In this paper, we focus on a generalized Camassa–Holm equation (also known as a gkCH equation), which includes both the Camassa–Holm equation and Novikov equation as two special cases. Because of the potential applications in physics, we will further investigate the properties of the equation from a mathematical point of view. More precisely, firstly, we give a new wave-breaking phenomenon. Then, we present the theorem of existence and uniqueness of global weak solutions for the equation, provided that the initial data satisfy certain sign conditions. Finally, we prove the Hölder continuity of a solution map for the equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]