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

This is the United Motors V2S 250R. It is basically a Hyosung GT250R with a different paint scheme. I personally like it better than the solid colors Hyosung has for thier bikes. The style is bold but not obnoxious like the tribal pait on the hyo bikes.

United Motors has a multi-year contract with Hyosung to rebadge thier models. This should create some extra cash flow for Hyosung but might also canibalize some of thier sales. Is Hyosung shooting themselves in the foot or building new revenue streams?

I personally think Hyosung made a good long term move here. Yes, short term UM will get some of Hyosung’s customers. UM will eventually sell Hyosung built bikes that are unique from the Hyosung models. However, motorcycle owners are a very loyal bunch. The story behind thier bike is important to them. Hyosung is a company that scrapped it’s way to into the motorcycle industry to become a player by building motorcycles. UM on the other hand simply rebadges motorcycles made by other companies. This is an important difference that will make it hard for UM to build owner loyalty.

Do you think UM / Hyosung deal will be good for both companies?

Brad will be riding the V2S650R for the whole season. It will be interesting to see how he does on the bike. There have been reports of some motors going bad on the Hyosung 650 machines. However, a lot of owners seem to be satisfied with the bikes on owner forums including other Hyosung racers.