Leading Chinese bikemakers might be making a mark in international markets, but smaller Chinese companies still resort to copying premium bikes, which results in…let’s just say, fun stories. Case in point this time is the Jonway V400, a cut-throat doppelgänger of the popular Indian Scout Bobber. Let’s check it out.

Indian Scout Chinese Clone - Jonway V400

One look at the Jonway V400 and it makes the Indian Scout Bobber vibe pretty evident. Be it the chunky headlight mask, twin-barrel exhausts, chrome on black mechanicals, or the chopped rear fender, everything seems inspired by the Scout. Jonway didn’t even spare the Indian motorcycle logo, as it used the same font for its own logo. A little extreme even by Chinese standards, don’t you think?

Design aside, in typical Chinese bike fashion, the Jonway V400 comes laden with features like all-LED lighting, dual discs up front, backlit switches, and adjustable levers. All these actually make it better equipped than the Indian, even though the round, semi-digital instrument cluster looks copied from the Bobber.

At the heart of the matter, the Jonway V400 draws power from a belt-driven 398cc, twin-cylinder engine that pumps out 35 horsepower; quite a bit lower than any other 400cc motorcycle. Anyway, Jonway claims the V400 can attain a top speed of 140kmph (87mph).

The engine sits in a double cradle chassis, sprung on chunky USD forks and dual shock absorbers. Meanwhile, the bike rolls on 16-inch alloy wheels clamped by dual disc brakes upfront and a single outback. The calipers are unbranded, though.

Once again, this makes the Jonway slightly better than the Indian Scout Bobber, which has telescopic forks and only single disc brakes at both ends. However, quality matters, not quantity, so the components are more surely more trustworthy on the Indian.

Final Thoughts

Judging from everything, the Jonway V400 seems like a decent proposition for its target market (China) and should sell decently amongst people who want a premium-looking cruiser without breaking the bank or worrying about identity theft. For everyone else, we’d suggest you steer clear of this and try saving up for the real deal.

Like such stories? Then, you can also check out this Chinese clone of the Harley-Davidson Iron 883.}

Images: MotoProfile