Chinese motorbike producers function a treasure trove for all types of riders searching for budget-friendly options to mainstream manufacturers. These quirky two-wheelers are additionally excellent for experimental people trying to dip their toes into the two-wheeled world with out breaking the financial institution.
And most of the time, Chinese producers draw inspiration—generally relatively apparently intentional—from big-name manufacturers with regards to the styling and technology of those merchandise. Why re-engineer the wheel? Take Awak, for instance.
A subsidiary of AKMotor beneath the wing of Bashan Motorcycle Manufacturing Co., this fledgling Chinese moto model has simply unveiled the AK11 on the China International Motorcycle Expo, and it is a mini-moto that blends inspirations from a litany of Honda’s classics such because the Dax, Monkey, and Grom.
Seriously, it is like a mish-mash of quite a bit.
Interestingly, although the AK11 blends styling cues from all these bikes, it leaves room to throw in some styling inspirations from, oddly sufficient, the AK-47? Granted, this two-wheeler is under no circumstances packing as a lot firepower because the rifle, however it definitely has an attention grabbing aesthetic, to say the least.
It has a futuristic aptitude, with its LED headlight, gas tank, and bodywork all built-in into the body. It jogs my memory of the Sachs MadAss 125, a mini-bike I’ve some fond reminiscences with.
The AK11 kind of jogs my memory of the Sachs Madass 125.
Awak claims that the AK11 was crafted with “aerospace-inspired” know-how. Boasting an aluminum monocoque body with an built-in 4.5-liter (1.2 gallons) gas tank, it weighs in at simply 92 kilograms (203 kilos), and integrates nifty options like ABS and LED lights. It’s powered by a 125cc air-cooled engine, and rolls on scooter-sized 12-inch wheels. The value for such a diminutive little bike? 9,880 yuan, or roughly $1,372 USD.
That’s a helluva deal, in case you ask me.
The chance of the Awak AK11 ever making its approach to the US is slim. But who is aware of, maybe somebody who’s into bizarre mini-motos will discover a approach to ship this little two-wheeler stateside.
If it would ever make it exterior of the Chinese market, likelihood is it’ll be bought as an inexpensive two-wheeler in close by markets akin to Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. After all, inexpensive Chinese-made two-wheelers are a dime a dozen on Southeast Asian roads. But for me, it is simply the look of the factor. Just have a look at it. So bizarre.