China motorcycle brand ZXMOTO enjoys surge in popularity after historic superbike victory
The on-track success translated into immediate commercial gains and generated online buzz for the company and its founder, Zhang Xue
Chinese motorcycle manufacturer ZXMOTO experienced a surge in popularity and generated online buzz after securing a historic double victory in the World Supersport (WorldSSP) category at the recent Portuguese round of the FIM Superbike World Championship (WSBK).
The achievement was the first time a Chinese brand had reached the top of the podium in the series and sparked a nationwide hot trend this week.
At the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, French rider Valentin Debise, racing for ZXMOTO Factory Evan Bros Racing, powered his ZXMOTO 820RR-RS to win both Race 1 and Race 2 in the WorldSSP class, which runs as a support series to the premier WorldSBK championship.
Debise’s first victory came in Race 1, where he led from the front to finish nearly four seconds clear of the field. He returned the following day to claim Race 2, completing a rare weekend sweep that highlighted the machine’s exceptional straight-line speed.
“At the end of last season, I wanted to go back to who I think are the best team in the championship, Evan Bros Racing, and I told them, ‘Whichever bike you choose, I will follow’,” Debise said.
“When I saw the bike, I knew it was not what we were used to, but after trying it, I knew I was all in. It’s great for the team to get the win, and it was my first double, so I am very proud of my team and ZXMOTO’s work.”