Weird Flex: Harley-Davidson Diet Bob From China

Unveiled in China, this bike is called the Lifan K19-NRF

The two-wheeler market in China is usually packed with rip-offs of all shapes, sizes and this time around, the Chinese have targeted Harley-Davidson's Fat Bob. Called the Lifan K19-NRF, the bike doesn’t have the Fat Bob’s road presence or performance, so we are going to call it the Harley Diet Bob. Having said that, there are plenty of interesting bits on this Chinese knockoff. 

There’s nothing wrong with the bike’s aesthetics. The full-LED rectangular headlamp, dual-tone alloy wheels, and blacked-out elements, all make the Livan a rather handsome motorcycle. After all, these are all based on the Fat Bob that is a pretty good looking lad itself. Then, we come to the centre. The K19’s tank, blacked-out flat handlebar, tank-mounted instrument cluster and even the positioning of the fuel-tank lid, all remind us of the Fat Bob.

But, the K19 manages to one up the Fat Bob with its tank getting special pinstripe graphics that give it a rather premium look. Towards the rear, once again, the Fat Bob inspiration comes into play with the K19’s tail lamp almost identical to the American’s LED unit. 

Since it takes inspiration from a Harley-Davidson, the Livan is ergonomically sound. It has a low stance, which paired with the flat foldable front-set footboards, results in a comfortable rider’s triangle. The cushioning on the seat seems decent too, but we’re certain it won’t be as good as the Fat Bob’s scooped unit.

The Lifan is powered by a 150cc single-cylinder motor that puts out 17.6PS. That’s not even a tenth of the size of the Fat Bob’s 1,700cc powerhouse, which explains the massive space between the front fork and the engine bay. Speaking of fork, for suspension duties, the K19 gets a conventional telescopic fork and adjustable dual-shock absorbers, which are way slimmer than what we see on the American offering.

All in all, the K19 is surely an impressive rip-off and honestly, it’s something we could use in India. The 150cc cruiser space in India features the Suzuki Intruder and the Bajaj Avenger 160, and we think, the K19 could just give them a run for their money!