CFMoto Is Readying A KTM RC 390 Rival

Remember the CFMoto SR-C21 concept showcased at the EICMA 2021? Well, looks like the company has already jumped into the testing phase, as an interesting test mule has been spied testing in China. 

While the bike is heavily covered in camouflage, elements like the fairings (with aerodynamic wings) and the front and rear design all hint that it’s the SR-C21’s production variant. The bike looks properly committed towards sport riding, evident from its rear-set footpegs, muscular fuel tank, and the low clip-on handlebar.

Of course, the test mule misses out on bits like the upswept SC Project exhaust, carbon fibre components, disc covers, and the single-sided swingarm, as these are very premium components and would mean a big hole in the pocket of customers. 

In place of the upswept twin SC Project exhausts, the bike gets a single exhaust on the side, along with a heat shield, while the underpinnings are more road-going, comprising a conventional swingarm, single disc brakes at both ends, and conventional alloy wheels. CFMoto has retained the golden USD fork, though.

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According to sources, the CFMoto SR-C21 production bike is expected to be powered by KTM’s new twin-cylinder 450cc engine. And judging from the test mule, it does look like a sub-500cc bike rather than a middle-weight sport bike. 

Once in production, the SR-C21 production bike will rival the KTM RC 390 and the Honda CBR500R. However, we believe the launch is still some time away, considering this seems like an early test mule rather than a production-ready one.

Image source: Xcar