I still have vivid memories of Beijing clothing vendors on a street called “Yifu Alley”. After a four year legal battle the vendors from “Silk Market” in Beijing are getting busted for copyright violation from 5 big international firms: Burberry, Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Prada. Infuriated, they threaten to beat up the law firm that is forcing them to stop selling these goods.
Mahua street vendor in Shanghai, by Steen Heilesen
Here’s a tale of a Chinese company supposedly copying an American design. Hi-Bird of Chongqing, China, vs Harley Davidson of Milwakee, Wis, USA. Both have developed their versions of a flat tracker motorcycle.
Hi-Bird Motorcycle Company is from Chongqing, China, and have been manufacturing motorcycles since 1999. This sport cruiser is a 250cc V-twin, capable of 17 HP. The bike uses an old 1980s Yamaha engine design, one similar to the Yamaha V-star 250. I estimate this bike will sell in the neighbourhood of $4,000 in North America. In North America this bike would certainly be classified as a beginner low budget bike. The overall quality of your average Chinese motorcycle is, being polite, middling at best. Chinese bikes also lack a dealership network, necessary in order to obtain parts and authorized service. Hi-Bird does not make large displacement, performance oriented, and expensive bikes.
