Chinese manufacturers moving up a gear

Two new designs are on the way which could break into the European market

Chinese manufacturers moving up a gear

Chinese bikes have always been cheap as chow mein but it looks like the far east market is evolving with new middleweight designs breaking cover.

Hengjian and Lifeng have respectively designed 500 and 350 bikes which could come to market as early as next year. The 500 has the air of a CBR600-based touring bike about it and will more than likely be powered by Loncin's 471cc motor.

The 350 (pictured) is a bit more aggro and has very conventional (Japanese) forks, wheels and brakes as well as a Euro4 end-can. It also looks a bit Ninja, ironic for a Chinese firm. Or is ironic? Is it like rain on your wedding day?