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Chinese motorcycle maker ZXMOTO wins first WorldSSP races at Superbike Championship

Chinese motorcycle manufacturer ZXMOTO secured a historic double victory in the World Supersport category at the Portuguese round of the FIM Superbike World Championship on March 28-29, 2026, with French rider Valentin Debise winning both races aboard the ZXMOTO 820RR-RS. The achievement marked the first victory by a Chinese brand in the WorldSSP class and the first time a Chinese motorcycle manufacturer has won at a WSBK round, breaking decades of dominance by European, American, and Japanese brands including Ducati, Yamaha, and Honda.

The 820RR-RS, powered by an 819cc inline-three engine producing 150 horsepower and weighing approximately 175-178 kg, featured premium components typically found on machines costing two to three times more, including Öhlins suspension and Brembo brakes. Founded in April 2024 by entrepreneur Zhang Xue, ZXMOTO achieved an output value of 750 million yuan in 2025 and plans to expand its presence in global motorsport, with the company aiming to capture over half the market share held by international brands within five years.

  • Chongqing, ZXMOTO's base, produces over 70% of China's motorcycles as the 'Motorcycle Capital'.
  • Inline-three engines deliver smoother power than common twins, aiding ZXMOTO's edge.
  • ZXMOTO debuted the 820RR at China's International Motorcycle Trade Exhibition in September 2025.
Chinese motorcycle maker ZXMOTO wins first WorldSSP races at Superbike Championship | Implica