CFMoto unleashes V4 SR-RR on track as development of 196.2mph prototype continues
Footage has emerged of CFMoto’s highly-anticipated V4 SR-RR on track, with future Honda MotoGP rider David Alonso testing the new machine.
After setting a top speed that few would have imagined over the summer, CFMoto’s new V4 SR-RR superbike has moved into the next stage of its development.
Dressed in a camouflaged livery, the new 212bhp superbike has been spotted testing on-track with the Aspar race team, with 2027 Honda MotoGP rider David Alonso one of three riders that threw a leg over the new bike.
This comes after the V4 SR-RR was put through a test in June where it reached a top speed of 315.82 km/h (196.2 mph), according to CFMoto.
That is only 32.8mph slower than the all-time MotoGP top speed record set by Jorge Martin aboard his factory Aprilia RS-GP at Mugello, earlier this year.
CFMoto’s claimed top speed of 196.2mph also set a new all-time top speed record for a Chinese combustion engine motorcycle.
Although its price is yet to be confirmed, the V4 SR-RR will be arriving on the market at some stage, however, the bigger picture in all of this is that the 997cc machine could mark CFMoto’s first steps into the WorldSBK championship.
It’s no secret that CFMoto has interest in moving up to the premier class of world championship racing, with both WorldSBK and MotoGP thought to be of interest to the Chinese manufacturer.
The latter should come as no surprise given CFMoto’s current involvement in the Moto2 and Moto3 classes, while it’s also thought that the company was interested in taking KTM’s spot in MotoGP, had the Austrian brand’s recent financial issues caused it to leave the championship, which has not materialised.
While MotoGP could still be an option in the future, the V4 SR-RR is perhaps more likely to lead CFMoto into WorldSBK due to its engine size.
MotoGP is moving to smaller 850cc power units in 2027, which is part of a sweeping changes to the regulations that will also see Michelin rubber replaced by Pirellis.
Regardless of when the new V4 SR-RR arrives on the market, the bike will arrive as the company’s new flagship model, and as a rival to the likes of Ducati’s Panigale V4, Honda’s CBR1000RR-R, Yamaha’s R1, the BMW M1000 RR, and Kawasaki ZX-10RR.
Find the latest motorcycle news on Visordown
%20(1)_0.jpg?height=270&format=webp)
After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
