CFMoto 300SR-R and 300CL-X coming
The latest line of CFMoto lightweight models shows that the days of Chinese bikes as low quality or derivative are over - the company is about to launch at least two more machines that will further boost the image of the Chinese motorcycle manufacturing industry.
In China, the company has type-approved a pair of new 250 cc models - both expected to be sold in slightly larger 292 cc form in Europe - derived from the latest 300SR sports bike.
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| 300SR-R |
The first is the SR-R, following the established format of adding an 'R' to show it's gained a sportier edge. At first glance, the SR-R looks much like the existing 300SR that went on sale in Europe earlier this year. However, look more closely and you will see the addition of a single-sided swingarm, with an appropriately redesigned rear wheel for it, plus MotoGP-style winglets on either side of the nose.
In China, the SR-R uses a 249 cc version of CFMoto's single, but in Europe the machine is sure to get the same 292 cc derivative that's used in the existing 300SR and 300NK models. That means we can expect 28.7 hp at 8,750 rpm and 18.7 lb/ft of torque at 7,250 rpm. Not figures that are likely to really test the aerodynamic effectiveness of those winglets, but competitive for the bike's class.
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| 300CL-X |
Although power isn't likely to rise, the SR-R is notably lighter than the SR it is based on, with a weight that drops from 165 kg to 157 kg when measured like-for-like against the Chinese-market version of the SR.
The second model is the 250CL-X - likely to become a '300CL-X' with the 292 cc engine when it reaches Europe - that uses the same chassis and engine as the SR, but underneath retro-inspired styling that's borrowed from the newly-launched CFMoto 700CL-X.
An oversized circular headlight, rimmed with a ring of LED running lights and split by a horizontal bar, is taken straight from the larger 700CL-X, and sits below a simple, circular TFT dashboard. The bodywork is all-new, with a simple tail and relatively flat seat. The tank clearly mimics the 700CL-X, with a contrasting colour for the inset side sections.
Despite using an existing frame, borrowed from the 300SR and 300NK naked bike, the CL-X promises a different riding position with lower pegs and taller, wider bars, and according to the Chinese type-approvals, it's impressively light at just 155 kg, including fuel.
