Move over, kings of the open road—China’s making noise with its latest V8 behemoth, the Souo S2000 GL. With the prestigious Honda Gold Wing clearly in its crosshairs, this new touring bike is aiming not just to join the club, but to rewrite the rulebook and maybe even change up your dream cross-country playlist.
The Rise of Souo: A New Challenger in the Touring Arena
- Great Wall Motor (GWM), already a heavyweight in the automotive world, is now steering its ambition squarely at two wheels with the creation of the Souo motorcycle brand.
- Choosing not to tiptoe into the game, GWM’s first act is the Souo S2000 GL—a touring motorcycle purpose-built to challenge legendary giants like the Honda Gold Wing, the long-reigning queen of tourers.
- Unveiled at the Motor China Beijing International Motorcycle Exhibition, this V8-powered machine is set on muscling its way into the European market as a serious alternative to established touring favorites.
Under the Hood: V8 Power and Technical Bravado
- The Souo S2000 GL’s heart is a 2000cc V8 engine, a clear leap above the Honda Gold Wing’s 1833cc six-cylinder block. This isn’t just for show—Souo promises superior performance and plenty of torque for those long autobahn stretches.
- Its 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) raises the ante against the Gold Wing’s 7-speed semi-automatic DCT. More gears, more roar, more reasons for your riding buddy to hang on tight.
- While the bike’s aluminum frame draws inspiration from its Japanese rival, it adopts a Hossack-style girder fork front suspension—a notable upgrade over conventional telescopic forks. This system, familiar on the BMW K1600 and indeed the Gold Wing itself, is designed for added comfort and stability, especially for larger motorcycles carrying more than just a toothbrush and a dream.
Style and Comfort: Where East Meets West (and Heat Meets Seat Warmers)
- The S2000 GL carves its own path stylistically, opting for a retro design inspired by traditional Chinese lion art. The headlamps are shaped to mimic a lion’s eyes, providing a bold, distinctive persona that says “Hear me roar… and see me glow.”
- Top-tier features include four-piston Brembo brakes, integrated audio with Bluetooth connectivity, and cruise control—because even the bravest warriors need to stretch their wrists.
- Comfort gets its due as well: heated seats, electric brakes, automatic headlights, blind-spot monitoring, and a TFT display with ergonomically placed handlebar controls. Your body and your gadgets will both feel pampered.
- And if you forget your phone at a roadside diner, there’s no panic—the S2000 GL’s onboard 4G charging system offers direct cellular network connectivity, removing the need to tether your ride to a smartphone. Long-range riders, rejoice!
A Glimpse at the Road Ahead
- This S2000 GL isn’t just a one-time spectacle. GWM has confirmed there’s more to come: the next model will be a cruiser with a design inspired by the iconic Honda Rune. The company’s intent is crystal clear—expand, diversify, and put China on the global motorcycle map in all the right categories.
- Backed by GWM’s financial muscle and access to vast resources, Souo aims to compete directly with not only Japanese stalwarts but the legendary European brands as well. The message? The touring bike market is wide open, and a new player just fired up its V8.
Conclusion: Should You Make Room in Your Garage?
The Souo S2000 GL marks the arrival of a bold and ambitious challenger, purpose-built to capture the imagination—and perhaps the hearts—of motorcyclists seeking a powerhouse blend of performance, comfort, innovation, and a taste of Eastern flair. If the thought of a 2000cc V8 engine purring beneath you while you adjust your heated seat and tap your playlist is appealing, it might just be time to consider a test ride. With GWM charging ahead, the world of touring motorcycles might never look the same again.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
