How China is conquering the motorcycle industry

👉Thanks to Quad Lock for making this video possible. Get 10% off the best phone mount for your bike with code "LUKE10": bit.ly/4fR47ZI
While it might seem that China has come out of nowhere the past few years, that is not entirely true. They've been planning and preparing their take-over for many years now. In this video we talk about how China went from a supporting role to a country that might overtake every other continent when it comes to producing and selling motorcycles.
What are other manufacturers doing to counter this? How did it even happen in the first place? And what does that mean for us, the average motorcycle rider?
We also take a look at CFMoto's 450MT, BMWs new 450 GS Concept and discuss Chinas "industrial revolution".
Germany to Asia on the CFMoto MT450: • Germany to Asia on a m...
Miles' video about motorcycles and vanlife: • Is Motorcycle Travel t...
Work with me and hit me up: [e-mail]

[@LukeHilby]

👉Thanks to Quad Lock for making this video possible. Get 10% off the best phone mount for your bike with code "LUKE10": bit.ly/4fR47ZI

[@stewyman777]

I wish quadlock didn't have to sell the vibration dampener separately. Like I'm paying more to make sure your product doesn't wreck my phone. Should be standard.

[@WillPower46]

I just want to confirm your last comment in the video, that if we buy bikes from the United Kingdom we will be supporting an authoritarian regime, one that puts journalists in jail?

[@DreBars]

“Putting journalist into jail and against human rights? “ - u mean like all of Rurope and Germany that support Isr3-l? Real genocide going on.

[@lexburen5932]

Closing with a political lecture about China sounds like a joke, when you buy oil from Saudi Arabia, Israel is doing terrible things and USA is talking about taking Greenland and the Panama canal by force. Be coherent with your political views

[@tecumsehneo2174]

@@lexburen5932 He's just repeating the mainstream narrative to get your attention. Now, will you take the next step and tell it (your thoughts about that narrative) to your politicians?

[@9kilsyth]

I live between China and Australia and I feel as free in China. The police are not aggressive and are helpful, more like social workers. Also, I have been to both Xinjiang and Tibet, where the locals are pretty happy with their improved standard of living. Be careful not to view China through a negative Western media lens with a dubious history regarding the truth. I speak Chinese and have travelled to all provinces except Qing Hai and Nansha. I have lived between the West and East for 20 years. Most notably, China has not fired a shot or been involved in any war in its ascendancy. I feel more assured saying that certain Middle Eastern US-based countries plus their suppliers have a much bigger set of violent human rights issues to answer than China.

[@kenw.4539]

Compared to the police in the United States who the population is constantly protesting.

[@daimonmt]

You have forgot to mention it's aggressive intrusion into India on several occasions, where shots were fired and people killed..please get your facts right before you advocate sanctity for a nation just because you visit it. I lived in China and saw at first hand how they behave. I have also been to India and seen the other side of the border both with China and Pakistan. Please, travel more, hear more, then speak.

[@yellowsheeps]

@@kenw.4539 The irony is the guy in the video is German and he ends by repeating Western lies about China. Germany today resembles a dictatorship state. The German police are arresting people who peacefully protest the Israeli genocide in Gaza. The German police are arresting people for wearing a Palestinian scarf. kzbin.infozGbPVrIWCys

[@afkfromk1]

@@daimonmt please think more before you type nonsense

[@spidermann1256]

@@daimonmt It's just your opinion not borne out by facts. It's India that has been trying to encroach on historical Chinese territory, aided & abetted by the British Raj (see India's China War by Neville Maxwell, who worked & lived in India & his book based on proper research when he was at LOAS). In terms of safety, India holds the title Rape capital of the world - most, altho not you, who've been to both places will affirm personal safety in China but India?..................

[@browngreen933]

In 2025 a "Made in Germany" label on a car is a money pit warning signal once again. 😂

[@Slane583]

That's why BMW stands for Break My Wallet. On that note, I have a Chinese scooter and while it's no Honda is has been a fun bike for what it is. It's easy to work on and cheap to fix when something does break.

[@LukeHilby]

Fair enough 😂😂

[@tsubadaikhan6332]

I blame EU regulators for that more than I blame German Engineers. Blanket rules like cutting emissions 10% every year enforced before the Engineering has got there has forced Euro Manufacturers to sacrifice reliability and simplicity thru no fault of their own. Or they have to cheat like Volkswagen. China, on the other hand, is doing everything it can to support its industries.

[@kritasto2813]

​@@tsubadaikhan6332VW ID electric cars are constantly criticised for having buggy software for years now. Are you saying there is some blanket regulation, requiring bugs in software?

[@tsubadaikhan6332]

@@kritasto2813 I'm not talking EV's. I'm talking emissions. Should a VW have the timing chain unaccessible at the rear of the engine block? Should they make water pumps out of the most fragile plastic on the Planet? Do they really need oxygen sensors in every cylinder, along with the two in the exhaust? That kind of crap. I don't need a German Engineer to program a computer. Asians took over that field years ago...

[@munecaeburro]

That last part about authoritarian regime that puts journalists in prison applies to the EU

[@willengel2458]

ask him to name Chinese or foreign journalists that he aware of is/was/were in prison.

[@rollingmancave4547]

China is now a World Class Leader in maufacturing. If it's made in China I know its a quality product- smartphones, HDTVs, small engine appliances, Motorbikes.

[@Vihaanbroly]

China is still third class I can say with 40k plus dollars worth of Chinese junk in my store room which did not last more than a month..the worst products ever

[@Engineersoldinterstingstuff]

No. But in many cases it offers good value.

[@SimonBrisbane]

Most of what comes out of China is cheap and nasty. Yes they can produce quality products but when they do, it’s usually no cheaper than other manufacturers. Most of the big domestic brands have not been around for long enough to establish a history of reliability. Many western brands they have bought out are now known as throw away products or have horrendous resale. China is a manufacturing powerhouse but “Made in China” is NOT synonymous with “Quality”.

[@CTownsend31]

​@@Engineersoldinterstingstuffyes they are the ranking 1 in manufacturing, does it really hurts to admit they haver achieved it?

[@Engineersoldinterstingstuff]

@CTownsend31 They are good at manufacturing, yes. But quality wise on pair with the japaneese - not likely. But a honda factory in china can make really good product. The factories are modern - but now the economy in China is tanking. Lets see what happens. Lots of manufacturing are actually now leaving china for Vietnam , Thailand and other places with less crazy goverment.

[@SophisticatedBob]

I live in Ecuador. Chinese motorcycles are everywhere: Loncin, Zontes, Shineray, CFMoto, Benelli, etc. And they're good. Are they the equal of the high end Japanese bikes, no. But they aren't junk. My personal bike is the Benelli TRK502X, and it's got 15,000 miles on it, and I've replaced one temp sensor for about $40 dollars. That bike new is about $6500 dollars, has all day comfort, ABS, twin cylinder and fuel injection.

[@arjunsavanur7242]

Bajaj is much better

[@blackvikingeire]

Benelli is Italian, just Chinese owned.

[@luizgorniack2590]

​@@blackvikingeire better say: benelli is a italiana Brand with chineses technology.

[@slc801]

It’s only a matter of time the Chinese motorcycles improve in quality and catch up with the Japanese

[@BlackblueCherry-j4y]

Xi Jinping is the best thing ever happen to the world since God created Adam and Eve

[@tecumsehneo2174]

近平 (JinPing) translates as follows: 近 = approach, get close to (achieving); 平 = peace, calm, flat (as in a pond's surface when the air is calm). So his parents gave him that name in the hopes that he will bring peace to those around him.

[@robertrussell3264]

I'm 60. I have never thought of made in Germany and quality at the same time. I'm still impressed with Japanese quality. China seems to be getting better but time will tell.

[@Darkmatter321]

I have a complete set of Metabo Cordless Power tools. That's a German brand if you are not familiar with it. Dinner of the tools are made in Germany, some Poland, and some China. I've had the most issues with the German made ones. The Chinese have been the best.

[@lt.mcdonaldsgaming6113]

Here in asia, cfmoto dominates even on performance and durability. I can testify that with having 2 motorcycle. 1 cfmoto and 1 honda. I have been spending more in terms of parts on my honda vs my cfmoto. Both of them are used but not abused.

[@brianheard4565]

I'm with you. Had a number of bikes made in Japan, all excellent, well built, reliable. Bought a BMW new (for a premium price), worst motorcycle I ever owned, poorly built, unreliable. Not impressed by German quality at all.

[@TraveladvRajanSRai]

benz top

[@KJ-em1zh]

Putting journalist in jail and violating human rights? Alright then stop buying US/Japanese/German bikes, because you know

[@SubvertTheState]

Alinna Lipp was charged for her Ukraine journalism once she came back to Germany. Glenn Greenwald had to leave the US and move to Brazil. And you know how Julian Assange rotted in a UK jail for over a decade. Obviously I don't know a ton about China, but buying a Chinese motorcycle because my country won't sell me one I can afford won't make me lose a wink of sleep.

[@grahamhill6616]

@@SubvertTheState Not even remotely comparable to China's '1984' Xi Jinping's thought police state. The west has a handful, China has millions. Although under the thick as two planks orange swamp monster that might just change!

[@mohammadnurhibatullah987]

He forgot his government supporting genocidal that still happening right now.. 🤣

[@beberforumer9715]

these kimds of anti china talk are western propaganda, rooted in the fear a former colony should never ne better than the empire. china provides the world with affordable prpducts for the masses,

[@eleghari]

​@@SubvertTheStateAnd the Swiss just arrested journalist Ali Abunimah. For what?

[@El_Rudo]

"Putting journalists in jail and violating human rights" - gee I didnt realize Israel was making motorcycles...

[@schawk8709]

I have a Chinese motorcycle, made by Chongqing Haosen. So far, it's been excellent. It's not fancy, or even nice, but it works.

[@obigrumpywankenobi3204]

The UK also puts journals its in jail and violate human rights🤔🤔

[@williamsmith7340]

Free Tommy Robinson!

[@christophertan7466]

Human rights in China is different from your so called human rights in western countries. The Chinese value peace, stability, prosperity and progress over western models of individualism. The Chinese govt manage to uplift 800 million people out of poverty a feat no country ever done in human history. Dictatorship can only do so much. Don’t be a simpleton and study its history from qualified academics instead relying on Peter Zhihan and Serpentza for your daily feeds. Go read how China deal with disasters compare to in the west where politicians bickered on whose failure and wide spread looting.

[@Darkmatter321]

People hate China because their media tells them to do so. They have been brainwashed. But things will turn around eventually. Even the dumb and blind will eventually see the truth. Greetings and respect from Iran

[@bitey6709]

Most recently they have eliminated the nation of Tibet with "reeducation" programs, forced sterilization, and just plain murder. You can make all the excuses for them you like but I for one won't be buying anything that's made in China as long as there is a choice not to.

[@lexburen5932]

Totally agree with you.

[@grahamhill6616]

'The Chinese value peace': a sweeping throw away assertion without measure. Xi Jinping is a totalitarian dictator pure and simple, sabre rattling over sovereign Taiwan and supporting another blood soaked dictator in little putler.

[@ronnerup14]

The Chinese value peace. 😂Oh really. Why commie China wants to invade Taiwan. Why Xi wants to pick a fight with India. Why CCG, Chinese Coast Guard keeps entering into another EEZ like Philippines, Japan, S. Korea, Indonesia,Vietnam, Malaysia. Why do Chinese keeps using water cannon, using lasers, acoustic energy, axes, knives, etc against Philippine Coast Guard personnel. Why keep stealing Indian territory up in the mountains of India. Is that what you call PEACE & STABILITY. You sound like the Chinese spokesperson for CCP😂😂😂

[@bms-xs5zp]

Thanks for the completely unnecessary anti-Chinese human rights political blurb at the end.

[@SouthernCross-e2w]

If it is really happening just show one proof of it. But not from western propaganda 🤣🤣🤣

[@maniaouri2146]

he is just another victim of propaganda of lies because they are no longer the hegemoniac colonialists, the world moves fast and they cannot catch up with the Chinese moving ahead too fast for them

[@whiteknuckles]

Putting journalists in jail and violating human rights. Can you say Julian Assange?

[@kisikaro]

Why do you say , that buying chinese motorcycle helps regime of chinese, if all europian brands suport that regime by making motorcycles there, not in ES? So if you by bmw you buy for twise money, the same motorcycle (voge900 = bmw gs890f) and you save bmw who helps chinese regime and takes double of your money? So either way you do help regime of china, just either 10k or 20k eur? Or how you see it?

[@Sovereign_Citizen_LEO]

There is probably not a car, truck, or motorcycle on Earth, that doesn't at least use some Chinese made parts/ components. Even the parts/ components made in Mexico, the USA, or Europe, many times have Chinese made materials or sub-components.

[@CTownsend31]

China owns them, 😂

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Van life? Hold my beer. Bought a non running CT 110 from a garage sale for $280 fixed it up & rode it 3000km in the Aussie outback. Panniers are 20l fuel containers, screen came from the tip, bag $5 from an op shop. 2 yrs later I still use it & ride it most days. The bike celebrates its 40th birthday this year!

[@tvdinner325]

The Chines version would cost 1/2 as much, then depreciate 30% a year, before it breaks without available parts to fix ix it.,

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

@@tvdinner325 yeah they have the crappy pitbike stigma to overcome.

[@mikeskidmore6754]

Honda CT-100 ?

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

@@mikeskidmore6754 Honda CT 110 Trail...

[@tvdinner325]

@@Free_Ranger_CT110 I would not buy one. 35% cheaper purchase price. 50% 1st year depreciation. 50% 2nd year depreciation. No parts = parts bike sale at 15% of purchase price.

[@mammutty1]

The last comment on the video, which suggested avoiding Chinese products due to claims about jailing journalists and lack of free speech, really killed the whole mood and enjoyment . I felt it unnecessary and misplaced, especially considering the fact that Western governments have also been known to act harshly, often with little regard for accountability or transparency. Such a comment and political view can detract many from the overall enjoyment and purpose of otherwise a good video.

[@leoveroude4492]

Yes, very unnecessary, I agree. Every country has history to be less than proud of.

[@DreBars]

Cognitive Dissonance from western media brainwashing

[@lonpfrb]

It's still a valid question, why support CCP manufacturing? Every chinese enterprise has a CCP 'golden share' so is really controlled by the regime that doesn't respect fair trade, the international rule of law, intellectual property and human rights. The only vote we have with the CCP dictatorship is not to buy their supposedly cheap products which in reality is an exchange of sovereign capabilities and so a loss of freedom. A very bad bargain and something not priced into the deal at all, which allows the globalist to trade away our freedom without any accounting of that.

[@remix-yy1hs]

​@lonpfrb you genocide supporter. You right to speak. Shameless

[@ruger3339-c4u]

@@lonpfrb Freedom in the World index: In 2023, the U.S. ranked 59th out of 210 countries and territories for civil and political rights🤣 Press Freedom Index: In 2024, the U.S. ranked 55th out of 180 countries. 🤣
 GRIP Annual Report: In 2023, the U.S. ranked 59th out of 195 countries. 🤣
 HRMI data: The U.S. usually ranks near the bottom of high-income OECD countries for physical integrity rights. 🤣

[@RobertB56]

German cars are expensive to buy, expensive to service and parts are expensive and they are not the same quality they once were im not surprised their car industry is collapsing

[@LukeHilby]

100%

[@GameOn82]

Don't know where that list came from but made in Japan is definitely no.1 in my book.

[@LukeHilby]

Agreed, even as a German 😂

[@crozatier333]

Yup

[@john_enx]

I don't trust Germans at all !

[@bizzarroworld1518]

Been riding( Made in Japan) bikes since the 70's....to this this day , no other bikes can compare !

[@WillPower46]

@@bizzarroworld1518 Japanese bikes are great I have a Honda NC750 dct and a new Suzuki DE800 but my BMW touring bike R1200RT is far and beyond anything that Japan offers including the GL1800.

[@Rideitoutyoutube]

i have a zontes 310r and a cf moto mt650 ......... the zontes was way ahead of its time for a 300 6 years ago. my cf moto is just unbelievable with tech and quality for the price

[@lyndonbull3581]

Quad Lock, designed in Australia, manufactured in China. Pretty much sums up your video.

[@martinscrapp7166]

WiFi...developed in Australia, made in China.

[@tvdinner325]

The difference is...my life is NOT dependent on a silly phone holder!

Motowolf is MUCH better and cheaper. Used by delivery riders. Nothing beats that.

[@tvdinner325]

We are talking about real bikes.

[@SouthernCross-e2w]

Designing is easy. It is the engineering and manufacturing that takes a genius to come up with how to do it.

[@Darkmatter321]

I've had German, British, American, and Japanese bikes. To be honest they've all been good, with the exception of the British one. It was s Norton commando 850. But it was very old tech. So it's forgivable for being unreliable. My next bike will be a Chinese one though. My research tells me the top brands are about as reliable as the best of them

[@keithogden1770]

Putting jpurnalist in jail and violating human rights? And there I was thinking this video was about Chinese and not american 'bikes....

[@kenw.4539]

US + Zionist empire can't help themselves and cause much suffering around the world.

[@luizgorniack2590]

Julian Assange sends greetings, ok?

[@tecumsehneo2174]

He's just repeating the mainstream narrative to get your attention. Now, will you take the next step and tell it to your politicians?

[@blee04524]

Last part is just dumb by that logic you should be naked standing in the street now

[@tecumsehneo2174]

He's just repeating the mainstream narrative to get your attention. Now, will you take the next step and tell it to your politicians?

[@ysgoh1981]

What? The genocide killings in Palestine is not a violation of human rights?

[@LukeHilby]

Whataboutism

[@liampope8575]

​@LukeHilby No, it's called hypocrisy.

[@evergreennj8950]

@@LukeHilby "Whataboutism" - Standard childish 1-word response when adults don't have the time to engage in dialogue. "Humanitarian intervention" is an ideology that's been used to kill millions of civilians since the early 1990s. I wonder when you will motorbike through Xinjiang to see it for yourself. There was a British lad named Ed who unicycled through it and posted his video footage about 8 years ago. Interesting stuff. If you watch through his video series, it should bring to doubt all the allegations and make words like "whataboutism" and "hypocrisy" irrelevant because they can incorrectly imply both parties are guilty of the same things. From what I've seen, only the 1 making the allegations is guilty of perpetuating chaos, unrest, and violence by spreading misinformation.

[@kl9518]

I love the Human Rights issues in China. They have the best infrastructure in the world. Great health care system. More affordable living than the US and Europe. Safer, Cleaner and modern, compared to the West.

[@skillfuldabest]

High IQ homogeneous society vs ever more multicultural Europe and US

[@pneumaticman5927]

Reminds me of some Romanian propaganda I watched on one of their TV’s back in the early 90’s. And everyone agrees if they have to pay a terrible price for disagreeing. 😂

[@xw8462]

China isnt Romania.

[@rvalerio77]

Closing with a political lecture about China sounds like a joke, when you buy oil from Saudi Arabia, Israel is doing terrible things and USA is talking about taking Greenland and the Panama canal by force. Be coherent with your political views.

[@LukeHilby]

I was talking about China here, has nothing to do with the crazyness going on elsewhere.

[@Truth...]

What terrible things is Israel doing, tell us

[@jala6707]

@@Truth... Hmmm... genocide?

[@Truth...]

@@jala6707 Hmm...tell us what genocide means, come on

[@bruceleong9534]

Then why bring it up at all if you’re not going to mention buying European and US brands is supporting other countries and their misdemeanours?

[@spaceygalaxy5553]

In the long run my money is on the made in Japan.

[@tvdinner325]

100%. My life is worth more.

[@josh6567]

You sir are a wise man.

[@SimonBrisbane]

Me too, it’s just a shame it took cheap Chinese competition for them to start respecting the consumer once again.

[@tvdinner325]

@@SimonBrisbane I have bought Kawasakis since the late seventies. I see no difference in quality.

[@happysensyhappysensy670]

and pushed 500 million out of poverty

[@blackrainb0w]

You had to get political, didn't you?

[@silluete]

True that. Just dislike,don't recommend channel and move on.

[@tecumsehneo2174]

@@silluete Actually, you should first reflect on the entire video - on how it started with "Made in Germany". It's a political statement by illustrating the hypocrisy of the mainstream narrative but waiting until the end to repeating it. If you think about it, the entire video up to the end doesn't support that last statement at all so it's quite jarring to hear it just like it's quite shocking to hear it if you've ever visited China at least once each decade over the past 4 or 5 decades.

[@tecumsehneo2174]

People should get political if their own governments are lying to them about other countries for the benefit of the elites at the top but at the expense of the vast majority of people below.

[@alankritkumar7823]

LoL, just 2 Indian bike company wiped away 200+ chinese bike companies in many african countries, Bajaj 2 wheelers business have more market capitalisation than Honda 2 wheelers business

[@philsogood2455]

Last comment about China ruined the otherwise enjoyable video

[@king_clueless]

I loved my Triumph and my current Honda but you hit the nail on the head with the Chinese producing bikes that customers want and can afford. I would say 15 years ago no-one in the UK would buy a Korean car. But now you can't move for Kia and Hyundai's. I appreciate the car market is different to bikes but still, it proves the customer is king. Meet their needs and you can rule too.

[@bogdantudor7195]

I have a 2021 CFMoto NK 650. Last year the oil seal broke so i took it to my mechanic. Since the sealing was identical with the one that Kawasaki ER6N has, he insisted that i buy the japanese one. I trusted him. After the piece arrived he called me to show the difference between the two pieces. Even tho they looked the same, the Kawasaki was miles away in the build quality compared with the CFMoto. As a conclusion, i enjoy my bike, it was very affordable and still goes fine, but there still is a huge difference at least between japanese and chinese bikes.

[@steve00alt70]

Over time your technician will have no choice but to accept the high quality chinese motorcycles, otherwise he/she will have no customers.

[@bogdantudor7195]

@@steve00alt70 im sorry. Im not native in English. I will edit my text. What i meant is that the Kawasaki piece was miles over the CFMoto one.

[@pkmkb007]

@@steve00alt70 Sorry chinese products are just low prices junk. Nobody needs to accept them.

[@EaglewoodADV]

I took the leap of trust that I wouldn't just a year ago - ordered a CF450MT as a 2nd bike in the family. Let's hope it lives up to the hype.

[@laaaliiiluuu]

Especially longterm reliability

[@pabloricardodetarragon2649]

It will. Modern motorcycle engine is not rocket science, it's pretty simple and straightforward, rather cheap, well known since 40 years, and taught in any good engineering university in the world. The Chinese make plenty of things asking for reliability and good steels including, planes, rockets, high speed trains, orbital station, probes to the moon, plus the machines tools to make all that from first rate alloys. It's now the first and more advanced industrial world power...Opinion of a retired naval engineer.

[@abdulazizsaleh8650]

​@pabloricardodetarragon2649 Thank you for Sharing your opinion , I dont like China..but I don't hate them either...I just don't used to trust the Quality of their work.. now in the last maybe 6 months..I can say I open my eyes..I read .. I see more reports, information,. ..I can trust many products made in China...for example CF moto...specially 450 MT... If I don't like country I shouldn't lie about it...I'll keep my mind away from my heart , I prefer to be honest...and you are a honest person...so thank you for Sharing this Greetings 🇸🇦 🌴

[@peacebrother8942]

@@pabloricardodetarragon2649 And don't forget the thousands of STEM graduates that Chinese industries have at their beck and call-far more than any other country.

[@soaruk3697]

@@peacebrother8942 India will catch up and surpass them in a few years.....

[@john_enx]

Some key points for Chinese is bad support, you buy "as is" no bug fixes and they may have all the specs you can imagine but aren't thoroughly tested or work as intended, that said I welcome more competition, too much greed and cartel deals the last decade.

[@gasdive]

They've already rolled a bug fix for the CFMoto 450 that fixed the snatchy throttle.

[@seanjohnston848]

Support is usually bad outside of China. The policy is basically "buy as is", any issues down the line are up to you. Spare parts, etc. Not sure if it's like that in China, but in my experience, Chinese manufacturers in SEA are pretty horrendous at long-term customer relationships. They're slowly improving, though, and understanding that losing a tiny bit of money to fix something will mean more loyal customers in the future (Yadea, BYD). In general though, customer service really sucks compared to North America, where the consumer culture is totally different.

[@gasdive]

@@seanjohnston848 the worst experience I've had was a US built motorcycle. The motor failed at under 1000 miles. Eventually they just stopped answering emails. No *consumable* spare parts were ever available. A decade later and the company is still the same. Replacement of a 10 dollar bearing isn't allowed by the company, must buy a complete motor for thousands. The software knows which motor is installed and won't run unless the replacement is fitted by a dealer. Knows if the motor is opened, and won't run unless a dealer authorises the change, which dealers will not do. They will only replace the entire motor.

[@seanjohnston848]

@gasdive Harley?

[@gasdive]

@@seanjohnston848 I'm not going to name them as they also have a habit of suing their customers instead of fixing the bikes.

[@gomezgomezian3236]

As the video points out, the best thing is that competition from China is, and will, cause manufacturers across the rest of the world to lift their game. Frankly, they have been resting on their laurels for too long. And, they have quietly killed off all of the good value models, and kept only the exorbitant, high profit models. Competition is a good thing. Now, will I be buying a Chinese bike any time soon? No. But, by the end of the decade, unless the legacy manufacturers lift their game (and that probably just means the Japanese, as the European and definitely American manufacturers, are pretty much going the way of the Dodo), I might be willing to consider it.

[@catmate8358]

Julian Assange: am I a sad joke to you? (re. China jailing journalists which may or may not be true).

[@jasm361]

maybe in the motorcycle area and sub 650cc the battle is China vs India

[@seepranavg]

India is better at that. Quality wise its closer to japs and EUs.

[@bittoolal]

Indian bike are sold in Asia, europe, and Africa. They produce quality. ✌

[@rayd488]

what has YOUR politics got to do with motorcycles !! nonsence propaganda

[@LukeHilby]

This is a video about geopolitics and their impact on the motorcycle industry. Of course it is political. Everything said in this video is backed up by sources. Check your own info on Uyghurs and jailed journalists if you don't believe me. I admire China's rise, I admire their engineering and their efforts. But I fully understand everyone who does not want to support chinese companies as long as that government is doing what it is doing. I understand that other countries such as the US have their own issues but this video is about China.

[@ranfak]

@@LukeHilbyby that logic … we should do same because what USA did in Middle East lol . Compare to that china have not even done 1% to so called Uyghurs what America doing in Middle East. And most of the acuse to china is also no proper evidence but just acuse that’s it

[@the.communist]

@@LukeHilby check out the western journalists treated as criminals n terrorists for speaking in favour of russia n palestinians by countries like uk n germany.

[@christophertan7466]

Have you ever been to China or have you been fed with western propaganda all these years? Come to China or Xinjiang like thousands of foreigners and see for yourself, talk to the real Chinese and Muslims in Xinjiang instead of sitting on the couch watching garbage from BBC, CNN or Fox.

[@commanderred5573]

​@@LukeHilbyBy that logic how do u buy any bikes? Bcoz all of them are connected to countries with human rights violations, hypocrisy much?

[@jeffuk3940]

In the 1950s /60s Japanese bikes threatened the European and North American manufacturers,so it's just history repeating itself.

[@chieftaintriber]

Using motorcycles for the past 14 years But to me nothing still beats japanese reliability In india The honda is number one fill it shut it Second yamaha more expensive to maintain than honda Kawasaki premium for spares but last a lifetime Suzuki is the least reliable in these 4 Btw indian brands like bajaj and tvs are really catching up in reliability front Ktm i have duke390 no major problem but need to take care of her like a BABY

[@john_enx]

CFmoto 450MT new price 6200€ plus extra cost for high saddle (if needed), the price changed in 2025.

[@octavianaoncioaie5923]

In Romania is 5000 Euro with Vat Included

[@tonyp2865]

@@octavianaoncioaie5923 $9500 ride away in Australia. I have one.

[@luiscardozo0000]

some chinese brands are competitive with europeans indians and american brands but cant compete with japanese brands

[@glennmorrissey2529]

Bought a 450MT and have been absolutely happy with the bike so far. Is it a great dirt bike, I don't know, but if it is aimed at blokes returning to the dirt bike market like me then it has done it's job. It is well made and has accessories available coming out of it's woohan! For the purists, I guess it will never be good enough but it's a capable bike and does most things well.

[@vanlifefishing]

Me and my $3,500 van have gone on many awesome adventures . There's just a lot of kooks that cant function without the best of the best . Definitely still have the spirit over here .

[@Slane583]

I remember watching a video a few years ago here on YT of a guy in a lifted Jeep Wrangler with big tires having a hard time going up a smooth rock face. In comes this older follow who had to be in his 70's driving a large station-wagon car from the 80's with normal tires and he crawled up the rock face as if it weren't there. He drove up and eventually came back down moments later. It was quite amusing.

[@marcom2248]

In Asia China is the number one car and bike/scooter manufacturer. It's up to us. Support China or the west with your money.

[@Alfa_Chef]

Indian bikes dominate Asia you dumbnut

[@seepranavg]

Not china

[@Gondriman]

Me too . However, i felt the doenfall of ktm is due to cfmoto collaboration. china pumped in money, and ktm went into the frenzy of motosport, winning everything but losing their core competancy, diluting the brand equity . If they wud have continued to back bajaj they would have had a won, win . Since bajaj would be conservative . Saving the competancy from overburn.

[@zelcpavle5494]

Great video..but you should add also India will also erupt the market with Hero and already with Royal Einfield

[@LukeHilby]

Good point!

[@zelcpavle5494]

@@LukeHilby 💪😄

[@datianlongan5567]

Established brands like BMW & KTM have forgotten that new riders don't start & learn with a high-end bike. That opens the door for China to build customer loyalty with the younger generation of riders.

[@NakaNakaDerkaDerka]

they use outdated versions of abs ect and they don’t integrate these systems well

[@anpier926]

integration is a nightmare when things go wrong. In my country bmw bikes always return in the back of a truck. Simple japanesse or chinesse bikes work even when some part has failed, and take you back home.

[@Vihaanbroly]

After having seen Cheap quality Chinese bikes which are flimsy unreliable and get heated up like Superbike I would only trust a Bajaj TVS Hero Royal Enfield Java yezdi Honda only in India

[@bldomain]

I don't trust curry flavored bike.

[@genesis9chaos]

As of November 2023, the apex holding company for KTM in motorcycles and affiliated business was Pierer Industrie AG, which owns 50.1% stake in Pierer Bajaj AG, wherein Bajaj Auto Limited holds the remaining 49.9% stake. Pierer Bajaj AG holds 78.16% stake in Pierer Mobility AG, which in turn holds 100% stake in KTM AG.

[@dukeloo]

Quad Lock products are designed in Australia, but they are manufactured in various locations, primarily in China. The company works with manufacturing partners to produce their high-quality cases, mounts, and accessories. While the design and engineering are handled by the Quad Lock team in Australia, the production is outsourced to facilities that specialize in precision manufacturing to ensure the durability and reliability of their products. This global approach allows Quad Lock to maintain high standards while keeping their products accessible to a worldwide market.

[@TurboTingol]

Maaan, this video screams like ‘I’m a cleverly disguised advertisement for CFMoto!’

[@drdoolittle5724]

Wow, excellent professional channel at last! Long time waiting for one, the others are like the British industrial scene, dying as I write!!! Well done Sir!😁

[@bhavneetaggarwal8734]

What about Indian manufacturers…….. wh there is no mention of them ?? who are producing millions of motorcycles per year

[@tommy0814]

They’re 💩 and unreliable just like other products from that hellhole.

[@bhavneetaggarwal8734]

@ i agree that motorcycles are not that great in terms design, but we are catching up fast. But “the” comment is coming from colonial 💩heads like you. That doesn’t know anything about a culture and yet ready to make biased remarks Dig your foundations and you will find us So be careful of what you put out there

[@Chimera_0990tfr]

@@tommy0814 ahh another kid...

[@MrDertien]

I don't want electronics on my motorcycle, whether it be Apple or Google. At most, a 3rd party USB connection will suffice, so I can install a tablet of my own choosing without it 'jacking into' my motorcycle.

[@donnieyoung2774]

Why is the line drawn on buying Chinese motorcycles, but not every smart phone made ?

[@jonhattanrai]

If a smartphone fails horribly you only buy a new one. If a motorcycle fails horribly you might die right there.

[@brandonwells74]

My Moto Morini is manufactured in China. I have had a great experience with the bike and support from Moto Morini has been fantastic when needed. I plan to keep it for a long time. I will find out if they are built to last. Previously I’ve always rode Honda or Kawasaki. I have to admit though it, was a little scary when it came time to sign the dotted line.

[@grahamhill6616]

Vielen Dank Luke. That was a real eye opener. In my ignorance I'd never thought much about Chinese motorcycles, nor even knew David Alonso's record breaking 2024 Moto3 title was with the backing of a Chinese manufacturer. As a fellow RTW traveller (2001-02 Germany to New Zealand on a Honda NX650) I have always said since then if I did it again (time running out old man!) it would be on a light (approx. 140-150kg) 300-400cc single with a 21 inch front. The Dommie was way better than those silly giant GS's and their ilk, but she was still too porky, as there's so many great off road rides to be had for a day or two where you leave the boxes behind to get loose and silly, or even with boxes in difficult places where you don't want to be plucking 270kg from it's side in a small river. Glad manufacturers have finally become clued up to this.

[@emindervisevic558]

I ride CF Moto MT700. Cost me 6.000 Euro with 4 years warranty. Incredible bike. No complains.

[@tvdinner325]

Good luck with the warranty and parts.

[@charleshoward1475]

Their already making some of the best EV's No shortage of talent or development funding in China. China said they've produced on mass, and are now moving into quality. Lets hope durability plays a good part. Thanks for your video

[@sanidhyashrivastava8020]

Bro makes the same video for the Indian motorcycle brand, you will get a lot of information about India and a lot more views

[@LukeHilby]

Willing to give me some pointers?

[@sanidhyashrivastava8020]

Yes why not. Ok, just start with the colonization rule in India by Britishers and their motorcycle brand "Royal Enfield" which is now owned by an Indian company "Eicher Motors" after this you can show the partnership of Indian motorcycle brand with japanese company like - "HeroHonda" (which is known known as "Hero Motocorp" , & it is one of the biggest bike manufacturers in the world) , Honda has left them in 2012 and then thers is another brand "TVS" and the most important brand is "Bajaj Auto" whish is also one of the biggest bike manufacturers in the world and they own "KTM" , yes you may be amazed or shocked but this previous owner "Pierer Mobility AG" has now 49% stake in "KTM" and "Bajaj Auto" holds 51% stake in "KTM" now and only the KTM brand owned and run by "Pierer Mobility AG" in Europe and America are in losses, the "KTM" business running by "Bajaj Auto" is India is in profit. See Indian brand may not be as big as Chinese brand but they are doing their best and all brands in india have their history just do a little research about them and look a what different types of motorcycle they are building like Hero and TVS both went to Dakar rally, Bajaj owns KTM and they have done partnership with "Triumph motorcycles" and they sell a lot of motorcycle in Africa too, then Royal Enfield who has created some good motorcycle in India and started motorcycle culture in India.

[@sanidhyashrivastava8020]

Yes why not. Ok, just start with the colonization rule in India by Britishers and their motorcycle brand "Royal Enfield" which is now owned by an Indian company "Eicher Motors" after this you can show the partnership of Indian motorcycle brand with japanese company like - "HeroHonda" (which is known known as "Hero Motocorp" , & it is one of the biggest bike manufacturers in the world) , Honda has left them in 2012 and then thers is another brand "TVS" and the most important brand is "Bajaj Auto" whish is also one of the biggest bike manufacturers in the world and they own "KTM" , yes you may be amazed or shocked but this previous owner "Pierer Mobility AG" has now 49% stake in "KTM" and "Bajaj Auto" holds 51% stake in "KTM" now and only the KTM brand owned and run by "Pierer Mobility AG" in Europe and America are in losses, the "KTM" business running by "Bajaj Auto" is India is in profit. See Indian brand may not be as big as Chinese brand but they are doing their best and all brands in india have their history just do a little research about them and look a what different types of motorcycle they are building like Hero and TVS both went to Dakar rally, TVS also has a partnership with "BMW Motorrad" and Bajaj owns KTM and they have done partnership with "Triumph motorcycles" and Royal Enfield has created some good motorcycle.

[@sanidhyashrivastava8020]

Yes why not. Ok, just start with the colonization rule in India by Britishers and their motorcycle brand "Royal Enfield" which is now owned by an Indian company "Eicher Motors" after this you can show the partnership of Indian motorcycle brand with japanese company like - "HeroHonda" (which is known known as "Hero Motocorp" , & it is one of the biggest bike manufacturers in the world) , Honda has left them in 2012 and then thers is another brand "TVS" and the most important brand is "Bajaj Auto" whish is also one of the biggest bike manufacturers in the world and they own "KTM" , yes you may be amazed or shocked but this previous owner "Pierer Mobility AG" has now 49% stake in "KTM" and "Bajaj Auto" holds 51% stake in "KTM" now and only the KTM brand owned and run by "Pierer Mobility AG" in Europe and America are in losses, the "KTM" business running by "Bajaj Auto" is India is in profit. See Indian brand may not be as big as Chinese brand but they are doing their best and all brands in india have their history just do a little research about them and look a what different types of motorcycle they are building like Hero and TVS both went to Dakar rally, Bajaj owns KTM and they have done partnership with "Triumph motorcycles" and Royal Enfield has created some good motorcycle.

[@Great-East-Asia]

I bought a second hand zongshen yami 120cc motorcycle, it travelled 22000 kilometers, and everything is okay.

[@yakitaki26]

People choose chinese motorcycle because they can provide 3 cylinder 4 cylinder motorcycle on a lower cc category for a cheaper price.

[@jimbroen]

I live on the Canadian Prairies where four months of snow is not uncommon however I managed to ride 23,000 km in the summer of 2024 on three different bikes. There are CFMoto dealers here and they have attractive pricing but I don't see their machines when I'm out riding a mix of city and highway. Canada is a small market with total bike sales under 60,000 units a year that skews toward older folks buying expensive machines so in the grand scheme of things we don't really matter that much. I've found Internet sources that claim total worldwide motorcycle sales of more than 65 million units. Honda is still the king with 15 million or so of units sold per year. Number two is some company called Hero that I never seen here because they're not imported to Canada. It's interesting to look at sales trends in Europe and North America but the reality is that China, India, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and such are where the vast majority of bikes are sold. That part of the world will increasingly define the international motorcycle market. Regulators in the West are determined to elevate barriers to entry so that nobody under 40 chooses to ride. If sales trends are any indication, they are getting what they want.

[@yorkchris10]

A bit contradictory? Manufacturers are building Adventure models which means, for a lot of people, a long range touring bike. Is there a XYZ VanLife model....

[@Darkmatter321]

Your last comment about supporting an authoritarian regime by buying a Chinese bike was totally useless and irrelevant.

[@darylnicklen3685]

At 65 I bought a CF Moto CLX 700 it's great really good price and does everything I need. I own a 2016 Indian Scout and the CF Moto is my Canyon Carver.

[@nicogila4918]

Beautiful video, editing and story telling! Why the **** should I pay 14.600€ for the basic f900gs when I can get the voge 800ds for about 8500€? I'm sure these prices are just to enter aggressively in the market and gain trust from the biker, in few years Chinese brands will be widely recognised as good as Japanese brands

[@mivr9298]

Because you want something much better.

[@MrBodi1]

@@mivr9298 but the f900 bmw engine is made in china also

[@pabloricardodetarragon2649]

@@mivr9298 It's not better. Simply the German overcharge to you with the obsolete reputation of German engineering. That's bullshit, motorcycles are rather simple to make with straightforward engineering. Simply the Chinese take the normal margins.

[@DerpEye]

Well, lets compare to the japanese bikes, which are better. Buying chinese, means indirectly financing CCP. They can produce regardless of anti-pollution rules, regardless of workers' rights, etc, we can go on. Also, do you really think that the cheap chinese alternative is the same quality for less money? Not even close. They got better, but are not yet at the same level. Sure, japanese and europeans may sell overpriced and complex machines, but they can do decently priced stuff, and recent releases demonstrate this. Competition is good however.

[@pabloricardodetarragon2649]

@@DerpEye I'm very sorry to have to write this answer. We were just discussing about bikes not politics. I'm upset when ideology in the worst meaning of the word appears suddenly. I do not give a shit about the nowadays CCP. The American bashing on China is extremely suspect for most people of the world. I do not listen to propaganda specially the hating one. I have the most extreme caution about medias as I'm 72 so I have some experience about propaganda of any side. I've lived the cold war. I've traveled and worked for a few missions in China. I've seen the economic transformation from a poor country to a prosperous one. 850 millions people taken out of poverty in less than 40 years, now 350 millions live with a level of life equivalent to most parts of Europe. There is no hunger, very little misery even in the deep countryside, no people sleeping in the street, no drug addicts, there is a rather good cheap health system (I've used it at Shanghai), rather affordable food and renting prices even for the lower wages and I have not seen anybody in need to take two jobs for just surviving. No family is ruined because one of the members is sick. No need of loans to get an education, there are plenty of pretty good free universities.The infrastructure is often astonishing, and very well made. The majority of the Chinese have correct lives and the safety is absolutely exceptional. That is what I've seen. Not paradise, but certainly not a communist slum. As ship structural design engineer, I've worked in France, UK, Denmark, Germany, Japan, Korea, China and a few other Latino American countries like Mexico, Peru, Argentina. I'm fluent in French, Spanish an English (third language). I've studied in four countries in three languages. Simply I'm a citizen of the world of French background. People of the world just want peace, tranquility, safety, a normal job, and to raise the children without fear of the future. For most countries of the world the worst evil is the imperialist USA, not China. Like the Mexican say too far from God, too close to the USA. Like most people of the world I do not mix the actions of the USA government with the ordinary USA citizen. I've plenty of American friends, but also from many countries. Ask a Mexican about USA he will answer the 1847 Mexican War, a lot of recurrent problems, the Narco War started on 2008 by USA pressure on Calderon. 400 000 dead, 150 000 missing people, and now Trump bullying. For a Chilean 11th of September is on 1973, when the legal president was pushed to suicide, with 3000 killed people by Pinochet with the advice of Kissinger and the CIA, and 20 years of dictatorship. For an Argentinian it's the Junta Militar, financed and "educated" by the USA 30000 dead, many years of far right dictatorship nurtured by the USA. For a Cambodian it's Lon Nol pushed by the USA to take the power, that opened the door to the genocidal Pol Pot 3 000 000 dead 25% of population. Meantime the USA, defeated by the North Vietnam ran away from Vietnam and South East Asia... I can add too many examples like Irak 600000 dead estimated by the Lancet, Syria, Libya, Afghanistan, Ukraine (about 4000000 dead Ukrainian estimated) etc...The last one in the list being the criminal against humanity Natanyahu, helped by the USA and some occidental countries. My Asian friends are in revulsion. Plus the brute Trump now ...Except the USA, and the European allies, very few people in the world perceive China as a menace, but most fear the USA erratic policies, living in and for perpetual war. And simply take a plane and spend some time in China, there are many very beautiful places to see easily with the high speed trains, an interesting culture and a lot of nice people to meet. Observe and make an idea by yourself. It's rather cheap. Make also a trip in Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore to see what are the social effects of Confucianism. Good night.

[@mediocremichael]

I will forever be in camp: support the brands that build the segment. Also I'm a ludite, and highly recommend it to those considering purchasing an adventure bike. Great video.

[@MeteoRide]

Another marvelous video! Greetings from Bulgaria 👌

[@killer0178]

Chinese motorcycles have little resale value because they have lots of quality issues. They maybe cheap but when they break (and they break a lot) try getting your hands on new parts, it'll take ages for them to arrive and it won't be cheap, you'll notice that after some repairs the bike is as expensive if not even more than a Japanese bike but with far less reliability. The only way for the Chinese to gain a real foothold in the motorcycle world is if they improve the quality substantially but most important they build a good supply chain of parts

[@Rocketboy-qg6ts]

Very well put together video 👍

[@ajjunair83]

Even in a € 1,692.28 motorbikes sold in India they have dual ABS, cruise control etc

[@nitinsharma12]

Eu needs to realize that beyond 500, 600cc motorcycles are heavy and take more effort to ride, maintain, and travel with them. I would any day pick a 450 mt, 450 Himalayan, nx 500 over bigger bulkier GS Type of bikes.. most importantly I should be able to drop and repair the bikes without much hassle, Unlike the over-complicated bikes eu is been promoting for so long...

[@alankritkumar7823]

Hero also make 440x for Harley Davidson

[@maxjek2374]

Scooters from China can now go by themselves without a rider to e.g. a food outlet. A waiter hangs takeaway food on it. It goes by itself back to its owner! It also has a self stabilizing feature. In KZbin.

[@lucamacchi]

The way China always did it: stablishing collaboration to copy and then doing it by themselves better. They are doing that for decades. How European motorcycle builders where so naive?

[@TalesinaFlash1]

This is such a well put together video. You're going to go massive really soon.

[@LukeHilby]

Grazie!

[@Andre-py9ry]

Video top notch! One thing is confusing me, I was under impression that you own CFmoto 450mt ? I ask this only because of last comment in video and I do not mean no disrespect or judging.

[@LukeHilby]

Thanks. No all good, fair question. The CFMoto was a press bike. I had the option to buy it but decided against it.

[@Andre-py9ry]

@@LukeHilby You are awesome person, despite your personal beliefs you really did give an excellent review of CFmoto, it shows your professionalism!

[@mobi1etone]

Have a CN made Scrambler from an offshoot company of Quadzilla, 2020 that i've since modded, sod human rights, bike goes BRRrrrrrrr :)

[@lawrencefeldman462]

Chinese AI is going to have a major effect on the future of manufacturing in China. Already they have reverse engineering and products such as Aircraft and EV are taking market share.. Political system sucks by western countries standards. But that's not what is the problem, its the open pathway to less government infringement. Chinese will dominate the manufacturing process.

[@filippoleombruno8624]

When I was in Vietnam in early 2000$ I used to sit and watch all the different brand motor bikes my favourite was the hongda stream an exact copy of the Honda dream 😊

[@dukeloo]

it was a good video until the last commentary. who makes quadlock?

[@DIEZ919191]

Quality of Chineese bikes are good, if you do not buy cheapest. The only one thing I'm concerned - spare parts availability in 10 years.

[@ariesmarsexpress]

My bike is Chinese and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I would, however, like for my country to stop trying to block them so I can get parts more easily. Van life in the US is when someone could go to the junkyard to buy their new home because they cannot afford to rent an apartment.

[@caleroby9483]

Agreed. Pretty spot on. 🫡

[@andreiwriter]

Finally a new video! When is the new trip coming? What bike will you take? Greetings!

[@LukeHilby]

We'll do one trip to the arctic circle for the German channel. Not sure if we translate this one yet 😇

[@jonathanambler]

I’ve rode BMW for last 12 years. Moved to my first Honda ( nx500). It beats BMW hands down

[@jimiorezzoli]

Excellent video! Danke...

[@macroevolve]

I wouldn't say China is "conquering" the Motorcycle Industry. They do have an MX Bike now (Kove) that looks pretty good, but being 2K cheaper than it's Japanese counterpart, I will say the quality is inferior to the Japanese big 4 and the European Brands. China's Pit Bikes are pretty crappy

[@vinaychinthla314]

7:31 i guess you havent heard about Indian brands before. TVS provides cruise control at 4k usd and the new ADV390 from KTM is also having cruise control

[@_Ulisses_]

Nice video, agree with most of all, but your last sentence. China is more capitalist than many countries that claim to be so. Ok, the PRC party does keep his eyes near the enterprises there, but none will be able to escape China grasps in a few years, every major electronic or modern device will have Chinese components/parts in it, simply because they are cheaper to the manufacturer, and as good as their rival's. IPhones are being produced in China for over a decade now, and i don't see anyone complaining about it. Anyways, it's a nice video, and if i have a Chinese company selling bikes here in Brazil at a good pricing tag, I'll seriously thinking it as an option; same to the India's bikes, like Hero and Royal Enfield, this last one already selling good bikes here.

[@venturii29]

just bought linhai 650l landforce. Was thinking about odes 650 facelift, but .... this usa-china company (odes) sold 2500 units to ruzzia army. So Luke do you have or use any goods made in china? iphone cups paper baloons pencil lunch box?

[@DukeBolton]

Very interesting take on the bikes -- but the editorial at the end was pretty silly. The West has never done anything like human rights abuses> How about Assange? Iraq? Afghanistan? Libya? And the list goes on.

[@steve00alt70]

I have a Zontes motorcycle. China will buy out Yamaha soon. Most mechanics/technicians are stuck in their old ways refusing to take risks with high quality chinese. When the market is flooded and nearly everyone has a chinese bike. Then the garages cannot refuse. But some will still refuse and they will shut down due to no customers.

[@browngreen933]

I have a Chinese Shineray XY400 motorcycle (Honda clone engine) with 36,000 miles on it with no major problems. That's as good as any motorcycle made. 😂

[@gregfreeland9816]

Let me see a competitive motocross bike, then I’ll be impressed