Cheaply insured Bike Site fans ask if Chinese will Take-Away.
Cheap bike insurance has never been easier to ride off with than here at Bikesite.co.uk, the only bike insurers that zoom around here, there and everywhere to grab the best policy for you and your bike, and speed up what can be a long-winded process. One of our journalists finds out what Harley Davidson are up to on the other side of the world..
To my way of thinking the Chinese are a nation of walkers. They have to be. Why else would they construct the longest wall in the world if not to take in such stunning views? As they walked. And walked. And walked. Historically, there's probably a far better explanation for this brick structure, which probably has nothing to do with walking at all. Well, if they ever tire of walking, then now they have an alternative which takes the weight of their feet. And speeds up the whole process into the bargain. Only they have to find somewhere where they're allowed to indulge their new-found pastime in what is still seen as a beaurocratic land.
Harley Davidson, the Wisconsin-founded purveyors of all things iconic when it comes down to a two-wheeled mode of transportation, are planning to open up their first dealership in the country with the worlds largest population, early in April, announcing its arrival at the gates of one of the globes fastest growing economies. Beijing Feng Huo Lun, which already boasts an impressive riding fraternity in its own rights, is set to become the American manufacturers first authorized Chinese dealer, appointed by a western motorcycle maker that did have roots here prior to the second world war world war, and one that Harley hopes will help them re-establish a secure foothold in this emerging market. Ironically though, the dealership is situated in Beijing 's fourth ring road. A downtown map co-ordinate that's just within the privileged limits of motorcycle operations in china's forward-thinking primary city. Motorcycles of any description are not permitted within the confines of the city's third ring road, a 30-mile highway that surrounds the centre of this, in other ways, very-much cosmopolitan of capitals.
Not only being the first point of contact for the 15 million plus populace who show any form of interest in Harleys products, a range that's not just limited to their actual, cross model, world famous low-riding bikes, but covering everything in between from parts and accessories, branded clothing and collectables, through to rider training and organized rides, the inaugural modern-day dealership will be expertly staffed by a 14 strong management team who are said to be both unequivocally passionate about riding motorcycles, alongside of being equipped an encyclopaedic knowledge of the Chinese market. And lead by Feng Huo Lun's founder, owner and executive director, Wan Jidong.
David Foley, Harley's Managing Director in China has no reservations with regards the new teams understanding of the brand and what it has come to represent over the years, going on to say; "the quality of the Beijing Harley Davidson experience will be first-class in every aspect, with customers getting a real taste and appreciation of the Harley Davidson lifestyle". Admittedly, something you buy into as any owner would concur.
As foreseen, inroads into the oriental market, and Beijing in particular is expected to be gradual, due in the main to the market being limited by ownership and riding restrictions, as is the case in most of their large cities and out on the highways. With the challenges the lie ahead within the burgeoning leisure arena Harleys long term strategic blueprint for success and brand evolution centres crucially around their addressing the riding restriction issues, and spearheading the development of a heavyweight motorcycle market as consumer buying power, what some insiders point out is a huge potential disposable income among its target audience, as predicted, materialises and moreover, grows. It doesn't need a scholar to recognise that they've got their work cut out, as in 2005; Harley Davidson found homes for 266,500 motorcycles stateside, whereas, elsewhere globally, the figure was 62,500 - and meaning their plenty of room for improvement on the road ahead.
As the classic mid-western lyric goes - "These boots are made for walking" - or in this case, riding. And riding is what Harley want the Chinese to be seen doing en masse before very long. At least, straddled across their machines.
We, at Bikesite.co.uk on the other hand, don't really care as to what make and model of bike you ride, so long as you take out insurance with us. That's the cheapest motorbike insurance whatever neck of the woods you're from. We offer an unbeatable quality of service married to an uncanny ability to deliver you the perfect policy for your leather pockets.