Are CJ's dead and gone?

[Lao Jia Hou]

I have heard that in China the once common Chang Jiangs have now mostly turned into scrap metal. What is the truth behind this and is it still possible to buy a CJ for export within China? I might be buying one here in the US but I want to know if my part supply is secure. Many Thanks!

Yes, CJs were common from about 1998 until about 2008. Their popularity was primarily due to the fact that one could not reasonably buy any foreign motorcycle in China. I bought my first one (24hp) in Shanghai in about 2000 (paid 6,000 rmb), my second one in Beijing in about 2005 (paid 8,000 rmb), and then one of Bryant's hack jobs in about 2009 (I am embarrassed by how much I paid). In the past, the bikes were legally plated and plates were cheap (about 150 rmb for a transfer, IIRC). They are virtually all illegal now. Further, in major Chinese cities (i.e., Beijing) one would be nuts to own/use one in traffic.

CJs were (are) complete piles of garbage but, back then, beggars could not be choosers. There are still parts available from dealers here and there, but be prepared to be totally ripped off (unless you read/write/speak Chinese). The few "western" "dealers" charge 20-50 times what the Chinese dealers charge.

Buyer beware!