China is Taking Over Motorcycles (And it's Happened Before)
CanyonChasers Podcast // The Braking ZoneShow Notes
There is a major shift in the motorcycle industry that feels like a "new world order". We analyze how manufacturers from China and India are utilizing the "Japanese Playbook" from the 1960s to disrupt the status quo, moving from being the world’s workshop to dominant players in Moto GP and World SuperSport. From CF Moto's strategic acquisition of Kalex to the evolution of manufacturing quality, we discuss the reality of global production through our lens as American veterans and motorcycle professionals. We also share the 20-year history of how Dave and Brian met at a "Two Wheel Tuesday" and evolved into track day control riders. Finally, we announce an exciting new project: CanyonChasers is starting motorcycle giveaways! We need your help deciding on our first sub-$10,000 project bike.
00:00 Introduction: Predicting a Controversial Future 01:00 History Lesson: Honda’s Rapid Evolution in the 60s 04:00 The Decline of the Old Guard: Harley, Indian, and Spanish Brands 05:15 The Chinese Disruption: CF Moto, QJ Moto, and Cove 06:55 The New Reality of "Made in China" 09:12 Ambivalent Patriots: Our Perspective as Veterans 11:30 Why Did American Brands Like Buell and Motus Fail? 14:00 The Volume Gap: Why Motorcycles Rule the East 16:00 The "World’s Workshop": Decades of Manufacturing Internships 21:12 Trusting the Tech: Carbon Fiber and Aftermarket Parts 27:50 CF Moto’s Power Move: Buying Kalex and Eyeing Moto GP 32:45 The Role of Government Subsidies and Incentives 35:45 Could Harley Davidson Win Moto GP? 38:30 Flashback: How Dave and Brian Met 20 Years Ago 43:30 Why Track Day Communities are Better Than Street Groups 52:15 ANNOUNCEMENT: CanyonChasers Motorcycle Giveaways 54:15 Project Bike Ideas: Ducati Monsters, R nineTs, and Monkey Bikes
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