Chinese-built Cyclone RA1000 finally makes its debut

The 2025 EICMA show gave us plenty of firsts, some of which came from Chinese manufacturers. But another intriguing model that’s broken cover heading into 2026 is this Cyclone RA1000.

I can already hear readers shouting ‘that looks a lot like a Ducati Diavel 1260’. That is true to a degree, however, it is actually based more around the Aprilia Shiver once you dig beneath the surface. 

That, in large part, can be credited to Cyclone’s parent company Zongshen and its alliance with the Piaggio Group. When you peel away at the skin, you’ll find a chassis and engine that was heavily borrowed from the Aprilia Shiver 900, which is no longer available in markets outside of China.

Before going any further, let’s take you back to September 2021, when Zongshen revealed its ambitious-looking RA9 concept. Had it arrived shortly after, it would have been seen as somewhat of a breakthrough model, as near-1000cc motorcycles from China were few and far between.

But that has begun to change in recent years, and there’s an argument to say that the new Cyclone RA1000 doesn’t stand out as much as it perhaps should have.

The new model benefits from a 996cc V-Twin engine that produces 105 hp (103.6bhp at 9,000rpm and 66 Ib-ft of torque at 6,500rpm. 

Like other areas of the bike, the frame is again based on the Shiver. However, it’s not smothered in Italian style everywhere you look, as the RA1000’s swingarm is specific to the Chinese brand. 

J.Juan heads up the bike’s suspension setup, while cornering ABS adds another layer of safety to the RA1000’s make up. 

It’s unclear when, or indeed if, the Cyclone RA1000 will ever come to the UK. But Cyclone does currently sell some of its models in markets outside of China, which leads us to believe the RA1000 could get the same treatment.

Photo credit - Cyclone Motorcycle

Find the latest motorcycle news on Visordown.com.