Zhang Xue's Motorcycle Dream Journey | Generated by AI
Question: What is the story of Zhang Xue related to motorcycles?
Answer:
Zhang Xue is a prominent figure in the Chinese motorcycle industry, known for his rags-to-riches journey and passion for motorcycles.
Born in a poor rural family in Hunan province, China, his parents divorced when he was young, leaving him to grow up in difficult conditions with his younger sister. At age 14, he dropped out of school and became an apprentice at a motorcycle repair shop. He saved money to buy his first second-hand motorcycle and practiced riding skills relentlessly.
His big break came at age 19 in 2007 when a Hunan TV crew visited his town. Desperate to join a professional racing team, Zhang persistently contacted the station and, when the crew initially dismissed him, chased their vehicle on his motorcycle for over 100 km to demonstrate his stunt skills. Impressed by his determination, they featured him on TV, leading to him joining a professional off-road racing team. He excelled as a rider and mechanic, winning awards.
Zhang later transitioned to motorcycle manufacturing. In 2017, he co-founded Kove Moto (also known as Kaiyue or Colove in some markets), where he served as CEO and chief designer. Under his leadership, Kove became a rising star, producing performance bikes like the 450RR (a four-cylinder sportbike) and rally models. Notably, he led the first all-Chinese team to compete in the Dakar Rally in 2023 and 2024, fulfilling his childhood dream inspired by watching Dakar on TV.
In early 2024, Zhang mysteriously resigned from Kove, citing a desire to “pursue his dreams” amid reported differences with investors over company direction. He remained a shareholder but quickly founded a new company named after himself: Zhang Xue Motorcycles (ZXMoto or ZXJC).
In late 2024, at the Chongqing Motorcycle Show, he debuted the brand’s first model, the ZX-500RR, a 500cc four-cylinder sportbike. Plans include more models like naked bikes, adventure tourers, and a triple-cylinder 820RR. His new venture emphasizes high performance and extreme passion, continuing his focus on racing-inspired motorcycles.
Zhang Xue’s story is inspirational in the motorcycle community: from a poor rural kid chasing dreams on a beat-up bike to building successful brands and competing globally. His company reportedly generates significant revenue, and he’s often compared to visionary leaders in the industry.
References:
- https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3334052/chinese-man-chases-tv-crew-100km-show-motorcycle-skills-now-owns-us99-million-firm
- https://news.imotorbike.com/en/2024/11/zhang-xue-kove-moto-chongqing/
- https://www.rideapart.com/news/739322/kove-former-ceo-founder-zhang-xue/
- https://www.advrider.com/look-where-koves-big-boss-ended-up/
- https://barebonesmc.com/shock-news-kove-resignation/