In June I began checking out Chinese manufacturers thru industry inspectors and raters. I found that there are over 400 builders of bikes in China. Some are real losses from the git go. Others are highly reliable. In August I purchased a BMS 150cc cruiser scooter from a licensed dealer recommended by the manufacturer’s US import facility. The manufacturer is Znen and they have a 6 sq mile factory complex plus a separate facility dedicated to motorcycles. They build 3 pickups, 9 SUVs, 15 motorcycles and 69 scooter models, including several electric mopeds. Some are specially built for rebranding as “Italian” bikes and others. Not all are exported to the US.

Several “brands” of Znen scooters are sold in the US and the level of quality control of both the subassemblies and the finished bike seems to be directly related to the price range of the “Brand”. Motors are either Honda or Yamaha designs built under license. My bike was rated at 8 HP, it is actually 12 HP SAE, top speed was rated at 50 to 55 MPH, it has been clocked at 67 MPH. During 2000 miles of riding I have encountered 0 (zero) problems. Rated at 60 MPG I regularly get 77 to 82 MPG. Outwardly it looks like a Honda Reflex, but it cost about 1/3 of the US price of a Honda.

WARNING: Chinese builders appear to often “dump” their manufacturing failures on the Asian market and shady dealers and importers appear to be buying these “dumped” bikes and selling them in the US. Lifan had a warning on their corporate website of a California company (they named them) that was selling unlicensed, unwarranteed and unregistered bikes as original Lifan products.
SIDE NOTE: Recently a privately held company has surfaced on the web that appears to be buying 1 and 2 year old factory rejects and then having the factory rework them to new specs. These bikes are warranted tip to tail for 2 years, including roadside service for flats, out of gas, etc., free towing and parts AND labor service at a local repair shop for break-downs. Every bike is shipped fully assembled and has been test riden for several miles before shipment. This company is now licensing local dealers.

IN SUMMARY: Reputable Chinese builders are trying to establish a reliable US network to market and service their products. They have set standards for “authorized” dealers that ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty. Rip-off artists have existed for years and will continue to exist as long as there are customers who are looking to “beat” a dealer. Ironically, my local “Authorized” dealer charged me LESS for a fully dealer prepped and factory warrantied product than several “un-authorized” web dealers advertised for a crated and drop-shipped un-prepped or inspected bike. PLEASE, check around and investigate before you buy any high ticket item. By the way – Harley is reported to be negotiating with at least one Chinese builder to build a modest displacement bike.

I have been in China for three years, and to understand this better you need to realize the awe inspiring level of greed that factory owners have. Things like product safety or worker safety are just not an issue. And continuous corner shaving is standard business practice. Lastly, if your thinking of the word “ethics”, it doesn’t translate well.