The recently unveiled Changjiang V 750 Defender could soon be poised for export to Europe. However, the striking resemblance it bears to Moto Guzzi's V85 TT invites comparisons to potential plagiarism. How will this situation unfold?

Unveiling in China

A new Chinese clone has emerged in the Chinese market, and there is even a possibility of it making its way to European shores. Changjiang, a manufacturer with a storied history of crafting robust sidecars for the Chinese military, has traditionally relied on boxer engines inspired by Ural and Dnepr, themselves descendants of BMW's 750cc boxer engines from the 1950s.

Nevertheless, beginning in 2024, Changjiang is planning to introduce a new series of sidecars that shift away from boxer engines to embrace a V-twin configuration. This new engine, to put it mildly, exhibits remarkable technical and aesthetic resemblances to Moto Guzzi's powerplant: featuring a 90-degree angle between the cylinders, a longitudinal crankshaft, and transversely oriented cylinders, this engine unmistakably echoes the traits of the Mandello unit. It delivers 52 HP (38 kW) at 6,300 rpm and a peak torque of 60 Nm at 4,900 rpm. These technical specifications closely align with Moto Guzzi's air-cooled 744cc 2-valve per cylinder V2 engine, which was in use until 2020, offering 52 HP at 6,200 rpm and 60 Nm at 4,900 rpm.

Technology and Components

Beyond the engine, both the tubular steel frame and the aluminum swingarm appear to draw direct inspiration from Moto Guzzi's V85 TT. The suspension setup includes an inverted telescopic fork and a Kayaba rear shock absorber, featuring specific pneumatic suspension for sidecar use. The spoked wheels, fitted with tubeless tires, incorporate J.Juan disc brakes, with the front featuring four-piston calipers and dual discs—all managed by a three-channel ABS system.

Possible Arrival in Europe

It is noteworthy that Changjiang already possesses a network of importers and dealers in Europe, which opens the door to the potential export of the V 750 Defender to the European market in the near future. The resemblance to the V85 TT and the existence of a European distribution network create a conducive environment for the introduction of this Chinese sidecar into an increasingly global motorcycle market. The reaction of the Piaggio Group, no stranger to legal battles involving Chinese clones, remains to be seen.

A few years ago, at EICMA, financial authorities intervened to seize Vespa models (undoubtedly the most frequently copied in the Far East) that bore an uncanny resemblance to the original.