China’s CFMoto has launched a clever new sports-tourer based on the existing CFMoto 400NK parallel twin wrapped in new, all-enclosing bodywork.
The company has been on a roll for a while now with a range of new machines styled with the help of KTM’s favoured design house, Kiska, and a tie-in to assemble KTMs for the Chinese market.
Last year CFMoto made headlines with the V.02NK concept bike – a nakedbike powered by KTM’s LC8 V-twin engine. And its new sports-tourer, called the 400GT – just revealed in China, looks like a worthy addition to the line-up.
Mechanically, it’s familiar to anyone with experience of the 400NK. It’s got the same 400cc parallel twin, making 31.5kW at 9500rpm and 35.4Nm at 7650rpm, and a near-identical chassis. But in place of the NK’s naked styling there’s a full fairing incorporating distinctive quad headlights.
An adjustable screen and wide side panels make it a machine in the same vein as the Kawasaki Z1000SX, just scaled down to the 400cc class. Large, removable panniers and a generous pillion seat add practicality, along with a full-colour LCD instrument pack.
Given the fact CFMoto’s 400cc twin is externally identical to its larger, 41.5kW 650cc engine, it’s virtually certain that a bigger 650cc version of the new GT will also appear soon.
By Ben Purvis
