With promises of releasing as many as seven new models in India by August of this year, Chinese-owned Italian brand Benelli has been busy – and they’re about to drop a little treat for us rubberists.
According to RushLane, A new motorcycle with ties to both QJ Motors and Benelli has just been spotted in China via a spy shot – and it is expected that Qianjiang Motor will be releasing the new sportbike under the Benelli brand name.
As seen in the spy photo, the bike features a split seat setup, rear-set footpegs, and a clip-on handlebar, with a raised tail and compact upswept exhaust reminiscent of their 250cc superbike design.
Expected specs include a compact exhaust, USD forks at the front of the bike, a rear mono-shock, and a potential 500cc twin-cylinder motor – the same as the motor in Bellini’s Leoncino 500. It’s this last detail that has sparked rumors that the bike could sport ‘502R’ in the model name, rendering it the start of a new series.
Should the 502R harbor Leoncino’s motor, we would be looking at an engine with a hefty 46.8 bhp at 8500 rpm and 46 Nm of peak torque at 6000 rpm. That, coincidentally, would put the competition right up the alley of the Kawasaki Ninja 400 – and if it makes it across the seas, it will bring some throttle-twisting competition to today’s mid-range moto market.
Stay tuned for updates, and head over to WebBikeWorld for a peek at other comparable motors by Benelli.
After a long wait, the handsome CFMoto 700CL-X range will be launched in Australia in July at $9490, ride away.
The bike was to be launched last year, then the launch was pushed back to early this year, presumably because of the pandemic.
More than 8000 have now been produced in China, so they will start to roll out around the world.
When it does arrive, it will come with a pack of accessories including classic-style panniers, a diamond-stitched seat, protection and bar-end mirrors, as well as a collection of rider gear.
It will continue CFMoto’s reputation as one of the most affordable brands on the market.
There were to be three models: Sports with bar-end mirrors, lower bars, solo seat and mag wheels; Classic with more complex mags, round mirrors and wide bars; and Adventure with a screen, wire wheels and knobby tyres.
However, CFMoto Australia director Michael Poynton says the 700CL-X will arrive in the Classic model only in a choice of grey or blue.
It will include a two-year unlimited kilometre warranty plus an extra year if servicing is done by an authorised dealer.
The Adventure and Sports will arrive later this year.
“The 700CL-X is extremely important to us,” Michael says.
“It will be the company’s first non-LAMS model, and it’s just the tip of the iceberg of what we can expect from CFMOTO as a result of its relationship with KTM,” Michael says.
“Underscoring that relationship is a significant joint venture built on bricks and mortar.”
Last year the company opened a new office and R&D building, in Hangzhou, China, as well as a new manufacturing facility nearby.
CFMoto 700CL-X
Most CFMoto models are now designed by Kiska, the contemporary Austrian design house that does KTM’s design work.
This Euro-designed bike features a mix of modern and traditional influences.
For example, the traditional round headlight has LED lighting and the round instruments have an LCD readout that can display fuel consumption and incoming call.
Interestingly, the X design in the headlights and the LCD instrument are quite reminiscent of the popular Ducati Scrambler.
The CFMoto 700CL-X has a lightweight frame that weighs just 16.5kg and the swingarm weighs 6.7kg. All up, it weighs 183kg dry.
Technology includes ABS, electronically controlled throttle, sliding clutch, cruise control , USB charging port under the seat and “electronic protection control” (an alarm, we think).
Its lighting system automatically switches on/off according to ambient brightness.
New engine
The 700CL-X is powered by a newly developed 692cc inline twin-cylinder water-cooled engine.
It is the latest evolution of the CFMOTO 150/250/400/650 displacement platforms, featuring split-type connection rod, forged piston, electronic throttle, sliding clutch.
The optimised intake system improves efficiency and increases the peak power from 41.5kW to 55kw and torque from 62Nm to 67Nm.
Thankfully it is one of the few adventur-ish motorcycles that has an easy-to-access air filter for cleaning.
Just remove the right plastic panel.
They say an oil change is so simple it can “easily be done at home”.
CFMoto also has a range of accessories to customise the bike, including luggage for the Adventure model.
CFMoto is not only introducing a bigger adventure bike platform called the 800MT, but there will be two model variants.
Australian CFMoto distributor Mojo Motorcycles boss Michael Poynton confirms that there will be an off-road oriented spoked-wheel model and a more road oriented alloy wheel model.
Both will have 19-inch fronts and 17-inch rears, most likely with varying degrees of tread aggression to suit the terrain.
The bikes will be shod with 110/80 R19 and 150/70 R17 tyres.
“We are planning to release both variants in Australia in the second half of 2021,” he says.
Mojo has been importing the bargain-priced bikes since 2005 with sales of more than 250,000 and now has more than 80 dealerships across the country.
CFMoto’s road motorcycle range currently includes four NK naked bikes (150cc, 250, 300 and 650) as well as the 650MT adventure tourer, 650GT sports tourer and their first full faired bike, the 300SR which we will review shortly.
CFMoto also recently unveiled its 1250cc tourer with a KTM V-twin engine and announced a range of electric scooters will be coming to Australia from 2022.
Now we know that the 800MT coming next year will be in two variants, powered by KTM’s 95hp 799cc LC8c parallel twin from the 790 Adventure, now replaced by the 889cc 890 Adventure.
CFMoto and KTM have had a long association with the Chinese manufacturer producing small-capacity KTM bikes for the local market for several years.
And like most CFMoto products, the 800MT will likely be designed by Austrian designers Kiska who also design for KTM.
The 800MT adventure bikes will weigh in at a hefty 231kg, rising to 248kg when in touring mode with alloy panniers and a top box.
Proving there is still life in the two-stroke engine is new British company, Langen Motorcycles.
They will unveil a limited-edition, bespoke model, eponymously titled the Two Stroke, at the Salon Privé from 23-26 September 2020 at Blenheim Palace UK.
The road-legal 250cc Two Stroke will cost from £28,000 (about $A50,000) and only 250 will be made.
It’s powered by a two-stroke motor from Italian company Vins Motors who make lightweight, bespoke Duecinquanta motorcycles that cost up to $A80,000.
Major motorcycle companies have ditched two-stroke engines because they fail to meet the ever-more-stringent emissions regulations.
However, companies such as Vins and Langen are still producing expensive two-stroke bikes either for track use only or in limited-edition batches that are not governed by emissions regulations.
So there is still hope for those who love the two-stroke’s ring-ding-ding sound, light-switch power delivery, high revs, light weight, frugal fuel consumption and blue-smoke aroma.
Langen’s Two Stroke V-twin has a 14,000 red line and produces more than 75bhp (56kW) and 45Nm (33lb.ft).
The Vins engine has fuel injection, ECU-controlled oil injection, carbon fibre reed valves and electronic exhaust valves.
The whole bike weighs just 114kg (251lb) for a power-to-weight ratio of 660bhp/ton.
It features CNC-machined bits, laser-cut aluminium tubing, Hel Performance brakes, Ohlins forks, British K-Tech rear shocks and plenty of carbon-fibre, including the fuel tank.
Langen is designed, engineered and built in Wigan, Manchester.
Each engine will be built to order and individually numbered to match the customers motorcycle, with fully CNC machined casings and custom interchangeable gearbox. Customisation can range from paint colours, chassis finish and suspension type to wheels, along with tailored ergonomics for each individual rider.
Chris Ratcliffe, creator of Langen and designer of the Two Stroke, has more than 10 years’ experience designing successful motorcycles.
“The company has been founded with the aim of producing motorcycles with a simplicity and purity of days gone by, like the ‘Ton-up boys’ and their Caf racers – yet pushing the limits of modern technology,” he says
“My dream has always been to create a small piece of British motorcycling history. To be able to launch this special motorcycle under a completely new brand really is a dream come true.
The aim is to continue to push boundaries and create more interesting bikes, which we hope will really please people.”
The first run of 100 will be built from the second quarter of 2021 and will be road legal in the UK with 150 more in 2022 which all be road legal in other countries.
Orders are now being taken with a £1000 ($A1770) refundable deposit to secure one of the 100 initial bikes.
The latest blatant ripoff of motorcycle design by the Chinese is a Moto S450RR which looks very much like BMW’s S 1000 RR and even features a version of the famous Bavarian marque’s blue roundel logo.
It is not the first nor the last ripoff of successful motorcycle and car models by the Chinese who are making headlines for intellectual property and data theft almost daily.
In fact, It’s not the first BMW ripoff, either.
Last year we reported on a BMW G 310 GS ripoff, called an Everest Kaiyue 400X.
They claim the global market is flooded with replicas of their classic scooters from China, India and Thailand.
The Chinese seem immune to international trade laws that bind other countries.
We all know the Chinese make cheap copies of well-known brands and many of us probably have a Gucci belt made of plastic in a sweatshop in China
However, the Chinese have also made a lot of copies of bigger and more expensive products such as cars.
Some of the cars Chinese manufacturers have copied include the Range Rover Evoque, Smart ForTwo, Hummer, Porsche Cayman, Audi A6, Jeep Cherokee, BMW X1, Rolls-Royce Phantom and MINI Cooper.
Several car manufacturers tried to stop them copying their cars, but failed in an obstructive and partisan legal system, so they formed alliances with Chinese companies to make their products for the local market.
Honda and Yamaha have also tried to fight Chinese manufacturers in the courts over breach of copyright, but it is a long process as there are hundreds of knockoff manufacturers.
So, like the car makers, Honda has formed an allegiance with one of the knockoff Chinese companies to make their bikes for the local market.
Images for this article sourced from MotoSaigon.vn
The Sydney-based company which also produces electric scooters were among 800 entries in the awards.
Fonzarelli founder Michelle Nazzari says the NKD, launched in October 2019, had to meet environmental and performance targets but also an “electrifying aesthetic”.
“From stuntmen to old school riders, we’ve enjoyed a host of great feedback on our ‘street-legal beast’,” she says.
“But to be recognised as delivering the year’s most impressive exterior across the entire automotive category is an incredible endorsement.”
There are four NKD models:
NKDa (80km/h top speed, 50km range) from $6990;
NKDs (100km/h top speed, 100km range) from $9990;
NKD+ (100km/h top speed, 150km range) from $12490; and
NKDx (100km/h top speed, 200km range) from $14990.
Fonzarelli designs and engineers the bike in Redfern, Sydney, and manufactures them in Adelaide.
Fonzarelli NKD
Good Design Awards judges praised the NKD for its innovation and design:
“The styling of the NKD ticks the box and scores big for developing a solution that targets global emerging trends. NKD answered the need to move towards greener and more sustainable mobility solutions,” the judges said.
“The use of recyclable materials and ability to tap into renewable energy adds to the positive environmental messaging of the brand and product.
“In a world where everyone is looking for individuality, the NKD can be customised and personalised to suit individual taste. The ‘meccano’ styling has that retro handmade feel about it, reinforcing that custom appeal. It doesn’t appear like a mass-produced product, giving it a sense of uniqueness and intrigue.
“The jury loves how the retro custom styling is in complete contrast to the technology and powertrain that sits within. It’s very cool. 0-100 in 3.9 sec… WOW!
“Overall, the NKD is a cool step towards the shift to more environmentally friendly mobility solutions. Low running costs, high performance, range, customisation, safety, low service costs, the use of recyclable materials all add to a well thought out solution.”
A sketch for an electric Husqvarna has emerged showing the company has plans for an electric naked street bike.
It follows the launch last year of their first electric motorcycle, a small EE 5 electric dirt bike which is the equivalent of a 50cc model.
But now it looks like Husky will head to the streets with an electric after these images of an E-Pilen appeared in a leaked company investor presentation report.
The top-selling electric motorcycle company in the world, Zero Motorcycles, looks like it is heading off-road.
The Californian company has filed two trademarks for “Zero FX/E” and “Zero DSR/X”.
There is no explanation in the filing with the American patents and trademarks office, but we suspect these mean they are going off-road.
The FX model is a supermoto and we think the “E” could mean enduro. It certainly wouldn’t mean electric as it is already electric!
As for the DSR, that’s a dual-sport bike, so the X could simply mean it is more extreme in its dirt abilities.
Electric dirt bikes make a lot of sense as they don’t require the extensive range of a road bike and they don’t disturb the peace and quiet of a forest or annoy the neighbours.
They also slashed $3500 off the equally abortive one-year-old Nuda 900 that same year.
The price drop for the new 401 models comes with updated features including an extended, bolt-on subframe to increase pillion comfort and new a paint finish with silver and bronze accents.
The 2020 learner-approved Vitpilen 401 street model is now available in Australia with the Svartpilen 401 arriving in late August.
Sports has bar-end mirrors, lower bars, solo seat and mag wheels. Heritage features more complex mags, round mirrors and wide bars. Adventure has a screen, wire wheels and knobby tyres.
CFMoto 700CL-X
CFMoto 700CL-X Heritage
Adventure
Launch delayed
However, it has been delayed, presumably by the COVID crisis, and will arrive early in 2021.
The 700CL-X Heritage will also launch a wide range of accessories, including classic-style panniers, a diamond-stitched seat, protection and bar-end mirrors, as well as a collection of rider gear.
CFMoto Australia director Michael Poynton says the delayed 700CL-X will be a “watershed model” for the brand as its first middleweight naked.
“The 700CL-X is extremely important to us. It will be the company’s first non-LAMS model, and it’s just the tip of the iceberg of what we can expect from CFMOTO as a result of its relationship with KTM,” Michael says.
“Underscoring that relationship is a significant joint venture built on bricks and mortar.
“This comprises an all-new office and R&D building, in Hangzhou, China, which officially opened this month, as well as a new manufacturing facility nearby, which will be operational later this year.”
The design features a mix of modern and traditional influences.
For example, the traditional round headlight has LED lighting and the round instruments have an LCD readout that can display fuel consumption and incoming call.
Interestingly, the X design in the headlights and the LCD instrument are quite reminiscent of the popular Ducati Scrambler.
The CFMoto 700CL-X has a lightweight frame that weighs just 16.5kg and the swingarm weighs 6.7kg. All up, it weighs 183kg dry.
Technology includes ABS, electronically controlled throttle, sliding clutch, cruise control , USB charging port under the seat and “electronic protection control” (an alarm, we think).
Its lighting system automatically switches on/off according to ambient brightness.
New engine
The 700CL-X is powered by a newly developed 692cc inline twin-cylinder water-cooled engine.
It is the latest evolution of the CFMOTO 150/250/400/650 displacement platforms, featuring split-type connection rod, forged piston, electronic throttle, sliding clutch.
The optimised intake system improves efficiency and increases the peak power from 41.5kW to 55kw and torque from 62Nm to 67Nm.
Thankfully it is one of the few adventur-ish motorcycles that has an easy-to-access air filter for cleaning.
Just remove the right plastic panel.
They say an oil change is so simple it can “easily be done at home”.
CFMoto also has a range of accessories to customise the bike, including luggage for the Adventure model.
