Leaked design sketches hint that Chinese two-wheeler brand CFMoto is working on a new motorcycle in the middleweight segment. Currently, the biggest models in CFMoto’s portfolio are the 650 cc 650NK, 650GT and 650MT. Thus, the 700 cc model, when launched, will be the highest displacement CFMoto product.
Also Read: Exclusive: CFMoto to enter India on 4 July, launch 4 models with AMW
For starters, the 700 cc engine uses a parallel twin layout with liquid cooling. However, the lower end of the motor is similar to that of the 650 cc engine. Do note that the left side of the engine features "700" tag, which confirms the displacement, while the right side gets an "X" logo, which hints at the design theme. More details include an "X" design theme on the headlight mask, rear-view mirror housing, front fender and the tail light cover as well. The source report that published the photographs reveals that the company has named the product 700-2 for internal use. The internal tag hints that the company is developing more than one model.
The existing 649 cc engine on CFMoto’s 650 range makes the highest power output of 69.73 HP (52 kW) at 8,750 rpm. The 700 cc engine should deliver close to 75-80 HP. The peak torque, similarly, would be higher than the 650 cc engine's 62.0 Nm.
The patent images suggest that the upcoming motorcycle will use a tubular steel chassis and an aluminium swingarm. Styling cues include a round headlight with an X-shaped mask on the fascia. It will be safe to assume that the motorcycle will come with full LED lighting (headlamp, blinkers and tail light). The sleek design of the blinkers confirms that the Chinese brand will use LED units.
The cockpit uses a single-pod instrument console that will most likely feature a fully digital display. The round shape of the headlight, instrument console and the rearview mirror hint at a retro styling for the upcoming model. The cockpit is followed by a simple, yet beefy design for the fuel tank, which is succeeded by a single-piece saddle. The tail section has been given a clean and minimalistic look with rear tyre hugger mounted number plate and blinkers.
The hardware specifications include upside-down telescopic front forks instead of conventional shock absorbers on the 650 cc range and a rising-rate monoshock at the rear. Surprisingly, the patent designs show a single brake rotor at the front instead of twin units that we have seen on the 650 cc range from CFMoto. The production model may have twin disc brakes, though.
What segment will CFMoto target with the model in the photographs?
Looking at the rear tyre hugger mounted blinkers and number plate, it is safe to assume that the Chinese brand does not plan to introduce it as a scrambler. The motorcycle will most likely arrive in the power cruiser segment – something like a Ducati Diavel – at an accessible price tag and a less intimidating motor, reportedly in 2020.
Also Read: CFMoto 650MT spied in India once again, could be launched in July
Regular readers would know that CFMoto has inked a deal with KTM. The Chinese brand will manufacture the Austrian two-wheeler company’s new middleweight naked roadster, the 790 Duke, for domestic sales.
[Source: Bennetts.co.uk]
