very reasons why you should not dismiss a Chinese motorcycle out of hand, but start to consider them in the same breath as your favorite manufacturers. It’s a stretch, yes, but who wouldn’t be excited about more new models to choose from, especially if they’re inexpensive but still good quality? Here’s our pick of the evidence coming out of China in the last few years that things might be changing for the better.
Updated September 2023: Chinese motorcycles provide an excellent, affordable alternative to their European/American counterparts. This list of the 10 best Chinese motorcycles has been updated to give you the latest round of updates for each motorcycle. With this update, we hope you get a well-rounded idea of the best options available on the market when it comes to Chinese bikes.
14 CFMoto Ibex 800 T
There are many stories of a Chinese Ducati Panigale lookalike bike with a weedy 400cc engine nestling behind the fairing. The Chinese have been rather slow to realize that the export market needs larger engines - and is still playing in the smaller displacement market to a large extent - but CFMoto has stepped into the breach handsomely, with models ranging from 300-800cc.
The Ibex was styled by Austrian company Kiska, which designs all of KTM’s hardware and that’s appropriate as the Ibex uses the 95 horsepower KTM 790 Adventure parallel twin engine - CFMoto now manufactures it for KTM - in an impressively equipped motorcycle, easily on a par with Japanese offerings. It’s a mid-to-large adventure bike with excellent equipment, a very competent chassis and, compared to the KTM 890 Adventure, a low price tag.
Pros
- Massive 4.1-gallon fuel tank.
- Same, capable engine as KTM 190 Adventure.
- The range of touring accessories is massive.
Cons
- Very few color options.
- For a Chinese motorcycle, it sure costs a lot.
13 Jonway V400
The V400 is a like-for-like ripoff of the Indian Scout Sixty, so if you had an eye out for the cute little Indian, Jonway has you covered for more than half the price. The large headlight mask, dual exhaust system, back fender, and even the chrome detailing on the blacked-out portions - all appear to have been inspired by the Scout.
The Jonway V400's 400cc V-twin engine has a maximum output of 33 horsepower and 20 pound-feet of torque. This specific entry-level motorcycle has drawn a lot of interest due to what it has to offer, the affordable price, and its potential to generally satisfy the needs of rookie riders.
Pros
- An entry-level substitute for the more mature Scout Sixty.
- Equipped with most modern-day features.
- Affordable.
Cons
- May seem like a cheap imitation game.
- Poorly done exhaust pipes (even those are copied).
12 CFMoto 700 CL-X
Another CFMoto model, and why not? Among the Chinese manufacturers starting to understand the international market, CFMoto is the one that seems to be understanding it best, possibly due to ties with KTM and that company’s partnership with the Kiska design house. The 700CL-X is a mid-range roadster with echoes of the Ducati Scrambler about it.
This time the engine is Kawasaki-sourced, while the switchgear comes from a BMW. It looks European (no surprise) and goes competently head-to-head with the likes of the Yamaha XSR700 and Kawasaki Z650RS, as well as the aforementioned Ducati Scrambler. If the Chinese have a long way to go to convince motorcyclists that their products should be taken seriously, then models such as the 700 CL-X will be at the vanguard of that effort.
Pros
- Comfortable over long distances.
- Switchable ABS is great for off-road.
- Good road manners.
Cons
- Same as most CFMoto bikes; very less color options.
- On the heavier side.
- The engine feels underpowered.
11 CSC TT250
The CSC TT250 is a fun enduro option that dazzles with the ability to be versatile. It is equipped with a 230cc air-cooled motor that provides just the right amount of output for both on and off-road excursions. It excels at navigating a variety of terrains, from backcountry trails to urban roadways, thanks to its strong frame, customizable suspension, and a decent set of knobby tires. One costs just under $2,500, making it a great option for riders on a tight budget who still want a capable and enjoyable vehicle.
Pros
- Great value-for-money options.
- Provides a good balance between performance and durability.
- Versatility.
Cons
- Very limited dealer network.
- The engine feels underpowered.
10 Lexmoto LXS 125
The 125cc market is hugely important to motorcycle manufacturers as it is the first step that many riders take on their two-wheeled journey, paving the way for future purchases and possibly future brand loyalty. The Japanese manufacturers have traditionally excelled in this market, but the Chinese are catching up, as the Lexmoto LXS 125 demonstrates.
If its looks are a bit derivative, then there is no arguing that it doesn’t look good, and we have to remember, that a 13.8 horsepower 125cc single is pretty much the norm for this class and more than enough for a beginner. Less than $4,000 for a brand-new bike is not to be sniffed at either, even if it might not be as accomplished as an equivalent Honda, Yamaha or Suzuki. After all, how long will you be keeping it?
Pros
- Produces decent power for its size.
- Great, affordable entry-level option for sports fanatics.
- Good handling.
Cons
- Negligible low-rev grunt.
- Stock tires could have been better.
- Has a relatively bigger turning radius for its size.
9 AJS Cadwell Clubman
Well, if the rest of the world is going to go retro-crazy, then why wouldn’t the Chinese jump on the bandwagon? AJS, of course, is one of the great names of the British motorcycle industry, and while it is certain that the Cadwell Clubman bears no mechanical resemblance to the motorcycles of yore, how cool to be a 17-year-old learner on a ready-made café racer, resplendent in black and gold? The engine is a 125cc single cylinder with about ten horsepower, and while the quality is more China than the British Midlands with all its engineering expertise, then it’s still a stylish entry into motorcycling.
Pros
- Oozes of 60's retro charm.
- It weighs a total of 249 lbs.
Cons
- Finishing isn't the best.
- Does not possess the attributes to go fast.
- The suspension is on the firmer side.
8 Herald Brute 500
The Herald Brute 500 has actually been designed, engineered and assembled in the UK, but this has been made possible by investment from China. The engine is sourced from Zongshen (via Fantic, whose CEO used to work at Aprilia, which is owned by Piaggio, who has a relationship with Zongshen. Confused yet?) and is a 450cc liquid-cooled single cylinder, producing around 42.5 horsepower, which is a respectable figure.
There are traces of Royal Enfield Himalayan and Husqvarna Vitpilen in the overall design which is no shame, and it looks as if the fitting of a set of off-road tires would provide a fun motorcycle to play around with on weekends. With Triumph and Norton making all the headlines in the UK, it is encouraging to find smaller manufacturers starting to make a mark.
Pros
- Unlike most Chinese bikes, the quality is great on the Herald.
- Looks the part.
- A cheaper alternative for the scram enthusiasts.
Cons
- A 3000-mile service interval could be a stumbling block for many.
- It is priced on the higher side.
- A single cylinder on a 500 is a big miss.
7 MASH X-Ride
Chinese company Shineray is behind this model from French company MASH. Shineray is one of those Chinese companies that has been re-purposing classic designs for a while now and the X-Ride has all the looks of a Yamaha XT500, full of 1970s style and charm. It’s properly in the old-school mode, with a 650cc single-cylinder engine derived from the old Honda NX650 Dominator.
There are features present that wouldn’t be out of place on a bike costing a lot more: radial-mounted front brake caliper, LED lighting, adjustable levers, etc., although the suspension would benefit from a bit of money being spent on it, which does rather defeat the point of buying cheap in the first place. But it’s distinctive enough to be worth a second glance.
Pros
- One of the best-looking Chinese products.
- Good ergonomics.
- The good old Honda NX650 Dominator single-cylinder engine is a charm.
Cons
- Its chassis has far too many niggles.
- Poor low-speed handling.
- The front forks are irritatingly choppy.
6 Voge 500DSX
Voge is to Loncin what Lexus Is to Toyota: a premium spin-off brand, although in this context, ‘premium’ does have to be taken with a pinch of salt. The Voge 500DSX is the smaller of the company’s adventure models - the other is 650cc - and goes head-to-head with the likes of the Honda CB500X, obviously with a price saving, and if it can’t match the Honda in terms of quality, it keeps up in terms of looks, ride quality and generous equipment levels.
While the looks might be a bit plain, there is hope for the future as Loncin has established a tie-in with MV Agusta, hoping that a bit of the iconic Italian firm’s ‘Motorcycle Art’ will rub off on Voge’s designs. In return, MV will delegate some manufacturing to Loncin. If that is the case, expect the Chinese to learn a bit about quality.
Pros
- A decent value for your money.
- Good road performance and handling.
- A rather unintimidating adventure bike for beginners.
Cons
- Finished quality lacks a premium touch.
- The instrument cluster is straight awful.
- Not the best off-roader coming out of China.
5 Zontes R310
On the surface, this is another of those copycat Chinese motorcycles, this time taking influence from the Kawasaki Z900. The looks are in the modern-angular vernacular and the performance almost matches up to them, with 34 horsepower available from the 312cc single: it’s by no means slow.
What really sets the Zontes R310 apart from the rest of the crowd is the attention to detail: adjustable levers finished in bronze, LED lights, ABS and fuel injection, Ducati Diavel-style swing-arm mounted license plate, electric fuel cap and keyless ignition. Of more importance, however, is the overall quality which is about the least Chinese aspect of the whole bike. The brakes and suspension are great for the price, and really, there is no reason to look down on the Zontes, and it just demonstrates perfectly the strides the Chinese are making in terms of ride and build quality.
Pros
- Comes loaded with cutting-edge technology.
- A great alternative to the usual Kawas and Yamahas.
- A zippy, well-built engine.
Cons
- Ride comfort may be a problem over long distances.
- Pillion comfort? What's that?
- Quality is a mixed bag: Great at some places and meh at most others.
4 Benelli TRK 502
Of all the Italian motorcycle manufacturers, all of whom have had shaky periods in their histories, Benelli is the shakiest and least well-known. At least, it was shaky until Chinese giant Qianjiang Motors took a controlling interest and plowed money into the brand to the point where Benelli now outsells Triumph and Ducati globally!
The range is extensive and the TRK 502 is a sort of adventure-touring model, and it must be good as it sits atop the Italian sales charts. In effect, the ‘adventure’ part of the description is a bit misleading and the TRK 502 is more of a long-distance GT machine with great style and a 500cc, 47 horsepower parallel twin engine.
Pros
- One of the best tourers for its price.
- A 500cc parallel twin!
- Great overall styling.
Cons
- It is not really an ADV as is advertised.
- Can feel a tad bit heavy.
- It's competition in America is simply better.
3 Benelli 752S
If we started this list with two from CFMoto, then let’s end it with two from Benelli, which are, don’t forget, still designed and built in Italy, even if the owners and the money are Chinese. No shame in that, especially when the end product looks as good as this. There are definite shades of the Suzuki SV650 in the 752S and the equipment levels are good: Marzocchi adjustable forks, KYB rear shock, Brembo calipers, Pirelli Angel GT tires, ABS and a new, DOHC, four-valve per cylinder, 80 horsepower 750cc parallel twin engine. What’s not to like?
The way things are going in the motorcycling world there’s going to be a lot more cross-pollination of ideas and manufacturing know-how between the Chinese and the rest of the world, and if the end results are going to be as good as this, then what’s the problem?
Pros
- Best value-for-money Chinese roadster to date.
- Great hardware choice.
- We don't get to say it much, but solid build quality.
Cons
- Its engine simply fails to deliver.
- Too firm a suspension setup.
- The rearview mirrors are great at showing your elbows and no more.
2 Moto Morini Seiemmezzo SCR
It's plausible to attribute an upsurge in Moto Morini's global presence to its 2018 Chinese acquisition. Their scrambler called the Seiemmezzo SCR has a 649cc inline twin engine with a max torque of 30 pound-feet. The vast majority of the motorcycle is fairly well-constructed, and you will really appreciate its tall ground clearance, long-travel suspension, and aggressive design that bodes well with its scrambler approach. The ride quality is nice too and is provided with USD forks up front and a Kabaya mono-shock at the rear. These are adjustable, so you can fiddle with the setup to make it more comfortable for you.
Pros
- Great modern-day styling.
- Some great hardware on board.
- Doesn't really look and feel Chinese.
Cons
- On the expensive side of the spectrum.
- A slightly underpowered engine in our opinion.
- Feels a little heavy.
1 CFMoto 450CL-C
Say hello to the new kid on the block. No, not CFMoto, but their small-scale cruiser. Considering how much the American market likes retro bikes, 450CL-C's classic American charm should do well. The newly released bike comes standard with a belt drive and hence will require very little maintenance.
It will come with a 450cc mill borrowed from the NK. Power figures are 40 horsepower and 31 pound-feet of peak torque - decent figures for a sub-450cc. Great tech, useful features and a timeless design language. No wonder it sits atop this list.
Pros
- Retro-styled American cruiser design.
- Affordable price point.
Cons
- Limited availability of authorized service centers.
- Less established brand presence compared to others in the market.
- Not sure if it will make it to the US.