A recent CFMoto patent shows that the brand could be developing a new parallel twin engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The patent itself is interesting, but I think it's more interesting to imagine where the future lies for this powertrain.
Semi-automatic and automatic transmission are the talk of the motorcycling world right now, and everyone's got an opinion, whether it's about Honda's E-Clutch, Yamaha's Y-AMT, or KTM's AMT. The thing about the aforementioned transmissions, is that they all allow the rider to change gear at will, albeit via an electronic switchgear.
The array of new transmissions have been met with various reactions, but it's undeniable that they have a place in motorcycling. Honda's Goldwing, for example, only sells 30% of its models with a manual clutch, as the majority of buyers opt for the dual-clutch transmission (DCT) option. But a DCT and a CVT are far cries from each other in my opinion, which leaves me wondering what CFMoto plans to use this powertrain for.
Sure, the Chinese brand could drop this motor and transmission in a new motorcycle and launch it to compete with the current crop of semi-automatic models, but what if it's for something else?
Relatively big parallel twin engines paired with belt-operated CVT transmissions don't make for the most engaging motorcycles, but they make for amazing maxi scooters. And in CFMoto's ever-expanding line up, a maxi scooter is one of the few model types that's missing.
So, the question is, is CFMoto planning to launch a model to compete with Yamaha's TMAX Tech Max and Honda's X-ADV, and possibly provide a good value maxi scooter in an ocean of models that are at the upper-end of the price spectrum?
Or, are we about to see a new entrant in the motorcycle market with a CVT? It wouldn't be the first motorcycle with a CVT, but motorcycles using this transmission have a history of not withstanding the test of time.
What would you like to see this powertrain in? Let us know.
