Tanshanomi's Snap Judgments

Asiawing Spark 500

Tue, January 5th, 2010

100_2045
Click image for larger view.

EDITOR’S NOTE: While this blog’s focus is intended to be on production motorcycles, I had a chance to check out this prototype at the 2009 Motorcycle Dealer Expo in Indianapolis last March. I later learned that Roketa intends to distribute the Spark 500 stateside once production commences. I thought it would be fun to include.
http://www.roketa.com/product/2628/0/48426.shtml
Spark 500 in Yellow
Click image for larger view

Asiawing Spark 500 (Prototype, circa 2009)
Performancewww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
A wild guess; I don't really know. Supposedly has 'Cagiva technology,' whatever that means. Graded on a curve because it's a single.
Handlingwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
I love riding narrow, light single-cylinder bikes. This one has a nice perimeter frame that looks stiffer than many, but cheap suspension components guarantee a letdown. Let's call it 'not exceptional' ...at best.
Lookswww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
Surprisingly attractive bodywork, nice looking engine, but the headlight cowl is wonky, exhaust is strange and fit and finish are dodgy.
Reliabilitywww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
Asiawing is not only Chinese, but 2nd-tier Chinese. 'Nuff said.
Practicalitywww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
Theoretically real-world friendly, gets marked down for non-existent dealer support, and the fact that it currently doesn't exist in production form.
Desirabilitywww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
Nice body shape and proof that Chinese manufacturers are tackling larger, less toy-like bikes; beyond that totally forgettable.
Overallwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
I actually like the overall design. If it was more refined and from a major player, it would be a great bike worth serious consideration. As it is? Forget it!

One Response to “Asiawing Spark 500”

  1. smokyburnout says:

    Looks like Roketa doesn't just sell bikes from second tier Chinese manufactuers… They also sell bikes from established names, like Yamasaki*.
    http://www.roketa.com/product/2628/0/56529.shtml http://www.roketa.com/product/2628/0/56530.shtml
    They also sell "choppers" with interesting kickstands.
    http://www.roketa.com/product/productlist/52492.s…
    Fake Can-Am Spyders? They got 'em.
    http://www.roketa.com/product/34399/0/47108.shtml
    and of course, they sell blanketry with all your favorite patterns, like:

    American flag! http://www.roketa.com/product/22990/0/22999.shtml
    Confederate flag!
    http://www.roketa.com/product/22990/0/46399.shtml
    Jeff Gordon's 2006 Car!
    http://www.roketa.com/product/22990/0/47478.shtml

    *I didn't say the name was established by Yamasaki…

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