Zhang Xue, Founder of Zhangxue Motorcycles, Clarifies "Not a Penny Left" Remark and Updates on 820RR Production Progress

Late on April 4, Zhang Xue, founder of Zhang Xue Motorcycles, released a video responding to his earlier statement that the company had received “not a single cent” in support. He clarified that the remark referred specifically to the absence of government funding and admitted he had wanted “to put on a bit of a show—to make it seem like I alone could pull off something this cool.” He also emphasized that Chongqing’s favorable industrial ecosystem was a crucial foundation for the company’s achievements within just two years. Zhang explained that he chose Chongqing for his startup due to the city’s unparalleled motorcycle supply chain resources and comprehensive industrial manufacturing capabilities nationwide, particularly its strengths in high-performance heavyweight motorcycles and talent reserves. Currently, 80% to 90% of Zhang Xue Motorcycles’ engineers and mid-to-senior-level managers are from Chongqing. The controversy stemmed from Zhang Xue Motorcycles’ recent victory at the WSBK Portugal round, which drew widespread attention. When asked afterward whether local Chongqing authorities had provided any support, Zhang replied, “Not a single cent,” sparking extensive public discussion. On April 3, China’s first WSBK championship-winning motorcycle—the Zhang Xue 820RR—officially entered mass production and began customer deliveries. Priced from RMB 43,800, the model delivers a maximum output of 135 PS and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.81 seconds. The official ordering page explicitly warns that due to the bike’s powerful performance, it is unsuitable for novice riders: purchasers must have held a motorcycle license for at least one year. Customers who successfully purchase the bike despite having less than one year of riding experience are encouraged to report themselves to the factory; upon verification, they will receive a RMB 5,000 reward.