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Lifan, and other Chinese manufacturer/importers are there worst own enemy. While they supply a decent bike at a decent price, there is no structure. No long term outlook. They sell to internet dealers who ship bikes all over the country. If you are mechanically inclined this may be okay. However, the average consumer does not prep the bike as required. Also, dealers don't want to carry these products because the manufacturer is not loyal to a dealer network. Local dealers don't want to work on them either. In the short term they sell bikes. Yet, as is with many distributors they don't last long.
Manuals, parts, and tech help is not supported. Often they change models and don't support what they brought in after just a couple of years (when parts are needed). Having been active in selling and monitoring the China bikes for ten years, I could provide a long list of private label importers that have repeated these mistakes over and over again. Also, how many have forged EPA/DOT documents to falsely get there products to market? We have had good success with Zongshen. They are looking at a long term effort, rather than flood the market every Christmas with cheap ATV's. A couple of good Chinese manufacturers will emerge and be serious players. First they will have to conform to U.S. marketing, and distribution practices. Along with event sponsorship, racing efforts, and brand marketing. Sorry, but that's my rant for the day.
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