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CFMoto's SR-C21 Concept Makes Its Public Debut At EICMA 2021

European styling meets Chinese-built affordability.

CFMoto SR-C21 Concept - Main

CFMoto made waves on social media when it introduced the SR-C21 concept in October, 2021. While the images produced by the brand’s European R&D facility Modena 40 were digital renders, CFMoto had no problem translating those designs to physical prototypes. At EICMA 2021, the Chinese company unveiled the SR-C21, giving the public a better glimpse of the potential sportbike platform.

CFMoto presented the track-worthy SR-C21 alongside the firm’s SR300. While the small-capacity machine tops CFMoto’s current sportbike offerings, the SR-C21 looks like a giant leap forward. From the MotoGP-inspired brake disc covers and aerodynamic winglets to its Brembo braking system and SCProject exhaust, the SR-C21 prioritizes performance. However, the company still hasn’t revealed the concept’s mill.

CFMoto SR-C21 Concept - Presentation
CFMoto SR-C21 Concept - Front Wheel

While CFMoto has confirmed the SR-C21 harnesses a twin-cylinder engine with a capacity no lower than 400cc, the equipment and design point to a much more potent powerplant. The concept’s tail section and single-sided swingarm clearly borrow from Ducati’s Panigale V4 playbook, while the running lights resemble Aprilia’s new RSV4 design language.


What do you think?

Seldom do manufacturers commit such cosmetic care to an entry-level bike, but the winglets and brake disc covers also point to the SR-C21's performance ambitions. Of course, CFMoto benefits from a development and production partnership with KTM, so we could easily see one of Team Orange’s engines in the China-built sportbike. Top candidates include the retuned 799cc LC8 parallel-twin found in CFMoto’s 800MT and the 990cc V-twin previously powering the KTMs 990 Super Duke.

Of course, KTM recently released the track-only RC 8C with an 889cc LC8c parallel-twin pumping out 128 horsepower. Until CFMoto divulges more information about its potential new flagship sportbike, all conversation around the SR-C21's engine will be speculative. However, we do know that the concept features a Chromoly steel tubular frame, which is a favorite of the Mattighofen brand.

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