China has emerged as a significant player in motorcycle manufacturing in recent years. Many brands have originated from China, and established brands have collaborated with Chinese manufacturers to increase their production and market presence. AW is one such brand that has recently entered the scene.
AW is a relatively new company that made its debut at a trade fair in China in 2021. The brand has just unveiled its first two models, the 500 N and 500 R, both based on the same platform. While these bikes share the same engine and components, they differ in terms of styling. The AW 500 N and 500 R use an engine from another Chinese manufacturer, Loncin, which is similar to Honda’s parallel-twin engine in terms of architecture.
Both the AW 500 N and 500 R deliver 45 horsepower, making them competitive in the entry-level motorcycle segment. Weighing in at 186 kilograms, these bikes are lightweight and accessible to a wide range of riders. AW has equipped the 500 N and 500 R series with premium features, such as adjustable inverted front forks and a link-type shock in the rear. The bikes are also equipped with dual disc brakes with radially mounted four-piston calipers.
In terms of technology, AW’s new models follow the industry trend with a large, full-color display that is likely Bluetooth compatible. The bikes differentiate themselves in terms of styling, with the 500 R adopting a traditional fully faired sportbike design, while the 500 N takes inspiration from premium modern classics like the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR and MV Agusta Superveloce, featuring a sporty and angular design with a touch of retro styling.
The AW 500 series has been launched in China with a price of around $4,400 USD. While there is no confirmation of plans to export these models to the global market, considering the rise of Chinese motorcycles in the international market, it is a possibility worth considering.
