In recent years, we’ve seen lots of new motorcycles emerge from China. And while some of them, such as the CFMoto Ibex 450, are signs that Chinese bikes are indeed getting better, others continue to embody the knockoff stereotype made-in-China bikes have become associated with over the years.
Now, I may be getting ahead of myself here, but the new KY600 Lancer from fledgling Chinese manufacturer Kove seems to be just that. It’s a mid-displacement cruiser rocking a 578cc V-twin engine, and it’s one that employs styling that appears to be a mishmash between Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle styling. On the one hand, its low-slung stance and muscular bodywork give it a Harley Low Rider or Sportster feel. On the other hand, the exposed engine and seemingly faux air cleaner remind me of the Indian Scout Bobber.
I’m sure you guys will see all sorts of other cruisers when looking at this thing, but I’m pretty sure we can all agree that its styling is by no means original.
And as for what lies beneath the surface—a 578cc V-twin delivering around 60 horsepower—well, this might just be its saving grace. You see, despite what this bike’s styling may suggest, it has no intentions of competing with bikes from Harley-Davidson or Indian. Instead, it’s eyeing the growing metric cruiser segment dominated by small- to mid-displacement offerings. I’m talking about your Honda Rebel 500 and Kawasaki Eliminator.
And yes, your Royal Enfield 650s, too.
Now, these types of cruisers are pretty important in the grand scheme of things, as they’re popular in Asia and Europe among beginner riders. The fact that they’re so low and easy to ride means that shorter riders can confidently swing a leg over them—a definite plus for us Asians who aren’t as gifted with height as our brothers and sisters on the other side of the world.
But in true made-in-China fashion, the Kove KY600 Lancer wants to one-up the competition when it comes to tech. While Honda’s Rebel and Kawasaki’s Eliminator remain barebones, the KY600 Lancer boasts inverted front forks, a radially mounted front caliper, and get this, a belt-drive system a la Harley and Indian. Of course, it gets other techie bits it doesn’t really need, too. You know, the usual TFT display and Bluetooth smartphone connectivity.
So yeah, this thing isn’t necessarily a piece of innovation on the part of Kove, but rather, the brand’s response to yet another growing trend in an ever-changing industry.
To that end, the Kove KY600 Lancer is a bike that will more than likely fight in a battlefield dominated by price. It’s a bike that wants to dazzle you with its spec sheet and entice you with its low price tag, so expect it to be priced substantially lower than the other mid-sized metric cruisers I mentioned earlier. But hey, for some folks, getting the best bargain imaginable is the most important thing. And at the end of the day, more folks on two wheels is always a good thing.
But what do you think? Would you spend your hard-earned dough on a cruiser like this, assuming the price is right? Personally, I’d probably go for a used Rebel or Vulcan S. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Sources: Cycle World, Motorcycle Sports
