When Chinese manufacturers step into the global performance spotlight, expectations are always mixed. But the ZXMoto 820RR quickly turned heads by promising figures usually reserved for established European rivals.
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With three trims, track-focused engineering, and a daring 299 km/h target, the 820RR new sportbike; it is a statement of intent. Check all about ZXMoto 820RR Superbike from below.
ZXMoto 820RR Debuts
China just drop a bombshell on the superbike scene. Meet the ZXMoto 820RR, a triple-cylinder rocket boasting up to 150 hp and a blistering 299 km/h top speed. Shown at the CIMA show, it’s available in three trims and comes loaded with tech that rivals established Japanese and European machines.
Born from the vision of Zhang Xue, the man behind Kove, ZXMoto is now aiming straight at the global stage. With featherweight construction, advanced electronics, and aggressive styling, the 820RR isn’t just another Chinese sportbike, it is a serious contender for the superbike crown.
Chinese bikes are no longer just affordable alternatives; they are coming for the top tier. If ZXMoto delivers on its promises, the 820RR could be the machine that finally puts China on the superbike map.
ZXMoto 820RR Quick Look
| Feature | Details | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 819cc, inline-3 | Smooth triple power, unique in China’s lineup |
| Power (Base) | 135 hp | Already stronger than many 600s |
| Power (RR-R) | 145 hp | Lighter + sharper, track-focused |
| Power (RR-RS) | 150 hp | Flagship spec, near-litre bike performance |
| Top Speed | 299 km/h (186 mph) | Matches global “gentlemen’s agreement” |
| Weight (RS) | 175–178 kg | Feather-light for this class |
| Chassis | Aluminum frame, adjustable rake | Race DNA with real-world flexibility |
| Electronics | 6-axis IMU, cornering ABS & traction, cruise control | Premium safety & rider tech |
| Display | 6.2” Android TFT (RR-R & RS) | Big, smart, connected |
| Brakes | Brembo GP4 calipers (RS) | Track-grade stopping power |
| Suspension | Öhlins (RS) / KYB DLC (RR-R) | Top-shelf handling hardware |
| Exhaust | Akrapovič titanium (RS) | Lighter, louder, race-spec |
| Variants | 820RR (135 hp), RR-R (145 hp), RR-RS (150 hp) | Scales from road to race-ready |
| Naked Sibling | 820R (prototype) | Same heart, streetfighter soul |
| Launch | Q4 2025 (China first) | First deliveries 2026 |
| Ambition | Fastest bike made in China | Aiming at MV Agusta F3, Yamaha R7 class |
The Brand Story: From Kove to ZXMoto
Behind this project is Zhang Xue, the man who once built the Kove brand into a known player. His new venture, ZXMoto (or ZXJC), borrows his initials and sets its sights higher. Unlike budget commuter bikes, ZXMoto aims to build machines that stand toe-to-toe with Japanese and European sportbikes.
With a successful 500RR already on the road crossing 10,000 units, the company now uses that momentum to push into the superbike territory.
Three Flavors of Performance
Rather than a single model, ZXMoto is going wide with three versions of the 820RR, each tuned for different riders.
- Base 820RR
- Power: ~135 hp
- Wet Weight: ~191 kg
- Key Kit: Adjustable geometry, traction control, cornering ABS
- 820RR-R
- Power: ~145 hp
- Wet Weight: ~186 kg
- Premium Touches: Carbon body panels, forged wheels, titanium exhaust, new forks, Android-based dash
- 820RR-RS (Track Weapon)
- Power: ~150 hp
- Wet Weight: ~175 kg
- Race Bits: Öhlins suspension, Brembo GP4 calipers, Akrapovič exhaust, magnesium and titanium parts everywhere
Each variant scales up in performance and equipment, giving ZXMoto a lineup that feels strategic rather than experimental.
Design Language & The Naked Spin-off
Styling is sharp, edgy, and aggressive, echoing the “Sugomi” philosophy of Kawasaki while mixing in Italian cues. Carbon bits on higher trims make the bikes look race-ready even on the stand.
Alongside the faired machine, ZXMoto also unveiled the 820R, a naked version sharing the same chassis and motor but sporting a minimalist front end and upright ergonomics. Though still in concept form, it shows ZXMoto’s ambition to create a full family of triple-powered machines.
The Engine at the Heart
At the core lies an 819 cc inline-triple, built to deliver the sweet spot between torque-rich twins and high-revving fours.
- Peak Output – ~150 hp @ 13,000 rpm
- Torque – ~85 Nm @ 10,500 rpm
- Redline – ~15,250 rpm
- Top Speed – Electronically capped at 299 km/h (Project “299” gets its name here)
A left-side cam chain design, unusual in this segment hints at MV Agusta influence, but ZXMoto insists this is an all-new in-house development.
Chassis & Handling Package
Lightweight engineering is the theme. Reports peg the RS variant at just 175 kg wet, a figure that undercuts several European supersports.
- Frame – Aluminium perimeter design
- Swingarm – Braced and race-inspired
- Suspension – Ranges from adjustable forks on the base model to full Öhlins on the RS
- Brakes – Brembo hardware across trims, GP4 race calipers on the RS
Such numbers suggest ZXMoto is chasing not just power-to-weight bragging rights but also real-world agility.
Tech & Electronics
The 820RR isn’t old-school muscle; it’s a fully modern superbike.
- Six-axis IMU
- Cornering ABS & traction control
- Riding modes with adjustable throttle maps
- Bi-directional quickshifter
- Cruise control (higher trims)
- Android-powered TFT with app support
By checking all the expected boxes, ZXMoto avoids looking like a “budget compromise” and positions the 820RR as feature-competitive with global rivals.
Market Rollout: Timelines & Targets
- Production – Scheduled to begin in late 2025
- Launch – First deliveries expected in China during 2026
- Global Plans – No confirmed export strategy yet, but the company hints at future overseas entry if domestic reception is strong
For now, ZXMoto’s focus is building trust in its home market; but if it delivers, Europe and Asia-Pacific could be next stops.
Rivals in Sight
Though not a direct liter-class rival, the 820RR is positioned against bikes like –
| Rival Model | Key Comparison |
|---|---|
| MV Agusta F3 800 | Similar engine layout, exotic aura |
| Yamaha R7 / MT-09 | Price and accessibility rivals |
| Kawasaki ZX-6R | Inline-four supersport territory |
| Ducati Supersport | Premium yet street-focused option |
Ambition or Arrival?
The ZXMoto 820RR is more than just another bold claim from a new manufacturer. On paper, it ticks every performance, tech, and design box that enthusiasts expect from a serious superbike.
The real challenge? Execution and consistency. If ZXMoto delivers bikes that ride as good as they look, it could shift perceptions of Chinese motorcycles worldwide. If not, it risks being remembered as just another overhyped prototype. Either way, the 820RR has already done one thing right; it has the motorcycle world paying attention.
