Fewer overall, but increasingly Chinese: 2026 opened with relatively stable figures in Israel’s two-wheeler market. In January, 2,633 motorcycles and scooters were delivered, a drop of nearly 8% compared with the same month last year (2,852 deliveries). Traditionally, January is considered a particularly strong delivery month, as many December handovers are postponed to January in order to “gain” an extra year on the registration—similar to the practice in the four-wheel market.
At the top of the table there were no major surprises. SYM continued to lead the market with 552 units, Honda followed closely with 498 deliveries, and Kymco rounded out the podium in third place, this time at a noticeable distance with 213 units.
The more interesting story of the month came from a less expected direction. Chinese brand Zontes, which entered the market only last year, opened 2026 strongly with 190 units delivered in January. According to the importers’ association report, it was also responsible for the best-selling two-wheeler of the month—the 368G—with 146 units delivered. And it is not alone. Other Chinese brands are posting a growing presence: Voge with 67 units, QJ Motor and CFMoto with 88 deliveries each, and Yimoto with 31 units.
Is this the beginning of a deeper shift in the two-wheeler market, similar to what has been happening in the car market, with Chinese brands steadily increasing their share? It is still too early to draw firm conclusions, but one thing is already clear: unlike the recent past, customers are no longer deterred by the words “Chinese motorcycle.” Good luck to the Europeans and the Japanese.
Maxi-scooters: SYM is nearing the launch of the Cruisym 400, a large, well-equipped scooter aimed directly at the top of the category and poised to challenge established European names such as Aprilia and Voge. The model was first unveiled at EICMA 2025 in Milan. In practice, it is an evolutionary step up from the Cruisym 300 of the same name, which is already sold in several markets, including Israel.
At its heart is a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder 399 cc engine producing 34 hp and about 3.7 kg-m of torque. These figures place the Cruisym 400 very close to the Aprilia SR GT 400, also first shown at the exhibition, which offers slightly higher output (36 hp and around 3.9 kg-m), as well as the more powerful Voge SR450X, with 42 hp and about 4.4 kg-m from a twin-cylinder engine.
The Cruisym 400 features a 7-inch TFT LCD display with full smartphone connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, and real-time data including tire pressure and ambient temperature. The standout feature is a built-in dash cam—a rare item in the maxi-scooter category, previously seen mainly on Voge models.
The design maintains modern, muscular lines with full LED lighting up front. On the practical side, it includes an adjustable rider backrest with three positions.
Why change when you can repaint? Honda unveiled the 2026 version of its successful Africa Twin. Do not look for changes, upgrades or additions—there are none. What is new is the color scheme: red, matte black or white. The Adventure version will be offered in matte gray or a white-red-blue livery with gold wheels, as a tribute to the Dakar Rally and the model’s historic DNA.