CFMoto 500 SR unveiled with 79HP inline-four powertrain unit

CFMoto has introduced several new motorcycles in the past year, with the latest being the 500SR. The 500SR has appeared in type-approval documents filed in China, signaling its upcoming entry into the market. This model follows the launches of the 750SR-S in September and the V4-powered 1000 SR-RR, which debuted at EICMA.

Key Highlights

• CFMoto has introduced several new motorcycles in the past year, with the latest being the 500SR.
• The 500SR has appeared in type-approval documents filed in China, signaling its upcoming entry into the market.
• This model follows the launches of the 750SR-S in September and the V4-powered 1000 SR-RR, which debuted at EICMA.
• The 500SR shares its mechanical platform with the retro-styled 500SR Voom but adopts a full supersport design.

Key Features of the 500SR

The 500SR shares its mechanical platform with the retro-styled 500SR Voom but adopts a full supersport design. The motorcycle uses a tubular steel frame and a 499cc inline-four engine. This engine produces 79 horsepower at 12,500 rpm and 49 Nm of torque at 10,000 rpm. The chassis setup includes a 1,395 mm wheelbase, 41 mm adjustable upside-down forks, a monoshock, and the same swingarm as the Voom.

The 500SR features dual under-seat exhausts, a characteristic carried over from the Voom. However, it replaces the retro design with styling that matches the SR family, including the 675 SR-R, 750 SR-S, and 1000 SR-RR. The new model has angular headlights with eyebrow-style daytime running lights and fairing-mounted mirrors, moving away from the Voom’s twin circular headlights and bar-end mirrors.

Design and Market Position

The 500SR was first shown as a disguised prototype in 2023 alongside the 675SR-R. While the 675SR-R reached production first, the 500SR was delayed, possibly due to a significant redesign. The new documents confirm that CFMoto has updated the model's appearance and features.

According to the type-approval documents, the 500SR has a kerb weight of 187 kg, making it 7 kg lighter than the 500SR Voom. This reduction in weight may improve handling and performance. The 500SR is expected to be offered in select markets, such as China and Australia, where the 500SR Voom is already available. There is no official production timeline yet.

Also Read: The Ultimate Guide for Bike Maintenance

Conclusion

The CFMoto 500 SR marks a bold step for the brand, expanding its lineup into the thrilling world of high-revving inline-four motorcycles. With its 79 HP engine, aggressive styling, and premium features, this machine positions itself as a serious contender in the middleweight sportbike category.