Motorcycles at AutoChina 2026
The focus of Auto China is predominantly on motor vehicles, but that doesn't mean those who favour two wheels are left out. While attending the expo, we spotted a number of motorcycles, some well-known, others not so much. Here's what we spied on our daily walks.
AutoTrader visited the mammoth AutoChina 2026 show, hosted by GWM. The showcase alternates between Beijing and Shanghai each year and is recognised as the largest and most influential auto show in China, and is frequently the largest in the world.
Related: New GWM models coming to South Africa!
The 2026 instalment solidified this status by using a dual-venue format covering 380,000 square meters with 1.28 million visitors over the week-long event. The 2026 event featured 1,451 vehicles, including 181 global debuts, 71 concept cars and a host of two-wheeled machines. We spent some free time wandering from hall to hall to try and spot some bikes, and surprisingly found quite a few.
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SOUO S2000
GWM (Great Wall Motors) is well known for its family SUVs and off-road machinery, but few know that last year the brand made its first foray into the two-wheeled space with an ultra-luxury cruiser called the SOUO S0200.
The S2000 is a luxury touring motorcycle widely recognised as a direct challenger to the Honda Gold Wing. The bike is powered by a 2000cc horizontally opposed 8-cylinder engine with a maximum power output of 113 kW and 195 Nm of torque. It features an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with a shaft drive, enabling a top speed of over 200 km/h.
The S2000 is packed with premium technology, including a 12.3-inch LCD screen with automotive-grade Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chips, OTA updates, and a 6-axis IMU for stability. The Souo S2000 GL and ST tourers were on display, marking GWM's entry into the high-end, large-displacement motorcycle market, aiming to fill the gap for luxury cruisers and the best part? These are under consideration for SA!
Chery Group 007
Chery debuted the eVo-REEV, touted as the world's first range-extended electric bike concept. This futuristic motorcycle, or range-extended bike, highlights Chery's expansion into new energy mobility, showcasing a blend of electric propulsion and on-board charging technology rather than a traditional high-power pure-electric powertrain. It represents Chery's experimental foray into two-wheeled electrified mobility, likely leveraging their QPower range-extended technology.
The e-Vo is not a pure electric bike in the traditional sense. It uses a Range-Extended setup, the rear wheel is driven exclusively by a powerful electric motor, providing instant torque and a smooth, silent ride. It features a small, high-efficiency petrol engine that acts strictly as a generator. It does not power the wheels; its only job is to recharge the battery on the go. This allows riders to travel long distances without searching for a charging station, as you can simply recharge by adding petrol at any standard fuel pump.
It includes mid-level Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, most notably Blind Spot Monitoring, which provides haptic feedback (vibrations) through the handlebars to warn the rider of vehicles in their blind spots. A high-definition TFT display shows real-time energy flow, showing exactly when the petrol generator is kicking in to top up the battery. Expected "Hello Chery" voice integration for navigation and media, similar to their Omoda and Tiggo car lines.
While currently a concept, the e-Vo is specifically designed for markets with developing charging infrastructures. By using a petrol generator to back up the electric motor, Chery is positioning the e-Vo as a bridge between traditional combustion bikes and the electric future.
Full Good Customs
Full Good Motors is a specialised Chinese brand under Songsan Motors that debuted retro-styled, 1950s-inspired plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles at the show. Their lineup features modern GM-powered PHEV tech, including the "Summer" minivan and "Rocket" models, focusing on nostalgic designs with modern efficiency.
Full Good Motor showcased several retro-classic and custom motorcycles, focusing on American-style cruisers and bobbers. Notable highlights included custom-painted bobbers, fat-tire cruisers, and choppers designed for the Chinese market. A range of custom retro-style motorcycles was displayed, featuring highly customised American Chopper-style motorcycles and show-winning creations that were very impressive and the talk of the show.
Honda
Honda brought everything and the kitchen sink to Auto China 2026. From production cars to race machines to boats and powersports, there was something for everyone, but it was the array of bikes that piqued our interest. Making their Chinese debuts, Honda brought a slew of machines that will enter the market soon.
- CB500 Super Four (China Debut): A new, classically styled model designed specifically for the Chinese market, featuring a diamond-shaped steel frame and a retro design.
- CBR500R Four (China Debut): A Four-cylinder variant tailored for China, featuring aggressive, CBR1000RR-R Fireblade-inspired styling.
- 2026 E-Clutch Range: Honda showcased its expanding E-Clutch technology (allowing manual or automatic clutch operation) on several 2026 models:
- CB750 Hornet
- XL750 Transalp
- CB500 Hornet, CBR500R, & NX500 (500cc series)
- CB650R & CBR650R
- New 2026 Models/Concepts:
- WN7: A new electric motorcycle model designed to deliver a 600cc-equivalent performance with 100Nm of torque, highlighting Honda's commitment to emission-free riding.
- CB1000F: A modern, high-performance naked bike inspired by the 1979 CB750F.
- GL1800 Gold Wing: The flagship touring bike with 7-speed DCT.
BMW
Not to be outdone, BMW also had a few China debut models on show. We have already tested some of these machines but we payed close attention to teh 450 GS that is arrivining in SA any day now.
- BMW R 1300 RT: Introduced as a new 1,300 cc boxer tourer with 145 hp and 110 lb-ft of torque, with an optional Automatic Shift Assistant (ASA).
- BMW R 12 G/S: Showcased as a new model utilising their classic air/oil-cooled boxer engine.
- BMW F 450 GS: The new middleweight, initially shown as a concept, was also featured ahead of its 2026 market launch.
In Closing
China is a motorcycle-friendly country, and one would have thought that there would have been more two-wheeled machinery, but this is a car show after all, and China has another event of this calibre for bikes. These were just some of the bikes that we spotted, and there were probably more that we missed due to the sheer scale of the event; you simply can't get to everything in the allotted time. We will definitely be back next year to spy what the manufacturers are cooking up, so stay tuned!
