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.
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 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.
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. 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.
