New CFMoto 250CL-X Images and Details Revealed

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The smaller 250CL-X looks to be CFMoto’s next new model. (CFMoto/)

CFMoto’s 700CL-X might be a turning point for perhaps the most established and well-known Chinese motorcycle brand currently in Western markets. It’s just been released in Europe and is gaining plaudits for build quality, performance, and handling, all of which match its attractive neo-retro looks. Now the firm is preparing to launch the next models in the CL-X line using its smaller 249cc and 292cc single-cylinder engines instead of the 700′s 693cc twin.

This is the first picture of the 250CL-X, which is set to be launched imminently on the Chinese market and is expected to spawn an identical-looking 300CL-X for Europe and elsewhere.

Related: CFMoto to Launch Sporty 250cc Single

Stylistically, the 250 bears a passing resemblance to the just-released 700CL-X, but uses a smaller 249cc single-cylinder engine. (CFMoto/)

While the 700CL-X is pretty much all new, using an enlarged version of the 650cc twin that’s been CFMoto’s mainstay for years, mounted in a new chassis under the distinctive scrambler-inspired styling, the smaller model is more heavily based on existing models. The chassis, suspension, wheels, and engine are all shared with the next-generation 250NK/300NK naked bike, as well as 300SR full-faired sportbike. That’s no bad thing, as it means the bike is using a combination of components that have already been approved for sale all over the world, including meeting the tough new Euro 5 emissions rules, while economy of scale means it can be priced lower than a similar machine with bespoke parts.

The 250CL-X shares major elements like the chassis and engine with CFMoto’s existing 300NK model. (CFMoto/)

The first picture has emerged via Chinese type-approval documents, and on that market CFMoto will be offering the smaller, 249cc version. Its peak power of 27.5 hp matches that of the larger 292cc engine that’s already sold elsewhere, including Europe, in the 300NK and 300SR, although the bigger motor achieves its performance at lower revs.

Weighing in at a claimed 155 kilograms (342 pounds), the 250CL-X splits the difference between the 300NK (150 kilograms/331 pounds) and the 300SR (165 kilograms/364 pounds), and despite using mostly the same components it promises a different riding experience thanks to a more upright riding position with wider, taller bars and lower pegs than either of its siblings. It also has a slightly wider 150-section rear tire instead of the 140/60-17 hoops used on the NK and SR versions.

Related: CFMoto’s Small-displacement Models Getting A Facelift?

The circular headlight, set in an X-shaped surround and edged with a string of LEDs, is identical to that of the 700CL-X, and the circular instrument panel above it is likely to be similar to the larger bike’s round, color TFT screen. Behind that, the bike lacks the 700′s distinctive frame design, which has sections of its steel trellis surrounding the side panels that are designed to look like they’re part of the fuel tank, but it visually mimics that arrangement with a fluorescent yellow band around the tank sides. Out back, the seat is similar to the 700′s, as is the swingarm-mounted license plate bracket.

We’re expecting CFMoto to unveil the Chinese-market 250 version at the CIMA Motor Show in September, and there’s a good chance the fractionally bigger 300CL-X will appear at a bike show in Europe later this year.

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