Chinese motorcycle manufacturers have always been known for copying designs of other more established brands in the business. It doesn’t really matter where these Chinese brands find their origins, chances are you’ll find that the tech they’re packing is either supplied by a different manufacturer, or straight up copied from a different bike.
Take, for example, the Stormbreaker from SWM. Yes, SWM is an Italian motorcycle brand, and it is indeed headquartered in Italy. However, it’s owned by a Chinese company called Shineray, a brand that’s been quite a dominant player in the automotive industry for some time now. The Stormbreaker is, for all intents and purposes, a Harley-Davidson Sportster Evolution copycat all the way from its design, and even the engine that powers it. SWM says, however, that the bike was designed in Italy in its headquarters, so it’s up to you if you’ll take their word for it.
