The Great Wall Souo S 2000 ST: China’s Ambitious Touring Motorcycle

Discover the Great Wall Souo S 2000 ST, China’s groundbreaking touring motorcycle featuring a unique 2.0-litre 8-cylinder boxer engine, advanced technology, and luxurious design.

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In a surprising turn of events, Great Wall Motor, primarily known for its cars and trucks, has ventured into the motorcycle market with a groundbreaking model. The Great Wall Souo S 2000 ST, a massive touring bike, aims to rival the iconic Honda Gold Wing. This motorcycle is not only remarkable for its size but also for its unique 2.0-litre 8-cylinder boxer engine. Here’s a closer look at this extraordinary entry into the motorcycle world.

A Unique Powertrain

The highlight of the Great Wall Souo S 2000 ST is undoubtedly its engine. Unlike anything currently in production, this 2.0-litre 8-cylinder boxer engine sets a new benchmark in motorcycle engineering. Boxer engines, known for their low centre of gravity and smooth power delivery, are rare in motorcycles. Honda’s Gold Wing sports a six-cylinder boxer, but Great Wall has taken it a step further with an eight-cylinder variant. Each piston in this engine operates on separate crank pins. It features opposing pistons moving in opposite directions, ensuring smooth operation and impressive power delivery.

Advanced Transmission and Suspension

The engine features an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). It is complete with a reverse gear, which is essential for manoeuvring such a hefty machine. The transmission setup is reminiscent of the Honda Gold Wing’s, designed to optimize space and weight distribution.

Suspension is another area where the S 2000 ST stands out. Great Wall boasts a three-layer stepped front suspension with multi-stage adjustable electronic shock absorbers, indicating a focus on rider comfort and adaptability to various road conditions. This level of suspension technology is usually reserved for high-end motorcycles, underscoring Great Wall’s commitment to making a premium touring bike.

Size and Design

At 104 inches long with a 71-inch wheelbase, the Great Wall Souo S 2000 ST is larger than its primary competitor, the Honda Gold Wing. The latter measures 97 inches in length with a 66.7-inch wheelbase. Despite its enormous size, the S 2000 ST features a relatively low seat height of 29.1 inches, slightly lower than the Gold Wing’s 29.3 inches, which could make it more accessible to a broader range of riders.

The design of the S 2000 ST is a blend of Eastern aesthetics and modern motorcycle dynamics. Inspired by the “Chinese Lion Dance,” the bike’s curves and lines convey a sense of agility and power. The elaborate headlight design, referred to as “Smart Light Language,” symbolizes wisdom and courage, while the taillights add a touch of elegance and sophistication.

High-Tech Features

True to its luxury touring bike aspirations, the S 2000 ST is packed with technology. It features a 12.3-inch touchscreen powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC, capable of over-the-air updates. Additional tech includes:

• Automatic parking brake
• Electrically adjustable windshield
• Cruise control
• Heated grips and seat
• An eight-speaker sound system
• Navigation system
• Collision warning system
• Blind-spot monitoring system

The motorcycle also boasts substantial storage capacity, with side cases that can hold 118 litres each, making it an ideal choice for long-distance touring.

A Bold Move in Motorcycle Manufacturing

Great Wall Motor’s entry into the motorcycle market marks a significant milestone. The company, founded in 1984 and known for its wide range of vehicles from basic utility trucks to luxury electric cars, has diversified its portfolio with the launch of the Souo sub-brand. The S 2000 ST, debuting on May 17, 2024, represents a bold step in blending car technology with motorcycle engineering.

A Step into the Future of Motorcycle Touring

The Great Wall Souo S 2000 ST is an ambitious and intriguing motorcycle. While some may view it as an attempt to copy the Honda Gold Wing, it’s more accurate to see it as an inspiration-driven effort to innovate and expand the boundaries of motorcycle design. With its massive size, unique engine, and an array of high-tech features, the S 2000 ST is set to make waves in the touring bike segment. It remains to be seen how it will perform on the road and in the market, but one thing is clear: Great Wall Motor is not afraid to think big and bold, even in the world of motorcycles.