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 |
Click image for larger view
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| Asiawing Spark 500 (Prototype, circa 2009) |
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| Performance |   |
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| A wild guess; I don't really know. Supposedly has 'Cagiva technology,' whatever that means. Graded on a curve because it's a single. |
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| Handling |  |
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| 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. |
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| Looks | |
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| Surprisingly attractive bodywork, nice looking engine, but the headlight cowl is wonky, exhaust is strange and fit and finish are dodgy. |
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| Reliability | |
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| Asiawing is not only Chinese, but 2nd-tier Chinese. 'Nuff said. |
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| Practicality | |
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| Theoretically real-world friendly, gets marked down for non-existent dealer support, and the fact that it currently doesn't exist in production form. |
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| Desirability | |
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| Nice body shape and proof that Chinese manufacturers are tackling larger, less toy-like bikes; beyond that totally forgettable. |
| Overall | |
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| 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! |
TOMORROW: Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster Custom
January 26th, 2010 at 10:17 pm
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.shtml
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…