Chinese Motorcycle Brands Rapidly Gain European Market Share

Chinese motorcycle manufacturers are rapidly expanding their footprint in Europe, leveraging high-performance models and competitive pricing to challenge established brands. At the 83rd International Two-Wheeler Exhibition (EICMA 2026) in Milan, companies such as CFMoto, ZXMOTO, and Ninebot showcased a range of fuel-powered, electric, and smart mobility vehicles, including the CFMoto V4SR-RR capable of speeds exceeding 315 km/h.

Market data indicates a sharp rise in adoption. The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers reported that China became the European Union's second-largest motorcycle supplier in 2025, with imports totaling one billion euros. This growth is most evident in the high-power segment (over 250cc), where China's import share grew from 7 percent in 2019 to nearly one-third by 2026. In France, CFMoto became the fifth-largest brand in October, while Chinese brands captured a 28 percent market share in Spain during the first half of 2026.

Industry leaders attribute this success to manufacturing cost advantages, increased R&D, and success in international racing. To further integrate into the European ecosystem, CFMoto signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Italian braking specialist Brembo for technological innovation. Exports of complete motorcycles to Europe reached approximately 1.298 billion U.S. dollars in the first seven months of 2026, marking a 17.17 percent year-on-year increase.