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99-481: Lifan's vehicle products include passenger cars, microvans, dirt bike engines, entry-level motorcycles , mini-vehicles, and commercial trucks. The company's non-vehicle-related activities include the manufacture of sports shoes and winemaking. Outside of China, Lifan is currently best known for the sale of small passenger cars in emerging markets . Lifan was founded by former political dissident Yin Mingshan in 1992 as

198-447: A fairing with heating and an adjustable windscreen , panniers and a trunk , a pillion backrest, satnav , and a six-speaker radio/audio system with MP3 / iPod connectivity. In 1972, following the success of the CB750 superbike , the company assembled an R&D design team to explore concepts for a new flagship motorcycle. The project leader was Shoichiro Irimajiri , who in

297-515: A 1470cc liquid-cooled flat-six engine , (twice the displacement of the CB750). Instead of seeking high performance (as some engineers had wanted), the M1 engine was designed to have a broad torque output and to produce 80 horsepower (60 kW) at 6700 rpm, with a top speed of 220 kilometres per hour (140 mph). The brainstorming team's M1 project was never intended as a production prototype. Nonetheless,

396-439: A Harley-Davidson or other cruisers with full sets of saddlebags. This can now refer to any touring motorcycle. Sport bikes are road bikes that emphasize top speed, acceleration, braking, handling and grip, typically at the expense of comfort and fuel economy in comparison to other motorcycle types. Sport bikes have comparatively high performance engines supported within a lightweight frame. Inline-four engines dominate

495-473: A bicycle drivetrain, and motive power can be supplied by the engine, the rider, or both. There are also Sport mopeds – a type of moped that resembles a sport bike . In many places, mopeds are subject to less stringent licensing than bikes with larger engines and are popular as very cheap motorbikes, with the pedals seeing next to no use. Mopeds were very popular in the United States during the fuel-crisis of

594-657: A bit to 707 pounds (321 kg). In 1983 Honda was facing a challenge in the marketplace from a new full-dress tourer, the Yamaha Venture XVZ 1200 with its DOHC four valve per cylinder V4 engine (as Yamaha's XS Eleven Venturer had challenged the GL1100 two years earlier). Honda hit back at the Milan motorcycle show late that year by announcing a new 1984 Gold Wing that pushed its four-cylinder engine design to its limits. The bored and stroked boxer produced more power and torque;

693-782: A dirt bike chassis, they have added lights, mirrors, signals, and instruments that allow them to be licensed for public roads. They are higher than other street bikes, with a high center of gravity and tall seat height, allowing good suspension travel for rough ground. Adventure motorcycles (ADV) are motorcycles with touring capability on paved and unpaved roads. As a dual-sport they have a significant on-pavement bias and perform well on pavement at higher speeds unlike most dual-sports. Their size, weight and sometimes their tires, however, limits their off-road capability. Most adventure motorcycles function well on graded dirt and gravel roads but are less than ideal on more difficult off-pavement terrain. Supermoto motorcycles were designed to compete on

792-728: A fairing. Honda sold more than 97,000 units of the GL1000 in the United States between 1975 and 1979. After five years of the GL1000, the second-generation Gold Wing was released in 1979 as a 1980 model, and the GL1100 would be continued through the 1983 model year. The GL1100 was manufactured in Japan until May 1980 when Honda started assembling 1981 models at the Marysville Motorcycle Plant in Ohio, which had been making frames and parts for various models since 1974. Gold Wings would be built at

891-428: A higher-displacement engine, ranging from 400cc to 850cc (24.5−51.9 cu in), and superior performance, designed for covering long distances at high speeds. However, their considerably greater weight and lower agility make them suitable for use in the city or on highways. A scooter is considered to fall into the mega-scooter category when its displacement exceeds 400cc. Underbones are small-displacement motorcycles with

990-402: A layout that became the characteristic Gold Wing: a liquid-cooled flat-four SOHC engine, with a gear-driven generator that contra-rotated to counteract the engine's torque reaction. Cylinder blocks and crankcase were integral, with the transmission situated beneath the crankcase to keep the unit construction engine as short as possible. Final drive was by shaft. Before going on sale in

1089-598: A motorcycle repair shop with a staff of nine. Mingshan has a long history of conflict with government authority but currently enjoys a positive relationship with the Chinese Communist Party. The company was originally called "Chongqing Hongda Auto Fittings Research Centre". The company was renamed Lifan Industry Group in 1997. It expanded into building buses in 2003. As of 2004, Lifan was being referred to as "the largest private motorcycle manufacturer in China." In 2009, it as

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1188-471: A new final drive ratio gave the GL1200 taller gearing in order to reduce noise and vibration. The four Keihin 32 mm CV carburetors were larger than those on the GL1100 engine, on the other hand, they were the same size as the '75–'76 GL1000 carbs. Incorporating hydraulic actuation for the clutch, in addition to hydraulic tappets for the valves, made the new engine virtually maintenance-free. In order to make

1287-484: A number of Agusta models on show at selected dealerships, including the F4 RR motorcycle. Founder Yin Mingshan and his family are worth US$ 1.3 billion as of 2014. Lifan's cash balance was 370 million yuan versus 3.1 billion yuan at the end of 2017. Lifan had only 450 million yuan out of 12.6 billion yuan worth of credit lines from 25 banks according to filings. In 2018, Lifan raised approximately 4 billion yuan selling land to

1386-609: A number of consumer offerings including the subcompact 320 , the compact sedan and hatchback 520 , the mid-sized 620 sedan, and the X60 compact SUV. Lifan made an IPO on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in late-2010. In 2011, Lifan's exchange-listed entity announced revenue of US$ 1.83 billion, and profits of US$ 62 million. Lifan entered into an agreement with Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta on July 4, 2014, to be MV Agusta's sole distributors in China. Lifan currently have

1485-711: A presence in Vietnam in 1999 that made motorcycles and parts. Beginning in March 2007, assembly of the 520 sedan commenced in Vietnam. By mid-2009, the 320, 520i, and 620 had also been built or assembled in this country. Overseas assembly factories make Lifan-branded automobiles sold to domestic audiences but are not necessarily affiliated with Lifan in any way. In early 2010, Lifan established an automobile assembly factory in Azerbaijan . Such assembly has occurred in Egypt. From 2007 until 2010,

1584-573: A rate of 150 units a day for the years 1981–1983. Engines were still being built in Japan, but Honda began to market the machine as being made in America. The Gold Wing faced competition from Japan in the form of the Suzuki GS1000 with an inline-four engine , and especially in the Kawasaki Z1300 that had a massive DOHC 1300cc straight-six engine with water cooling . Honda responded by increasing

1683-472: A relaxed, upright seating position. Passenger accommodation is excellent and expansive luggage space is the norm for this class. Such bikes can have wet weights of 850–900 lb (390–410 kg) and top 1,300–1,400 lb (590–640 kg) fully loaded with a rider, passenger and gear. Bagger , full dresser , full dress tourer , or dresser are various names for touring motorcycles, sometimes used disparagingly or jocularly, and originally referring to

1782-594: A river, mud or snow. These types of terrain can sometimes only be travelled on with vehicles designed for off-road driving (such as SUVs , ATVs , snowmobiles and mountain bikes in recent decades, and minibikes even earlier) or vehicles are designed to better handle off-road conditions. Compared to road-going motorcycles, off-road machines are lighter and more flexible, typically having long suspension travel , high ground clearance, and are geared higher to provide more torque in off-road situations. Wheels (usually 21" front, 18" rear) have knobby tires , often clamped to

1881-1241: A seat, and a flat foot platform, allowing the rider to maintain an upright posture without straddling the engine. This configuration not only enhances rider comfort but also contributes to fuel efficiency . Currently, three main types of scooters are recognized, each with its own characteristics and applications: Standard scooter: This type of scooter is ideal for urban mobility due to its ease of handling and parking. They are lightweight, comfortable, and agile vehicles, perfect for navigating through dense city traffic. Their wheels are usually smaller than those of conventional motorcycles, with diameters ranging from 12 to 15 inches (30.5−38 cm), and they have an engine displacement ranging from 50cc to 150cc (3.1−9.2 cu in). Maxi-scooter: Maxi-scooters are equipped with high-displacement engines, ranging from 125cc to 250cc (7.7–15.3 cu in), designed for covering long distances at high speeds. Although they are heavier and less agile than standard scooters, they are commonly used in cities and suburbs due to their larger fuel tank capacity and larger wheels, which can reach 15 or even 16 inches (38.1−40.7 cm). Mega-scooter: also known as touring scooters , like maxi-scooters, mega-scooters feature

1980-527: A single course that alternated between three genres of motorcycle racing : road racing , track racing , and motocross . This increasingly popular type of motorcycle is often a dual-sport that has been fitted by the manufacturer with smaller rims and road tires. Supermotos are quickly gaining popularity as street bikes due to their combination of light weight, durability, relatively low cost, and sporty handling. Sport touring motorcycles combine attributes of sport bikes and touring motorcycles. The rider posture

2079-542: A single model was on offer in this country. Some small passenger car models are sold in Brazil, Guatemala, Peru, and Uruguay. Some of the cars Lifan exports are in the form of knock-down kits . Put together in small, local workshops, selling such kits is an easy way for the company to gain access to developing markets. Lifan was formerly the owner of the Chinese super league football team Chongqing Lifan ; since 2005 it has been

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2178-440: A sponsor of the team. Dirt bike In the market, there is a wide variety of types of motorcycles , each with unique characteristics and features. Models vary according to the specific needs of each user, such as standard , cruiser , touring , sports , off-road , dual-purpose , scooters , etc. Often, some types like sport touring are considered as an additional category or integrated with touring . There

2277-434: A step-through frame, descendants of the original Honda Super Cub . They are differentiated from scooters by their larger wheels and their use of footpegs instead of a floorboard. They often have a gear shifter with an automatic clutch. The moped used to be a hybrid of the bicycle and the motorcycle, equipped with a small engine (usually a small two-stroke engine up to 50 cc, but occasionally an electric motor ) and

2376-585: A type of cruiser, so called because they are a "chopped", or cut-down, version of a production cruiser. Choppers are usually custom projects that result in a bike modified to suit the owner's ideals, and, as such, are a source of pride and accomplishment. Stereotypically, a chopper may have raked-out forks, small fuel tanks and high handlebars. Choppers were popularised in the Peter Fonda film Easy Rider . Being designed primarily for visual effect, choppers will rarely be suitable for lengthy cruising. Related to

2475-400: Is a motorized bicycle used for motor-paced cycling events. While motorcycles typically have two wheels, some motorized tricycles are classed as three-wheeled motorcycles. Some brands have made various types of three-wheelers direct from the factory. Most of these vehicles are treated as motorcycles for registration or licensing purposes. Tilting three-wheelers keep all three wheels on

2574-724: Is a series of touring motorcycles manufactured by Honda . Gold Wings feature shaft drive and a flat engine . Characterized by press in September 1974 as "The world's biggest motor cycle manufacturer's first attack on the over-750cc capacity market...", it was introduced at the Cologne Motorcycle Show in October 1974. Total sales are more than 640,000, most of them in the U.S. market. Gold Wings were assembled in Marysville, Ohio , from 1980 until 2010, when motorcycle production there

2673-470: Is less extreme than a sport bike, giving greater long-distance comfort. Accommodation for a passenger is superior to a sport bike as well, along with increased luggage capacity. Being lighter, at 550–720 lb (250–330 kg) wet, than a pure touring bike and often having racier engines, suspensions, and brakes, sport tourers corner better and are more at home being aggressively ridden on curvy canyon roads. The distinction between touring and sport touring

2772-414: Is no universal system for classifying all types of motorcycles. However, some authors argue that there are generally six categories recognized by most motorcycle manufacturers and organizations, making clear distinctions between these six main types and other motorcycles. For example, scooters, mopeds, underbones, minibikes, pocket bikes, electric bikes, and three-wheeled motorcycles are often excluded from

2871-541: Is not always clear as some manufacturers will list the same bike in either category in different markets. The Honda ST1300 Pan-European , for example, was listed by Honda as a sport touring motorcycle in the United States and Australia, but as a touring motorcycle in Europe. Scooters are a type of motorcycles distinguished by their continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and distinctive design. Unlike traditional motorcycles, scooters feature an open frame structure,

2970-574: Is the new motorcycle brand of Lifan created in 2022; PFMoto sold lower-cost motorcycle and scooter, the first model introduced in the chinese market in 2023 was the Starship 3, a cruiser-style with a design inspired by the Honda Gold Wing , and a 302cc V-twin engine. In 2023, the Starship 6 is introduced, a version equipped with a 573 cc V2 engine. Subsequently, the Starthunder 250, a compact cruiser, and

3069-488: The Craig Vetter Windjammer series. The original 999 cubic centimetres (61.0 cu in) GL1000 (designated K0) had an electric starter backed up by a kick start lever stored inside a dummy fuel tank, which also housed the radiator expansion tank , electrical components, as well as the air filter supplying four Keihin 32 mm CV carburetors . The real fuel tank was under the seat, in order to keep

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3168-506: The Cycle World list of Ten Best bikes. Over the course of its production history, the Gold Wing had many design changes, beginning in 1975 with a 999 cc (61.0 cu in) flat-four engine ; by 2001, this had grown to a 1,832 cc (111.8 cu in) flat-six . The 2012 model had anti-lock braking , cruise control , electrically assisted reverse gear, an optional airbag ,

3267-889: The EU , Singapore and Japan . While finding more markets for its motorcycle-related products, Lifan has exported passenger cars to 51 countries. In 2010, its automotive exports were rivaled by only Chery . The company has sold in many countries and in every continent except Antarctica . Allowed access in 2003, Lifan motorcycle products are sold in 18 European countries. The Italian importer Martin Motors rebadges and sells two small Lifan passenger car models under its own name. Lifan has sold motorcycles in Japan since 2001. Lifan automobiles have been sold in Laos and Syria since 2009. Lifan motorcycles and dirt bikes are available in Canada and Mexico . As of 2009,

3366-762: The GL500 and GL650 Silver Wing ). Also known as the LTD , 5372 units were built and sold only in North America. Claimed dry weight for the GL1200L was 782 pounds (355 kg). To a limited extent, the Limited Edition turned out to be a sham when the SE-i (Special Edition—injected) debuted in 1986, as essentially a repainted GL1200L. The SE-i had the same Dolby audio system as the GL1200A '86 and

3465-480: The Honda Pan European ). Though other motorcycle manufacturers build touring bikes, no other touring bike has achieved the popularity of the Gold Wing. In 1972, the project team broke from Honda practice to produce an experimental prototype motorcycle code-named "M1". Instead of the usual transverse engine layout with a chain final drive, the M1 had a longitudinal engine suitable for shaft drive. The M1 had

3564-753: The Lifan 520 was assembled in Ethiopia from imported knock-down kits under the name of "Abay" ( Amharic for the Blue Nile ) by Holland Car Company. Cars assembled in Ethiopia may now bear the Lifan name, and an after sales service center for Lifan automobiles exists in the capital, Addis Ababa , as of 2010. As of 2016, Lifan continues to produce in Ethiopia (perhaps without a local partner), assembling cars with native-born labor from knock-down kits. Five different models can be made at

3663-541: The Maple brand. As of January 2022, Geely announced that the joint venture with Lifan plans to build a battery swap ecosystem for electric cars. The first compatible car was launched in February 2021 as the Maple 60S . When Geely acquired Lifan in 2020, Lifan is now more focused on original vehicles development for taxi customers and battery swap support. Current and former Lifan motorcycle products include: PFMoto (Paifang Moto)

3762-522: The ambulance , blood bikes , fire , and military services, and for specialized delivery services, such as pizza deliveries . Beginning in the 1960s with the Mountain Goat specialized motorcycles were developed for use on farms. The Motocrotte (or cainette ) was used in Paris to collect dog waste with vacuum suction in the 1980s and 1990s, and was still in use in other French cities as of 2016. A derny

3861-606: The center of mass as low as possible. The bike had a dry weight of 584 pounds (265 kg). 13,000 Gold Wings were sold in the United States in 1975. There were no significant changes in the standard Gold Wing for 1976 (the K1 model). To mark the United States Bicentennial year Honda announced the GL1000 LTD with distinctive insignia and color scheme (e.g., gold stripes, gold wheels) plus some extra amenities. The LTD

3960-573: The minibike , monkey bike , Welbike , pocketbike , and pit bike . Enclosed motorcycles include cabin motorcycles and streamliner motorcycles . Feet forwards motorcycles include the 1911 Wilkinson TMC and the 1918 Ner-A-Car . Contemporary examples include the Quasar , powered by a Reliant Robin engine, and the Peraves range powered mainly by BMW K Series engines. Some motorcycles are specially adapted for specific job functions, such as those used by

4059-499: The 1930s to the early 1960s, such as those made by Harley-Davidson , Indian , and Excelsior-Henderson . Harley-Davidsons largely define the cruiser category, and large- displacement V-twin engines are the norm, although other engine configurations and small to medium displacements also exist. Their engines are tuned for low-end torque, making them less demanding to ride because it is not necessary to shift as frequently to accelerate or maintain control. The riding position places

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4158-464: The 1960s had designed Honda's multi-cylinder Grand Prix engines and their Formula One V12 engine . The 1974 Gold Wing with its flat-four shaft-drive powertrain used technologies both from earlier motorcycle and automotive designs. Although preceded by the 1971 water-cooled Suzuki GT750 two-stroke triple, the Gold Wing was the first Japanese production motorcycle with a water-cooled four-stroke engine. The first four-cylinder boxer engine

4257-533: The Aspencade was 728 pounds (330 kg) in both '85 and ’86. In 1986 Dolby noise reduction was added to the audio system, which was replaced with an improved Panasonic system in 1987. In its final year, the GL1200A got the same seat upgrade as the GL1200I '87 model and some amenities that had been optional were made standard, increasing the dry weight of the Aspencade to 743 pounds (337 kg). In 1985 Honda marked

4356-432: The GL1100 '81 edition from the previous year. Ridden by Emilio Scotto , the GL1100 is the bike that toured the world. Holding the record for the longest distance of any motorcycle total distance of 457,000 miles (735,000 km). All the 1982 Gold Wings had transmission ratios revised (again) to lower engine rpm at cruising speeds, new brakes with twin-piston calipers and wider tires on smaller wheels. Dry weight for

4455-478: The GL1100 '82 was 595 pounds (270 kg). Transmission gear ratios were revised yet again for the 1983 Gold Wings to lessen engine speed on the highway. But the significant changes were not to the engine, they were to the running gear in this last year for GL1100s. Cast aluminum eleven-spoke wheels replaced the ComStars. The front suspension was endowed with TRAC anti-dive forks with an integrated fork brace, and

4554-469: The GL1100A were internally ventilated. The additional items jacked up the dry weight to 702 pounds (318 kg). The GL1100A '83 received the same engine and running gear updates of the other models. The Aspencade also got new front and rear brakes, with internally ventilated front discs (only), as well as a digital LCD instrument panel and some additional amenities for rider and passenger. Weight went up just

4653-561: The GL1500, 1988 was the year Honda exported Gold Wings from the US to Japan for the first time. For 1989 Honda modified the brake discs, and raised the price. Brake discs were modified again in 1990, as were the carbs and camshafts, without a price increase. The claimed GL1500 dry weight for '90 was 798 pounds (362 kg). In addition, a Gold Wing 15th Anniversary Special Edition model (GL1500SE) made its debut in 1990. The following year, to celebrate

4752-461: The Gold Wing more nimble, front and rear wheel diameters contracted (and tire widths expanded) one more time. The GL1200 was built on a new, stronger frame and despite all the improvements, the claimed dry weight of the naked bike remained unchanged at 599 pounds (272 kg) for the 1984 model year. 1984 was the one and only year for the GL1200 Standard (which was not exported to Europe) for

4851-582: The Gravity 150 (LF150T-8C) scooter, equipped with a 149.3 cc single-cylinder engine, were launched. In 2024, the Starship 4 was introduced as an intermediate model between the Starship 3 and the Starship 6. This motorcycle is equipped with a 398 cc V2 engine. Current and former Lifan automobile products include: Lifan has two passenger-car assembly plants in China. Now boasting motorcycle production bases in Thailand, Iran, Turkey, and Vietnam, Lifan first established

4950-563: The M1 should be seen as the primordial Gold Wing because so many of its distinctive features appeared on the GL1000. The flat-six gave the M1 a low center of gravity, enhancing stability, but the extreme length of the engine/gearbox unit resulted in a cramped riding position. Instead, the project team chose to build a bike with a compact one liter flat-four engine . This bike was code-named "Project 371", and Toshio Nozue (who had worked on CB750 development) took over from Irimajiri as project leader. The Project 371 team finally settled on

5049-644: The US and in Europe in 1975, the Gold Wing was revealed to dealers in September 1974 at American Honda's annual dealer meeting in Las Vegas , and then shown to the public the following month at the IFMA (International Bicycle and Motorcycle Exhibition; today Intermot ) in Cologne . Small fairings had been mounted on two of the show models at the US dealer show in Las Vegas. These Honda-designed fairings were to be manufactured in

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5148-507: The US by the Vetter Fairing Company and sold as Hondaline accessories; but they never went into production after the molds were accidentally destroyed. Consequently, the Gold Wing was born into the world naked , lacking saddlebags and having no place for luggage, without even a windshield. This created a golden opportunity for accessory manufacturers, who quickly offered a range of fairings and luggage accessories, particularly

5247-554: The Venture's V4 engine to 1300cc, and Kawasaki introduced the ZG 1200 Voyager XII with a four-valve, DOHC, Inline-four engine . With three versions of the Gold Wing boxer motor spanning a dozen years, by 1987 further development of the flat-four engine was regarded as being constrained by the law of diminishing returns. Piston displacement had been increased twice to generate more torque, but this also made each power stroke more intense. During

5346-494: The baggage of two people. This made the Interstate significantly heavier than the standard model, with a dry weight of 672 pounds (305 kg). The almost identical Interstate model was made for 1981. The GL1100I '82 model offered more options, such as a new stereo, a 40-channel CB transceiver , and an on-board compressor to adjust the suspension air pressure. Dry weight was 679 pounds (308 kg). The GL1100I '83 received

5445-480: The bike's design objectives, realising that the primary market for the Gold Wing was the long-distance motorcyclist . In North America a motorcycle suitable to that task would need comfort for the long haul, wind protection, a smooth ride, a comfortable seat, luggage storage, and power in abundance. In America in the early 1970s, long-distance motorcyclists had only a few manufacturers to choose from: Harley-Davidson , Moto Guzzi and BMW . The H-D Electra Glide

5544-909: The chopper motorcycle is the bobber , a solo bike which is created by "bobbing" a factory bike by removing superfluous weight and bodywork from a motorcycle to reduce mass and increase performance. A common element of these motorcycles is a shortened rear fender that creates a "bobbed" look. Power cruiser is a name used to distinguish bikes in the cruiser class that have significantly greater levels of power. They typically have with upgraded brakes and suspensions, better ground clearance, and premium surface finishes, as well as more exotic or non-traditional styling. Although any motorcycle can be equipped and used for touring, touring motorcycles are specifically designed to excel at covering long distances. They have large-displacement engines, fairings and screens that offer good weather and wind protection, large-capacity fuel tanks for long ranges between fill-ups, and

5643-611: The current facility, set up in 2014, and sales can total fifty cars a month at prices ranging from $ 15,000 to $ 30,000. Lifan was assembling cars in Iran around 2010. Assembly of automobiles in Russia began in August 2007, and in early 2011, the 320 model became the third Lifan product to see local production. In 2010, a 40,000 units/year production capacity assembly plant was established in Uruguay . At

5742-498: The displacement of the Gold Wing, and then followed-up by announcing the first Japanese full-dress tourer . The new engine was more than just a GL1000 with a 3 mm larger bore , the alterations clearly emphasized torque over horsepower. The cylinder heads were modified to improve combustion at low and middle engine speeds, transmission gear ratios were changed and the final drive ratio shortened to make more torque available at highway speeds. The bore size for all four carburetors

5841-462: The end of 2006, Lifan held over 3,800 patents, the largest number of any Chinese automobile company, of which at least 346 of were held by Lifan's automobile division. Access to profitable export markets, something the Chinese State allowed the company in 1998, means that this maker of automobiles and motorcycles does what many Chinese automakers desire: it sells in developed overseas markets like

5940-516: The engine and running gear updates of the standard model; dry weight increased to 686 pounds (311 kg). Starting in 1982, Honda offered three different Gold Wing models. With the introduction of the Aspencade (GL1100A) Honda took the full-dress tourer to a new level of luxury, with a larger seat, two-tone paint and more storage compartments, together with many options from the Interstate that were being included as standard. All three brake disks on

6039-438: The engine, along with windscreens that effectively deflect the air at high speeds away from the rider, thereby minimising overall drag. Sport bikes may have footpegs that are both higher and set further back than on a standard bike, improving ground clearance when cornering and enabling a more prone position for the rider. There may be a long reach to the hand controls, which positions the body and center of gravity forward, above

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6138-427: The entire motorcycle in plastic, giving it a seamless appearance. The seat height was lowest yet on a Gold Wing, the passenger back rest and trunk were integrated, and a central mechanism locked the trunk lid and saddlebags. Rear suspension air pressure was adjusted by an on-board compressor. One major innovation was the addition of a "reverse gear", which was actually a creative use of the electric starter motor linked to

6237-567: The establishment of a joint venture company, the Livian Automotive with Lifan Technology. The registered capital of the target company is 600 million yuan RMB. Geely Holding and Lifan Technology would each invest 300 million yuan, each holding 50% of the shares. Since Geely is the major stakeholder of Lifan Technolgy, which accounts for 34.7%, making Geely the controlling shareholder of the Livian Automotive . The joint venture manufactures electric vehicles using Geely's existing platforms under

6336-590: The fairings removed and higher handlebars replacing the low clip-on handlebars. Since the 1990s, factory streetfighters have been produced. As with naked bike and muscle bike (below), the name streetfighter is used to help clarify the middle ground occupied by designs that blend elements of both sport bikes and standards. Off-road motorcycles , also known as dirt bikes or scramblers , specially designed for off-road use. The term off-road refers to driving surfaces that are not conventionally paved. These are rough surfaces, often created naturally, such as sand, gravel,

6435-443: The feet forward and the hands are up relatively high, so that the spine is erect or leaning back slightly. At low to moderate speeds, cruisers are more comfortable than other styles, but riding for long periods at freeway speeds can lead to fatigue from pulling back on the handlebars to resist the force of the wind against the rider's chest. Cruisers have limited cornering ability due to a lack of ground clearance. Choppers are

6534-471: The fifth-largest Chinese motorcycle maker. In 2003, Lifan acquired Chongqing Special Purpose Use Vehicle Manufacturing Co Ltd, and 2005 saw the start of automobile production beginning with the LF6361/1010 minivan and pickup based on the 1999 Daihatsu Atrai . In December 2005, Lifan's first independently developed car entered production, the 520 sedan with a Brazilian Tritec engine . As of 2011, Lifan makes

6633-518: The first Japanese turn-key tourer, the Interstate model (GL1100I) with a factory-installed full fairing , saddlebags and a removable trunk, plus a long list of optional extras including a stereo system. This bike was called the De Luxe model (GL1100DX) in some markets. The fairing was designed to protect both the rider and a passenger from the wind. Likewise, the saddlebags and trunk were intended to carry

6732-476: The fuel tank. The rider leans forward into the wind, the force of which may support the rider's weight at high speeds. However, at lower speeds a rider may experience excessive weight on the arms and wrists, causing fatigue. Muscle bike is a nickname for a motorcycle type, derived from a sport bike design, that puts a disproportionately high priority on engine power. Streetfighters are derived from sport bikes, originally being customized sport bikes with

6831-483: The full-dress Interstate with the GL1100, Honda used the GL1200I '84 to refine the Gold Wing's fairing so that it would come across as a basic part of the bike and not as an afterthought. The new model Interstate (still called De Luxe in Europe) had an automotive-style instrument panel up front and increased luggage capacity in back: 38 liters (1.3 cu ft) in each saddlebag plus another 63 liters (2.2 cu ft) in

6930-542: The government and unit Lifan Motors to electric vehicle startup Li Auto . In 2018, Baidu and Panda Auto, an EV rental operator under Lifan Group, jointly launched the China's first shared autonomous vehicle pilot program, closed in 2020. As of 2020, it was reported that Lifan's debt totaled 31 billion yuan ($ 4.4 billion) in June 2019, with 60% due within a year, while assets stood at 41.5 billion yuan according to company filings. News of Geely planning to takeover Lifan surfaced with

7029-502: The ground when they lean to negotiate curves. These include Honda's Gyro range, all of which have a front wheel that leans and a pair of rear wheels that do not, and the Piaggio MP3 , which has two front wheels and a single rear wheel, all of which lean. The Yamaha Niken is also a tilting three wheeler but has smaller track width such that it is considered a motorcycle by some authorities. Honda Gold Wing The Honda Gold Wing

7128-476: The last Gold Wing to be powered by a one-liter engine. There were only minor changes for this model year, except for the ComStar wheels; new ComStars had stronger steel spokes on aluminum rims instead of the original aluminum spoked wheels that precipitated a 1979 recall (for the 1978 model year). During the final run of the GL1000 in 1979, Hondaline saddlebags and trunk were available, but Honda still did not offer

7227-464: The late 1970s and early 1980s, but their popularity has fallen off sharply since the mid-1980s. In response to rising fuel prices in the first decade of the 2000s, U.S. scooter and moped ridership saw a resurgence. Sales of motorcycles and scooters declined 43.2% in 2009, and continued to decrease in the first quarter of 2010, with scooter sales doing worst, down 13.3% compared to a 4.6% drop for all two-wheelers. Other types of small motorcycles include

7326-518: The main categories within these classifications, but other classification schemes may also include these types of motorcycles. Nevertheless, there are strict classification systems enforced by competitive motorcycle sport sanctioning bodies, or legal definitions of a motorcycle established by certain legal jurisdictions for motorcycle registration , emissions , road traffic safety rules or motorcyclist licensing . There are also informal classifications or nicknames used by manufacturers, riders, and

7425-492: The market. Standard motorcycles (also called roadsters , or naked bikes ) are street motorcycles that conform to a stereotypical image of a motorcycle, with an exposed engine and fuel tank above it. Standard bikes typically have neither fairings nor windscreens as OEM attachments (hence the modern usage naked bikes ). With handlebars that are set neither high nor low, and footpegs placed neither forward nor "rear-set", standards give an upright rider posture (in-between

7524-698: The motorcycling media. Some experts do not recognize sub-types, like naked bike, that "purport to be classified" outside the usual classes, because they fit within one of the main types and are recognizable only by cosmetic changes. Street motorcycles are motorcycles designed for being ridden on paved roads. They have smooth tires with tread patterns and engines generally in the 125 cc (7.6 cu in) and over range. Typically, street motorcycles are capable of speeds up to 100 mph (160 km/h), and many of speeds in excess of 125 mph (201 km/h). Street motorcycles powered by electric motors are becoming more common, with firms like Harley-Davidson entering

7623-410: The original M1 engine so that a six-cylinder could be compared to a four-cylinder head-on. This early '70s prototype had an influence far beyond what the M1's initial designers could have expected. New Gold Wing engine design goals were smoothness, quietness and enormous power. Ultimately, a redesigned Gold Wing made its debut at the 1987 Cologne Motorcycle Show , 13 years after the original GL1000

7722-403: The rear suspension worked even with no air pressure. Honda's first combined braking system , dubbed Unified Braking at the time, debuted in 1983; it engaged both front and rear brakes in unison when the brake pedal was applied. Dry weight for the standard GL1100 inched up to 599 pounds (272 kg). Honda went beyond the mechanical makeover of the naked Gold Wing in March 1980 by releasing

7821-517: The reason that sales had decreased in favor of the Interstate and Aspencade models. This led to the decline of aftermarket manufacturers such as the Vetter Fairing Company . The GL1200's competitors were becoming more numerous. Last of the big Japanese manufacturers to do so, Suzuki finally entered the marketplace in 1985 with their full-dress tourer, the GV1400 Cavalcade with a DOHC , four valves per cylinder, V4 engine . In 1986 Yamaha enlarged

7920-411: The rider and passenger. Unlike the analog instruments of the Interstate, the Aspencade had a dashboard with an LCD digital display. The GL1200A also had foot boards for the passenger instead of footpegs. Claimed dry weight for the 1984 Aspencade was 723 pounds (328 kg). The price was unchanged for 1985, and the Aspencade received the same updates as the Interstate model for that year. Dry weight for

8019-405: The rim with a rim lock . Many competitive events have emerged and developed into a variety of off-road motorcycle sports , for which a number of specialized motorcycles have been built: Dual-purpose motorcycles , sometimes called dual-sport, on/off-road motorcycles, or adventure motorcycles, are street legal machines that are also designed to enter off-road situations. Typically based on

8118-433: The same time period, gear ratios had been raised to decrease engine RPM ( boosting fuel economy and reducing vibration as well as noise levels) which in turn made pulses through the drivetrain seem rougher to the rider because firing intervals were farther apart. The obvious way to deliver power more smoothly (as Irimajiri-san had demonstrated with the M1 engine) was to step up from four cylinders to six. Having introduced

8217-490: The semi-recumbent cruiser and the forward crouch of a sport bike). A standard's relationship between footpegs, handlebars and seat gives the rider a comfortable and natural posture. The comfort, ease of control, and safety of standard bikes means that beginner motorcyclists inevitably learn on standard motorcycles; and many experienced riders choose to continue riding this motorcycle type. Cruiser motorcycles (or simply cruisers ) are styled after American motorcycles from

8316-540: The significant change was that all Gold Wing engines were being produced in Honda's Anna, Ohio plant from July 1985. Claimed dry weight for the 1986 Interstate was unchanged. The GL1200I '87 got a new seat design with three-stage foam; the weight was unchanged for 1987, the last year of the four-cylinder Gold Wing Interstate. The GL1200A '84 had all the features of the GL1200I, plus a new Panasonic audio system that combined AM/FM radio, cassette player and an intercom between

8415-435: The sport bike category, with V-twins and parallel twins having a significant presence; and most other engine configurations appear in small numbers at times. High-performance braking systems may use upgraded brake pads, multi-piston calipers and larger vented rotors. Sports bike suspension systems may be more sophisticated, with greater adjustments for compression and rebound. Sport bikes have fairings to completely enclose

8514-463: The target being the market share in the southwest which Lifan mainly dominates. In 2004, Lifan was ordered to cease selling motorcycles under the brand name "Hongda"—the culmination of a successful lawsuit brought by Honda Motors . That same year Honda initiated a separate suit against Lifan this time for using badges similar to Honda's on its motorcycle products. On December 13, 2021, Geely Automobile announced that Geely decided to jointly invest in

8613-421: The tenth anniversary of the Gold Wing by launching a gold-painted Limited Edition model (GL1200L) luxuriously equipped with cruise control, auto-leveling rear suspension, an electronic trip computer and a four-speaker audio system. The significant development was that the GL1200L was furnished with Honda's programmed fuel injection system, previously used on the turbocharged CX500T and CX650T (variants of

8712-472: The transmission. Because of the size and weight, Honda felt that some people would have problems backing it up. The new Gold Wing had grown in nearly every dimension. A larger windshield, longer wheelbase, two more cylinders, more horsepower, more bodywork, more electronics, more accessories and more mass: 794 pounds (360 kg) dry. Options include a passenger audio control and rear speakers, CB radio, auxiliary lights and exterior trim. In another first for

8811-441: The trunk. Dry weight for the 1984 Interstate was 697 pounds (316 kg). Despite giving the Gold Wing taller gearing the year before, in 1985 Honda shortened the overall gearing to improve performance. There were many small changes to the GL1200I '85 but atypically its price was the same as it was the previous year, and at 699 pounds (317 kg) its weight was basically stable. The GL1200I '86 got more small updates, but

8910-469: Was a genuine limited edition with production restricted to about 2,000 units. In the third model year (K2) Honda began refining the Gold Wing, although the changes for 1977 were small, such as exhaust pipe heat shields, revised seat and handlebar, as well as a new fuel gauge. Weight increased to 595 pounds (270 kg). The motorcycle division of Honda UK produced 52 Executive GL1000 K1 bikes by adding premium accessories to 1977 Gold Wings. The engine

9009-505: Was a touring motorcycle with a loyal cult following. It faced strong competition from Moto Guzzi's 850cc Eldorado. BMW motorcycles were smoother and more reliable, if expensive. Other large Japanese motorcycles, such as the Honda CB750 and the Kawasaki Z1 were cheaper but were not ideal tourers with their small fuel tanks and rear drive-chains needing regular maintenance. The Gold Wing

9108-492: Was again reduced by 1 mm, to 30 mm. The wheelbase was lengthened over that of the GL1000, and air suspension was added. The GL1100 had an adjustable seat, and for the first time used tubeless tires, mounted on black reverse ComStar wheels. The naked Gold Wing, which would become known as the Standard model, weighed 589 pounds (267 kg) dry. In spite of the fact that here were only minor changes to differentiate

9207-468: Was aimed at a newly emerging market segment, namely, a new kind of American long-distance rider who was not likely to buy a Harley-Davidson or BMW but who would open their wallets for a reliable machine offering comfort, endurance, low maintenance, and a smooth, torquey, quiet engine. The Gold Wing's secondary target market was Europe, where riders prioritised handling and performance over luxury. (The European market's special demands subsequently led to

9306-445: Was first shown to the public at the same venue, and the GL1500 brought the most changes seen to the Gold Wing series since its inception. The biggest difference was that the flat-four engine was replaced with a flat-six engine . Although the GL1500 still used carburetors, there were just two large 36 mm CV Keihins supplying all six cylinders, the first time any Gold Wing had less than one carb per cylinder. Honda also enclosed

9405-551: Was halted. No Gold Wings were produced for the 2011 model year, and production resumed in Kumamoto Prefecture , Japan in 2011 using tooling transported from the American factory. The Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan  [ ja ] includes a Honda Gold Wing GL1000 manufactured in 1974 as one of their 240 Landmarks of Japanese Automotive Technology . Through 2012, Honda GL models have appeared eighteen times in

9504-482: Was modified in 1978 for the GL1000 K3 model, in order to make more torque available at lower engine speeds; the carburetors were reduced in size by 1 mm, the exhaust system was redesigned, valve timing and ignition timing were altered. The kick-start mechanism was removed from the engine, and a reserve lighting module for the headlight and taillight (automatically switching to the second filament when one burns out)

9603-459: Was only available in the US. This was the only year for the SE-i because the high cost of the fuel injection system forced Honda to return to carburetors for 1987. A new design team began work on the fourth-generation Gold Wing in 1984. Honda describes prototype testing as involving sixty developmental stages, and building fifteen different test bikes, including one made from a GL1200 frame coupled with

9702-470: Was produced in 1900. During its development, the CB750 was known within Honda as their "King of Motorcycles." As it would sit atop the CB750 as the top of the line Honda motorcycle, the project that would become the Gold Wing was informally called the "King of Kings." Honda first envisaged the Gold Wing as a large sport motorcycle, but on learning that customers were "piling miles on touring", Honda reconsidered

9801-521: Was removed from the electrics. A small instrument panel appeared on top of a restyled dummy fuel tank. Wire-spoke wheels were replaced with Honda's new ComStar wheels , but the existing tires with inner tubes remained. Dry weight grew to 601 pounds (273 kg). 1979 marked the end of GL1000 development with the K4 model (the UK version was designated KZ). Dry weight increased slightly to 604 pounds (274 kg). for

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