CFMoto 675SR [SS]: The Rising Contender in the Motorcycle Industry

In the 1970s, Japan’s Big Four motorcycle manufacturers gained dominance by offering bikes that provided better value for money than the established competitors. Their success was eventually bolstered by reputations for reliability, but initially, the attractive pricing drew customers in. Today, China’s motorcycle brands are attempting a similar approach, and CFMoto is at the forefront of this movement.

CFMoto has already made waves with models like the 800NK and Ibex, both powered by KTM engines, but the arrival of the 675SR marks an important step forward. With this bike, CFMoto enters a new segment, competing against established names with a sporty machine that stands out. It’s the brand’s first bike powered by a three-cylinder engine, aiming for the mid-tier sportbike market rather than the high-end machines like Honda’s CBR600RR or Kawasaki’s Ninja ZX-6R. Instead, it’s positioned to compete against models such as the CBR650R, Triumph’s Daytona 660, and Suzuki’s GSX-8R.

Price vs. Performance

Let’s begin with the price. The CFMoto 675SR starts at $7,999 (before fees for freight and setup), which makes it a very competitive option. When comparing to others in the same category:

• The Triumph Daytona 660 is priced at $9,195.
• The Suzuki GSX-8R starts at $9,439.
• The Honda CBR650R comes in at $9,899.

Only the Kawasaki Ninja 650, at $8,299, comes close to CFMoto's pricing, but that’s a bike with less power, and if you add ABS, the price increases to $8,899. Meanwhile, ABS is included as standard on the 675SR, adding further value.

Strong Specifications for the Price

Despite the competitive price, the 675SR has specs that make it hard to believe it’s a budget option. The three-cylinder engine is a fresh design from CFMoto, derived from the modular platform used in the 450SS and 450NK. Sharing the same bore and stroke as the 450cc twin, the triple adds an extra cylinder for more displacement, giving it a total of 675cc. However, the boost in performance is far more than just added displacement.

The 675SR generates 95 hp and 52 lb.-ft. of torque, a significant jump from the 50 hp produced by the 450SS. While the original engine showed off at EICMA promised slightly over 100 hp, the final product delivers slightly less due to its tuning, with peak power achieved at 11,000 rpm and a redline of 12,300 rpm. This suggests future versions might unlock more power. The engine is paired with a slipper clutch and a six-speed transmission, and an upshift-only quickshifter comes as standard equipment.

Well-Balanced Frame and Suspension

The engine is housed in a chrome-molybdenum steel frame, which mixes cast parts with tubular sections to provide strength while keeping weight manageable. An aluminum swingarm connects to an underbelly exhaust, giving the rear a streamlined look. Both the front and rear use KYB suspension, with a fully adjustable upside-down fork for preload, compression, and rebound at the front, and preload and rebound adjustments at the rear. These are features usually found on more expensive bikes.

On top of that, the bike includes adjustable traction control, all managed via a 5-inch TFT color display with Bluetooth capabilities and the ability to receive software updates over-the-air.

Striking Design and Aerodynamics

CFMoto has also prioritized aggressive styling with aerodynamic elements, borrowing from MotoGP. The 675SR features winglets on the sides of the fairing and cooling cowls around the 320mm front brake discs to direct airflow to the J.Juan four-piston calipers. The bike’s design is assertive, but the riding position, with a 31.9-inch seat height, keeps it accessible, providing comfort similar to Honda’s CBR650R rather than a more aggressive supersport like the CBR600RR.

The Road Ahead for CFMoto

The 675SR may be CFMoto’s first three-cylinder bike, but the company has bigger plans. A naked version, the 675NK, is already undergoing testing and is expected to use the same engine and chassis but with a more upright riding position. Additionally, CFMoto has confirmed it is working on a 1,000cc V-4 superbike, aiming to break into the 200-hp class and potentially open the door to racing in World Superbike. This is a major step forward for any motorcycle manufacturer, especially one from China, where skepticism about quality still lingers in the West.

As CFMoto continues to prove that it can compete directly with the long-established Japanese and European manufacturers, it’s clear that the motorcycle landscape is evolving. With models like the 675SR, the future looks bright for CFMoto, and they are certainly a brand to watch.