Rebranded Chinese company target the custom market with radical-looking machine
Marshal is the new name for a Chinese company – Guangdong Jianya – that previously sold its machines under the Hanyang and Xiangshuai brands, and it’s out to challenge Benda as the wackiest cruiser maker in China.
The new name appeared alongside a new factory earlier this year, and while its existing range mainly consists of fairly conventional 800cc V-twins with Harley-ish styling, the indications are that Marshal intends to take a more ambitious approach in the future.
This new design patent from the company, for example, could never be said to be copying a Harley. The design takes the unusual step, particularly in the cruiser realm, of entirely covering the engine. At first glance you might even think it’s an electric bike, but there’s an exhaust tucked into the belly and an engine of unknown size and configuration hiding behind the panels that cover each side.
Other unusual elements include the wheels, with a solid disc wheel at the back and an odd design at the front with just two, wide spokes connecting the rim to the hub.
It’s not the only upcoming novelty from the company, either. It’s also planning a 1200cc V4-powered trike that appears to borrow its engine design from Benda’s largest V4 – even though Benda has yet to launch its own 1200cc model – that takes its styling inspiration from Harley-based trikes made by famous Japanese car tuner Liberty Walk.
Under the Hanyang name, before its Marshal rebrand, the company had a stand at last year’s EICMA show in Italy, pointing to its international intentions.
