Chongqing - At the recent International Motorcycle and Accessories Exhibition (EICMA), Chinese motorcycles stole the spotlight, captivating Italian enthusiasts with a diverse range of models, from high-powered beasts to eco-friendly rides. This signals China's rise in the global motorcycle market, where there is now a passion, not just transportation.

Export increase of large-displacement motorcycles

This shift is palpable in the streets of many cities in China, where the roar of engines enlivens the atmosphere. Motorcycle enthusiasts, often seen in full gear, frequent these streets, especially during peak hours and on weekends. 

Motorcycle rides are coordinated by the Zongshen Riders Club. (Photo/ Zongshen Motor)

Chongqing, the "motorcycle capital," is home to manufacturers like JiaLing Motorcycles, Zongshen Motorcycle, Loncin Motor, and Gaokin. "Chongqing's terrain is very suitable for riding motorcycles. Many motorcycle companies have set up rider clubs, creating an exchange platform for enthusiasts," said Liu Jianqiang, Deputy General Manager of Chongqing Gaokin Industries Co., Ltd.

The quality of domestic motorcycles has been on the rise, winning favor both in China and abroad. "Our motorcycle not only wins over locals but also commands high prices in Europe, with an average price of over 6,000 euros," Liu added.

Malaysian rider Huang Yingtuo, with his wife, recently completed a 20,000-kilometer journey from Malaysia through Thailand and Laos to Chongqing, China. 

"In 2016, I bought a Zongshen RX3, an off-road motorcycle, and rode abroad many times," said Huang, "In the past seven years, this motorcycle has accompanied me over mountains and never had a problem, and now I am ready to buy a new RT3 and continue traveling around the world with my wife."

"Over the last two years, we've seen a significant increase in the export of large-displacement motorcycles," said Li Bin, Executive Vice President of the China Chamber of Commerce for Motorcycles. 

He noted that the average price for these exports has risen from over 500 U.S. dollars to 650 U.S. dollars. Specifically, motorcycles with displacements above 250cc have reached an average export price of around 3,000 U.S. dollars.

Intelligent manufacturing line halves product failure rates

Technological innovation is key in production. Inside Chongqing Xinyuan Motorcycle's workshop is the whole advanced manufacturing process. 

The manufacturing enables 15 AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicle) platforms for various stages of assembly. Workers, aided by on-screen diagrams, guide each step before the AGVs transport the motorcycles to the next station in a seamless cycle.

A Mexican businessman conducts a test drive at Xinyuan Motorcycle's workshop. (Photo/ Kang Pu)

During their visit, Mexican businessmen expressed surprise at the advanced production process of Chinese motorcycles, contributing to their popularity in Mexico.

In Zongshen's engine workshop, an automated line equipped with robotic arms and logistics robots efficiently manages material delivery. Yang Fengli, who supervises this line, emphasized its integration of big data, digital simulation, and IoT technologies, underscoring a major investment. This state-of-the-art manufacturing line has improved efficiency by 14% and cut product failure rates in half compared to traditional methods.

Motorcycle safety standards are advancing as well. "In the past, consumers prioritized fuel efficiency, but now they are turning their attention to safety features like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), which prevents wheel lockup during intense braking," explained Wang Xiaoqing, assistant to the president of Loncin General Dynamics Co., Ltd.

Peng Tao, another company representative, showcased their new safety system that sends an automatic alert if a rider falls. This system transmits data via satellite for rapid rescue and records a 15-second video of the incident for later analysis.

The company is also pioneering in self-balancing motorcycle technology. In partnership with Lingyun Technology, a Beijing-based smart vehicle developer, they utilize precision sensors and control algorithms to enhance safety, particularly on slippery roads and in emergency braking situations.

Wang noted a trend towards "automotiveization" in motorcycles, with features like cruise control, uphill assist, and telematics becoming standard, greatly enhancing the overall riding experience.