Watch out, Ducati & Co: CF Moto’s superbike is fast – very fast

Chinese motorbike manufacturers have discovered the production-based world championship as a platform to draw attention to their products. Kove Moto will be the first to enter the Supersport 300 World Championship in 2023. After winning the junior series with Benat Fernandez in 2025, Kove is continuing this year in the new Sportbike World Championship. QJ Motor has been competing in the Supersport World Championship since 2024, and ZX Moto has emerged as a new and highly successful contender – ZX’s star rider, Valentin Debise, has already won six races and is currently second in the championship.

A fourth manufacturer from China could soon be competing in the production-based world championship. CF Moto has been preparing to enter the Superbike category for several years. In 2024, a 1,000 cc V4 engine was unveiled at the EICMA motorbike show, followed in 2025 by the unveiling of a road-ready prototype bearing the model designation V4SR-RR. The motorbike is set to go on sale from 2027 and could already make guest appearances in the Superbike World Championship.

Die CF Moto V4SR-RR

Foto: CF Moto

At the heart of the 180 kg motorcycle lies a V4 engine. The 997 cc engine, with a 90-degree cylinder angle, features a counter-rotating crankshaft. The maximum revs are stated as 15,000 rpm and the engine power as 157 kW/210 PS. These are industry-standard and competitive figures. Over 40 patents have been incorporated into the in-house development.

A striking feature of the production model are the active winglets, which are therefore also homologated and may be used in racing. CF Moto’s system is designed to reduce aerodynamic drag by 12 per cent during acceleration, whilst increasing downforce on the front wheels by 45 per cent at high speeds.

Various test rides are currently underway to demonstrate the reliability and performance of the V4SR-RR. A high-speed test attracted a great deal of attention, during which the CF Moto was clocked at 315.82 km/h – figures on a par with a Ducati Panigale V4R! The Chinese manufacturers assured us that no motorcycle modified for top speed was used, but rather a pre-production prototype. The measurement was carried out via GPS and under notarial supervision.

Die CF Moto V4SR-RR

Foto: CF Moto