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Brough tests $185k 180hp AMB 001

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Brough Superior has tested its $A185,000, 180 horsepower turbo AMB 001 track toy that comes with plenty of carbonfibre and Aston Martin wings.

The bike is not road registrable and only 100 will be made at their factory in Toulouse, France, with delivery late in 2020.Brough Superior AMB 001 track toy carbonfibre Aston Martin

Brough Superior Motorcycles Australia Sales and Network Development Dale Schmidtchen says they have one on order.

“We have been told they are expected in Q4 of this year and they are selling fast,” he says.

“I personally think they would look great sitting in a living room and admiring.”

The first Australian distributor for the venerable British-now-French marque in more than 80 years has opened a showroom in Brisbane.

Brough Superior Fred DrakeImporter Fred Drake with the Brough models

The model line-up is:

  • SS100, $105,000 (Euro 3);
  • SS100, $110,000 (Euro 4);
  • Pendine Sand Racer, $105,000;
  • Anniversary, $168,000;
  • AMB 001 (track only), $185,000.

Click here for a short test ride and more info on these models.

Tested on the track

The AMB 001 is a joint project by Aston Martin and Brough Superior.

Their project mule took to the track at Pau-Arnos in France recently to begin its comprehensive testing program in traditional Aston Martin Camo livery.

Aston Martin Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman said:

Everybody involved has managed to make tremendous progress with the development of AMB 001, despite the challenges we have all been facing. This special motorcycle is, like our road cars, the result of beautiful design melding with modern technology to produce a bike that any collector will be proud of. We are delighted to see how much progress has been made, both on and off track and look forward to the moment when production starts for this stunning machine.Brough Superior AMB 001 track toy carbonfibre Aston Martin

Prototype testing is one of the most vital parts of the development process with a test motorcycle allowing the team to validate the chassis geometry, the ergonomics and dynamic behaviour. 

In the same way that Aston Martin’s vehicle dynamics engineers can ‘read’ a car, Brough Superior’s test rider feeds back on all areas of performance, from the overall dynamic feel of the bike to details regarding cornering, braking, acceleration and the like.Brough Superior AMB 001 track toy carbonfibre Aston Martin

Brough Superior CEO Thierry Henriette said:

One of the key design features of the AMB 001 is an aluminium fin that runs along the full length of a carbon fibre tank, passing under the saddle and out onto the rear. The body holding the fin and supporting the saddle is one of the areas where we called on the unique knowledge of Mecano ID, who joined the project to apply specialist aerospace-quality carbon fibre skills to the exclusive AMB 001.

While the focus of the track testing is directed at the chassis, engine bench testing takes place in parallel.

The AMB 001 is powered by a 180hp (134kW) turbo-charged engine. The turbo package includes an intercooler with an oversized/wide intake manifold.

Once this testing process is complete the AMB 001 will go into production this northern autumn at the Brough Superior factory in Toulouse, France.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Confederate ditches divisive name

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Alabama motorcycle company Confederate has changed its controversial name to Combat Motors in the wake of the global Black Lives Matter movement.

Back in 2017, the company considered changing its name after the race riots in Charlottesville, Virginia, where one person was killed and 26 injured when a car slammed into a crowd of people protesting a white nationalist rally.

However, Confederate Motors president H. Matthew Chambers only introduced the name Curtiss Motorcycles for the introduction of their electric models. The name comes from the famous aviator and motorcycle racer Glenn Curtiss.

Curtiss Hades electric motorcycleCurtiss Hades electric motorcycle

At the time, Chambers admitted they had “lost a lot a business with that name” and “missed out on branding opportunities”.

However, they continued producing conventionally powered motorcycles under the Confederate brand.

Now, with Confederate and other racist statues and monuments being toppled around the world in the BLM movement, they have relented and changed the name to Combat Motors.

In a Facebook statement they said they changed the name “to better reflect the spirit and the values of the Combat Motors team, manufacturing partners and clients”.

Confederate Hellcat SpeedsterConfederate Hellcat Speedster

Here is the rest of the official statement:

Confederate Motorcycles was established in 1991 as an international brand.  In psychology, confederates are actors who participate in a psychological experiment pretending to be a subject but in actuality working for the researcher. This is why we would commonly refer to our customers and clients as our confederates. In much the same way, they participated in building and celebrating our bespoke motorcycles that by their very design bring people together to agree in the proposition that this motorcycle is like no other. 

Our motorcycles are realized through a partnership with our various members of our team who design, build and distribute these one of a kind masterpieces. We feel that the new name better exemplifies the spirit and values of that team. We stand with those fighting for change in the United States and are very happy to contribute an overdue but small part of that change.

The F-117 Combat Fighter, P-51 Combat Fighter, FA-13 Combat Bomber and the Combat Wraith are each built upon the CX-4 frame, feature an S&S X-Wedge 117 or 132 cubic inch engine, BST wheels, RaceTech suspension, Beringer Brakes, Motogadget electronics, a Bandit clutch and have a frame carved entirely from solid billet blocks of aircraft-grade 6061 and 7075 aluminum built by 3D Systems, resulting in the most robust, fatigue-resistant motorcycle possible. Each of our manufacturing partners makes doing what we do possible.

Confederate FA-13 Combat BomberThe $US115,000 FA-13 Combat Bomber model is their most powerful bike with a 112kW (150hp) V-twin.

True to his passion as “curator of the brand”, Ernest Lee, owner of Combat Motors, has hired many of the design, assembly, sales, service and support team from the company’s past, Jay Etheridge, Jason Reddick, Landers Sevier, Andrew Reuther, and Dave Hargreaves to name a few.  Our manufacturing vendors, our clients and our team are each integral to not only our current successes but also to determining our success in the future. We make a ritual of consulting with clients and those previously involved with the company while deciding on the appropriate path for the brand and have received overwhelming support for this change.

Our brand is bigger than any one of us and needed to be something that would match the values of the company and the feeling that people get when they see our motorcycles for the first time. Combat Motors will live in the spirit of clients that have owned our bikes and in the people who have been involved with the company since its inception in 1991. As long as we have motorcycles on the road, our brand will shine through their owners. 

Combat Motors will continue to support Confederate branded motorcycles and is offering re-branding with any service at its Birmingham location for any Confederate Motorcycle owner interested in an update.

Today’s announcement signals to the world that Combat Motors will be built for many years to come.

Look for them on the road.

Celebrity owners

Nicholas Cage's Confederate Hellcat Marlon BrandoNicholas Cage’s Confederate Hellcat

Confederate has many celebrities owners such as Nicholas Cage, Tom Cruise and Keanu Reeves, and has been imported into Australia by Urban Moto Imports.

Confederate had been imported into Australia by Urban Moto Imports, but there is no longer an Australian distributor.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

CFMoto 650MT & Shinko tyre review

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Some 10,000km after taking possession of a CFMoto 650MT and then fitting it with Shinko 705 Adventure Touring tyres, industry veteran Dale Schmidtchen has updated his impressions of the combo. (You can also check out his initial reviews of the 650MT and Shinko tyres.)

Eleven months of ownership with this bargain-bin beauty and I can report that it continues to impress with every ride.

I still look at the Yamaha 700 Tenere and KTM 790 Adventure with envy, but for my general rides and realistic level of ability, I doubt I could justify the difference in price overt the MT at just $7490 ride away.

I commute most days on the CFMoto, and ride generally every weekend, sometimes both days. This hasn’t stopped over the COVID-19 enforced lockdown and as MBW can attest, it has been easy to do many hundreds of km even in a small radius.

Saddle timeCFMoto 650 MT

Last weekend, I did a 430km day trip and had plenty of time to reflect on this little bike as I cruised in a group that included Harleys, V4 Hondas, Triumph Speed Triples, a GSX1400 and even an MuZ 660.

The riding position is really relaxed, neutral and at the end of the day, I was tired but not sore.

I have found a happy place for the adjustable screen that nicely deflects bugs and breeze, allowing for my preferred visor up touring.

The brakes still have a lot of pad left front and rear. Braking force and control remains very consistent, despite a very basic level of ABS that is unable to be switched off.

The original chain and sprocket are doing very well.

Mirrors are still generally fuzz free and if I had to complain about anything from the cockpit’s view, the instruments can get a bit glarey if the sun is in the wrong position, but I don’t think that is anything unusual on any motorcycle.

I have left the bike standard in all areas for now, even resisting the temptation to derestrict it.

The engine power is ample for the real world and for now it’s still LAMS. I have also run a variety of fuels through it and there seems no real difference in power or the way it performs, but if I had to mention one fuel, Shell 98 seems to give it a little more range.

I originally quoted 400km from a tank. Theoretically that is possible, but because I am scared of pushing a bike home, I normally fill up at 300. It gets between 22km/l and 25km/l.

Shinko tyresShinko Tyre

The Shinko 705 tyres continue to impress after 6000+km. The front has lost 1mm of tread in the centre and the rear has worn away 4mm. In both cases, there is a lot of tread depth left and I expect the rear will be a 10,000km tyre.

I run them at 34/38 psi cold and they have plenty of predictable grip on dirt or tarmac.

IssuesCFMoto 650 MT

So what don’t I like and what issues have I had?

Generally nothing, just little niggles that haven’t stopped me in any way.

The tops of the fork adjusters have faded badly from red to a dull flesh colour.

Also, the clear plastic lower fairing on the right hand side is showing signs of cracking. The upside is that these parts are probably available at very sensible prices and I will replace them when I have to.

The only real letdown of the bike is the suspension. Sure, it works fine in 90% of cases, but over high-frequency bumps such as road corrugations, it reminds me of Stutter Rap from the Beastie Boys.

A good suspension tech could probably make it a lot better, but this could also be done at the factory. Get the suspension sorted and I have to say, it would be a giant killer.

Having said that, I am looking forward to trading up to the new CFMoto 700CL-X due later in the year.

CFMoto 700CL-X AdventureCFMoto 700CL-X Adventure

Until then, the 650MT will do me nicely. 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Superior by name, Superior by nature

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The modern Brough Superior motorcycles are superior by name and superior by build and nature.

They are now being imported to Australia by industry stalwart Fred who has opened a showroom for the expensive bespoke machines in his business equipment offices at 6/281 Station Rd, Yeerongpilly, Brisbane. Click here for more details.

The model line-up is:

  • SS100, $105,000 (Euro 3);
  • SS100, $110,000 (Euro 4);
  • Pendine Sand Racer, $105,000;
  • Anniversary, $168,000;
  • AMB 001, $185,000.Brough Superior

Feel the Superior quality

They may be expensive, but you can literally see and feel the quality.

For example, their traditionally shaped tanks are made of solid cast aluminium and are so thick they can be machined with all sorts of designs.Brough Superior

In fact, there is a lot of machined billet aluminium in the build from the fenders to the swingarm and forks.

The chassis is also machined titanium, plus there are exotic components such as Beringer brakes with quad discs — yes, that’s right four front discs!Brough Superior SS100

Yet the bikes weigh about 186kg all up even though there are no lightweight plastic panels.

Unfortunately, my insurance wouldn’t let me take one for a test ride, but Fred did allow me a short ride around the warehouse carpark and suburban street.

Brough Superior SS100Carpark test!

It was enough to convince me that this is a very special machine.

Fire it up and it snarls as only an 88-degree V-twin can.

Then you pull the clutch in and it feels so light you would swear it is not connected. It’s the lightest I have ever felt.

Click it into gear and the transmission feels more like some precision surgical equipment than a mechanical gearbox. Brough Superior SS100

A short trundle around the carpark and I’m sweating buckets worrying about dropping the machine.

But I’m also now considering crawling to the bank for a mortgage on the house!

Every detail of these bikes is immaculate, beautifully crafted and oozing with style.Brough Superior

There are virtually no panels to disguise messy wiring or components.

Everything is on show and everything is exquisite.

The craftsmen and women who build them are so proud, they have the name of each bike’s builder etched into a plate on the forks.Brough Superior

Even the bolts are all made of stainless steel.Brough Superior

We can understand that many collectors would be keen to buy them, but so far Fred says all their prospective customers have been motorcycle enthusiasts and riders.

SUPER SPORT 100 (SS100)

The SS100 is a cross between a café racer and a traditional sports motorcycle.

Only 300 units are planned.

PENDINE SAND RACER

In 1928, George Brough won a famous beach race at Pendine in Wales and in following years many Brough Superior victories were recorded there by other famous racers.

This new Pendine Sand Racer model pays homage to those victories with a very unique and contemporary take on a modern scrambler-styled motorcycle.

ANNIVERSARYBrough Superior Anniversary

The Anniversary was created to celebrate the centenary of Brough Superior.

It is limited to just 100 numbered examples.

AMB 001

AMB 001 Aston Martin BroughAMB 001

This creation is a collaboration with arguably the most famous British sports car brand, Aston Martin, who are now celebrating their 107th year of production.

Also limited to just 100 units worldwide, the track-only AMB 001 uses a turbo-charged version of the Brough Superior V twin engine and a unique chassis incorporating composite materials.

SuperSport 100 (SS100) tech specs

Brough Superior SS100SS100

  • Price: $110,000 (Euro 4) + on-road costs.
  • Warranty: 2 two-year, unlimited-km (parts and labour); 2-year roadside assistance program.
  • Engine: 997cc, 4-stroke, water-cooled, 88-degree V-twin; DOHC 4-valves per cylinder.
  • Power: 75kW @ 9600rpm. 
  • Torque: 87Nm @ 7300rpm.
  • Gearbox: 6-speed, chain drive. 
  • Weight: 186kg.
  • Suspension front/rear: Fior-type cast aluminium wishbone fork with twin articulated titanium triangular links, and monoshock adjustable for preload and rebound damping, 120mm travel; cast aluminium swingarm pivoting in engine crankcases, with monoshock adjustable for preload and rebound damping and progressive rate link, 130mm travel.
  • Brakes front/rear: 4x230mm Beringer stainless steel discs, 2×4-piston Beringer radial calipers; 1 x 230mm Beringer 4D stainless steel disc with 1 x two-piston Beringer caliper; ABS.
  • Tyres: 120/70 – 18; 160/60 – 18.
  • Length: 2180mm
  • Height: 1108mm
  • Wheelbase: 1540mm
  • Fuel: 17.5-litre (4.5L reserve), 95 RON.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Bike wrecker now Brough Superior importer

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When he started his motorcycle wrecking parts business under his house in 1971, Fred Drake probably never dreamed he would one day be selling $100k+ Brough Superiors to well-heeled riders.

Fred, 70, is now the first Australian distributor for the venerable British-now-French marque in more than 80 years.

He has opened a showroom for the expensive bespoke machines in his business equipment offices in the gradually gentrifying warehouse district behind Brisbane’s “Magic Mile of Motors” in Moorooka.

The model line-up is:

  • SS100, $105,000 (Euro 3);
  • SS100, $110,000 (Euro 4);
  • Pendine Sand Racer, $105,000;
  • Anniversary, $168,000;
  • AMB 001 (track only), $185,000.

Click here for a short test ride and more info on these models.

Long Brough history

Brough Superior 100th year anniversary model

Brough Superiors weren’t no longer being built when Fred was a lad.

George Brough stunned the world with his handmade machines of which he built only 3048 from 1919 to 1940 in Nottingham, England.

They were called the Rolls Royce of motorcycles and each SS100 model came with a certificate to prove it could go 100mph (160km/h).

Owners included such luminaries as Orson Welles, George Bernard Shaw and T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) who tragically crashed one at high speed and died.

Today, old Brough Superior bikes sell for around half a million dollars at auction.

1939 Brough Superior SS80 vintage1939 Brough Superior SS80

The brand lay dormant until 2008 when Austrian-based English businessman and motorcycle enthusiast Mark Upham bought the rights to the name.

In 2013 he enlisted French designer Thierry Henriette to build a modern-era SS100 prototype and the first Brough Superior motorcycles in seven decades rolled off the assembly line in France in 2016.

They are all handmade to order at a rate of one a day in Toulouse, France.

Broughs are powered by a 997cc, DOHC 88-degree V-twin built by French company Akira, who built the Kawasaki ZX-10R which won the World Superbike championship.

It comes as a 75kW unit but can be tuned up to 102kW at the customer’s request.

Importer of passion

Brough Superior SS100 Fred DrakeFred takes a spin on his SS100

Fred became the importer almost by accident.

“I saw them at the Paris Retromobile Classic Car show in 2019 and liked them,” Fred says. (https://www.retromobile.com/)

“I was interested in buying one. I like a naked bike where you can see the engine and the shape.

“To me the Brough captures the essence of the original 1930s bike, but in a modern machine.”

So he bought an SS100 and the company asked if he would also be interested in importing them.

After considering the business case with industry veteran Dale Schmidtchen, he went ahead with what he calls his “passion project”.

“I thought it would be a bit of fun,” he says.

“You park this bike anywhere and you instantly get people stop and say ‘wow’.Brough Superior

“I had it parked out front and two teenagers stopped to look at it, then a mum and her daughter admired it and then some older people.”

His “showroom” is just an office in a modern warehouse on Station Rd, Yeerongpilly, behind a trendy cafe shop.

You can drop in and have a look at 6/281 Station Rd, Yeerongpilly, but they don’t encourage “tyre kickers”.

In fact, you really need to make an appointment first.

Since all bikes are made to order, Dale says it could take about two months for customer delivery.

He and Fred expect they will sell anywhere from 10 to 25 a year.

About 60% of Brough Superiors are bought by collectors, but Fred says they are a joy to ride and should be ridden, not just admired.Brough Superior SS100 Fred Drake

Warranty and service

They will come with a two-year unlimited-kilometre warranty on parts and labour and two-year roadside assistance program.

There will also be an extended warranty offer.

They may be expensive to buy, but Fred says they are no more expensive to maintain than any other bike.

He will stock service spare parts and order in other parts as needed.

There won’t be a dealer network as such, but a network of preferred dealers to do the handover and servicing. 

Dale has also sourced a selection of finance and insurance options for customers.

Now check out the tech specs.

 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

CFMoto CF1250J is biggest yet

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A civilian version of the new CFMoto CF1250J police bike with a modified KTM LC8 engine is coming and it will be the biggest Chinese bike yet!

Michael Poynton, director of Australian importer Mojo Motorcycles, confirms the civvy version of the CF1350J is coming, “however this will be a while off yet”.

“I haven’t received technical details yet from CFMoto,” he says.

However details published in the UK “appears to be on the money from what I know”.

CF1250J tech specsCFMoto CF1250J police bike

That means it is a superseded KTM LC8 engine with new castings and now 1279cc with 104kW output and 240km/h top speed.

That would make it the biggest and most powerful motorcycle engine from a Chinese factory.

Other details include a porky 279kg wet weight, digital instruments, 190/55 ZR17 and 120/70 ZR17 tyres, Bosch ABS and Brembo calipers.CFMoto CF1250J police bike

The civvy version will be a CF1250G and, of course, it will include a pillion seat.

The current CFMoto range in Australia includes 150-650cc learner-approved motorcycles ranging in price from just $3290 to $8490.

They are also adding the 300SR, their first fully faired sports model.

CFMoto 300SRCFMoto 300SR

It was to arrive this month, but Michael says they decided to postpone the release of this model to spring due to current market conditions.

“This decision was made at the end of March, when things were obviously looking a lot worse than they are currently,” he says.

Full production

CFmoto factory coronavirusCFMoto factory

After a temporary closure in early February for the coronavirus pandemic, the CFMoto factory has been in full capacity production since the end of March, Michael says.

The factory in Hangzhou makes their bikes for the world market as well as KTMs for China.

“We have seen no impact to our supply chain, vehicles or spare parts,” he says.

“As we enter our peak season with ATV/UTVs in the lead-up to end of financial year, we actually have record volumes of CFMoto shipments scheduled to arrive over the coming months.

“And no, we have not experienced any backlash against Chinese products with our CFMoto retail numbers actually increasing over the first four months of 2020.”

The CFMoto factory is just outside Shanghai and about 750km from Wuhan, the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak.

CFMoto and KTM are also building a joint factory in China with an estimated output of more than half a million bikes a year for the world market.

Michael says the joint factory was progressing well with production planned for the third quarter of this year.

“I believe the first models to be manufactured there will be the new CFMoto 700s (released in Milan) followed by KTM 790s.”

CFMoto 700CL-X HeritageCFMoto 700CL-X Heritage

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

New Norton owner promises upcoming models

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Norton Motorcycles will continue to be British made and the new owner, India’s TVS Motor Company, promises to go ahead and build the pledged Atlas (pictured above) and V4 RR models.

TVS bought the troubled British manufacturer in a $A31m cash deal at the weekend.

Click here to read more about the historic sale.

The Indian company plans to continue production at Donington Hall and then move to a new headquarters nearby in Leicestershire.

Norton Motorcycles Donington Hall factory crowdNorton’s Donington Hall factory

New owner

TVS Corporate Communication VP Varghese M Thomas tells us the new owner will continue to build the Commando, Dominator and V4 RR as well as the promised Atlas series.

That is despite the Atlas 650cc parallel twin engine being sold by former Norton CEO Stuart Garner to a Chinese company.

In further good news for Australian Norton fans, Varghese tells us they will continue with their current dealer network with importer james Mutton of Brisbane Motorcycles.

James says they have returned deposits to those who paid for bikes not yet delivered, but if they decided to go ahead wth their order, they would not lose their place in the queue. 

Norton Motorcycles V4 RR British atlasNorton V4 RR

The 1200cc V4RR was priced at £28,000 in the UK and $59,990 in Australia plus on-road costs, but we don’t believe any models have yet been delivered to customers.

Likewise, the Atlas models which have powered by a 650cc which is basically half the 1200cc V4’s engine, were expected to be released this year for £9995 (Nomad) and £11,995 (Ranger), but have not yet been produced. They should cost around $A20,000 here.

Varghese says he cannot answer our questions about warranty and spare parts “at this point in time”.

There is also no word yet on whether any motorcycles or at least components will be built by TVS in India.

However, it should be noted that Norton signed a deal in 2017 with Indian company Kinetic Group to jointly produce and sell Norton motorcycles in India.  That deal is not expected to go ahead.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Vyrus even scarier than coronavirus

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If you think coronavirus is scary, how about the Italian Vyrus Alyen 988 with its origami bikini fairing and tailpiece with a host of winglets?

It’s a rather unfortunate name for an Italian bespoke motorcycle company given the horrendous impact of the coronavirus on that country.

But Vyrus has been around for a while and even Hollywood actor Tom Cruise, who began riding at the age of 10, owns a Vyrus 987 C3 4V worth more than $100,000.

Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible 5 - on his Vyrus 987Tom on his Vyrus 987

Their latest bike is the Aylen 988 which features a hoist of winglets in styling that looks more like origami than motorcycles.VYRUS ALYEN 03

Winglets have been used in the past couple of seasons of MotoGP and are now starting to make their way on to production bikes such as the Aprilia RSV-4, Ducati Superleggera V4 and the Honda CBR1000RR-R.

Ugly Ducati MotoGP bike directDucati MotoGP winglets

The Alyen 988 is powered by a Ducati Panigale 1299 L-twin which is actually 1285cc and has output of 207hp at 11000rpm and 142Nm of torque at 9000rpm.

In this bike, power is down slightly to 2305hp, and there is no indication of the torque output.

Nor do they mention price.

In fact, their website only features some images, tech specs (below) and the word “Request” which takes you to a form to fill in to request a quote.

If you have to ask, you can’t afford it.VYRUS ALYEN 03

It is likely to cost around $100,000 given the lashings of carbon fibre on the body, tank and exhausts, plus the rather complex hub-centre steering.

That is understandable as Vyrus worked with Bimota on their Tesi model which features similar steering.

While motorcycling is experiencing a global downturn in sales that will be exacerbated by the current pandemic, it seems there is always space for esoteric bikes for the rich and famous.

Vyrus Alyen 988 tech specs

VYRUS ALYEN 03Origami tail

Engine type Ducati L-twin shaped 90° Desmo drive
Bore 116mm
Stroke 70.8mm
Displacement 1285cc
Compression ratio 11,3:1
Lubrication system forced by gear pump
Cooling system Water-cooled
Power 205hp @ 10.500 rpm
Gearbox 6 speed
Clutch wet clutch
Fuel injection Electronic Injection
Front suspension Push Rod Twin Pivot Vyrus
Rear suspension Push Rod Twin Pivot Vyrus
Frame Vyrus Magnesium double omega design combined with a self-supporting composite Body
Steering System Vyrus Hydraulic Wired Steering System
Caster angle 17° to 25°
Trail 84 mm to 112 mm
Front tire 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tire 200/60 ZR17
Fuel tank capacity 11 lt
Wheelbase 1575 mm

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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CFMoto adds 300SR supersport

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Chinese motorcycle manufacturer CFMoto will introduce its first fully faired sports model to Australia in May, the 300SR.

It is powered by a 300cc single-cylinder engine with 21kW (29hp) at 8750rpm and 23.5Nm of torque at 7250rpm.

Further details and pricing will be revealed later this month.

However, given the bargain prices of CFMoto models, it will no doubt be highly competitive.

Its main rivals are the Honda CBR300R at $5749, KTM RC390 ($5995), Suzuki GSX250R ($5790) and Yamaha YZF-R3 ($6299).

Supply of the 300SR should not be affected by the coronavirus.CFMoto 300SR

While the CFMoto factory was closed for an extra couple of weeks in January because of virus outbreak, it has reopened.

Australian importer Michael Poynton of Mojo Motorcycles says production is now “close to returning to full capacity”.

The 300SR will join the company’s first non-LAMS bike, the sexy new 700CL-X, which is due at the end of this year.

CFMoto 700CL-X SportCFMoto 700CL-X

The current Aussie line-up consists of the 150NK ($3490 ride away), 250NK ($4290), 300NK ($4990) and 650NK naked bikes, plus 650MT sports/adventure ($7490) and 650GT tourer ($8490). 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Cagiva online to return as electric

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Since 2018, MV Agusta has been working on reviving the Cagiva name, but with an electric motor, and now new boss Timur Sardarov (pictured above) confirms it is still part of their plan.

“Cagiva production will resume next year, at the latest in early 2021, and will be dedicated to electric urban mobility,” he told Italian site Motociclismo.

The interview is unclear about what the electric vehicle will be: scooter, motorcycle, e-bike?

“But we will not make scooters, they will be motorcycles,” says Timur who took over from Giovanni Castiglioni last year.

Cagiva Raptor Customised BMW R nineTCagiva V-Raptor

Then he seems to contradict himself.

“Easy to drive and below 4kW, because at the moment no-one who produces beyond this threshold can generate profits.

“In six or seven years, it will probably be possible to reach the profit with vehicles equivalent to 350cc.”

Cagiva return

MV Agusta boss Giovanni Castiglioni classicGiovanni when he was still boss in 2018

When I met with MV Agusta boss Giovanni Castiglioni in July 2018, he talked about the electric Cagiva project and said he believed in the potential of electric bikes.

“There is a market for high-performing light bikes and that’s how the Cagiva electric bike project started,” he told me.

“From my pure personal experience, the torque, power and throttle response is great. You can have fun and you don’t scare the cows and the deers. It’s actually enjoyable.”

He said Cagiva electric bikes would start with 80km of range and reach 320km in the next five years with a range of bikes from commuters to off-road.

But he also said MV would not go into electric bikes because there is no market for high-performing electric street bikes.

John Kocinski's Cagiva V594 grand prixJohn Kocinski’s Cagiva V594

“People think the electric bike is for losers and the reality is it is not.

“But at the moment, its potential is in cities for short-range commuting from home to the office or for short trips.

“We don’t yet live in a world where you can live with an electric car. I would like to buy a Tesla, but only for driving from home to the office. I travel a lot by car and I can’t start my journey by doing a flight plan like in a plane.

“The charging infrastructure needs to improve first.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com