CFMoto’s been on a roll currently, with new mannequin launches left and proper. Just not too long ago, the model pulled the covers off the entry-level Ibex 450, making its international look within the picturesque seashores of the Philippines—preliminary impressions coming quickly.
Jumping off the hype of the Ibex 450, CFMoto is now teasing what might be the flagship mannequin of the MT vary: the so-called 1250MT.
It’s a secret to nobody that CFMoto and KTM have been in mattress for a number of years now. The partnership has given start to fairly a number of offspring just like the 800NK and 800MT—derived from the KTM 790 Duke and Adventure respectively. Furthermore, it’s been rumored on a number of events that the CFMoto 450 vary is what grew to become of the discontinued KTM 490 series of bikes.
Now, you may in all probability guess the place I’m heading with the 1250MT. More than possible, it’ll be rocking know-how from the Austrian model, maybe within the type of the V-twin engine discovered within the earlier era 1290 Super Duke and Super Adventure. For reference, this engine already exists within the CFMoto universe, because it powers the 1250TR-G, a grand-tourer used en masse by the Chinese police power.
The CFMoto 1250TR-G is utilized by police forces in China.
Here, the engine’s been downsized barely to 1,279cc, and pumps out 140 horsepower—greater than sufficient to rival the likes of the BMW R 1300 GS and Triumph Tiger 1200. And whereas the 450MT and 800MT each flex their off-road chops for the world to see, plainly the 1250MT is a extra road-focused machine, as evidenced by its alloy wheels measuring 19 inches up entrance and 17 inches on the again.
While nothing official—other than the rendering of this bike—has come from CFMoto, we are able to use the opposite bikes within the MT household as a baseline for the tech and options we are able to count on from the 1250MT. Ride modes and good connectivity are a given right here, and it’s greater than possible that the brand new mannequin will function heated grips, an adjustable windscreen, and different touring-friendly accouterments.
There’s little question that Chinese bike producers like CFMoto have their eyes on the prize in terms of dominating the worldwide market. In lower than a decade, we’ve seen Chinese-made bikes go from low-cost knock-offs all the best way to performance-oriented machines seen on the worldwide stage. Love them or hate them, one factor’s for certain: Chinese bikes are right here, and so they’re right here to remain.
The solely query stays: will they stand the check of time?
Chinese manufacturers seem to be on a roll lately. Ask CFMoto! With so many motorcycles coming out of the Asian continent and finding good responses across the world (Royal Enfield and QJ Motor are living proofs), the time for finding an affordable alternative to your usual American/European bike couldn’t be better.
As more riders seek motorcycles that offer affordability, reliability, and versatility, the recently released Jonway V400 and the Harley-Davidson X350 stand ready to meet these demands. Sure, many challenges may still exist, but the future looks promising for the likes of these motorcycles as they strive to carve their place in the hearts of Western motorcycle enthusiasts. Let’s see how both these entry-level offerings pit against each other.
While both the V400 and the X 350 were conceived in China, their ambitions are global. This is evident in the engine choices of both motorcycles. On one hand, Jonway went with a 400cc powered, V-twin mill, the smallest HD gets the 353cc mill from QJ motor’s very own SRK350. But you’d be a fool if you were to mistake the bigger engine for more power. In fact, it is the smaller 353cc parallel-twin that produces about 3 ponies and pound-feet torque more than the bigger v-twin. Ironically, both motorcycles weigh the same, which would mean the power-to-weight ratio is better on the Harley.
V400 vs X 350 – Underpinnings And Dimensions
Harley-Davidson
All-LED lights, dual-channel ABS, and a digi-analog instrument cluster make up the feature list of the X 350
Specification
Jonway V400
Harley-Davidson X 350
Length
81.8 in
83 in
Ground clearance
5.5 in
7.2 in
Seat height
27.9 in
32.1 in
Wheelbase
56.2 in
55.5 in
Brakes
Front dual disc, rear disc
Front floating disc, rear fixed disc
Wheels (Front)
120/90-16
120/70-17
Wheels (Rear)
150/80-16
160/60-17
Fuel tank capacity
3.95 gallons
2.96 gallons
Both motorcycles carry some eerily similar underpinnings and some diverse numbers. For instance, both the Jonway V400 and the Harley-Davidson X 350 are very similar in length, wheelbase and dual disc brake setups. However, the X 350 will be a better choice to overcome those obstacles on the tarmac, thanks to its significant ground clearance. On the other hand, the Jonway might be better suited to shorter riders and that is down to its more accessible seat height. The one area where the Jonway V400 has hit the bulls eye is the tank capacity. 3.95 gallons on an entry-level cruiser is a rarity, and one that will inspire confidence if you to take those long-distance highway rides much more often.
V400 vs X 350 – Features And Design
Jonway
Side profile shot of the Jonway V400 parked on the side stand
This is where the matter of subjectivity comes in – the design. While one motorcycle takes a fresh approach as a roadster, the other can easily be mistaken for a cheap replica of the Indian Scout Bobber. Starting with the HD X 350, it sports a rather retro-modern aesthetic. All the round elements – the rearview mirrors, the instrument cluster and the headlamp, all ooze of a retro vibe. While the all-LED light setup, petite turn signals, alloys and muscular fairings add a touch of modern-day charm.
Compare the small Harley’s approach to Jonway’s big cruiser aesthetic, and it’s almost the opposite. The cut-out rear fender, the chunky headlight cover, the twin exhaust pipes and even the chrome accents on the blacked-out mechanicals imitate a large American cruiser in every way. There are hardly any differences from the Indian Scout’s design. We wonder what the designers and Indian must be thinking. Apart from the design language, the V400 does get the most features you’d expect from a bike of this caliber. All-led lights, backlit switches, adjustable hand levers, and forward-mounted pegs, all give this an unmistakable cruiser appeal.
The X 350 is Harley’s second attempt at the entry-level motorcycle segment
Everything said, the two motorcycles will cater to different audiences. While the Jonway V400 will appeal to those seeking an affordable entry-level cruiser to sit back and cruise along the open road, the sportier X 350 from Harley-Davidson will appeal to younger riders wanting to step into the world of HD.
While the Harley roadster will only make it to the US as a part of Harley-Davidson’s riding academy fleet, the V400 isn’t a sure-shot release in the States either. If it does, it would retail somewhere between $6,000 and $7,000, making it a direct competitor to the Honda Rebel 500. But until any official communication, all we can do is save up for the real deal (Indian Scout).
Toyota has been very active lately, revealing a number of interesting concept cars previewing future models and technologies (see the related links below). That activeness comes to its culmination with the GR H2 Racing Concept unveiled today at the Circuit de la Sarthe in western France ahead of this weekend’s 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans. The hydrogen-powered endurance race car concept was revealed by Akio Toyoda, Toyota’s chairman.
The automaker doesn’t release technical specifications for the hydrogen engine prototype, only saying it is 5,100 mm long and 2,050 mm wide. This makes it slightly longer and wider than Toyota’s LMP1-H Le Mans Prototype, which is 4,650 mm long and 1,900 mm wide. The Japanese firm also confirms powering the race car concept is a mix between a hydrogen engine and a hybrid system, but this is literally everything we know about what’s happening under the skin.
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