What are the differences between China III motorcycles and China IV motorcycles?
4 Answers
The differences between China III motorcycles and China IV motorcycles are: 1. Different markings: China III motorcycles are marked as 'China III'; China IV motorcycles are marked as 'China IV'. 2. Different number of processing systems: China III motorcycles have one muffler; China IV motorcycles have two mufflers. 3. Different traffic restrictions: China III motorcycles can enter within the Sixth Ring Road; China IV motorcycles are not subject to any restrictions. 4. Different engines: China III motorcycles use direct injection in the cylinder with a large pump fuel supply method; China IV motorcycles use electronic fuel injection in the cylinder with a common rail fuel supply method. China III motorcycles comply with China's third-stage vehicle emission standards. China IV motorcycles comply with China's fourth-stage vehicle emission standards.
I've been closely following updates in environmental regulations. Compared to China III motorcycles, the most significant upgrade in China IV models lies in emission control. China IV vehicles must replace old carburetors with electronic fuel injection systems, which reduces carbon monoxide emissions by over 70%. From my experience, EFI systems are indeed more fuel-efficient - saving about 0.5 liters per 100km for models with the same displacement, translating to substantial long-term savings. China IV standards also mandate OBD diagnostic systems, essentially giving motorcycles a self-check chip that triggers dashboard warning lights when emissions exceed limits. These modifications increase new vehicle costs by approximately 10%, but considering major cities are gradually banning China III bikes, choosing China IV is the wise decision - both environmentally friendly and ensuring future road access rights.
Having repaired motorcycles for over a decade, the key difference between China IV and China III standards lies in the engine system. Most China III motorcycles use traditional carburetor fuel delivery systems, while China IV models have all switched to electronic fuel injection (EFI) technology, featuring additional precision fuel injectors and oxygen sensors. This means troubleshooting becomes more complex during repairs, requiring diagnostic tools to read fault codes - unlike China III models where simply disassembling the carburetor could solve problems. Practical experience shows China IV motorcycles demonstrate more stable cold starts and significantly reduced engine carbon buildup issues. However, replacement parts cost about 20% more, with oxygen sensors alone costing several hundred yuan. Another notable detail: all China IV models have three-way catalytic converters installed in their exhaust systems, making the exhaust outlets appear slightly larger, which also impacts aftermarket modifications.
I often help people choose used motorcycles, and China IV models are significantly more value-retentive. Currently, mainstream cities have basically stopped registering new China III models, making even cross-regional transfers difficult, which directly depresses the prices of used China III motorcycles. Compared to the same model, China IV used prices are typically 15% higher, with a resale cycle half as long. In terms of usage costs, China IV models with electronic fuel injection systems have lower failure rates. Friends have reported that China III carbureted models often have difficulty starting in winter. Policy risks should also be noted, as some areas are expanding restrictions on China III motorcycles, directly affecting daily commuting convenience. In the long run, China IV models are more worry-free, even if they cost an extra two thousand yuan, it's worth it.
