Chinese motorcycle manufacturers have a long history of being industry copycats, taking other manufacturers’ design and technical concepts, reverse-engineering them into subpar knock-offs, and selling them for a fraction of the price. While this may still be true to some extent today, there’s no doubting that Chinese enterprises play a critical part in keeping our favorite brands alive and well.
Whether or if these relationships have resulted in Chinese manufacturers boosting their game in terms of design originality and build quality is a fascinating issue for discussion—perhaps something we can examine in the future.Â
Brixton is a brand that you may be familiar with, and Chongqing Gaokin Industry Co. is the firm behind it. The British-inspired brand is behind bikes like the Crossfire 500 and the Bonneville-rivaling Cromwell 1200, both of which were on display at EICMA 2021. The Austrian business KSR then distributes the brand in other parts of Europe. With all of this in place, it appears like this new cruiser will be tearing up the European market in no time. So, what makes it so unique?
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To begin with, the Gaokin Thor GK 1000, as it has been dubbed, is unlike anything we’ve seen before from a Chinese manufacturer. It clearly takes cues from the custom chopper scene in the United States, albeit with a sportier, more compact appearance. While the custom chopper scene in the United States is certainly on the decrease, it never really took off in Europe or Asia. Perhaps the purpose of the Thor GK 1000 is to infuse new life into a segment that, in actuality, sees new models appear infrequently.
Gaokin Thor GK 1000 Engine
The Thor GK 1000 also has an entirely new engine, which is worth noting. Gaokin could have easily taken the engine from the Cromwell 1200 and crammed it into a cruiser chassis to create a Bonneville Bobber knockoff. Gaokin, on the other hand, decided that an 80-degree V-twin motor with belt drive and constructed from the ground up would be a better match for the bike they were aiming for. The engine has a displacement of 997 cubic inches and produces just under 90 horsepower, which is quite impressive given the cruiser’s laid-back appearance. (Tramadol) A top speed of 198 kilometers per hour (123 miles per hour) is stated.
Gaokin Thor GK 1000 Price
Multiple riding modes, traction control, and ABS on the J.Juan-branded brakes are just a few of the premium amenities on offer. On both ends, KYB suspension components are used. Bluetooth smartphone connectivity is included in the fully digital instrument cluster. The GK 1000 costs the equivalent of $7,704 USD in China, which is a really decent deal considering the complete package.
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