What is the Difference Between Large Trade and Small Trade Motorcycles?
4 Answers
Here are the main differences between large trade and small trade motorcycles: 1. Nature: Large trade generally refers to large trade vehicles. These are vehicles imported through formal customs channels, sold by authorized dealers, and subject to purchase tax payment and licensing, allowing for immediate name transfer and ownership changes. Small trade refers to small trade vehicles. These are vehicles imported under a certain tariff discount quota provided by the state to encourage investment, targeting foreign investors, overseas students, overseas Chinese, or enterprises with a certain amount of foreign investment. Such vehicles are referred to as small trade vehicles in the industry. 2. Features: Large trade vehicles must be declared with an import license (foreign-invested enterprises have import licenses), accompanied by a customs goods import certificate and a commodity inspection certificate from the import port. Currently, from import to individual purchase, an imported vehicle requires payment of tariffs, value-added tax, and consumption tax. The comprehensive tax rate for an imported vehicle is roughly equivalent to 70% of the vehicle's total price, which is why the price of large trade imported vehicles remains high. Small trade vehicles can be 10% to 15% cheaper than regular large trade vehicles, but within one year of import supervision, they can only be registered under the license plate of the foreign investor or foreign-invested enterprise's location. Only after one year can the name transfer and ownership changes proceed normally. 3. Responsibility: Large trade vehicles must, in accordance with China's national mandatory regulations, legally assume the original factory warranty; otherwise, they will face penalties such as import suspension. Small trade vehicles are imported by the applicant or importing unit based on their own usage principles, after applying to the national import regulatory authorities. Before import, they must declare that they will bear the risks associated with the vehicle's use themselves. The maintenance, warranty, and licensing of small trade vehicles are all the responsibility of the importer.
I've been riding motorcycles for over 20 years, and there's a big difference between officially imported and parallel imported bikes. Officially imported ones come through proper channels with full customs documentation, 3C certification, and official after-sales service. You can register and ride them right away, and insurance covers everything. Parallel imports, on the other hand, are unofficial private imports, possibly coming through gray channels without quality checks, with incomplete paperwork. Riding them often gets you stopped by traffic police, and if something happens, insurance won't cover it. I recommend going for officially imported bikes—they're more expensive, but hassle-free and safe. Domestic motorcycles are also good now, affordable and reliable. Beginners shouldn't be tempted by the low prices of parallel imports; the risks are too high, finding replacement parts for repairs is a nightmare, and it's just too much trouble. Safety comes first—riding motorcycles is about freedom, not constant worry.
As a motorcycle beginner, I did a lot of research to understand the difference between parallel imports and official imports. Official imports are purchased from authorized dealers, like goods from brand stores, with manuals and warranty cards, making registration easier. Parallel imports are more like buying from second-hand markets, without invoices or warranties, and may have issues like oil or water leaks. My friend bought a parallel import bike to save money, but ended up being fined and banned from entering the city. Although official imports are more expensive, they are worth it for long-term safety. I recommend choosing official imports and not taking risks. Domestic brands also offer good bikes, which are economical and legal.
After spending a long time in the motorcycle circle, I've learned that there's a huge difference between official imports and parallel imports. Official imports are brought in through authorized channels, undergo strict inspections, can be registered, and come with warranties. Parallel imports are irregular goods with incomplete paperwork and unstable performance. I recommend staying away from parallel imports—they often break down quickly after purchase, have high maintenance costs, and are illegal. Official imports may be more expensive but hold their value better and come with full insurance coverage.
