New parallel twin cruiser is on its way

While CFMoto’s involvement in the cruiser segment is quite recent, having launched its first two models – 450CL-C and 450CL-C Bobber – only in 2024, the company seems already to be very close to releasing its next cruiser in the series in the shape of this machine: the 550CL-C.

The upcoming machine was spotted prior to its official introduction as part of Chinese type-approval documentation. True to its name, the 550CL-C represents an enlargement of the existing model with not just higher displacement but a different design as well.

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As expected from a bigger machine, the 550CL-C has an engine with higher capacity – the 526cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin. It looks like a development of the powerplant used in the 450CL-C, as evident from the code name of the engine – 274MR-A. Here, 2 refers to the number of cylinders while 74 stands for 74 mm, the diameter of the engine bore – up from 72 mm of the previous generation. As such, the stroke must also have been enlarged from 55.2 mm to 61.2 mm in order to provide a displacement of 526 cc.

The only performance parameters given in the type approval documentation are peak power and top speed. The peak power of the 550CL-C will be 39 kW, a very considerable improvement of 30% compared to the 30 kW peak power of the 450CL-C, despite the fact that its displacement has grown by only 17%. Thus, we can say that this motorcycle is powered by an engine that has received further development from the 450 engine. However, the torque growth is expected to follow the displacement growth, hence we would expect around 50 Nm of torque, whereas currently available model produces 42 Nm. The maximum speed according to the document will be 165 km/h compared to 153 km/h of the existing model.

It should be noted that the photo shows an ordinary six-speed transmission, while the current CFMoto models already have an automatic transmission that is switchable to manual control mode.

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Though sharing many similarities with the 450CL-C model currently on offer, the 550CL-C boasts a longer and aluminium swingarm instead of the steel one present on the existing model. The length of the bike increases from 1485mm to 1520mm, with the weight also increasing from 181kg to 195kg. However, most of the increased wheelbase length will be offset by a stubbier rear bodywork, leading to an increase of only 7mm of overall length of the motorcycle, compared to 2205mm of the 450 version.

Other changes in terms of looks include the new design of the headlights and the fuel tank which comes equipped with knee pads on each side, new seat and a shortened and redesigned tail. The front mudguard and the circular TFT instrument panel remain untouched from the previous model.

Considering that the pictures of the new motorcycle have been found in official type approval documents, it can be concluded that the launch of the vehicle isn’t too far into the future, and it will become a fully-fledged member of CFMoto’s line-up next year, in 2027.