That victory at the Supersport World Championship in March saw orders for ZXMoto's two-wheelers skyrocket and provided a boost for the firm as it battles for an edge in the highly competitive Chinese motorbike market.The company was founded just two years ago but already rivals leading manufacturers such as Europe's Ducati and Japanese giants Yamaha and Honda with a bike retailing for a fraction of their prices."You have this dream you've been thinking about for many years, and when it finally comes true... I was so happy," Zhang, 39, told AFP at his company's headquarters in Chongqing.ZXMoto has doubled its workforce since March and its factory runs 24-hours a day to meet demand, but customers still wait months for orders. "Chinese brands are very clear about where our future lies," said Zhang, a former mechanic who claims he can assemble an engine with his eyes closed."It has to be global."
Zhang Xue, founder of Chinese motorcycle manufacturer ZXMoto, during an interview in Chongqing, southwestern China © WANG Zhao / AFP/File
The firm's flagship 133-horsepower 820RR motorbike -- which accelerates from zero to 100 kilometres and hour in 2.8 seconds -- sells for around 43,000 yuan ($6,370) in China, at least 30 percent cheaper than foreign rivals."Compared to imported ones like Kawasaki, it's very good value," said 28-year-old rider Yang, who owns an 820RR."First off, we support domestic production, and second, if the product is truly good, we'll choose it."Sales have soared from 25,000 bikes in 2025 to a projected 100,000 this year, with plans to double that figure by 2027 -– a target on par with BMW's scope.However, it faces a shrinking domestic market, vicious competition and squeezed profits.Fan loyalty"Twenty years ago, as long as you produced a motorcycle, even if it didn't start, people would line up to give you money," Zhang said."Now... If you don't get serious, you will be eliminated by the market."China's motorbike sales fell 3.4 percent in 2025, and slid again this year as consumers increasingly favour cars or less regulated electric bikes.In China, Zhang can rely on loyal fans who see him as a symbol of the country's manufacturing prowess, drawn by his rags-to-riches background."Zhang Xue has brought glory to China, so I want to support him," said Hu Zhaomeng, picking up his gleaming red 500 model from a Chongqing dealership.But weakening domestic sales are pushing manufacturers like Zhang to seek fatter margins abroad, where consumers have more purchasing power.
