600cc Inline 4's from China???

[ZMC888]

Before they get ideas to build modern sportsbikes and nominate themselves the Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki of China, they need to get off their asses, do some actual research and development and make a 250 or 500 single up to the level of a 90s Jap bike.



IMHO if they could copy a mid 90's CB500 or similar, but use a single cylinder engine, utilizing the technology they already have, for the commuter market in the west, and the higher end market for developing countries, they might have a winner. But even that is very difficult as there are not even motorcycle tires good enough for the power of a 500cc bike manufactured in China, and they don't have fuel injection for these engines either, so they'd be unable to sell to the developed world.

They really need to stop dreaming using photoshop and just go make the best bikes they can.

[CrazyCarl]

This is the bike to beat...



Nothing too unreasonable either considering their manufacturing capabilities. I think this has to be one of the most successful and capable 250's of recent history... if not ever.

A guy just finished 12th in the IBA Ralley for 2009 on a Ninja 250. That's 11,000 miles in 11 days for those of you not familiar with the event. Check out this bad ass long distance baby Ninja!



If it's good enough for an Iron Butt Rally, it's good enough for me!


CC

[gpPeej]

I shoulda known that was Oberdan's work. He sure is good. The Chinese should hire that guy. He could design beautiful bikes for the entire industry there. He has cranked out many inspired designs.

And, I totally agree that the 250 Ninja and the CB500 are great bikes to beat (or at least match).

PJ

[CrazyCarl]

GPJ,

I honestly don't know much about him. Got any info/references/lnks handy I could check out?

Paz,
CC

[gpPeej]

Sure CC, If you check out the link that Felix posted you'll see these websites listed as Oberdan's blog:

http://motosketches.blogspot.com/

http://scooterdesign.blogspot.com/


Of course, it's in Italian...but, the pictures are the prize. He drew a few NEW Lambretta designs a while back that had the classic scooter scene buzzing. Check out this design for a Zongshen electric cub. It's solid. I think he has a good grasp of both classic and modern bike styles and makes good eye-catching designs.

http://scooterdesign.blogspot.com/20...a-marcata.html

Carl, on a different note...for a daily dose of beautiful custom-made bikes go to this website:

http://www.bikeexif.com/


PJ

[dp-ktm]

My best wishes are with the Chinese producers .
There are millions of Riders world wide , who dont have the money for a Japanese or other expensive proooof machine. How ever as Crazy Carl said , its not just about the machine , its about the RIDER ... I hope these COncepts hit the market and they come Prooof sooon !!
I love the Chinese for what they are doing , trying to fulfill human demand , which is so necessary and so vital !
Not all dream ,need to die when you wake .

CHEERS !!!