Snake Motors

[Timpo]

Have you ever heard of Snake Motors in Japan?
http://www.snakemotors.com/

They claim their bikes are "Designed in Japan, Made in China" (yeah I know, very familiar phrase in the USA too)

Their motorcycles are Lifan powered 49cc, 124cc and 223cc engine.

As much as they do give classic & vintage look, my speculation is that the cost to produce these bikes are very low due to simple design and extensive use of Chinese parts.

The reason why they charge $3,500+ to $5,000 is because two very popular Japanese comedians, Takeshi Kitano and George Tokoro have been involved extensively to promote this brand on TV, social media and put their names on the bike as well.

However, those Japanese comedians mean nothing in the US and Canada.
I was wondering what would be an appropriate price for these bikes and if would be possible that any distributors in US or Canada considering bringing these bikes in?

Because in my eyes, they could be as low as $2,000 or maybe slightly below.

[wlfpck]

Never heard of them... but looking at the pictures you posted... I don't think I could justify 5K for these bikes especially considering, at $4500 I could get a new Rebel 300, CBR300, Ninja 300, etc.

[Sport Rider]

way overpriced, but at 2k they would be interesting. the problem is the 223cc really isn't big enough for the on-road fun factor we look for here in the states though. I think the Royal Enfield café 500 would be a better option. however, at 5999 retail, that's not in the same price ballpark either.

I've been thinking about doing a RYCA motors conversion on an older Savage 650. that'll end up at about 4 to 5 grand too though. but at least there would be power out of the 650 thumper motor.

[Timpo]

Originally Posted by Sport Rider

way overpriced, but at 2k they would be interesting. the problem is the 223cc really isn't big enough for the on-road fun factor we look for here in the states though. I think the Royal Enfield café 500 would be a better option. however, at 5999 retail, that's not in the same price ballpark either.

I've been thinking about doing a RYCA motors conversion on an older Savage 650. that'll end up at about 4 to 5 grand too though. but at least there would be power out of the 650 thumper motor.

Yeah I know it is overpriced, so I was wondering if anyone can import this for cheap...or if that's even possible.
I looked around all over internet but I couldn't find who makes them.
I was thinking Zong Shen or Dong Fang, but probably not..

Royal Enfield is indeed, very expensive for what it is. I don't know why that is, but in India, the MSRP of Royal Enfield motorcycles are only 50% of American MSRP. Which is strange because if you look at Japanese motorcycles, $10,000 motorcycle in Japan might become $10,500 in the USA.

Watch 1:49 in this video.

[Sport Rider]

"Feels like it might fall apart"

[JerryHawk250]

You can build one of these for way less money. Free bike and $99 motor off of Amazon.