Each year, China gives us at least a couple of new bikemakers. And these new names usually try to make headlines with their first offerings. Only a few truly deserve these headlines, though, and a fine example of that right now is the ZXMoto 820RR-RS. Yes, it’s a weird name (ZX is copied from the Kawasaki Ninja, and the RR-R is from the flagship Honda CBR), but the performance and componentry are rather impressive. So much so that this sports bike seems like a Ducati Panigale V2 killer on paper.
The ZXMoto 820RR-RS Boasts An 819cc Triple-Cylinder Engine
Taking the Yamaha and MV Agusta approach, ZXMoto has armed its 820RR-RS sports bike with a triple-cylinder powerhouse. It displaces 819 cubic centimeters, revs to over 15,000 RPM, and features an Akrapovic titanium exhaust. The result? A class-leading output of 150 horsepower. That’s 30 ponies up from the Ducati Panigale V2 and 33 more than the Yamaha YZF-R9. ZXMoto also claims the bike weighs well under 400 pounds.
Key Engine Specs
|
Capacity |
819cc |
|
Layout |
Inline-triple |
|
Power |
150 HP |
|
Torque |
~65 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
Six-speed |
Top-Drawer Underpinnings Help The ZXMoto 820RR-RS Be A Track Weapon
In most cases, Chinese bikemakers tend to use local components for the most part. For example, J.Juan brakes and KYB suspension are common occurrences on CFMoto and QJ Motor bikes. ZXMoto, however, has taken the unexplored path with the RR-RS. So the suspension comes from Ohlins (both front and rear), the brakes comprise top-drawer Brembo GP4 calipers, the wheels are forged, and there’s a magnesium subframe at the rear. The latter two are unheard in the sports bike segment (yes, even on full-size liter bikes).
There’s also a heavy dose of carbon fiber and modern-day rider aids. The former comprises carbon fairings, wings, and heel plates, while the latter includes cornering ABS, cornering traction control, wheelie control, and cruise control. A 6.2-inch TFT (with Bluetooth connectivity) helps you access all the rider aids.
Key Underpinnings
- Wheels: 17/17-inch forged wheels
- Front brakes: 2x 320 mm discs with Brembo GP4 calipers
- Rear brake: NA
- Suspension: Ohlins USD forks and monoshock
- Weight:
The ZXMoto 820RR-RS Has Yet To Reach International Markets
If you like what you see, we have some bad news. ZXMoto has just shown the bike in China for now, and it’s not even on sale there yet. That means you’ll have to wait a fair bit for the 820RR-RS to hit international dealers. The international launch isn’t certain either, since this is a new brand altogether. Regardless, if it comes here at a decent price, the 820 certainly has the potential to shake up the middleweight sports bike segment and give the big names a run for their money. Do you agree?
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