Chinese manufacturer CFMoto could become the kings of the learner bike market in Australia with nine bikes and one scooter.
Currently they have two 150cc bikes, a 250cc scooter and scooter/cruiser, and two bikes powered by a restricted 650cc parallel twin engine. In the next year they are expected to include another 250cc bike and a 400cc race replica sportsbike with sleeved versions of the 650cc parallel twins, plus two more 650 models.
Michael Poynton of Mojo Motorcycles which imports CFMoto to Australia says learner-approved motorcycles (LAMS) are selling well “because prices are good, they are great for commuting and they are more than enough bike for most people”.
“Before LAMS, people had to buy scooters which dominated the low-capacity end, but the scooter market is down because now it is often cheaper to buy a motorcycle,” he says.
In the 650 LAMS range, CFMoto currently has the naked 650NK model which has sold up to 700 in the past couple of years and costs just $6990 rideaway.
For most of this year, CFMoto also offered a touring 650TK at $7990 rideway, but it was a pre-production model with some issues regarding finish and a lack of basic instruments such as a clock and trip meter.
Now the production model has arrived, along with an updated NK, both with better instruments, brakes and tyres, but no price rise. I tested both new bikes at the national media launch in Victoria this week. In summary, the fit and finish is better and the brakes are much improved.
Sometime next year a fully faired 650 sportsbike will be added to the line-up, while the much-anticipated 650MT adventure bike is expected to be revealed at the Milan Motorcycle Show next November.
Michael says they have had a lot of inquiries on the MT which has already been in development for 18 months.
The bike has been designed by Kiska, the company which designs most of the KTM range. It is part of a new arrangement with the Austrian company which is making motorcycles for the Chinese market at the CFMoto plant.
Michael says a 400cc race replica is expected to be added to the line-up in 2015, along with a 250cc model.
He says the 250 and 400 will be built off the same parallel twin engine.
With LAMS bikes dominating the market, the future is looking bright for the fledgling Chinese company.
