Chinese Invasion

By Gary Gibbs, co-founder of NOHVA and Dealer Rep. Parts Unlimited

I recently attended the 39^th annual DEALERNEWS INTERNATIONAL POWERSPORTS DEALER EXPO in Indianapolis IN. It has always been a show for   manufacturers, distributors of parts, accessories, and apparel for powersports dealers world wide.  The major motorcycle, ATV, scooter manufacturers have displays for their authorized dealers to showcase there respective parts and accessories. Just under 1000 vendors display products at this show.

The last 5-6 years an ever increasing number of Chinese made scooters, ATV’s and small dirt bikes have been displayed. This year it has more than doubled. The exhibitor list this year had 60 manufacturers present.  It is a growing concern for many in the industry. Most of these imports ship several containers of these units to the US and sell directly to dealers, used car lots, hardware stores or whoever will take 6-10 units at a time. These units are not EPA certified or DOT approved. They ship no spare parts or no written warranties so basically are sold as throw away toys. The problem is they look like the real machines that you can buy at your local motorcycle dealership but at less than half the price. Many feel that it hurts the industry in that many first time buyers get these and have a bad experience with them and just assume that they are all that way.          

         There are probably 6-8 legitimate Chinese and Taiwanese manufacturers that have a distribution and dealer network in the country with many good dealers that can offer warranties and parts.

The major Japanese manufacturers have lawsuits trying to halt the distribution and sale of many of these machines. The copycats are everywhere with identical looking machines and with names like Yamasaki, Yamoto , Hondo etc.  Just remember just because it looks good and runs beware! If you are like me I would not like spending 600.00 to 1500.00 on a toy only to have to throw it away after it fouled a spark plug I could not replace. 

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This page was updated on Sunday, March 01, 2009