[Overseas] The ZX-4RR’s Rival: ZXJC 500RR – A Four-cylinder Supersports Motorcycle

Article/Photographs/Webike China

The 450cc inline 4-cylinder supersport "KOVE 450RR" released by KOVE in 2023 has attracted attention in China for being equipped with an engine of the same class and lineage as the Kawasaki "ZX-4R," which could be called a rival. Our local staff interviewed the "ZXJC 500RR," which is based on the 450RR and has been further refined. We would like to introduce it to you.

Our local staff check out the "ZXJC 500RR" that made an appearance at the Guangdong International Circuit!

KOVE is a motorcycle manufacturer from Chongqing, China. It was founded in 2017, so it has a short history, but it has been rapidly increasing its presence by introducing a series of challenging new models and participating in international races such as the Paris-Dakar Rally and WSSP300 in 2023. The KOVE 450RR, a mid-class inline 4-cylinder engine model announced by KOVE in 2023, attracted attention for its 77PS output, lightweight body, and comprehensive equipment such as radial calipers and TFT meters.

However, this fall, the new ZXJC 500RR, a souped-up version of the 450RR, made its debut at the Chongqing MC Show. It was not from KOVE, but from the new manufacturer Zhang Xue Motorcycle. This manufacturer, founded by the former founder of KOVE, has improved the performance of the base 450RR and upgraded its displacement and design to release it. With a color close to lime green, it is a model with a strong presence.

ZXJC is a new Chinese brand, named directly from the pinyin of its founder Zhang Xue's name. Zhang Xue was originally a trusted figure at KOVE, but due to differences of opinion on the company's business philosophy, he left KOVE and led a team that shared the same philosophy to establish ZXJC (Zhang Xue Motorcycles).

Zhang Xue's first motorcycle, the 500RR, is based on the platform of the KOVE 450RR, which attracted a lot of attention last year. This model is equipped with a four-cylinder engine, with a slightly increased displacement to 500cc. According to current official data, the maximum power reaches 85PS/13500rpm. It weighs only 168kg, inheriting the tradition of the 450RR. It also changes from the 450RR's double swingarm to a more eye-catching single swingarm design.

ZXJC 500RR (2024)

The inline 4-cylinder engine produces 85PS at 13,500rpm.

The vehicle weighs only 168 kg.

More intricate detailing and winglets

Similarities can be seen in the design of some parts of the vehicle frame, and the layered structure of the front section is more complex. The headlight and daytime running light have been changed to a separate upper and lower design. It also has a fixed wing, which has become almost standard equipment on sport bikes in recent years.
The design of the fixed wing is also very ingenious. Extending outward from the center of the front of the motorcycle, with curves on the sides, the fixed wing has a four-layer structure. Scratch-resistant material is intentionally used in this position, as it is considered to be vulnerable to scratching.

The lines on the sides of the motorcycle are very supersport-like in design, but the handlebar position is set slightly higher to meet the general needs of many riders who purchase this type of bike. Also, since this motorcycle is still in the prototype stage, no exhaust pipes have been installed.

The headlights were redesigned and the winglets were enlarged.

Because it is a prototype, the silencer is not installed.

The 500RR is equipped with a 180-size rear tire, which is very voluminous when viewed from behind, giving it the presence of a large-displacement sports bike. A "Z" shape is hidden in the center of the taillight, a design reminiscent of anime-style styling, but the texture is not bad either.

The front wheel brakes feature a double disc design and use ZXJC's own opposed 4-piston calipers. At first glance, their appearance reminds one of YAMAHA's Gemini calipers. The front and rear suspensions are not labeled with the brand, but according to the staff, they are manufactured in Yuchuan, China, and have a wide range of adjustment and can handle a slight amount of pressure.
The rear wheel features a six-spoke single swing-arm design, and the rear opposed two-piston caliper, like the front, is made in-house by ZXJC.

The master cylinder uses ZXJC's own direct-press master cylinder. The throttle is wired, and the factory throttle stroke is slightly longer to facilitate later conversion to a quick throttle.

The Z of "ZXJC" appears in the taillights.

In-house made 4POT calipers are radially mounted.

The rear wheel is supported by a powerful cantilevered swing arm.

The appearance from the rider's point of view is very attractive and there is nothing unnatural about it. The top bridge, with its aluminum alloy cut pins, is very pleasing and is equipped with a keyless system for easy key operation. The TFT screen also offers good brightness and refresh rate performance, and features five riding modes (three preset and two custom modes). The electronic equipment is very well equipped, with adjustable engine power, ABS, and TCS intervention levels.

On the right side of the riding interface is a set of USA standard and Type-C charging ports. While it has the appearance of a supersport motorcycle, no practical equipment has been compromised.

The seat cushion is made of a suede non-slip material, embossed with ZXJC and white stitching. It has the feel of a high-end motorcycle, and its overall hard, slightly forward leaning shape is standard sportbike design. The two openings under the pillion seat cushion are also unobtrusive, keeping the shape simple and smooth.

The meter is a full-color TFT LCD monitor, and a smart key is also employed.

The handlebars are separate but laid out high.

The sheets are embossed and luxurious.

In just two years, the level of perfection has definitely improved, and the result is very close to the world's mainstream brands!

As a motorcycle enthusiast who has worked in China for many years, my heart swells with anticipation whenever a Chinese brand launches a new motorcycle. 450RR, when it first appeared, surprised fans nationwide as a domestically produced small-displacement, four-cylinder sport bike. However, when I actually test rode the bike, I was disappointed by the inconsistent feel of the controls and realized that Chinese motorcycles are still far from reaching the world's top level. I also wondered when Chinese brands would be able to produce truly good bikes.

However, the 500RR has revived our expectations for Chinese branded motorcycles. While some flaws still remain, the finish is very close to the world's mainstream brands. It is also worth noting that the evolution from the 450RR to the 500RR took only two years. While it may be very difficult to perfect a Chinese brand's motorcycle model, it must be acknowledged that progress is definitely happening.

Will the 500RR, which is said to be evolving from the 450RR, become a rival to the models made by Japanese manufacturers?

ZXJC ZX-500RR (2024:Overseas) Major Specifications

Overall Length x Width x Height: 2005 x 706 x 1125 mm
Wheelbase: 1390mm
Seat Height: 795mm
Vehicle 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
Price: Unreleased