China's motorcycle industry has reached a significant milestone, demonstrating its core strength to compete with leading global brands. This was vividly demonstrated recently when Chongqing-based motorcycle startup Zxmoto clinched a historic victory in the Portuguese leg of the 2026 FIM Supersport World Championship.

This marks the first-ever race win for a Chinese manufacturer in the Supersport class, breaking the long-standing dominance of Italian giants like Ducati, and Japanese giants like Yamaha and Kawasaki.

The championship, known for its use of production-based motorcycles, serves as a key platform for manufacturers to showcase their technological prowess. "This victory suggests that the best motorcycle designs come from those who ride them, and Chongqing, with its strong motorcycle culture, is the best place for motorcycle brands to develop," said Wang Minhao, a motorcycling internet influencer from Beijing known for his in-depth reviews of both domestic and international motorcycles.

Unlike other megacities in China, Chongqing does not impose a blanket ban on motorcycles. For many motorcyclists, it is seen as a cyberpunk city with a deep-rooted motorcycle culture. From the heroic "backpack motorcyclists" who volunteered to transport supplies during the 2022 Beibei wildfire to government-backed initiatives like the motorcycle lifestyle festivals and motorcycling routes, Chongqing has become a beacon for enthusiasts.

The city hosts Asia's largest motorcycle exhibition, the China International Motorcycle Trade Exhibition, which has been a fixture for 23 years, attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually. It also serves as the venue for premier national off-road races, including the China Motorcross Championship (Chongqing Jiangjin leg) and the Shineray Cup, further cementing its status as China's "Motorcycle Capital".

Chongqing's unique ecosystem integrates industry, culture and governance, allowing both traditional giants like Zonsen and emerging brands like Zxmoto to thrive.

"Chongqing is striving to become the world's 'Motorcycle Capital'," Tu Xingyong, deputy director of Chongqing's economic and informatization commission, said at the 2025 China Motorcycle Chongqing Forum. He emphasized the city's commitment to high-quality growth and innovation in the industry.

Zxmoto's founder, Zhang Xue, started his business in Chongqing in 2013, drawn by the city's reputation and the abundance of motorcycle parts available in its markets, despite having no local connections initially.

Chongqing, a cradle of China's motorcycle industry, boasts over 40 vehicle manufacturers and more than 400 parts suppliers, with an annual production capacity of 10 million vehicles and 20 million engines. Statistics show that five of the country's top 10 motorcycle exporters are based in the municipality.

In off-road motorcycles, Chongqing holds a significant advantage, with a production capacity of 200,000 units annually. Last year, Zxmoto achieved sales of over 25,000 units, valued at 750 million yuan ($109.65 million).

Chongqing Sanhua Industry Co, established in 1995 in the city's Liangjiang New Area, specializes in high-end components for large-displacement motorcycles, contributing to the industry's robust growth. The company supplies key components to domestic brands like Zxmoto and Shineray Motorcycle, and has expanded into Southeast Asia with a branch in Vietnam.

Zonsen Industrial Group, a leading manufacturer based in the city's Banan district, sold approximately 3.45 million motorcycles last year, including its Zonsen, Loncin, Voge and Cyclone brands. Of these, around 2.18 million units were exported, with a capacity utilization rate of 80 percent. Currently, 42 suppliers have followed Zonsen in establishing overseas factories, creating an industrial community for collaboration and success.

Liangjiang New Area is creating a growth hub for Chongqing's high-end motorcycle industry, leveraging leading companies and providing comprehensive supply chain services. Recently, the district announced a new 13.33-hectare production base in its Guoyuan Port Comprehensive Bonded Zone to support Zxmoto's expansion. Additionally, the district is tailoring financial service plans to meet the company's needs for intellectual property credit and equipment financing leases.

According to Chongqing's economic and informatization commission, by 2027, the city's motorcycle industry is expected to reach an output value of 140 billion yuan. The plan aims to establish a high-end motorcycle industry cluster valued at over 100 billion yuan.

Contact the writers at dengrui@chinadaily.com.cn