A new manufacturer, Zhang Xue Motorcycle, exhibited at the Chongqing Motorcycle Show in China, which concluded on September 16, 2024, and unveiled the ZX-500RR, a super sports car equipped with an in-line four-cylinder engine.
Former founder of KOVE makes comeback with new company
Before Kawasaki released the ZX-4R in 2023, do you remember that Chinese manufacturer KOVE exhibited a concept model called "400RR" at the Chongqing Motorcycle Show in November 2022, which became a hot topic? The engine was later expanded to 450RR and released in June 2023.
The engine is equipped with a parallel 4-cylinder, and the initial maximum output was officially stated to be 75PS. It was released ahead of the unreleased ZX-4R under the manufacturer name KOVE, which is reminiscent of Kobe, where Kawasaki's headquarters are located. The former founder of KOVE has announced a new model called "ZX-500RR" with the same name, so it's safe to say that it is competing with Kawasaki.
The ZX-500RR produces 85 PS from a 500cc engine. The ZX-4R/RR, which produces 77 PS (without supercharging) from a 400cc engine, is more efficient, but the ZX-500RR exceeds it in terms of displacement. On the other hand, the dry weighs 168 kg, which is lighter than the ZX-4RR at 189 kg, and the top speed is 240 km/h and the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is announced to be 3.4 seconds.
CEO Zhang Xue founded KOVE in 2017 and led the company to the Dakar Rally for the first time. Taking an aggressive stance, he also announced that Zhang Xue Machinery, which he founded after retiring, will release the 820RR with a parallel 3-cylinder engine in 2025. This sense of speed is unique to Chinese manufacturers.
ZX-500RR [Zhang Xue Machine Car] ZX is derived from the initials of Zhang Xue. KOVE develops with a focus on performance, and this attitude seems to be alive and well. They also plan to develop a naked version of the 500F.
The side lines of the body are flat, reminiscent of Japanese replica machines from the 1990s. The "ZXJC" on the tank and points cover appears to be the manufacturer's name for snow-laying motorcycles.
The tail lamp is equipped with a "Z" shaped light. It is clear that it is inspired by the tail lamps of Kawasaki's naked "Z" series, and it seems to be competing with Kawasaki.
The water-cooled in-line 4-cylinder DOHC 4-valve 500cc engine produces 85PS.
The engine has a compact design in terms of front-to-rear length and is fitted with a swingarm pivot.
The meter uses a TFT display, and the bank angle display suggests that an IMU is installed.
The machined aluminum top bridge features an inverted fork with adjustable preload and damping.
The front brake uses a radial master cylinder.
Opposed 4-piston radial calipers similar to Yamaha's "Advics".
The single-sided swingarm is made of aluminum and the rear tire is a 180 size, which is thicker than that of the ZX-4R.
The original exhaust pipe is designed to look like a replacement part.
ZXJC ZX-500RR Main Specifications
Overall Length x Width x Height: 2005 x 706 x 1125 mm
Wheelbase: 1390mm
Seat Height: 795mm
Dry Weight: 168kg
Engine: liquid-cooled 4-stroke, in-line 4-cylinder DOHC 4-valve 500cc
Maximum Output: 85 PS/13500rpm
Maximum Torque: 4.69kg-m/12000rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15L
Transmission: 6-speed return
Brakes: F = W disc, R = disc
Tire: F=120/70ZR17, R=180/55ZR17
