KATHMANDU: Chinese motorcycle maker ZXMoto is developing a new boxer-twin engine with a displacement of around 1,000cc. The company has already displayed a physical prototype of the engine, which is expected to compete with BMW’s boxer-powered motorcycles.
ZXMoto has gained attention for its performance motorcycles and racing success. Its 820RR has won six World Supersport races in the 2026 season through September with rider Valentin Debise.
The company, founded in 2024 by Zhang Xue, first showed a rendering of the new boxer engine at EICMA 2025. It later displayed the physical prototype at the China International Motorcycle Trade Exhibition (CIMA) in Chongqing in September 2026.
The new engine is reported to use liquid cooling and produce more than 100 horsepower. It features chain-driven camshafts and a longitudinal crankshaft. An output shaft at the rear of the engine also suggests that it is being developed for a shaft final-drive system.
These features are similar to the architecture used in BMW’s modern boxer engines. The cylinder head design also appears to follow a similar layout, with the intake positioned above and the exhaust below.
ZXMoto is reportedly also developing an automated manual transmission for the new engine. While the company has not revealed the motorcycle that will use the engine, a large adventure or touring motorcycle appears to be a likely application.
However, ZXMoto has not yet revealed the final displacement, power output, weight, price or production specifications. The reported output of more than 100 horsepower would also be below the 145 horsepower produced by BMW’s R 1300 GS.
The project is still in the development stage, but the physical prototype shows that ZXMoto is moving ahead with its plans to enter the large-capacity motorcycle segment, according to media reports.
ZXMoto was officially introduced in Nepal at the NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026. The brand entered the Nepali market through its authorized distributor, Bikers Nepal.
