Ken and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

There is a story on iafrica about Harleys in China. (Ever wonder why an African news site is reporting on motorcycle in China?)

Let’s pick a few interesting quotes.

In addition, many Chinese cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, ban motorcycles from city centre streets and highways.

…
In Shanghai, officials citing safety concerns ban motorcycles with 250 cc engines or above.

This will prevent Harleys, which have engines of between 883 and 1450 cc, from being licensed and hitting the Shanghai streets.

As far as I see it, this is unlikely to change. But who knows, money solves problem, especially in China. And money is what people who buys these machines has.

However, at prices up to 90 percent more than in the US due to Chinese customs duties and other taxes, only the very rich can afford the bikes, which cost between 100 000 and 300 000 yuan ($12 300 and $37 000) each in China.

Following comments however are more interesting.

Zhao believes Harleys will be loved by Chinese people for the same reasons as Americans: “because they represent freedom”.

This this supposed to be an irony or is he trying to stretch the idea of freedom a little too far.

“With time, there will be gangs of leather-clad Harley drivers cruising through the streets of China,” Zhao said.

But unsure how Chinese people will take to the Hell’s Angels image of Harleys, Zhao imported only accessories with discreet depictions of the Harley trademark — the skull.

Hell Angel image? Is this really what Harley plan to conquer China with?

That very much sums up the prevalent China business thought. Imports into China junk culture that people are trying to rid elsewhere - as long as there is money to be made.

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