Two new light-middleweight adventure bikes from top Chinese brand CFMoto promise solid technology and performance at a great price
For a few years now, the focus on adventure bikes has often tended towards large-bore bikes – machines like the BMW R1300 GS, Ducati Multistrada V4 and Triumph Tiger 1200 dominating the story.
But for a lot of riders, these beefy behemoths can be too much – in terms of cost, size, weight and performance. Not everyone needs, or wants, a towering bike that weighs in at nearly a third of a tonne, with 150bhp and a wallet-busting monthly PCP charge.
That’s why bikes like the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, BMW F450 GS and Honda NX500 have been so successful in recent years – they offer fun, capable rides with decent performance, in far more manageable packages.
And now there’s another couple of entries into this friendly sector – the CFMoto 550 MT and 550 MT-X. They’re the latest machines from top Chinese brand CFMoto, which has been making some excellent bikes lately, based in part on shared technology with KTM group products.
These two bikes use an all-new platform though: the 526cc parallel twin engine is unique to these bikes so far, but looks to have plenty of promise. It’s a typical 2020s layout, making a decent 54bhp and 52Nm of torque, with an optional electronic semi-automatic clutch setup, ride-by-wire fuel injection and up/down quickshifter.
There’s not a lot more info at the moment, but expect a DOHC eight-valve head, over-square bore and stroke, liquid-cooling and six-speed gearbox all aimed at producing decent power with clean emissions.
Peak power of 54bhp from a 526cc capacity means around 100bhp/litre, so quite a moderate state of tune overall (though there are rumours that a version of the 550 motor could appear in a new lightweight ‘500 SR’ sportsbike with an aluminium frame and higher state of tune).
The chassis setup is also fairly conventional, with a steel tube frame and aluminium swingarm – but the overall bike manages to weigh in at 172kg dry for the MT-X: that’s 3kg lighter than the company’s 450 MT (which it says will stay in the range).
Suspension is fully adjustable kit from KYB at both ends and the brakes are from J.Juan, with dual 320mm front discs and four-piston radial calipers on the 550MT.
The two models differ quite radically too, with the MT being the on-road choice and the MT-X for the dirt fans. The MT boasts a massive 23-litre fuel tank larger fairing, cruise control and IMU-based Bosch cornering ABS and traction control, all controlled via an 8-inch MMI 2.0 display with CarPlay.
The MT has an optional electronic-clutch version, and the dual front brake disc setup, as well as shorter suspension travel (giving an 800mm seat height) and a 19” front wire-spoked wheel.
Meanwhile the MT-X has a taller 850mm seat height, more suspension travel (230mm front 220mm rear), a 21” front wheel with only a single front brake disc and a 16 litre fuel tank rather than the 23-litre capacity of the MT. The 550MT-X features a ride-by-wire throttle, three riding modes and a bi-directional quickshifter.
The dirt-friendly ABS and traction control are switchable, and the vertical 6.2-inch display supports CFMoto’s Motoplay connectivity rather than the full Apple CarPlay setup.
Finally, both bikes look really sharp, with their own take on the ‘new generation’ Chinese adventure models sweeping the market. Tough sump guards, tall rally-style bodywork, slick lines and LED lighting round off some clean design lines.
There’s no firm word on when they’ll be in the shops, or final pricing as yet – but expect the new 550s to be well-priced for the value you get. More info at www.cfmoto.co.uk.