The sanctions imposed on Russia in the spring of 2023 hit, among other things, the supply of bikes to our country. The restrictions are set by and include:
U.S. on supply of any motorcycles made in the U.S. with an engine larger than 50cc. This literally means – “goodbye, Harley!” At least, officially. Maybe when parallel imports, legalized by the Russian Government, work, which has not happened yet, bikers will be able to get something using semi-legal schemes.
- Most EU countries on supply of bikes with a retail price above 5,000 Euros. Such cheap bikes are virtually non-existent in the EU, so basically, motorcycle enthusiasts cannot buy European bikes like BMW from authorized dealers.
- Japan on supply of motorcycles retailing at more than 600,000 yen. Based on the average prices for the top Japanese brands such as Honda and Suzuki, we can make a disappointing conclusion that they won’t be supplied to Russia.
Thus, it would be pretty logical to take a closer look at Chinese motorcycles. For the lifestyle of bikers, choppers with an extended front fork, similar to the legendary Harley-Davidsons, or touring bikes designed for long trips, are best-suited options. So, let’s start with them!
Chinese Choppers
Best value for money
The hands-down winner is Lifan LF250 Cruiser bike. The Chinese brand copied it from the famous Yamaha Virago XV 250, and the replica turned out very successful. The reviews say it is a very reliable and unpretentious unit requiring minimal repairs.
Lifan LF250 Cruiser – classic biker chopper with shiny chrome parts and studs
I think bikers will appreciate the bike’s design: riveting on the side of the seat, deep black color, shiny chrome details, and, of course, an extended front fork. The V-shaped 2-cylinder engine solidifies the classic style. And the finishing touch – the dashboard on the fuel tank. Another pro for buying this particular bike model are handy fasteners to fix trunks.
This bike will also pleasantly surprise future owners with its modest appetite. It consumes just 2.4 liters of 92 gasoline for 100 kilometers with a gas tank of 14 liters, meaning you can ride just a bit less than 600 kilometers without refueling.
Currently, the motorcycle’s retail price is 1,564 Euros.
The fastest one
Suppose you want a bike that combines the perks of a chopper and a racing motorcycle. In that case, you should definitely consider Stels 400 Cruiser, retailing at around 1,400 Euros. Just like previously discussed Lifan, it is copied from Yamaha Virago, but this time from the XV 400 model. Conveniently, if it needs any repairs, Viraga 400’s spare parts will do.
The motorbike is quite high-spirited – it reaches 100 km/h in just 6 seconds. The Chinese producer saved on the automatic speed limiter, which is good news for those who love driving with a speed arrow in the red zone and the engine roaring for miles around. But please be careful! The brakes of this Chinese bike are far from perfect. So, there is a real risk of repeating the destiny of the character from Sector Gaza’s song “Java” who plowed the sand with his nose.
The motorcycle’s weight is only about 160 kg, so it’s not very steady on a straight road. However, maneuvering in corners and on the track is in relative order.
I think that bikers will appreciate its unpretentiousness and ability to withstand a long journey. Serious breakdowns like collapsed pistons rarely happen, but you can encounter little troubles like broken cables or quickly burning out lamps.
And one more important moment. True chopper fans may not like this bike because it presumes racing sitting, i.e., the legs are under the rider rather than stretched forward like on classic choppers.
If you want Harley Davidson
Naturally, the Chinese have replicas of the famous Harleys. Currently, the Russian market can offer a Chinese copy of the Harley Davidson SPORTSTER Light. It is a frisky chopper with excellent acceleration dynamics weighing only 142 kg. In terms of quality, it is similar to the previously reviewed models: the only difference is the higher price, which is 2,085 Euros. But with this bike, you will certainly not remain unnoticed on the road.
Touring motorcycles
These motorcycles with high horsepower and powerful engines are ideal for those bikers who ride long miles regularly. The best representative of this class of bikes from China is the CFMOTO 800MT Touring.
CFMOTO 800MT Touring is China’s No. 1 touring motorcycle model as of 2023
This motorcycle’s design primarily aims to create maximum comfort for the rider. The bike is equipped with:
- An energy-intensive suspension that can easily withstand even a bumpy dirt road without compromising the comfort of a biker.
- Wind protection.
- Cruise control.
- Heating system for steering handles and the driver’s seat.
- Overlays for protection of hands during driving.
- Quickshifters shifting gears without depressing the clutch.
- Trunk cases with a capacity of 99 liters.
The bike’s 800cc engine has 91 horsepower, meaning you can accelerate up to 195 km/h. In addition, the manufacturer installed liquid-cooled cylinders instead of air-cooled ones used on cheaper models. It means the engine will last longer and be able to give out all of its potentials at any speed.
Obviously, such a powerful bike requires appropriate brakes. Therefore, the motorcycle is equipped with hydraulic brakes and an anti-lock braking system.
I think fans of aesthetic design, and not just pure functionality, will like the predatory, hawk-like front end of the motorcycle, which is highlighted by LED headlights.
This splendor is retailed at around 14,000 Euros.