CFMoto Buys 51% of Kalex, Boosting Grand Prix Racing Aims

Chinese manufacturer takes controlling share of Moto2’s dominant chassis builder in strategic move toward future MotoGP involvement.

Subscribe to our Instagram Channel for instant news & updates!

CFMoto has made a major move in the world of Grand Prix racing after acquiring 51 percent of the shares in Kalex Engineering, signalling the brand’s growing ambition in international motorsport.    

The acquisition gives CFMoto a controlling stake in the German engineering firm based in Bobingen near Munich, a company widely regarded as the technical backbone of the Moto2 World Championship.   

Since Stefan Bradl won the Moto2 title with a Kalex chassis in 2011, the manufacturer has established an almost complete technical dominance in the intermediate category. Between 2012 and 2023, Kalex won every Moto2 constructors’ championship, and even today 20 of the 28 riders on the grid use Kalex chassis.    

This makes Kalex one of the most influential engineering companies in the Grand Prix paddock. By acquiring a majority stake, CFMoto effectively gains control over one of the most important technological pillars of Moto2.   

Kalex’s expertise extends beyond the intermediate class. The company has also collaborated with Honda Racing Corporation in MotoGP, contributing to the development of swingarms and chassis components in 2022 and 2023.    

Industry observers believe the acquisition gives CFMoto more than just ownership of a company. It provides access to high-level engineering knowledge that could support a potential entry into MotoGP in the future.    

For several years, CFMoto has been exploring ways to move into the premier class. The brand previously considered acquiring KTM Factory Racing’s racing division, but negotiations reportedly stalled due to financial demands close to €100 million.    

The Kalex acquisition offers a different path. Instead of purchasing an existing MotoGP team, CFMoto could develop its own chassis through Kalex while potentially sourcing engines from another manufacturer, a strategy previously used by several new entrants.  

The timing also aligns with the MotoGP regulation changes planned for 2027, which could reshape the competitive landscape and create opportunities for new manufacturers to establish themselves.

The transaction was carried out through Helmsmen Europe, while the remaining 49 percent of Kalex shares will continue to be held by founders Alex Baumgärtel and Klaus Hirsekorn. Both founders will remain actively involved in the company’s management and technical development.   

According to Kalex, the partnership will focus on technology sharing and engineering collaboration, including the potential application of racing innovations to future CFMoto production motorcycles. Importantly, Kalex confirmed that its technical teams and operational structure will remain unchanged.

The move is widely seen as strengthening CFMoto’s position in global motorsport. Over the past decade, the brand has rapidly grown its presence internationally and built strong partnerships with manufacturers such as KTM and Yamaha Motor Company, including producing Yamaha motorcycles in China.

With the acquisition of Kalex, CFMoto has taken a significant step forward, positioning itself not only as a major motorcycle manufacturer but also as an increasingly influential player in the world of international racing.