China is the world’s largest motorcycle producer. In 2023, the country manufactured over 16.7 million motorcycles, making up about 30% of the global production that year.
China also leads in electric motorcycles and scooters, holding over 80% of the global market for electric two-wheelers. According to a research report, China’s electric two-wheeler market size is expected to reach $23.87 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 9.46%. [1]
In 2023, China exported 11.41 million motorcycles, up from 10.1 million in 2022. This marked the third consecutive year that China’s motorcycle exports surpassed 10 million units. Over half of these exports went to countries in Asia, Africa, and South America. [2]
With more than 200 domestic motorcycle manufacturers, China offers a wide variety of brands, ranging from affordable commuter bikes to high-end luxury models. Below, I highlight the top Chinese motorcycle brands driving the industry forward with innovative designs and advanced technology. These companies not only lead the domestic market but are also making a strong impact globally.
Did you know?In 2023, China’s electric two-wheeler market saw sales of about 56 million units, with the top brands accounting for over 48 million of those sales. [3]
Table of Contents
13. Zhejiang CFMoto Power
450CL-C Bobber
Annual Revenue: $1.86 billion
Popular Models: 300NK, CFORCE Series
Competitive Edge: Partnership with KTM
Zhejiang CFMoto develops high-performance motorcycles, side-by-sides, and all-terrain vehicles. It follows a vertically integrated business model, handling everything from design and R&D to manufacturing and distribution.
The company’s biggest strength is its partnership with KTM, which allows it to produce and assemble KTM motorcycles in China and benefit from KTM’s cutting-edge technology. Plus, this gives CFMoto access to advanced engine technology and premium motorcycle designs.
CFMoto has a strong R&D division, with nearly 10% of its workforce engaged in research and development. Between the fiscal years 2019 and 2023, the company’s R&D growth averaged 44.7%. In 2023, CFMoto invested approximately $131 million in R&D. That same year, CFMoto sold over 100,000 two-wheelers worldwide, with the 250NK being the top-selling model in the 250 cc category. [4]
12. Shineray Motorcycle
XY250-11
Popular Models: XY200GY, 400 ATV
Competitive Edge: Focuses on affordability
Shineray has more than 100 models with a profound product line of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), dirt bikes, street bikes, and utility vehicles. The company has seen steady growth both domestically in China and internationally, exporting to more than 80 countries.
In addition to dual-sport motorcycles, such as Shineray XY400GY (which is known for its rugged build and off-road capabilities), the company manufactures small-displacement motorcycles, including 125cc and 150cc models. These models are popular in urban and semi-urban regions.
Shineray’s products are gaining popularity in Central Asian, South American, and African markets due to their durability and affordability. In Uzbekistan, for instance, Shineray Motors’s monthly sales reached 1,000 units by 2023, becoming the top-selling brand in the micro commercial vehicle segment.
11. Haojue
TR300
Annual Revenue: $2.7 billion
Popular Models: DR160, KA150
Competitive Edge: Partnership with Suzuki
Haojue has secured a strong foothold in the domestic market by producing durable and cost-effective motorcycles. Among its top-selling models, the Haojue HJ125 stands out for its reliability and affordability in the entry-level segment, while the Haojue KA150 caters to commuter needs with a focus on fuel efficiency and user-friendly performance.
Its long-standing partnership with Suzuki enhances Haojue’s technological capabilities, allowing it to leverage advanced engineering while expanding its market influence in both China and Japan. With annual sales of around 2 million motorcycles and over $2.5 billion in revenue, the company remains a dominant player. [5]
Looking ahead, Haojue is also shifting focus towards electric vehicles, aligning with the broader industry trend toward eco-friendly solutions. We may see new electric motorcycle models from Haojue in the coming years.
10. Dayun Motor
Annual Revenue: $700 million
Popular Models: DY150, DY5000DT-8 electric
Competitive Edge: Extensive after-sales service network
Dayun Group has a diverse product range, including motorcycles, heavy-duty trucks, and electric vehicles. The company’s operations cover design, manufacturing, and marketing, with a strong focus on quality control and innovation.
With its diversified portfolio, Dayun is able to reduce risk and take advantage of various market opportunities. The company generates nearly $700 million in annual revenue, with the average price of their motorcycles at $1,310.
Each year, Dayun produces over 1.5 million motorcycles of more than 40 models and 200 varieties, along with more than two million motorcycle engines. It has been expanding its exports, especially in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, where there is high demand for affordable motorcycles and vehicles. [6]
9. Luyuan Electric
Popular Models: S30, A-Series
Competitive Edge: Mid-drive liquid-cooled motor and fast charger
Luyuan Electric manufactures two-wheelers, primarily targeting urban commuters and individuals seeking eco-friendly, cost-effective transportation. With more than 9,000 stores and service centers across China, Luyuan has become a major player in the electric vehicle market.
The company focuses on producing high-quality, durable electric bikes and scooters equipped with advanced technology to ensure safety, performance, and battery efficiency. One of its standout features is the use of liquid-cooling technology, which reduces the operating temperature by 30°C. This cooling system not only boosts motor performance but also extends the vehicle’s endurance. [7]
Luyuan holds over 600 patents and has developed proprietary technology for key components. The company conducts extensive testing, with 205 large and 1,071 small testing projects for vehicles and accessories.
8. Bashan Motorcycle
Bashan BS200-13B
Annual Revenue: $300 million
Popular Models: 250-11R, BS200GY-18
Competitive Edge: Cater to diverse market needs
Bashan Motorcycle produces a broad range of motorcycles, scooters, and all-terrain vehicles for domestic and international markets. Its business model revolves around offering cost-effective, reliable, and versatile vehicles, targeting both the consumer and commercial sectors.
Bashan has an annual production capacity of 600,000 motorcycles and 1 million motorcycle engines. The company employs over 1,800 people, with nearly 30% being medium and senior-level professionals.
According to their official website, Bashan generates around $300 million in annual revenue, with export earnings surpassing $100 million. A significant portion of their export sales comes from Latin America, Africa, and Asia. [8]
7. Jialing
Popular Models: JH600, JH200GY-2
Competitive Edge: Vast production capacity
Jialing is a large-scale manufacturer of motorcycles, scooters, and utility vehicles. It focuses on both affordable and mid-range models, appealing to a broad customer base. Its vehicles are exported to more than 90 countries.
The company has strong R&D capabilities, advanced manufacturing processes, and a comprehensive quality management system. It also has a national Technology Center (the first R&D Center in the domestic motorcycle industry), a post-doctoral research workstation, motorcycle quality testing stations, and five overseas subsidiaries.
Recognizing the growing demand for eco-friendly transportation, Jialing has invested in electric motorcycles and scooters. One of its popular models, the Jialing Electric Motorcycle M5, features a 2000W motor and a 72V55Ah lithium battery and can reach a top speed of 80 km/h with a range of 110 km per charge.
6. Niu Technologies
Annual Revenue: $ 380 million
Popular Models: MQi Series, NQi Series
Competitive Edge: Incorporates IoT technology in its vehicles
Niu Technologies is a key player in the electric scooter and motorcycle markets, particularly in urban environments. It operates a D2C and B2B model, selling its products through both its online channels and physical retail stores.
Niu’s scooters and motorcycles are integrated with smart technology, including IoT connectively, app-based controls, and energy-efficiency battery systems. Its highly popular range of electric scooters, including the NQi Series, balances power and affordability. They feature smart connectivity, allowing users to track their scooters via a smartphone app, monitor battery levels, navigate GPS, and analyze riding statistics.
In 2023, Niu expanded its product lineup by launching several new models, including the RQi electric motorcycle and the KQi electric kick scooter. That year, the company sold a total of 709,802 units, which included e-bikes, e-motorcycles, e-mopeds, and kick-scooters. Of these, 600,994 units were sold in China, while 108,808 were sold in international markets. [9]
5. Yadea
Founded: 2001Yadea is saying Hola to you in Mexico. 👋 We are proud to announce the grand opening of our first flagship store in Mexico! Our innovative electric vehicles offer versatile options for short to medium-distance travel. #Yadea #ElectrifyYourLife #YadeaMexico #GreenMobility pic.twitter.com/kGI6WhcKrf
— Yadea Global (@YadeaGlobal) September 20, 2024
Annual Revenue: $4.5 billion
Popular Models: Yadea G5 and C-Line
Competitive Edge: Large production capacities offer economy of scale
Yadea is one of the largest manufacturers of electric two-wheelers worldwide. It follows a mass-market production model, heavily centered on producing affordable and eco-friendly electric scooters, bikes, and motorcycles for the urban mobility market.
Yadea’s focus on zero-emission vehicles positions it strongly in both developing and developed markets. The company has achieved a global accumulated riding distance of 277.6 billion kilometers, which has helped reduce CO₂ emissions by 48.1 billion kilograms. This reduction in emissions is equivalent to the environmental impact of planting over 2.4 billion trees. [10]
The company operates a National Level Design Center and two National CNAS Laboratories, supported by a team of 1,000+ R&D staff. Plus, it holds over 1,900 national patents, which highlights Yadea’s strong focus on research and technological advancement. [11]
4. Lifan
KPV 150
Annual Revenue: $930 million
Popular Models: LF200, KPR 200
Competitive Edge: Reliable engines
Originally started as a motorcycle producer, Lifan has since diversified its product range and become one of China’s major players in the automotive and motorcycle sectors. Today, it produces motorcycles, automobiles, and engines, and exports them to 80+ countries.
The company has multiple production plants in China, with an annual production capacity of 2 million motorcycles and 300,000 automobiles. Employing over 10,000 people, it has been ranked among the top 500 Chinese enterprises for 13 consecutive years.
Lifan emphasizes research and development, ensuring that its products remain competitive in terms of price and innovation. The company has applied for 11,684 patents globally and holds 10,436 authorized patents. Notably, Lifan is the only motorcycle manufacturer in China that has proprietary electronic injection technology. [12]
3. Qianjiang Motorcycle
Annual Revenue: $722 million
Popular Models: QJMotor SRK600, Benelli 752S
Competitive Edge: A significant foothold in the premium motorcycle market
Qianjiang specializes in producing high-performance motorcycles, scooters, and all-terrain vehicles. The company gained international recognition when it acquired the Italian brand Benelli in 2005, becoming the first Chinese motorcycle manufacturer to merge with an international brand.
Qianjiang has focused on expanding Benelli’s presence in the European and North American markets, forming strategic alliances with several international firms. They are known for collaborating on joint ventures to share technology and broaden market reach.
One notable example is their 2019 partnership with Harley-Davidson to develop a 338cc “baby Harley” model for the Chinese and other Asian markets. In 2023, Qianjiang entered the US market, offering 11 different models. [13]
For the financial year ending December 2023, Qianjiang reported sales of $722 million, a decrease from $800 million in the previous year. [14]
2. Zongshen
Annual Revenue: $1.16 billion
Popular Models: Zongshen RX3, Cyclone
Competitive Edge: Efficient and durable internal combustion engine
Zongshen Industrial Group is one of China’s leading motorcycle and engine manufacturers, known for its broad range of motorcycles, scooters, and engines. It is a leading producer of internal combustion engines for motorcycles, as well as engines for other applications such as boats, lawnmowers, and agricultural machinery.
The company has formed joint ventures with international brands like Piaggio and Harley-Davidson, which has helped it expand into new markets and gain international expertise, particularly in regions such as Africa and Latin America.
Zongshen sells nearly 1 million motorcycles annually, with the average price of its motorcycles around $1,240. Recently, the company has been focusing on growing its electric vehicle lineup, including electric motorcycles and scooters. [15]
1. Loncin Motor
Loncin SBR 125
Annual Revenue: $2.09 billion
Popular Models: Loncin LX300, GP150
Competitive Edge: Strong global partnerships
Loncin Motor is known for its diverse portfolio, ranging from motorcycles to industrial engines and electric mobility solutions. It has an impressive annual production capacity of 2.5 million motorcycles, 3 million motorcycle engines, and 150,000 all-terrain vehicles.
A key competitive advantage for Loncin is its collaboration with BMW, for which it produces engines for the F 800 and F 900 motorcycle models. Plus, the BMW C 400 X and C 400 GT midsize scooters are manufactured at Loncin’s facilities. This partnership has enhanced Loncin’s reputation as a high-quality manufacturer, allowing it to incorporate German engineering standards into its own products. [16]
As of 2024, Loncin employs nearly 9,000 people, including hundreds of R&D professionals focused on developing new technologies for both traditional and electric motorcycles. The company is currently focusing on producing electric motorcycles and scooters to meet the growing demand for sustainable urban transportation.
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Sources Cited and Additional References- Automotive, China’s electric two-wheeler market trend and analysis, Zion Market Research
- Ella Zhang, China’s two-wheeler exports in 2023, LinkedIn
- China consumers, NIU’s expansion journey within the electric two-wheeler market in China, Daxue Consulting
- Metric Usage, R&D growth for Zhejiang CFMoto Power, Finbox
- Market Insights, Haojue’s revenue and sales growth, Statista
- Dayun Automobile, The group has an annual output of more than 1.5 million motorcycles, China Daily
- News Releases, Luyuan takes the lead in overcoming the technical problem of high-temperature resistance of motors globally, PR Newswire
- Company Introduction, Bashan Moto has an annual productive capacity of 500,000 units, Made-in-China
- News Releases, Fourth quarter and full year 2023 sales volume update, Niu Technologies
- Homepage, Our contribution to the planet, Yadea
- About Us, Yadea focuses on independent R&D of products, Yadea
- About Us, Lifan has been continuously listed in China’s top 500 enterprises, Lifan
- Ben Purvis, Italian company’s owners working on liter-class V-4, Cycle World
- Financial Summary, Zhejiang Qianjiang Motorcycle’s earnings results, Investing
- Market Insights, Zongshen’s revenue and sales growth, Statista
- International Production, BMW F 800 and F 900 models are currently manufactured by Loncin, BMW Group
