Korean motorcycles: history and popularity

Motorcycles of Korean production are estimated as cheaper analogues of Japanese. But the ratio of the price and quality of this product is not always balanced. The characteristics of motorcycles and ATVs of this country are close to the Japanese models. However, the latter have a much higher reputation in the market.

The motor capacity of motorcycles produced in Korea reaches 650 "cubes", which depends on the model class. The most attracted attention of fans to drive on two wheels powerful and bright striftaitery which are easy enough in management and service.

Hyosung

Korean company Hyosung, which produces 70% of Korea's motorcycle equipment, was founded in 1979. The headquarters of the company is located in Changwon. Surprisingly, in a country where two-wheeled vehicles are more popular than a four-wheeled vehicle, Hyosung is practically the only major manufacturer of "iron horses".

Until 1986, Hyosung was known only in the domestic market of South Korea. The situation changed after the contract with the Japanese concern Suzuki was signed. Since then, the company's products have become more popular on the world stage. With the release of the Hyosung Cruise 125, Korean motorcycles began to appear in Europe. Up to this point, the Europeans have not heard about them.

The first model of the Korean Cruise was recognized as successful and spawned a whole family of motorcycles, although not all of them became massive. In 2008 the company was absorbed by a large holding company and changed its name. Now these Korean motorcycles and ATVs are manufactured under the brand name S & T Motors. On the quality of products this did not affect, and in general it is at the proper level. Hundreds of specialists are employed in production, and the fruits of their labor are supplied to several dozen states. Among the equipment produced there are both road and tourist, cross Korean motorcycles. Therefore, the target audience of the company is very broad.

Daelim

Besides Hyosung, in Korea motorcycles of brand Daelim are popular. This is another well-known domestic brand. Concern Daelim Industrial was founded in 1939 and is engaged in a wide variety of activities: from construction to production of various equipment. Among other things, this company produces its own motorcycles of the following classes:

• Cruisers;
• Road models;
• Choppers.

In 1978, the concern Daelim signed a contract with the Japanese brand Honda, and already in the early 90's the company's products entered the European market, but could not get a good foothold there. Approximately at the same time, a kind of competition in speed between Suzuki and Honda, the companies tried to create the most perfect motorcycle. Considering that both brands had contracts with Korean firms, as mentioned above, these competitions were held in this country. After Honda finally lost on the world stage in the late 90's, the company stopped investing heavily in Daelim. Since then, sales of this Korean concern have fallen, and Hyosung has finally established itself as a leader in the domestic market.

Today, Daelim ranks second in Korea in the production of motorcycles. Inside the country, they are in demand, but they are practically not exported abroad. Hyosung, perhaps, is the only brand in Korea, whose "iron horses" are relatively well bought abroad.

Also motorcycles produce well - known automobile brands, such as KIA and Hyundai. However, they are known only in the domestic market. But even there they are not in great demand, since these firms are more specialized in cars. Perhaps, this is all motorcycles that are produced by South Korea.

Spread

In the former Soviet republics, Korean motorcycles are not popular. Preference is mainly given to their Japanese competitors. For the money that is asked for Korean technology, you can buy a Japanese device, not inferior in quality. Korean motorcycles in Moscow can also be found not so often. Capital residents prefer brand brands of Japanese concerns. However, the Korean motorcycle Hyosung can sometimes be seen from some Moscow biker-collector. As for the Russian outback, the domestic "Izhs" and "Ural" with "Yavami" are still comfortable here. However, in large cities Chinese scooters are beginning to become fashionable.

Not everything is so sad

Of course, the quality of the "Koreans" is improving from year to year. However, for the time being, they can not be called worthy competitors of motorcycles from the Land of the Rising Sun. If it were not for inflated prices for Korean equipment, it would quickly oust from the market cheaper Chinese.

Summary: Korean motorcycles can be bought if there are no funds for used Japanese models. They can also be practiced if a novice motorcyclist has no experience in driving certain classes of "iron horses", especially sports options.