ZXMOTO has opened New Zealand pre-orders, revealing competitive introductory pricing across its first seven models. An 818cc triple-cylinder sportsbike at $14,990 and a 470cc inline-four from $10,990 are set to attract attention.
- 820RR 818cc triple-cylinder sportsbike launches at $14,990.
- 500RR inline-four costs $10,990, including the LAMS version.
- Fully refundable $500 deposits are now accepted for the first NZ shipments.
The wait is over. ZXMOTO has officially launched its New Zealand pre-order programme, with introductory pricing announced for the first wave of motorcycles heading our way. And there are some interesting numbers.
Leading the range is the 820RR, an 818cc triple-cylinder sportsbike producing a claimed 133hp, with an introductory NZ price of just $14,990.
Then there’s the 500RR, a high-revving 470cc inline-four sportsbike priced at $10,990, with the LAMS version costing exactly the same.
Add the retro-styled 500F naked, available from $10,190, plus a pair of motocross machines, and ZXMOTO has arrived with a surprisingly broad range.
All seven models are now available to pre-order through the official New Zealand website, with a fully refundable $500 deposit securing a place in the queue for the first shipments.
MORE ARTICLES
ZXMOTO NEW ZEALAND PRICES
| Model | Introductory NZ RRP |
|---|---|
| 820RR | $14,990 |
| 500RR | $10,990 |
| 500RR LAMS | $10,990 |
| 500F | $10,190 |
| 500F LAMS | $10,190 |
| MX250 | $10,490 |
| MX450 | $10,990 |
All prices include GST but exclude on-road costs. Introductory pricing may be subject to change.
820RR – THE HEADLINE ACT
There’s little doubt which model will attract the most attention.
The ZXMOTO 820RR is powered by an 818cc inline-triple producing a claimed 133hp and 80Nm, with a quoted kerb weight of 193kg.
It’s also closely related to the machinery ZXMOTO has been campaigning in the World Supersport Championship, where French rider Valentin Debise has been delivering some impressive results during the manufacturer’s debut season.
For a brand that’s only recently emerged onto the international motorcycle scene, taking the fight to established manufacturers on the racetrack has certainly helped generate interest. And now there’s a road-going version heading to New Zealand.
The equipment list includes fully adjustable suspension, a steering damper, dual-direction quickshifter, cruise control and keyless ignition. There’s also a three-year warranty.
But it’s the price that’s likely to have people talking. At $14,990, the 820RR sits well below the price of many established middleweight sportsbikes, despite offering a larger-capacity triple and a substantial equipment list.
Of course, competitive pricing and impressive specifications are one thing. How the bike actually performs on New Zealand roads, and how it holds up over time, are questions we’ll be keen to answer when we get the opportunity to ride one.
“An 818cc triple-cylinder sportsbike for $14,990 is certainly going to get people talking.”
500RR – FOUR-CYLINDER FUN FOR $10,990
The 500RR might be just as interesting, particularly for riders who miss the days when small-capacity four-cylinder sportsbikes were everywhere.
Its 470cc inline-four produces a claimed 83hp at 13,500rpm and 46Nm at 11,500rpm. That means plenty of revs, a proper four-cylinder soundtrack and, on paper at least, a rather entertaining little sportsbike.
The specification is impressive for the money too, with fully adjustable suspension, a quickshifter, riding modes, traction control, cornering ABS and a six-axis IMU. ZXMOTO quotes a kerb weight of 168kg.
And the really interesting part for New Zealand is that a LAMS version is also being offered. Both the unrestricted and learner-approved versions carry the same $10,990 introductory price.
That could make the 500RR particularly appealing to newer riders who want the look, feel and sound of a genuine multi-cylinder sportsbike without stepping straight into a full-power middleweight.
500F – RETRO LOOKS, FOUR-CYLINDER CHARACTER
For those who prefer their motorcycles without a full fairing, the 500F brings a rather different approach.
The naked model takes inspiration from classic Japanese four-cylinder motorcycles, with a round headlight, traditional styling and a more upright riding position.
Underneath is the same basic 470cc inline-four engine platform used in the 500RR. And at $10,190, it’s the cheapest road-going model in the initial New Zealand line-up.
Like the 500RR, the 500F will be offered in both unrestricted and LAMS versions, with no difference in the introductory price.
It’s an interesting alternative to the parallel twins that dominate much of today’s middleweight naked-bike market, particularly for riders who enjoy the character of a high-revving four-cylinder engine.
MOTOCROSS MODELS FROM $10,490
ZXMOTO isn’t concentrating entirely on road bikes.
The initial New Zealand range also includes the MX250 and MX450 motocross machines, priced at $10,490 and $10,990 respectively.
Both are aimed at riders looking for competition-focused off-road machinery, with ZXMOTO clearly keen to establish itself in the dirt-bike market alongside its road-going range.
The pricing is certainly competitive, although as with the road bikes, the real test will come when riders start putting them through their paces.
HOW DO PRE-ORDERS WORK?
ZXMOTO New Zealand opened pre-orders at 9pm on Thursday, October 8.
Customers can select their preferred model and colour through the official website, then pay a fully refundable $500 deposit.
That secures the introductory price and a position in the queue for the first shipments, with orders allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
ZXMOTO says customers will receive an email confirming their pre-order and price, after which a representative will make contact to finalise the purchase and connect them with their nearest dealership.
The company also says the first five customers to place pre-orders will be invited to an exclusive launch and unveiling event in November.
The complete New Zealand dealer network is scheduled to be announced on November 1.
MORE MODELS COMING
And this is only the beginning.
ZXMOTO has confirmed that a second round of pre-orders is planned for late November, bringing additional models from its rally, adventure, naked and cruiser ranges.
Among the most anticipated is the 450 Rally, which ZXMOTO has been developing with serious international rally-raid ambitions.
The company has already committed to competing in the Dakar Rally, with riders including Tobias Ebster involved in its rally programme.
The 820R naked is another model listed as coming soon on the New Zealand website.
So while the first seven models cover sportsbikes, nakeds and motocross, the local range looks set to expand considerably over the coming months.
“Competitive pricing and impressive specifications are one thing. How the bikes actually perform on New Zealand roads is another.”
A SERIOUS NEW PLAYER?
There’s no question ZXMOTO has made an attention-grabbing entrance to the New Zealand market.
An 818cc triple-cylinder sportsbike for $14,990 and a high-revving inline-four for $10,990 are prices that will certainly get riders looking. But perhaps more interesting is the approach.
Rather than starting with a handful of relatively basic commuter motorcycles, ZXMOTO is arriving with performance-focused machinery, extensive electronics and a racing programme that’s already making an impression internationally.
The New Zealand operation is being supported by Australian distributor Urban Moto Imports, which has experience introducing motorcycle brands to this part of the world. Of course, there are still plenty of questions to answer. How good are the bikes to ride? How will the dealer network develop? What will parts availability and long-term reliability look like?
Those are things that can only really be established once the motorcycles are here and being ridden. But on paper, the specifications are interesting and the pricing is certainly aggressive. And if the bikes deliver on their promise, ZXMOTO could become a name we’ll be hearing considerably more about.
For full specifications, colours and pre-orders, visit the official ZXMOTO New Zealand website: zxmoto.co.nz.
