Posted on 05/22/2024 11:04:11 AM PDT by Red Badger
Souo's first motorcycle has a 4-valve, DOHC, 8-cylinder, 2000cc engine - that's two 1000cc four-cylinder engines joined together. All the liter sports bikes now produce more than 200 horsepower, so we expect that 400 hp would be relatively easily achievable should Souo desire to make a further splash when the horsepower figures are announced.Souo
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We love an adventurous startup, but GWM's new "clean sheet" motorcycle company announced last Friday really does look ominous in its potential to disrupt the established motorcycle industry order. The privately-owned Chinese "Great Wall Motor Company" (GWM) started making cars in 1984, yet it has been among the 25 largest automotive manufacturers in the world for the last decade and the company is on a massive roll.
Domestic sales are up more than 20% year-on-year so far in 2024 after selling a record 1.4 million vehicles in 2023 (1.1 million domestically and 300,000 internationally).
It has released 20 new models across its raft of brands (GWM, Haval, Wey, Tank, Poer, and Ora) so far this year, and intends to be selling a million vehicles a year internationally by 2030 (that's 85% year-on-year growth for the next six years).
GWM already exports to more than 170 countries and given that it has 1,000 overseas sales channels already in existence, it intends to utilize its strengths by adding a motorcycle brand into those same sales channels.
Now if you haven't heard of Great Wall Motors, the chances are that you soon will. The global automotive industry has been in a state of perpetual revolution for most of its existence, with the world order regularly changing, so if you need a quick snapshot of the current world order, here's a list of the world's largest car companies by market capitalization.
(Excerpt) Read more at newatlas.com ...
I’m going to run out and buy one right now! Can’t beat chineseses’ wewiabiwwity.
Looks like a Yamaha Tourer with a glandular problem.
It reminds me of a Vulcan..........................
Watched the YouTube video of that thing... It’s a beastie, but probably a LOT like most of the other Chinese bikes out there; IE... not worth it.
I've ridden a Burgman 650 all over this Country.. From Ohio to Wyoming, Texas, Vermont, Georgia, New York. I even went to Sturgis once.
My Brother on his Harley and me on my Burgman. I was in my early 70's and my Bro was in his mid 70's..
Living "High, Wide and Handsome".! :)
I got real close to getting a used Burgman 650 last year. Wish they still made them.
I like the Kymco AK 550, too.
No. It won’t get anywhere near 200hp much less 400. Engine configuration is entirely wrong and won’t achieve anything like a 13000rpm redline.
If I wanted a giant porker I’d get the Triumph 2300 Rocket. Not some fall apart Chinese garbage.
Just looks like a fat pig. Don’t like it.
“No. It won’t get anywhere near 200hp much less 400. Engine configuration is entirely wrong and won’t achieve anything like a 13000rpm redline.”
I totally agree. They talk about two liter sport bike engines grafted together.
It is more like two diesel tractor engines grafted together.
Sounds like a nice project. Still the stock 35 BHP?
“Not some fall apart Chinese garbage.”
I actually like the Kove 450 Rally. It’s my fav bike at the moment. I’m a little old to use it as intended but could still trail ride it.
Yes. I haven't felt the need to twiddle with pumper carbs, bored out airboxes or custom exhaust. I had a 2009 model that wasn't working for me on San Diego freeways. I lost my shirt trading it for a 2009 Kawasaki Versys that was perfect for those same freeways. I purchased a used 2015 DR650 with 11,000 miles. Upgraded with a Warp 9 supermoto kit. Blue anodized rims and hubs. About 2 hours of my labor to swap it out. I can now get my feet on the ground (30 in inseam) without hacking the suspension. Good enough for my objectives. I probably won't ride this Summer since I'm on Eliquis for the clot in my left leg and have a Whipple procedure slated for June 25th. I won't be in good shape this year. Too bad. I don't even have the mold lube worn off the new tires yet.
Yeah, I remember the Versys. Many decades ago I did pumper carb conversions (and back again). In fact, I believe one was the 441 Victor. Good luck with the procedure!
I always admired the BSA 500. I owned one for a year before I got married. It was an MX model. Not street legal, but wonderful in the dirt. When I got married, my condo had a single, open carport. Nowhere to store it. No means to transport it. Away it went. I've seen some offered for $5000 in recent years. I paid $500 in 1977. My Yamaha SR400 is as close as I can get now. Fuel injected, kick start only. The same song and dance with the compression release to kick it over. Nice for putting around town.
I have confidence in my surgeon. The wildcard is all the insanity going on between the US and Russia. Hoping that doesn't derail the plans.
“The wildcard is all the insanity going on between the US and Russia. Hoping that doesn’t derail the plans.”
I worry about things like that too. Some people never give it a thought.
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