Beyond the win: What ZXMOTO's rise says about China's manufacturing

For decades, winners in the World Superbike Championship (WSBK) have largely come from a small group of European and Japanese manufacturers: Ducati, Yamaha and Kawasaki.

In late March 2026, that script was rewritten.

A relatively little-known Chinese brand, ZXMOTO, emerged at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimao, Portugal. Its rider, Frenchman Valentin Debise, crossed the finish line with a lead of nearly four seconds – a rare margin in a sport where races are often decided by milliseconds.

The next day, the same bike won again. It's the first time a China-developed engine-powered motorcycle has won at this level of competition.

Brand founder and owner Zhang Xue was overwhelmed with emotion as he watched the races. After the win, he wrote, "You do something not for the result, but because of passion. And sometimes passion brings a different result" in a post on social media.

The buzz beyond the racetrack

Although motorcycles are not the most mainstream means of transport in China, and motorcycle racing remains a niche sport, the team's achievement resonated far beyond the racing community. Zhang's name and the ZXMOTO brand quickly gained national and international attention.

Following its racing success, ZXMOTO has seen a sharp surge in demand. In an interview with China Media Group, Zhang said the company recorded "half a year's worth of sales in just one month" after the victory, with annual sales projected to approach 60,000 units and revenue expected to reach nearly 1.8 billion yuan (about $262 million)

Founded in Chongqing and bearing the initials of its founder, ZXMOTO has risen rapidly in just two years, a trajectory many Chinese observers described as an inspiring example of the country's manufacturing ambitions.

According to a report by Chongqing Daily News Group, the company sold around 25,000 units in 2025, placing it among the leading domestic brands in the mid- to large-displacement segment.

In interviews, Zhang said the team's competitive edge came from the bike's core strengths within its class, including strong power output, low weight and a low center of gravity.

ZXMOTO also appeared at this year's China International Consumer Products Expo. Staff at the booth said delivery for new orders has already been scheduled through the end of September, with some customers expected to receive their vehicles as late as October.

According to data released by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) on Tuesday, China exported 8.08 million motorcycles in the first two months of 2026, up 32.5% year on year, with total export value reaching 24.55 billion yuan, up 30.2%.

Exports from central and western regions have also gained momentum. In the first quarter, outbound shipments of internal combustion motorcycles from these regions reached 1.754 million units, marking continued growth.

At a news briefing on Tuesday, Wang Jun, vice-minister of the GACC, noted that four out of every 10 internal combustion motorcycles exported by China now come from central and western regions, adding that the internationally acclaimed ZXMOTO is among the brands emerging from these areas.

The rising motorcycle industry in China

While market momentum plays a role, ZXMOTO's rise is chiefly driven by its underlying engineering capabilities.

From engine systems to materials and overall vehicle design, the company has emphasized full in-house development, with more than 90 percent of its parts sourced domestically, Zhang said in an interview with the Xinhua News Agency.

"More than 99% of the components in our production models are domestically made," Zhang said. "At present, only a few parts, such as bearings and chains, are still imported, although domestic alternatives are already available."

A well-established industrial ecosystem has underpinned the scale of China's motorcycle sector.

According to the China Chamber of Commerce for Motorcycle (CCCM), the country's motorcycle production and sales reached 22.11 million and 21.97 million units, respectively, in 2025, up 10.6% and 10.2% year on year. Exports totaled 13.36 million units, a 21.3% increase.

At the same time, electrification and intelligent technologies are emerging as key drivers of the industry's next phase.

Chinese manufacturers have introduced a range of new technologies in recent years. Electric motorcycle maker Yadea has developed high-voltage lithium battery systems capable of rapid charging, while Qianjiang Motorcycle has launched AI-powered riding assistance systems that integrate safety monitoring and voice control.

President of the CCCM Zuo Zongshen said that electrification and intelligentization are accelerating industry transformation, calling for stronger innovation and continued industrial upgrading.