Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Shanghai Harley Davidson & others

Well - I finally made it to the New HD Stealership in Shanghai! My riding buddy got me a t-shirt from there back in 2007, but I had a free morning and took a cab to see it. ........... The gal behind the counter was very friendly and she said she would "make me a picture" in front of the shop. From what I understand, you can not even ride a Harley in the center of most major cities.

At one time, not so long ago Volkswagen had over 50% market share in autos in China - Most cabs are still the old Jetta style (must have sent old tooling to China and they are still pumping them out) now as China's rich and middle class grows we have seen Lamborghini, Maserati, Porsche and other higher end goodies spring up in the major cities - so Harley was a natural.

As you travel China you realize that this is a nation of Bikers, their machines may be smaller but it is many peoples only transportation - even in the winter. I will post pictures of the scooters that I took over my 10 visits to this phenomenal country. I am glad that Harley is there, as East and West merge we all become more like brothers and strive for the same things in life. I am just hoping that Harley institutes a Fly & Ride before my visits end to this fantastic country.


















I have been to a couple of other motorcycle places while being driven around China, including the ones below. Arlen Ness Shanghai, Honda Shanghai, for the Harley Davidson Rider Beijing ( a knock off HD Stealership). There is the "first" Harley Shop in Beijing that I tried to communicate to a cabbie in Beijing in 2007 and ended up here, at the chrome horse.

5 comments:

Big Daddy said...

Is there anything unique about Chinas Harley vs our domestic one?
How about a 'Outlaw biker gang'
That would be a sight to see.
How does the average chinese view american bikers?
Damn, I got questions that'll keep me typing all night...LOL

FLHX_Dave said...

I second all of Big D's thoughts here.

Ann said...

I want a shot glass from ShangHai HD! Damn! My son is in Japan...I'll have to get him on this. :)

One Harley Rider said...

Big Daddy & flhx dave = 1) I think the bikes are essentially the same as they are in the states. At least they appeared to be the same. 2) There are a few Bike Clubs in China (or biker type bars) but I dont think it is like it is here in the US, for now. 3) I am not sure the average Chinese person even knows much about bikers, however that is growing with the opening of western culture in China - You can even find EasyRider in the knock off DVD stores. For the most part a biker in China is a means to get to work and around town. Leasure riding is just coming of age as Chinese people get leisure time. Those are my observations anyway.

Ann - I will pick you up a shot glass when I get there again. I bought a t-shirt, but I also have a collection of shot glasses.

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