I was up in San Francisco a week or so ago and I stopped by good buddy Barry’s San Francisco Scooter Centre for two reasons: To say hello to Barry, and to check out the new Genuine G400c motorcycle. It’s the bike manufactured by Shineray (in Chongqing, China), and I had seen two versions of it when I rode across China on an RX3 nearly three years go.
I didn’t have the time or the gear to ride the Genuine G400c last week, but Barry said he wants me to try the new machine and he offered a ride. I’m going to do that later this month, and I’ll tell you more about the bike when I do.
The products available to us as motorcyclists sure are changing, and there’s no doubt the imports from China and India are rocking our world. Gresh and I have a bit of experience on Zongshen’s RX3, RX4, and TT250 (made in China and imported by CSC). I’ve had some seat time on the new BMW 310 made in India. Joe and I recently completed a week-long adventure in Baja riding the Royal Enfield 500cc Bullet and their new 650cc Interceptor (both made in India). I don’t have any time yet on Harley’s 500cc and 750cc v-twin cruisers (also made in India), but I’m working on correcting that character flaw. There’s an old proverb that says “may you live in interesting times.” We certainly are.
Hey, more good news: I finally received my printed copies of Destinations, and my story on Kitt Peak National Observatory is in the next issue of Motorcycle Classics magazine. You can see all of the Destinations pieces (and get your very own copy) right here. Good buddy Mike did. Mike and I graduated junior high school and high school together back in the day (as in 50 years ago), and we still talk to each other a couple of times each month. Good friends and good times!
Joe always a pleasure to see you. Look forward to getting you in the saddle.
Thanks, Barry. I think you are going to sell a lot of these motorcycles.
Wow, I made it into your blog!! I am working on my recent trip for you. Thank you!
Looking forward to it, Mike. Your adventure was definitely an unusual one!
The dealer near me just picked up the SSR line of smaller bikes, they look cool, made in a China. Looks like the what the Japanese onslaught was in the ‘60’s. Only time until they develop a category killer like the CB750 was.
Note that the US versions of the small Harleys are built in the US, ROW in India.
Joe,
Did you ride it? Please give the class a little seat of the pants on what the 400cc bike is like.
Not yet, Terry. I’m going to get a ride this week. I’ll post a blog about it when I do.
Joe