ZXMoto 820RR-R and 820R: WorldSSP Winner Brings Its Production Sportbikes

• Two new models: the fully-faired 820RR-R and the unfaired 820R, both initially for China only
• 820RR-R with 145 hp (107 kW) from 819cc, 186 kg (410 lbs), Brembo brakes and KYB suspension
• Prices in China: 820RR-R around 7,960 euros / 9,100 US dollars, 820R around 5,340 euros / 6,100 US dollars

Chinese manufacturer ZXMoto is still young but has made a name for itself in a short time. The brand is running at the front of the Supersport World Championship (WorldSSP) in its first season. Now two new road models are hitting dealerships: the upgraded 820RR-R and the unfaired 820R. Both are built on the same three-cylinder engine, but target different riders.

What is new about the ZXMoto 820RR-R?

The 820RR-R is the more powerful and better-equipped version of the familiar 820RR. According to the manufacturer, it produces 145 instead of 135 hp and gets higher-quality suspension and brake components.

ZXMoto gains most of the extra power from two changes to the engine. Compression rises from 13.0:1 to 13.3:1, and lighter titanium valves replace the steel valves. This increases output from 135 hp (99 kW) to 145 hp (107 kW). Peak power now arrives at 13,500 rpm instead of the previous 12,000 rpm. The engine revs to 14,750 rpm. Fully fueled, the 820RR-R weighs 186 kg (410 lbs), around 7 kg lighter than the 820RR. This is achieved mainly through forged wheels, which weigh less than cast ones. The model was already shown last year and is now available at dealers in China. A worldwide launch is planned.

What technology is inside the 820RR-R?

The 820RR-R uses the 819cc three-cylinder engine from the 820RR, but pairs it with better suspension, stronger brakes and more electronics. This brings it closer to more expensive sport models.

Up front is a fully adjustable KYB fork with a 43-millimeter diameter, with a shock from the same manufacturer at the rear. For braking, ZXMoto uses Brembo M50 calipers instead of the simpler Taisko calipers on the base version. The master cylinder and rear caliper also come from Brembo. There are also five riding modes and electronics controlled by what is known as an IMU. This IMU is a sensor that measures the bike’s lean angle, so traction control and ABS also work while cornering. Everything can be read on a 6.2-inch color display running on Android. Standard equipment also includes tire pressure monitoring, a quickshifter for clutchless up- and downshifts, keyless start and a steering damper with two chambers. Visual details such as a carbon exhaust end cap, forged wheels and adjustable footpegs round out the equipment.

What does the naked bike ZXMoto 820R offer?

The 820R is the unfaired variant. It uses the engine and frame of the 820RR and produces 135 hp (99 kW) at 12,000 rpm. The base engine delivers around 80 Nm (59 lb-ft) at 9,500 rpm.

In China, the 820R costs the equivalent of around 5,340 euros / 6,100 US dollars. For the chassis, ZXMoto uses components from Chinese supplier Yu’an, while the brakes come from Taisko. As with the sport models, keyless start, tire pressure monitoring and a six-axis lean angle sensor are part of the equipment. The 820R was also first shown as a prototype and is now in series production. It is already available at dealers in China.

Why is ZXMoto so successful in WorldSSP?

As a newcomer to the Supersport World Championship, ZXMoto has already won six races in the ongoing 2026 season. Rider Valentin Debise is second overall in the standings.

Among the successes are double wins at the Portuguese and Czech rounds. At Portimao, a Chinese motorcycle won a race in this series for the first time ever. Debise won the first race by around 3.7 seconds and the second by about half a second. Only Ducati and Triumph have previously achieved success this quickly in the championship’s history. In the manufacturers’ standings, ZXMoto is third behind Ducati and Yamaha, ahead of Triumph, Kawasaki, Honda and MV Agusta. Fellow Chinese rival QJMotor currently sits in last place. For the racetrack, ZXMoto fields the sharpest version of the range, the 820RR-RS. It produces 150 hp (110 kW) and runs with Öhlins suspension and a titanium Akrapovic exhaust. This results in three tiers: the base 820RR with 135 hp, the new 820RR-R with 145 hp, and the race version 820RR-RS with 150 hp. ZXMoto’s success fits into a bigger picture, as Chinese brands such as CFMoto and QJMotor are also pushing further into the middleweight class in 2026.

Who is ZXMoto founder Zhang Xue?

Zhang Xue founded ZXMoto in April 2024 in Chongqing. He was previously a co-founder of the Chinese brand Kove. The letters in the brand name stand for his initials.

According to industry reports, Zhang Xue grew up in Hunan province, dropped out of school at age 14 and worked in a motorcycle repair shop. His young company reportedly sold more than 25,000 motorcycles in 2025 and generated a production value of 750 million yuan, of which around 70 million yuan went into development. One reason for the low prices is the location in Chongqing, where many manufacturers and suppliers sit close together and components can be sourced right in front of the factory. Zhang Xue speaks openly about his long-term ambition to compete in the Dakar Rally and later even in MotoGP. He also provides one million yuan annually in prize money for young Chinese racers. ZXMoto showed its full model range at the EICMA show in Milan at the end of 2025.

Why aren’t beginners allowed to buy the 820 models?

ZXMoto does not sell the 820 models in China to riders with less than one year of experience. The manufacturer considers the motorcycles too powerful for beginners and prohibits them from buying for safety reasons.

To enforce the rule, ZXMoto has introduced an unusual system. Anyone who reports a buyer who acquires an 820 model despite insufficient experience is said to receive a reward. If the manufacturer confirms the tip, the reward is reportedly 5,000 yuan, the equivalent of around 645 euros / 737 US dollars. How strictly this rule is enforced in practice remains unclear.

When are the ZXMoto 820RR-R and 820R coming to Europe?

There is no fixed date yet for the international market launch. However, ZXMoto is expanding its reach step by step.

The brand is launching first in the United Kingdom. There, ZXMoto starts with the four-cylinder sport model 500RR, followed by the motocross model MX250 later this year. The 820RR and the retro naked bike 500F are expected in 2027. ZXMoto also names the USA as a future target market. For German-speaking markets, no concrete dates or prices are available yet.

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