Harley-Davidson got its second dealership in China, in the exotic and sinful city of Shanghai.

Being that it was the second dealership, it perhaps raises questions that the MoCo is doing pretty well in the land of egg rolls and broccoli-beef.

But I tend to doubt that there's any success in motorcycle sales. Rather, it's in accessories.

According to Shanghai Daily, it's pretty tough for locals to get a large-displacement motorcycle registered, let alone utilized within in city limits...

Motorcycles, especially those with big engines, face a lot of riding restrictions that prevent them from major roads and highways in many Chinese cities. Shanghai banned registration of private motorcycles in 2002.

The Harley-Davison motorcycles, popularly known as Harleys, sold in Shanghai are only allowed to ride outside the city's Outer Ring Road and owners have to register their bikes in Beijing, Gerry Wan, general manager of Shanghai Harley-Davidson, said.

Labels: China Harley Davidson Dealerships, Harley Davidson

A year-and-a-half since Harley-Davidson announced its first dealership in China, sales are lagging, and it appears it's going to be a long time before they pick up.

Personal wealth in China does not appear to the issue. Rather, it's local laws in some 170 cities that make riding large-displacement motorcycles impractical, or making them difficult to own...

Many cities are concerned about congestion. Beijing allows people to own Harleys but only if they don't use them in the city, Doyle noted.

"You essentially can ride them, but you have to start at some distance out of town," Doyle said. "Practically speaking, that's what the situation is going to be for some time."

Labels: China Harley Davidson Dealerships, China Motorcycle Sales

Harley-Davidson announced its first dealer in mainland China today, Beijing Feng Huo Lun (FHL).

Operating as Beijing Harley-Davidson, the dealership will offer Harley motorcycles, related products and after-sales service.

Beijing Harley-Davidson will have an initial staff of 14. The dealership is located on the Fourth Ring Road, just outside the downtown area in northeast Beijing. The dealership is headed by FHL founder, owner and Executive Director Wan Jidong, who has more than 10 years' experience selling and servicing imported heavyweight and premium motorcycles, and is described as having a passion for riding motorcycles.

The new dealer will celebrate its official grand opening in early April with festivities at the dealership including an event for Chinese-talking bikers.

In addition to motorcycle sales and service, the dealer will offer rider training, organized rides and events. The dealer currently has a large riders' club in Beijing.

Harley-Davidson has indicated that it expects market entry into China to be a gradual process. According to the Company, the leisure-oriented market for premium, heavyweight motorcycles is just beginning to emerge in China, with market development limited by ownership and riding restrictions in most large cities and on highways, and by limited but growing disposable income. Harley-Davidson's long-term strategy in China seeks to address the riding restrictions over time and to help lead the development of a leisure-oriented heavyweight motorcycle market as consumer buying power grows.

All you Hog riders will now have to get you one of those Beijing Harley Davidson t-shirts.

Labels: China Harley Davidson Dealerships