United Motors Closes Its Doors
United Motors quietly closed their doors February 1, 2010. They had what seemed to be a solid business importing Jincheng motorcycles from China after input on specs and quality and rebadging them as UM. A few years ago they began a deal with Hyosung (S&T Motors) to rebadged the 650c and 250cc models as UM. The multi-phase deal would eventually lead to Hyosung engined bikes designed by UM. The deal did not sit well with Hyosung US and rightfully so. The UM bikes began to sell better than the Hyosung brand in the states and dealer locations were not spaced far enough apart to protect Hyosung USA dealer territory.
All the details are not available about how UM met its fate. GE Money, the firm that loans money to dealers to stock the showroom, took possession of all United Motors inventory. A United Motors Group member in China called UM Global is still in business. Although this is strange it might offer hope for UM powersports owners who have warranty claims. If you have more information about UM’s fate and its possible future in UM Global please leave a comment or email admin [at] othermakes.net.
Source: Powersports Industry Daily Via: Korider
TF110 Reverse Trike ATV By Yongkang Easy Vehicle Co
Zhejiang Yongkang Easy Vehicle Company took the Bombardier Spyder reverse road trike concept and brought it to the dirt with the TF110. Being familiar with the Spyder I’m not sure why this reverse trike atv caught me off guard. It seems part of the benefit of having two wheels in the back when off road would be additional contact patch with loose dirt and rough terrain. Maybe in deep ruts the centered rear wheel would hook up on high, dry ground? The rider would be in a rather uncomfortable forward leaning position with the front wheels in ruts and rear wheel not.
The concept is interesting and there must be some situations where this 3 wheeled ATV shines. Anyone have any experience riding this Chinese creation? Have any thoughts on terrain it might handle well? Please leave a comment and let me know.
TF110 Specifications
| Bore*stroke | 52.4x 49.5mm |
| max speed | 48km/h |
| wheelbase | 1200mm |
| mini ground clearance | 110mm |
| seat height | 570mm |
| reated loading capacity | 80kgs |
| front tire | 16*8-7 |
| rear tire | 16*8-7 |
| Front brake | Disc brake |
| Rear brake | Disc brake |
| Drive | Chain drive |
| engine type | 110cc air cooled,single cylinder,four-stroke |
| start mode | electric start |
| tank capacity | 3L |
| weight | 100kgs |
| product dimension | 168x118x82cm |
Source: Yongkang Easy Vehicle Co.
Lijiang China Roadtrip Aboard The Shineray X2X
Yoko, a member of the SRMC forum posted a ride report of his trip to Old Town of Lijiang, Yunnan, China aboard his Shineray X2X. The translation through Google Translate was pretty rough but the dozens of pictures he posted tell a great story of travel with friends. Click the break to see a few of the great shots.
Benelli Due 765 At CIMA
Benelli had the Due 765 on display at this years CIMA China International Motorcycle Trade Exhibition in Chongqing, China. It appears to be production ready and offer an inline 2 cylinder alternative to the Honda Hornet, Monster 696 and Kawasaki Z750.
A few years back Benelli was bought by a Chinese company Qianjiang World who has been putting new money into the company and developing new models. The Due 765 will most likely be a 2010 model.
Source: Motorcycle.com
Zongshen Cyclone Prototype At 2009 CIMA
Kevin Duke took a trip out to the 2009 CIMA Motor Show in Chongqing, China and just published the first of a Motorcycle.com 3 part series on the 27 motorcycle manufacturers in attendance. Footage of the Loncin, Lifan, Shineray, Qingqi, Haojue, Xgjao, CFMoto and others were highlighted in the first video clip.
Most interesting was a picture of a prototype Zongshen Cyclone that takes styling queues from the Suzuki Gladius 650 and Kawasaki ER6N. It features USD forks, wave rotors and a liquid cooled single cylinder engine I am guessing displaces 500cc. This would be high displacement for a Chinese motorcycle. However there has been a push for larger displacements in the Chinese market. It has some nice details including under seat exhaust and integrated turn signals. This is a big departure from the usual parts bin fair that usually adorns Chinese bikes.
I am looking forward to more information on this bike and the rest of the MO series on the CIMA show.
Source: Motorcycle.com