Loncin DS8 - New Adventure Bike From China

It was only recently that Loncin, the Chinese two-wheeler manufacturer, unveiled the HR7, showcasing a 500cc parallel twin with similar displacement and power figures as the Honda CB500F. Now we have got news that the company has gone ahead and unveiled the DS8, which is a single-cylinder adventure tourer that is powered by the same 652cc motor that used to power the earlier BMW G650GS and also the Husqvarna TR650.

This engine is no newbie in the Loncin lineup, as, back in 2012, the company also revealed the LX650, that was powered by the same motor. While BMW has scrapped these engines and doesn’t use it on any of its current production models, we can expect Loncin to continue using the single-cylinder 650cc for its upcoming models.

As with the HR7 as well, the DS8’s styling also seems to be quite appealing. It looks like a proper adventure tourer with the short-beaked front and long travel suspension. The tyres seen here are not fit for off-road terrain, but the bike does seem to have the potential to take on tough terrains with the right set of tyres. We particularly like the reverse-raked LED headlight, which gives the bike its own distinct identity.

On the chassis front, there is tubular steel, with an aluminium swingarm. Undulations will be managed by USD forks up front and a monoshock at the rear. The dual petal front and single rear disc feature ABS as standard. Kerb weight of the DS8 is 198kg.

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The spec sheet at CIMA carried similar power and torque figures as the ones seen on the old BMW G650GS - 50.7PS of power and 50.1Nm of peak torque, produced at 5500rpm.

On the feature front, there’s a manually adjustable windscreen and an all-digital instrument cluster which we assume will only offer basic readouts.

Going by the pictures, the bike does seem to be a promising product. But in the end, it all boils down to the pricing and if ever the company plans to enter the Indian market. It will surely prove to be a competition to the upcoming Benelli TRK 502.

However, what remains to be seen is whether Loncin is even considering India as a prospective market? Considering the pace at which the big bike market is growing, we think they should. But whether people are willing to accept a Chinese brand is a debatable matter.