CFMOTO V4SR-RR officially revealed with some of its headline specs
CFMOTO's new V4-powered flagship brings active aerodynamics, a 15,000rpm engine and premium European components to the litre-class superbike market.
CFMOTO is making no secret of its ambitions in the superbike market, with its new V4SR-RR arriving as the Chinese manufacturer's most technically advanced sportsbike to date.
And while the styling might look familiar to anyone with an eye for Italian superbikes, the new machine has some interesting engineering of its own.
Unveiled as part of CFMOTO's latest EICMA developments, the V4SR-RR is built around an in-house-developed 997cc, 90-degree V4 engine producing more than 210hp, according to the Chinese brand.
That puts it within touching distance of the 218hp produced by Ducati's latest Panigale V4 S, despite the CFMOTO having a near 106cc capacity disadvantage.
The comparison with Ducati is difficult to ignore. The V4SR-RR uses a front-frame chassis arrangement and a 90-degree V4 engine, with the overall engineering philosophy bearing more than a passing resemblance to the Panigale.
Both manufacturers also use counter-rotating crankshafts, a configuration designed to help manage gyroscopic forces and improve the motorcycle's handling characteristics.
However, CFMOTO has its own headline technology, particularly when it comes to aerodynamics.
CFMOTO V4SR-RR gets active aerodynamic winglets
One of the most unusual features of the V4SR-RR is its active aerodynamic system, which uses independently operated winglets to alter the airflow around the front of the motorcycle.
According to CFMOTO, the system can increase front-wheel downforce by 20 per cent immediately before braking at 160km/h, compared with conventional fixed winglets. The system can also operate asymmetrically at higher speeds to assist directional changes.
The aerodynamic package is part of a wider performance-focused approach that includes fully adjustable chassis geometry and premium components from several established suppliers.
Öhlins provides the suspension, while braking is handled by Brembo and it’s top-spec Hypure calipers. The bike also gets Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V4 tyres and a full-titanium Akrapovič exhaust system. If anything, this signals CFMOTO’s official entry into the drool-worthy end of the motorcycle market.
CFMOTO V4SR-RR engine and performance
The 997cc V4 engine is claimed to produce more than 210hp and rev to 15,000rpm. It features titanium connecting rods manufactured by Pankl, alongside its counter-rotating crankshaft.
CFMOTO quotes an approximate dry weight of 180kg, giving the V4SR-RR a claimed power-to-weight ratio that puts it firmly in the territory occupied by established 1,000cc plus superbikes.
For comparison, Ducati's 2027 Panigale V4 S produces 218hp at 13,500rpm from its larger 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale V4. Ducati quotes a weight of 187kg, although that figure is wet weight without fuel, so it cannot be directly compared with CFMOTO's dry-weight claim.
The V4SR-RR will also be joined at EICMA by the V4SR-RR Carbon Black, a more track-focused interpretation of the new flagship. It features a selection of dedicated performance components and accessories, with CFMOTO describing it as a showcase for the platform's personalisation potential.
Further details of the Carbon Black will be revealed at EICMA, with CFMOTO yet to provide a full production specification, pricing or availability information for the V4SR-RR.
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Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
