Motorcycle History | Chinese and Indian Manufacturers 10 Jun 25

The Future of Motorcycles Is Coming from the East

We’ve taken a fascinating journey through the history of global motorcycling—but now it’s time to look ahead.

Where are the motorcycles of the future coming from?

The answer is clear: the East, and in particular, two giants—India and China.

These countries are dominating the conversation among enthusiasts, filling showroom floors, and making headlines at international motorcycle shows. 

Let's quickly look into the history and evolution of the brands leading this new wave.

📍 Hero MotoCorp (India)

Hero’s roots trace back to 1956 with the founding of Hero Cycles. A strategic partnership with Honda in 1984 propelled it forward. Today, Hero is the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer by volume.

📍 Bajaj Auto (India)

Founded in 1945 as an import company, Bajaj began producing scooters in 1959 and motorcycles in the 1980s. It’s now the third-largest motorcycle manufacturer globally and a household name across the Indian subcontinent.

📍 Royal Enfield (India, originally UK)

Founded in 1893 in the UK, Royal Enfield began as a bicycle company and quickly evolved into a global icon. Today, it’s manufactured in India and beloved worldwide for its classic style and bulletproof engineering.

📍 TVS Motor (India)

Launched by Indian transport pioneer T.V. Sundram Iyengar, TVS introduced the first fully India-built scooter, the TVS 50, in 1980. The company remains a key player in both domestic and global markets.

📍 KYMCO (Taiwan)

Founded in 1963, KYMCO began as a parts supplier for Honda. It’s now a global giant in its own right, producing over 1 million vehicles per year and known for affordable, reliable two-wheelers.

📍 QJMotor (China)

QJMotor is part of the massive Qianjiang Group, founded in 1985 and now owned by Geely, which also owns Benelli, Morbidelli, and Keeway. It represents China’s strategic push into high-performance global markets.

📍 Kove (China)

Founded in 2017 by former mechanic and racer Zhang Xue, Kove is the first Chinese motorcycle brand to gain international recognition in both on-road and off-road competitions. One to watch.

📍 CFMOTO (China)

Launched in 1989, CFMOTO started as a component manufacturer and has grown into a major force, thanks to its partnership with KTM. Known for sporty design and aggressive pricing, it’s a consistent standout at events like EICMA.

📍 Loncin Motor (China)

Established in 1983, Loncin is a true industrial powerhouse, producing over 2 million motorcycles annually. It partners with BMW to manufacture engines and models under license—an indicator of its global ambitions.

More Than Just “Newcomers”

These brands aren’t just newcomers to the European and American markets—they’re reshaping the global motorcycle industry. Backed by deep roots and massive production power, they’re also building compelling brand stories and investing in long-term growth.