CFMoto, the Chinese motorcycle manufacturer, has been making waves in the global market with its innovative range of motorcycles. Recently, the company announced the global launch of its premium model, the 450NK, which is targeted at beginner riders who desire a versatile bike for various riding purposes.
Following the success of the 450NK, CFMoto has now unveiled the 450CL-C cruiser motorcycle in the Chinese market. Described as the perfect combination of style and comfort, this retro-inspired cruiser shares the same foundation as the 450NK. Let’s delve deeper into the features of this new model.
Visually, the 450CL-C is an attractive motorcycle that combines retro and modern design elements. It features a rounded fuel tank and a circular LED headlight that exude a classic feel, while its inverted front forks, semi-exposed trellis frame, and dual-channel ABS add a touch of modernity to the overall design.
But the standout feature of the 450CL-C is its engine. Like the 450NK, it is equipped with a new 449cc parallel-twin engine that is liquid-cooled and fuel-injected. The engine is built with a 270-degree crankshaft, giving it a unique sound and delivering power similar to a V-twin engine, which is ideal for a cruiser motorcycle. It produces 40 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 29 pound-feet of torque at 6,250 rpm. Power is transferred to the rear wheel through a six-speed manual transmission and a Gates Belt Drive, providing a smooth and efficient ride.
In terms of handling, the 450CL-C features an inverted front fork with 37mm tubes, a centrally mounted rear monoshock, and a 12.5-inch (320mm) front disc brake and an 8.7-inch (220mm) rear disc brake. It also comes with safety features like traction control and dual-channel ABS as standard.
Last week, we had the opportunity to test the all-new 2024 Husqvarna TE150. This bike comes with numerous updates, including a new chassis, motor, electronic powervalve, and throttle body fuel injection system. When we look at the history of this bike, we can see that Husqvarna has been making adjustments to its purpose. The first version of the Husky 150 in 2017 was a carbureted two-stroke with both a kickstarter and an electric starter. It entered the market at the end of the 200cc two-stroke era in the U.S. However, it wasn’t the best replacement for a 200, as it lacked low-end power and smooth power delivery. It did have a good motor for racing and performed well on motocross tracks with some suspension modifications. The 2020 version had transfer port injection, which improved things a bit, but still didn’t meet the expectations of fans of the old 200cc bikes. Now, with the new TBI motor, the Husqvarna TE150 is a more legitimate option for those riders.
2024 Husqvarna TE150
This motor is loosely based on the Husky TC125 motocross bike from last year. It is one of the most computerized dirt bikes on the market, with the powervalve, spark advance, and fuel delivery all controlled by a complex matrix of programming tied to rpm and throttle opening. It also employs various sensors for temperature, gear positions, and air density, making it highly advanced. The cylinder, head, and displacement have been modified from the TC125 to provide an off-road powerband, and the six-speed gearbox has different gear ratios.
Pete Murray on the new Husky 150.
The chassis of the TE150 is also new, with the major highlight being the WP Xact coil-spring fork, replacing the open-cartridge Xplor fork of the previous model. The new fork has structural and valving differences compared to the Xact air fork, making it more suitable for off-road riding. The rear suspension features an Xplor shock connected via linkage, which is slightly less advanced than the one on the TC125. Both bikes share the same spring rates. The TE150 also comes with Braktec components for the brakes and hydraulics. With a larger fuel tank, a headlight, a kickstand, and an 18-inch rear wheel, the TE150 is slightly heavier than a typical 125 two-stroke, weighing 220 pounds without fuel. It’s also more expensive than a 125 two-stroke, with a price tag of $10,199.
The Husky 150 is the latest dirt bike to break the $10,000 barrier. The MSRP is $10,199.
On the trail, the TE150 doesn’t ride like a typical 125. It has impressive low-end power, allowing you to confidently open the throttle even at idle without any hesitation. It performs well on rocky uphill trails and doesn’t require clutch covering to prevent stalling. In many ways, it feels like a miniature 300 two-stroke. Although it doesn’t possess the same level of pulling power as a larger bike, its overall behavior is quite similar. The mid-range power delivery is fairly strong, resembling that of a 125cc bike, but it lacks the peak power and revs necessary for motocross tracks. The TE150 does feature a map switch, like other recent Husqvarna two-strokes, but its purpose is different. The green map on the TE150 enriches the fuel mixture slightly, which proves useful when riding in sand or under heavy load conditions.
The suspension of the TE150 is highly praised. The new fork is a significant improvement over the previous version and may even outperform the Xact air fork. The TE150 is stiffer than its predecessor, making it well-suited for aggressive off-road riding with intermediate or expert riders weighing over 150 pounds. However, younger riders transitioning to a larger bike might find the suspension a bit firm. So, who is this bike for? In summary, the TE150 is an excellent all-around off-road bike suitable for riders of all ages. Older riders typically gravitate towards larger bikes, but the TE150 would be a better choice for 90 percent of the trails they ride. Its agility and easy handling contribute to a sense of improvement in riding skills. The only areas where it might struggle are open spaces and steep hills, where the power advantage of 300cc and 450cc bikes becomes apparent. For a more comprehensive review, check out the November 2023 print edition of Dirt Bike, available at newsstands.
NEXT UP: KTM 300SX
Ray Obermeyer on the 2024 KTM 300SX
We also have the KTM 300SX in our garage, which will be our next testing subject. It’s interesting how people say modern 450cc bikes are too powerful for average riders, but we didn’t hear the same about 250cc two-strokes in the past. Nowadays, 250cc two-strokes are considered more challenging to ride compared to 450cc bikes. The 300SX is potentially easier to handle than a well-built 250cc two-stroke, but only in its mildest setting. The bike features a map switch on the handlebar, allowing riders to completely alter its personality. We’ll dive deeper into this subject next week and provide an upcoming video review on Dirt Bike’s YouTube channel.
MOTOCROSS IS LIVE AGAIN!
This weekend, the 2023 Pro Motocross Championship heads to Central New York for Round 9 at Unadilla MX, known as the Honda Unadilla National. Exciting events are anticipated, such as Barcia’s return, Jett potentially clinching, and Deegan just being Deegan. The entire event will be streamed live on Peacock, with uninterrupted coverage starting at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET. International viewers can enjoy the exclusive coverage through SuperMotocross Video Pass. NBC will also air the second motos on network television, showcasing the on-track action of the final 450 Class and 250 Class races without interruptions, beginning at 12 p.m. PT / 3 p.m. ET. It’s important to note that the race order at Unadilla has been adjusted, with the 450 class racing first, followed by the 250 class. Unadilla is one of the oldest national motocross venues. For more details, refer to the history book:
RANDOM HARD-DRIVE SEARCH
Remember when Travis Pastrana was a motocross/supercross star? He won the 125 National Championship in 2000 and the 125 East Supercross title in 2001. Unfortunately, injuries prevented him from further success in the sport. However, he later excelled in freestyle, NASCAR, Rally car, and many other areas. It’s interesting to think about what might have happened if he had continued in motocross. One thing’s for sure: he wouldn’t have achieved as much.
KAWASAKI TURNS 70
1966 Kawasaki Samurai 250
Kawasaki Motors is celebrating its 70th anniversary in September 2023. The company first entered the motorcycle industry in 1953, initially producing motorcycle engines under the name “Kawasaki Machine Works.” Today, Kawasaki motorcycles are sold in over 90 countries and regions worldwide.
To honor Kawasaki Motorcycles’ 70-year milestone, special exhibitions will be held at Kawasaki USA Heritage Hall in Foothill Ranch, California, and Kawasaki Good Times World in Kobe, Japan, starting in September 2023. These displays will focus on the history of Kawasaki’s motorcycle business in the U.S. market, which marked a significant turning point in the company’s global strategy. The exhibitions are part of a series of events planned to commemorate this special anniversary.
Ducati, the renowned motorcycle brand, has experienced a surge in sales in recent years, surpassing all previous records. The release of their latest models has been a resounding success among riders from diverse backgrounds. Building upon a successful first quarter, Ducati has now achieved its best-ever sales figures in the first half of the year.
Francesco Milicia, Vice President of Global Sales and After Sales at Ducati, expressed his enthusiasm for the brand’s exceptional sales performance. In an official press release, Milicia stated, “This first half-year was Ducati’s best ever in terms of deliveries. We reached a record 34,976 bikes delivered, proving that our passionate clients continue to appreciate our product range, which is now wider than ever.” This achievement showcases the brand’s growth and its commitment to maintaining a dominant position in the motorcycle industry. Let’s dive into the numbers.
In the first half of 2023, Ducati achieved remarkable sales with a record-breaking figure of 34,976 motorcycles sold. This represents a significant growth of five percent compared to the same period in 2022, which was already considered a remarkable success at that time. Notably, three key markets made significant contributions to Ducati’s success. Italy witnessed a 10 percent growth with a total of 6,639 bikes sold. The US market experienced an impressive 11 percent growth with the sale of 4,505 units. Similarly, Germany recorded a 13 percent growth rate with sales of 4,217 units during the first half of 2023.
The introduction of new models has been the key driver behind the brand’s success. In recent years, Ducati has revamped its entire model range, incorporating cutting-edge technology that has garnered widespread acclaim. Unsurprisingly, the most popular model in Ducati’s lineup is the Multistrada V4, with 6,382 units sold in the first half of 2023. The timeless Ducati Monster follows closely in second place, with 4,299 units of this lightweight naked bike delivered. In third place, the widely acclaimed Scrambler 800 series secured its position with 3,581 bikes sold in the global market.
The 2024 model year is anticipated to be equally if not more successful. Given Ducati’s ongoing triumphs in the racing scene, it is undeniably a prominent name in motorsports. If the saying “win on Sunday, sell on Monday” holds true, then Ducati can look forward to a prosperous year. In addition to their racing achievements, Ducati has already unveiled mid-model refreshes for the 2024 lineup, featuring technological refinements and new color schemes.
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).
Lotus is set to make a grand entrance at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, showcasing its largest exhibition space to date. The highlight of the event will be the public unveiling of the four-cylinder Emira, which will also be participating in the festival’s hill climb course alongside three other Lotus models.
Deliveries of the four-cylinder Emira, powered by a Mercedes-AMG engine, are scheduled to begin later this year. However, US customers will have to wait until early 2024 to receive the First Edition models. The Emira was first introduced two years ago with two powertrain options: a supercharged V6 sourced from Toyota and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine from AMG. These engines produce 400 and 360 horsepower respectively.
The production of the Ford Fiesta will officially come to a close on July 7th, marking the end of a 47-year-long journey that spanned eight generations of the popular supermini, according to Autocar.
Following the discontinuation of the Fiesta, Ford will keep the final two models. One will join the company’s international heritage fleet, housed at the Cologne plant in Germany where the model was manufactured, while the other will be part of the UK heritage fleet.
The decision to axe the Fiesta was made to free up space in the factory for the production of the upcoming Ford Explorer electric SUV, as Martin Sander, general manager of Ford Model E Europe, explained to Autocar back in December 2022.
Sander stated, “We decided to build our first high-volume electric vehicle here in Cologne. There comes the point where we need the space for construction because we are turning the Fiesta plant into a fully battery-electric plant. This is why we had to make the decision to stop Fiesta production.”
On June 12th, Ford officially opened its Cologne EV Centre, which is the brand’s first carbon-neutral factory.
The Ford Fiesta has been a consistent presence on the UK’s list of top 10 best-selling cars since its launch in 1976. It held the top spot from 2009 to 2020, the longest consecutive run in history. However, the Fiesta dropped out of the top 10 in 2021 due to supply chain disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. This forced many manufacturers, including Ford, to prioritize parts for more profitable crossovers and SUVs. Ford paused Fiesta orders in June 2022 due to semiconductor shortages, resulting in a six-month backlog for the supermini.
It’s the end of June 2023, and motorcycle manufacturers are starting to release their 2024 updates to generate excitement for the upcoming year. BMW Motorrad USA’s first batch of 2024 bikes includes new colors, Option 719 packages, and one significant update to several models: Intelligent Emergency Call as a standard and/or optional feature on certain bikes.
For the first time, BMW Motorrad will offer its Intelligent Emergency Call feature on select models in the US and Canadian markets:
Bike
Optional or Standard
2024 BMW F 900 R and XR
Optional
2024 BMW K 1600
Standard
2024 BMW R 1250
Standard
2024 BMW R 18 B and Transcontinental
Standard
2024 BMW S 1000 R and RR
Standard
2024 BMW CE 04
Standard
2024 BMW bikes equipped with the Intelligent Emergency Call feature will have an SOS button with a cover on the right-side handlebar. This button features a loudspeaker and a microphone to allow riders to communicate in case of an emergency. The system utilizes BMW Motorrad Connected Services to connect the rider with a BMW agent, who can then contact the appropriate emergency services in their area. If a bike with this feature is involved in a crash or fall, the Intelligent Emergency Call will automatically activate and place a call for the rider to receive assistance.
In addition to this update, all 2024 BMW M motorcycles now come with BMW Ultimate Care Break-In Service at 600 miles as part of their sale to new owners.
BMW Motorrad USA has also announced new colors and pricing information for its returning 2024 models:
Model
New 2024 Colors
US MSRP
2024 BMW CE 04
Imperial Blue Metallic (on the Avantgarde Package)
$12,195
2024 BMW C 400 GT
Imperial Blue Metallic (on the Style Exclusive)
$8,245
2024 BMW G 310 R
Racing Blue Metallic (on the Style Sport) and Granite Grey Metallic (on the Style Passion)
$4,995
2024 BMW G 310 GS
Racing Red (on Style Rallye)
$5,695
2024 BMW F 900 R
Style Triple Black (replaces Style Exclusive/Bluestone Metallic)
$8,995
2024 BMW F 900 XR
Racing Blue Metallic 2 (on Style Sport)
$11,695
2024 BMW R 18
Black Storm Metallic and Vintage, Style Option 719 Velvet Green Metallic
$14,995
2024 BMW R 18 Classic
Black Storm Metallic and Vintage, Style Option 719 Moon Stone Mineral White Metallic
$17,995
2024 BMW R 18 Roctane (new model for 2024, but recently announced)
Black Storm Metallic, Manhattan Metallic Matte, Mineral Grey Metallic Matte
$18,695
2024 BMW R 18 B
Racing Blue Metallic, Style Option 719 Black Pearl Black Storm Metallic 2
$19,945
2024 BMW R 18 Transcontinental
Racing Blue Metallic, Style Option 719 Moon Stone Mineral White Metallic
$23,995
2024 BMW R 1250 RT
Racing Blue Metallic 2
$19,995
2024 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure
Racing Blue Metallic (on Style Rallye)
$20,745
2024 BMW K 1600 GT
Style Option 719 Havanna Meteoric Dust 2 Metallic
$24,295
2024 BMW K 1600 GTL
Style Option 719 Havanna Meteoric Dust 2 Metallic
$27,295
Unlock Your Automotive Passion and Explore the Road Ahead
