More of everything: CFMoto 450SR unveiled

CFMoto have added a 450cc version of their SR sportsbike model to the range based on the SR-C21 concept shown at Eicma 2021.

Unfortunately, some of the concept’s more striking features have been watered down (or removed altogether) but the new baby sportsbike looks good nonetheless.

Gone are the concept’s enormous twin Brembo front brakes, replaced by a more realistic single disc – although the caliper still comes from the Italian manufacturer.

Gone too is the Öhlins suspension which is swapped for less heavy-duty 37mm forks. The concept’s swanky single sided swingarm has also made way for a utilitarian double-sided option.

The rest has stayed pretty much the same, so you get ultra-sporty bodywork with integrated but unnecessary aero, and a 450cc parallel-twin engine producing a claimed 50bhp (which means A2 licence holders would need it to be limited).

CFMoto told us back in 2021 that the model would be available for Chinese markets and so there’s a good chance that we’ll never see it in the UK, unfortunately.

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CFMoto get serious with new track focussed SR-C21 sportsbike concept

First published on 30 November 2021 by Dan Sutherland

CFMoto have made their future track-focussed intentions very clear – revealing a new SR-C21 sportsbike concept at the Eicma trade show, in Milan.

The Chinese bike firm, who are the latest name to enter the ultra-competitive Moto3 grand prix paddock, whipped the covers off the bike on November 23, having teased its arrival since October.

Although concrete details are still scarce, a press release issued on October 25 stated the sporty new arrival would go into production for the Chinese market in 2022, with the ‘C’ in the name standing for ‘Concept’ and ‘21’ marking the year of its reveal.

So, what else do we know about the SR? Well, the bike will be powered by a parallel-twin engine of at least 400cc.

CFMoto won’t be drawn on the exact size at this time, but we’d expect a middleweight unit to do battle with the likes of the Yamaha R7 and Honda CBR650R – with the Hangzhou firm having access to a number of twin-pot units featuring in current KTM machines.

Away from the engine, the concept machine is littered with premium parts. Up front are fully-adjustable upside down forks from Öhlins, complete with four-piston Brembo radial calipers. There’s also a master cylinder and clutch lever from the Italian firm, too.

Stripped of any road-going furniture, like mirrors, reflectors, and a numberplate housing, the SR also gets a full SC Project exhaust system to inject a bit of noise and reduce weight. This protrudes from the rear of the bike via two stubby silencers.

Away from the noisey cans, the concept machine is also draped in plenty of carbon fibre finery, including on the jagged front winglets and brake disc cover – presumably used to help protect the rotors from debris kicked up from other machines.

What’s more, hiding behind the tinted front screen is a colour TFT dash, which sits directly in front of the clip-on bars – placed below the top yoke for a more focussed riding position.

Topping things off is a single-sided swingarm, which emphasises the design of the six-spoke rear wheel. Both rims are also shod with Pirelli Supercorsa tyres.

CFMoto SR-C21 concept explored:

• Don’t get carried away Whilst this concept bike looks undeniably cool, it’s unlikely a finished bike will be draped in all these premium parts.
• Lack of road trim Adding to the good looks of the CFMoto is its lack of road-going necessities. Expect a long number plate bracket, plenty of reflectors and a more subdued exhaust on any road versions.
• KTM tie-up Whilst the parallel-twin engine remains a mystery, it could be supplied by the Austrian brand, thanks to a business partnership started between the two firms back in late 2017.
• Hot wings Releasing a sportsbike in 2021 wouldn’t be complete without winglets. The SR-C21 gets two sets – a larger pair protruding from the nose and a smaller set midway down the side fairing.
• Europe bound? CFMoto say this concept will form a new model for the Chinese market, however it remains unclear if anything will come to European markets.