Too bad I’m not in Singapore during that period. Would be nice to visit a Mototcycle show, I’ve not visited any before.

Interesting poster design idea of using the wheels as Singapore Flyer.

]]> http://kenandtheartofmotorcyclemaintenance.com/blog/364/bikeasia-2009/feed/ 0 http://kenandtheartofmotorcyclemaintenance.com/blog/337/china-motorcycle-manufacturers-jianshe/ http://kenandtheartofmotorcyclemaintenance.com/blog/337/china-motorcycle-manufacturers-jianshe/#comments Fri, 01 Jun 2007 04:50:00 +0000 Ken http://kenandtheartofmotorcyclemaintenance.com/blog/337/china-motorcycle-manufacturers-jianshe/ Jianshe Group (重庆建设工业有限责任公司) is based in Chongqing, China. The company produces motorcycle, sand buggy and motors.

(http://www.jianshe.com.cn/)

Read closer, you’ll find that he actually pointed to much doubt of Harley ability to succeed in China.

In additional to the points about income level, population, importation cost. another intersting point that one may want to know is that in most major cities (that’s where people with cash to purchase Harley are), heavyweight bike is not legal. Not only that, policies are towards curbing usage in city. So how will Harley position and sell?

Indeed it would be interesting to learn what is actually the “long-term strategy (which is not capital intensive and will focus on steady and sustainable growth) is sound and can yield dividends in the long-run“.

Today I was at the Takashimaya National Library and found that they subscribed to the Cycle World magazine.

The magazine open my eyes to more things I do not know about motorcycles and motorcycling. New vocabularies like rake and trail as well as technical concept like progressive, straight-rate and dual-rate damping. Not only that, there are many products that I do not know exist.

While the Internet is a treasure chest of information, separating the gold (valuable information) from the rocks is still hardwork. Paying for a good old printed-paper magazine may be well worth it.

Any other good magazine you read to recommend?

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.

The excitement may soon be forgotten as they come face to face with the reality of China. Do not expect to see any people cruising around China on a Harley very soon except for some crazy lauwai willing to fork out the ransom.

Ask BMW. They are apparently handled by the same distributor, FHL, the only one that is smiling to the bank.

More news around the motorcycle blogsphere and the net:

• Harley-Davidson Ready to Roar into China
• Harley-Davidson to Open First Chinese Dealership
• Harley-Davidson plans to open its first dealership in China next month
• Harley-Davidson to open first dealership in China since WWII
• Harley-Davidson to open its first dealership in China