When world championship motorcycle racing first started, you raced either British, Italian or a smattering of German motorcycles. In the 60s, the Japanese invasion took place and by the end of the 70s, you had to be on a Japanese bike to be anywhere. Recently, we’ve seen a resurgence of the European brands, but that might change in the next decade as a new player is making its mark.
The Chinese have found their racing feet and are digging their heels in.
Don Fourie has a look…
So far, it’s the production-based World Superbike Series where their attack has begun. It started in 2023 when Kove – a brand better known for its rallying activities – entered the World Supersport 300 class with its 450RR. Kove continues to compete even after the 300 class was upgraded to what is now the Sportbike class, which features machines such as the Suzuki GSX-8R, Yamaha R7 and bikes of that kind.
In the Supersport class we’ve seen the likes of QJMotor and ZXMoto competing with some success. For 2027, QJMotor will be partnering with one of the most famous names in motorcycle racing – Ten Kate.
The Dutch outfit has won 12 riders’ championships in the World Supersport Championship with both Honda and Yamaha, including the title win last year with Stefano Manzi on a Yamaha R9. The team also won the World Superbike Championship in 2007 with James Toseland, a major achievement for an independent team against the factory efforts. From 2027, Ten Kate will be racing the new QJMotor SRK800RS, a major signing for the brand.
ZXMoto has been the major breakthrough brand in racing, with French rider Valentin Debise taking six race wins, nine podiums and second in the championship on the 820RR against its Japanese and Italian rivals. This is made even more impressive because this was ZXMoto’s debut racing year. Next year should be even more interesting.
CFMoto spent the year in the World Sportbike Championship racing its 675SR-R triple and has won the Moto3 World Championship with Maximo Quiles, although that is with its technical partner, KTM. It is also a front-runner in the Moto2 Championship, running Kalex frames and spec Triumph engines.
For next year, CFMoto will be expanding massively – it will be the first Chinese brand to enter the World Superbike Championship with its upcoming V4 SR-RR superbike. The brand has also signed up as the sole motorcycle supplier for the Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship, replacing the Yamaha R7 with its 675SR-R.
This is probably the start, as further whispers suggest that CFMoto is preparing to enter the premier MotoGP class within the next few years.
Remember that in 2022, there were no Chinese manufacturers in circuit racing. Now, they are everywhere and growing. Let’s see what the next decade holds. Interesting times for sure!
