CFMoto recently presented the 500SR Voom, a sports bike that is visually reminiscent of the legendary sports bikes of the 80s and 90s. With its retro-inspired design and a 500cc four-cylinder engine, the 500SR Voom brings back the era of small, high-torque sports bikes. The design is reminiscent of classics such as the Suzuki GSX-R400, Honda CBR400R and Kawasaki ZXR400, which shaped an entire generation of motorcyclists.
Beneath the nostalgic fairing lies state-of-the-art technology. The liquid-cooled, fuel-injected in-line four-cylinder engine with 500cc offers an output of around 78 hp (77 hp, 57 kW) at high revs. The engine has a bore of 63 mm and a stroke of 40 mm. These performance data make the 500SR Voom the most powerful machine in its class, surpassing even the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR, which produces 74 hp (73 hp, 54 kW) in most markets.
Technical refinements and equipment
The 500SR Voom is not only visually, but also technically state-of-the-art. A particular highlight are the air intakes in the headlights, which are used to supply air to the engine – a technology originally popularized by Suzuki with its SRAD (Suzuki Ram Air Direct) system. Other modern details include the LED headlights under the front fairing and the handlebar end mirrors.
Dimensions and weight
The CFMoto 500SR Voom has a wheelbase of 54.9 inches (1395 mm) and weighs 428 lbs (194 kg) including fuel. These dimensions make it comparable to typical 600cc supersport bikes. The bike reaches a top speed of 130.5 mph (210 km/h) and runs on 120/70-17 front and 160/60-17 rear tires.
Market and availability
Currently, the 500SR Voom is mainly intended for the Chinese market. However, there is already interest from CFMoto importers worldwide, particularly in the USA and Europe. In addition to the silver and black version already released, there is also a new blue and black version. Both color variants feature KYB suspension and CFMoto’s own radial brakes. While the silver-black version has black forks and bronze-colored engine covers and rims, the blue-black version comes with silver forks, white rims and a black engine.
Outlook
Even if the 500SR Voom is not exported internationally, CFMoto has already announced another version of the machine, the 500SR. This will adopt the current “SR” sportbike design and it is almost certain that an undisguised version, the 500NK, will also follow.
Conclusion
The CFMoto 500SR Voom skillfully combines retro-inspired design with modern technology and performance. It is aimed at motorcyclists who appreciate the charm and style of days gone by, but do not want to do without contemporary performance and equipment. With its reference to classic sports bikes and innovative technical features, the 500SR Voom has the potential to find many fans.
