P34
IN
THE
WIND
a counter to Honda's Thai-built
CBR250 - but this is not thought
to be likely to appear until the
2015 model year.
In addition to presenting slightly restyled versions at EICMA of
its current 650NK and 650TK
models, now fitted with Continental tires, CFMoto also has
400cc versions of these parallel-twin models under development, deliveries are set to begin
in 2015. A 400cc version of the
Kiska-designed Adventure tourer
will also be produced, all primarily for the local Chinese market
but with the possibility of export
sale where appropriate. This will
result in CFMoto offering a range
of models starting at 150cc and
running through 250cc and
400cc capacities to 650cc –
just as KTM/Bajaj currently offer
125/200/390/690cc capacity
progressions…
The Chinese manufacturer
has also considered adapting its
800cc V-twin ATV motor to use in
a cruiser motorcycle, but is unlikely to proceed with this.
"KTM is a cool brand, aimed
at young people who value sharp
styling and good engineering,"
says CFMoto's President, Lai
Guogui. "It is CFMoto's ambition
to position our own products in a
similar segment of the market."
It's understood that Guogui
does not believe the cruiser market fits in with this positioning of
his brand, as being primarily targeted at older customers – hence
he's unlikely to proceed with the
V-twin project. But, on the other
hand, it now appears that CFMoto has commissioned Kiska to
produce a fully-faired sportbike
version of the 650NK, which as
well as being an affordable real
world sportbike, will provide a
ready made Chinese entry to the
flourishing Supertwins road racing class.
Alan Cathcart
ROBERTS SET FOR
TRAILBLAZERS HONOR
ormer AMA Grand National
Champion and three-time 500cc
World Champion Kenny Roberts
has been selected to receive the
Dick Hammer Award – the highest
honor awarded by the TrailBlazers.
The award will be presented at
the TrailBlazers banquet on Saturday, April 5, 2014. The following will
also be inducted into the TrailBlazers Hall of Fame: Sid Carlson, Bill
Cody, Dusty Coppage, Tom Horton,
Jim O'Neal, Mary McGee and Ron
Wood. The following will be inducted Posthumously: Howard Barnes,
Charlie Barnett, Don Basile, Dick
Dorresteyn, Terry Dorsch, Ernie
Pico and Carol Sims.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GOLD & GOOSE
F
"King" Kenny Roberts will receive the Dick Hammer
Award from the TrailBlazers in 2014.
