In a stunning upset that has reshaped the global motorcycle racing landscape, Chinese manufacturer ZXMOTO has claimed back-to-back victories in the World Superbike Championship’s Supersport class. The weekend triumph at the Portugal round marks the first time any Chinese manufacturer has achieved top podium finishes in this elite racing category, breaking decades of dominance by established European and Japanese brands including Ducati, Yamaha, and Kawasaki.
French professional rider Valentin Debise piloted ZXMOTO’s flagship 820RR model to victory in both races, demonstrating exceptional performance from the relatively unknown manufacturer. The World Superbike Championship holds particular significance in the motorsports world as it requires competitors to use production-based motorcycles, making it both a competitive arena and a critical showcase for manufacturers’ engineering capabilities.
The company’s remarkable journey began just two years ago in April 2024 when founder Zhang Xue, a former mechanic’s apprentice from Hunan province, established ZXMOTO in Chongqing’s Liangjiang New Area. The startup made its market debut at the 22nd China International Motorcycle Trade Exhibition in September 2024 with its inaugural 500RR model.
ZXMOTO’s rapid ascent has been nothing short of extraordinary. Initial deliveries commenced in March 2025, with annual sales surging past 25,000 units by year’s end. Founder Zhang Xue recently disclosed impressive financial metrics for 2025, reporting a total output value of 750 million yuan ($108.54 million) with substantial reinvestment of 69.58 million yuan into research and development.
Zhang attributes much of his company’s success to its strategic location in Chongqing, renowned as China’s ‘Motorcycle Capital.’ Despite arriving in the city in 2013 without established connections, he recognized the unparalleled advantages of the region’s dense manufacturing ecosystem. Chongqing hosts over 40 vehicle manufacturers and more than 400 parts suppliers, boasting an annual production capacity of 10 million vehicles and 20 million engines. According to local authorities, one of every three motorcycles exported from China originates from Chongqing’s manufacturing base.