Published on: 2026-04-12
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –
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Recently, the Chinese motorcycle manufacturer ZXMOTOR achieved a double victory at the Portuguese stage of the WorldSBK World Championship in road racing, thereby causing a real sensation in the European motorcycle industry. Portuguese authoritative motorsport expert Rui Belmonte called this result a “turning point” for Chinese brands on their way to participating in prestigious competitions, noting that it confirms an increase in the technological level and overall competitiveness of Chinese manufacturing.
WSBK is the World Superbike Championship, founded by the International Motorcycling Federation in 1988. It is often called the “motorcycle exhibition on the track.” It is an important platform for demonstrating the technological potential of serial motorcycles. Competitions are divided into several categories. ZXMOTOR won in the WorldSSP category (middleweight), where European and Japanese manufacturers dominated for a long time.
At the end of March, Belmonte personally observed the victory of ZXMOTOR on the Algarve track. In an interview with IA “Sinyua” he stated that this success signifies important changes in the balance of power among manufacturers in the WorldSSP category.
In Belmont’s opinion, this victory was the result of a combination of many factors, including the characteristics of the motorcycle, the skill of the racer, and the team’s coordinated work. Besides the sporting result, Belmont believes that this success reflects positive shifts in the transformation and modernization of the Chinese motorcycle industry. “Previously, Chinese motorcycle brands in Europe were often perceived as manufacturers of inexpensive technology mainly aimed at urban commuting, but now this perception has clearly changed,” he noted.
He emphasized that Chinese companies are constantly improving their technological level and overall competitiveness. Today, Chinese motorcycles are competitive not only in the Asian markets but are also gaining increasing recognition worldwide.
Belmonte also stated that traditional manufacturers can no longer underestimate Chinese competitors. “They must take Chinese brands seriously. Chinese brands are progressing very quickly, and this progress is especially noticeable when they collaborate with experienced teams.”
Speaking about the future, he expressed optimism regarding the prospects of Chinese brands in various motorsport disciplines. “China can quite possibly become a serious competitor in many segments — it’s only a matter of time.”
In Belmont’s opinion, brands like ZXMOTOR reflect profound changes in the perception of Chinese manufacturing by the international community. “Chinese motorcycle brands are no longer perceived as manufacturers with low cost. We see how a new generation of more advanced Chinese manufacturers is emerging in the global market,” he noted. He also added that, thanks to the breakthrough victory of ZXMOTOR in racing, European racers and consumers are re-evaluating their attitude towards Chinese brands, and the prospects for the development of the Chinese motorcycle industry inspire optimism.
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