ZXMOTO has opened New Zealand pre-orders for its first seven models, led by an 818cc triple-cylinder sportsbike at $14,990 and a 470cc inline-four from $10,990.
How much sportsbike does $14,990 buy these days? If ZXMOTO’s numbers hold up, it buys an 818cc triple with a claimed 133hp. The brand has opened New Zealand pre-orders and revealed introductory pricing for its first seven models.
Pre-orders opened at 9pm on Thursday, 8 October, through the official New Zealand website. A fully refundable $500 deposit locks in the introductory price and a place in the queue for the first shipments. All prices include GST but exclude on-road costs, and ZXMOTO notes the introductory pricing may change.
The 820RR Leads the Charge
The headline act is the 820RR. Its 818cc inline-triple produces a claimed 133hp and 80Nm, and ZXMOTO quotes a kerb weight of 193kg. The bike is closely related to the machines ZXMOTO has raced in its debut World Supersport season, where French rider Valentin Debise has posted strong results.
The equipment list is generous for the money. It includes fully adjustable suspension, a steering damper, a two-way quickshifter, cruise control and keyless ignition. A three-year warranty is also part of the deal.
That price undercuts many established middleweight sportsbikes, despite the larger triple. Of course, a spec sheet is not a road test, and nobody here has ridden one yet.
Four Cylinders, Learner-Friendly
The 500RR may prove just as tempting. Its 470cc inline-four makes a claimed 83hp at 13,500rpm and 46Nm at 11,500rpm. Those are proper high-rev figures, and they recall the days when small four-cylinder sportsbikes were everywhere.
The 500RR comes with fully adjustable suspension, a quickshifter, riding modes, traction control and cornering ABS backed by a six-axis IMU. Claimed kerb weight is 168kg. Better still for newer riders, the LAMS version costs the same $10,990 as the full-power bike.
The 500F naked uses the same basic engine platform with a retro look. It has a round headlight, styling borrowed from classic Japanese fours and a more upright riding position. At $10,190, it is the cheapest road bike in the range, and it also comes in LAMS form at no extra cost.
Dirt Bikes Join the Line-Up
ZXMOTO is not sticking to tarmac. The first wave also includes two motocross machines aimed at competition riders:
- MX250: $10,490
- MX450: $10,990
What Happens Next
Buyers who pay the deposit will get an email confirming their order and price. A representative will then finalise the purchase and connect them with their nearest dealer. Orders are allocated first-come, first-served, and the first five customers will be invited to a launch event in November.
The full dealer network will be announced on 1 November. Australian distributor Urban Moto Imports is backing the local operation and has introduced motorcycle brands to this region before.
A second round of pre-orders is due in late November, adding rally, adventure, naked and cruiser models. These include the 450 Rally, built for a Dakar programme involving Tobias Ebster, and the 820R naked.
Most new brands start with cheap commuters. ZXMOTO has arrived with race-linked performance bikes and serious electronics instead. The price list has already made its case. Dealer coverage, parts supply and long-term durability will decide whether buyers trust the brand enough to keep coming back.
