Gone are the days when Chinese motorcycles were looked down up in terms of their build quality and manufacturing methods. Since the US markets have opened the doors for chinese motorcycle manufacturers, Chinese motorcycles have attracted huge sales and are unsurprisingly denouncing the early verdicts against them. If you are a Chinese motorcycle owner, things might not differ for you in more than a few ways. To reassure yourself whether or not your investment in Chinese motorcycles is worth it and how to take the best care of your two-wheeler, read this blog till the end.
How do Chinese Motorcycles Differ from Others?
Chinese motorcycles are more affordable and made for the local market. If taken proper care of it, Chinese motorcycles are likely to last longer than their counterparts but with differences in the riding experience. This means they won’t have the same performance or reliability as other brands, but if you want something comfortable and easy to ride, then Chinese bikes might be your best bet.
Also, with the number of Chinese auto manufacturers jumping into the international market, the number of options someone gets when making a new purchase is huge. But the specs tend to play their part in this comparison. For example, Chinese motorcycles tend to be less powerful than their international counterparts. This makes sense because they were designed for Chinese riders new to riding on highways or through large cities with lots of traffic.
Tips that every Chinese Motorcycle owner should know
• Add Front And Rear Reflectors
Front and rear reflectors are important for visibility and safety. They should be installed on the motorcycle at a minimum of 200mm (8 inches) from the ground to be visible to other road users when riding. Chinese traffic regulations are strict, and so one has to make an effort to abide by them.
The best way to test your reflectors is by shining a spotlight on them from behind while driving in daylight. If they don’t work, check whether there is any dirt or debris on their surface that could have gotten into contact with them when you built up your bike, as this may have caused damage over time.
• Replace the brake light switches
There are generally two switches on a Chinese motorcycle: one for the main headlight and one for each side of your bike, which controls taillights and turn signals. You can find these at your local motorcycle parts store or online.
Replacing switches might ask for an experienced mechanic—this should not be done by yourself! A bad switch can cause problems with your vehicle’s electrical system and even lead to injury if you fall while riding because it won’t illuminate when you tell it to (or worse yet, when someone else tries).
• Replace The OEM Tires with Quality Ones
After purchasing your Chinese motorcycle, you must replace the OEM tires with quality ones. Unfortunately, many factories choose soft rubber in their OEM tires, so they are likely to wear faster than standard tires.
You should check the tire pressure and tread wear of all tires before replacing them. Tire pressure must be checked every time you fill up your motorcycle’s gas tank or when it is parked for long periods. The recommended tire pressures are as follows:
- Front: 31PSI (pounds per square inch)
- Rear: 32PSI
- Check the oil levels.
Once you’ve filled up with gas, check the oil level on your motorcycle. The best way to do this is by removing the dipstick from its place underneath your bike and examining it under a light source or with an assistant’s help if possible. Again, look for both high and low marks on this gauge; don’t forget about what’s between them!
Oil levels should be checked after running for a few minutes and again before riding, as well as after any time you stop riding for more than 15 minutes (or longer).
Conclusion
Our list of things to do after buying a Chinese motorcycle has given you some great ideas for keeping your bike running smoothly and looking good. We recommend checking out our guide on caring for your motorcycle and regular maintenance, like changing the oil. Don’t forget about safety, too—wear proper clothing when riding, have an emergency kit on hand, and make sure your machine is always locked up securely!
