Tanshanomi's Snap Judgments

Asiawing Spark 500

Tue, January 5th, 2010

100_2045
Click image for larger view.

EDITOR’S NOTE: While this blog’s focus is intended to be on production motorcycles, I had a chance to check out this prototype at the 2009 Motorcycle Dealer Expo in Indianapolis last March. I later learned that Roketa intends to distribute the Spark 500 stateside once production commences. I thought it would be fun to include.
http://www.roketa.com/product/2628/0/48426.shtml
Spark 500 in Yellow
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Asiawing Spark 500 (Prototype, circa 2009)
Performancewww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
A wild guess; I don't really know. Supposedly has 'Cagiva technology,' whatever that means. Graded on a curve because it's a single.
Handlingwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
I love riding narrow, light single-cylinder bikes. This one has a nice perimeter frame that looks stiffer than many, but cheap suspension components guarantee a letdown. Let's call it 'not exceptional' ...at best.
Lookswww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
Surprisingly attractive bodywork, nice looking engine, but the headlight cowl is wonky, exhaust is strange and fit and finish are dodgy.
Reliabilitywww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
Asiawing is not only Chinese, but 2nd-tier Chinese. 'Nuff said.
Practicalitywww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
Theoretically real-world friendly, gets marked down for non-existent dealer support, and the fact that it currently doesn't exist in production form.
Desirabilitywww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
Nice body shape and proof that Chinese manufacturers are tackling larger, less toy-like bikes; beyond that totally forgettable.
Overallwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
I actually like the overall design. If it was more refined and from a major player, it would be a great bike worth serious consideration. As it is? Forget it!