The CFMOTO 675SR-R combines impressive performance, features and styling into one impressive package. But does it have what it takes to challenge its Japanese and European rivals?
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The motorcycle market has changed significantly over the past few years, with Chinese manufacturers introducing more models that are capable of competing with established Japanese and European brands. Instead of focusing solely on affordability, brands like CFMOTO are now producing motorcycles that offer premium styling, impressive performance, and modern technology at a much more competitive price. It’s clear that Chinese manufacturers are no longer trying to catch up, they’re aiming to become major players in the global motorcycle industry.
One of the latest motorcycles to showcase this ambition is the CFMOTO 675SR-R. First unveiled in 2024, it marks an important milestone for the brand as its first production sportbike powered by an all-new 675cc inline-three engine. Developed to offer a balance between everyday usability and sporty performance, the 675SR-R was introduced to compete in the highly competitive middleweight sportbike segment, taking on rivals such as the Honda CBR650R, Triumph Daytona 660, Yamaha YZF-R7 and even the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R.
I recently had the opportunity to spend some time with the CFMOTO 675SR-R to see whether it truly lives up to the growing reputation of Chinese motorcycles. On paper, it certainly has all the right ingredients, but does it have what it takes to compete with some of the biggest names in the segment? Let’s find out.
Engine & Transmission
Powering the CFMOTO 675SR-R is an all-new 675cc liquid-cooled inline three-cylinder engine that produces 94 hp at 11,000 rpm and 70 Nm of torque at 8,250 rpm. On paper, those figures may not seem outrageous compared to some of its rivals, but the way the engine delivers its power is what makes it so enjoyable. It combines the low-end torque of a parallel twin with the smooth, high-revving character of an inline-four, creating an engine that feels eager throughout the rev range.
What surprised me the most was just how lively the bike feels once you twist the throttle. The power delivery is absolutely spectacular. It’s smooth and predictable at lower RPMs, making it easy to ride around town, but once the revs start to climb, the engine comes alive with an addictive surge of acceleration. I think some people might underestimate what this motorcycle is capable of simply because of the CFMOTO badge, but after spending time with it, I can confidently say that it has more than enough performance to put a smile on your face.
Power is sent to the rear wheel through a six-speed gearbox paired with a wet multi-plate CF-SC slipper assist clutch. Gear shifts feel light and precise, while the slipper clutch adds confidence during aggressive downshifts by helping to keep the rear wheel settled. The 675SR-R also comes equipped with a quickshifter for clutchless upshifts, allowing you to accelerate harder without any hesitation. It makes the riding experience feel even more engaging and adds a level of refinement that you’d expect from motorcycles in a much higher price bracket.
Design & Features
The CFMOTO 675SR-R certainly doesn’t follow the conventional sportbike design language that we’re all used to seeing. Instead, it adopts a much more futuristic approach, giving it a distinctive identity the moment you lay eyes on it. Personally, I think the front end is one of the bike’s strongest design elements. The sharp bodywork, slim LED headlights and aerodynamic winglets create an aggressive look, while still maintaining a futuristic feel that separates it from its Japanese rivals. It’s the kind of motorcycle that immediately grabs your attention, whether you love it or not.
The rear, however, took me a little longer to appreciate. At first, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the floating LED taillight bar, as it looked quite unconventional compared to traditional sportbikes. But after spending more time with the bike, it really started to grow on me. It’s a bold design choice that gives the 675SR-R its own personality, and I have to give CFMOTO credit for trying something different instead of simply copying what everyone else is doing.
The futuristic theme continues with the bike’s list of features. The 675SR-R comes equipped with built-in USB charging ports, dual-channel ABS, a two-level adjustable traction control system, and an Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) that activates the hazard lights during hard braking.
In front of the rider sits a crisp 5-inch curved TFT display that supports smartphone connectivity through the CFMOTO RIDE App, allowing you to access useful riding information directly from your phone. Considering its price point, the amount of technology packed into the 675SR-R is genuinely impressive and makes it feel like a motorcycle from a class above.
Riding Experience
Throwing a leg over the CFMOTO 675SR-R, one thing becomes immediately apparent, this is very much a sportbike. The riding position is sporty, with clip-on handlebars and rear-set footpegs that put you in a slightly leaned-forward stance. However, it never feels overly aggressive or uncomfortable.
In fact, I think it has struck a nice balance between sporty ergonomics and everyday usability, making it a suitable motorcycle for riders who are buying their first proper sportbike. Personally, I found myself able to rest comfortably on the handlebars without putting too much strain on my wrists, even after spending a fair amount of time on the bike.
One thing I did notice was the leg position. The footpegs are positioned slightly higher than what I was used to, so as someone with longer legs, it took a little time to adapt. That said, I really liked the shape of the fuel tank. Some sportbikes can feel quite awkward when you try to tuck in because of how narrow or oddly shaped the tank is. The 675SR-R, on the other hand, features a generously sized fuel tank that makes gripping it with your knees feel much more natural, giving you extra confidence when riding aggressively.
The biggest highlight of the riding experience is undoubtedly the engine. The moment you twist the throttle, the bike surges forward with an addictive rush of acceleration that genuinely caught me by surprise. It has far more performance than many people might expect, yet the power delivery remains incredibly smooth and predictable. It never feels intimidating, which is something I really appreciated.
Whether rolling on the throttle out of a corner or accelerating onto the highway, the engine builds speed effortlessly. The quickshifter also deserves plenty of praise, making clutchless upshifts seamless and allowing the bike to pull through the gears without interrupting its momentum.
When it comes to handling, the 675SR-R feels exactly how a middleweight sportbike should. At slower speeds, it can feel a little heavier to maneuver than a naked bike, but that’s simply the nature of the riding position and steering geometry.
Once the pace picks up, though, the motorcycle completely transforms. It feels planted, responsive and incredibly composed through corners, allowing you to flick it from one side to the other with confidence. Fast sweepers and tighter bends are handled with ease, making every twisty road an opportunity to appreciate just how capable this chassis really is.
Handling & Braking
Braking performance was never something I had to question. The CFMOTO 675SR-R is equipped with a braking setup that’s more than capable of matching the performance of its inline-three engine. Up front, it features twin 300 mm discs paired with J.Juan four-piston radial calipers, providing strong and confidence-inspiring stopping power. With 94 hp on tap, it’s reassuring to know that the braking package is more than capable of keeping everything under control.
Suspension duties are handled by fully adjustable 41 mm KYB upside-down front forks and a KYB monoshock at the rear with preload and rebound adjustment. This gives riders the flexibility to fine-tune the setup to suit their riding style, whether it’s for daily commuting or a more spirited weekend ride. Straight out of the factory, I found the suspension to be well balanced. It feels sporty enough when pushing through corners without becoming overly harsh during normal road riding.
As for the handling, I really don’t have many complaints. The 675SR-R feels stable, predictable and eager to lean into corners, giving you plenty of confidence to carry speed through bends. At the same time, the KYB suspension does a commendable job of soaking up the imperfections found on Malaysian roads, from uneven tarmac to the occasional bump and pothole. It strikes a nice balance between comfort and performance, making the bike just as enjoyable on the daily commute as it is on a twisty back road.
Verdict
The CFMOTO 675SR-R is, without a doubt, a statement from CFMOTO that it is ready to compete with some of the biggest names in the middleweight sportbike segment. A few years ago, many riders would have dismissed the idea of owning a Chinese motorcycle. However, after spending time with the 675SR-R, I genuinely think it’s time to leave that mindset behind. Chinese manufacturers have come a long way, and CFMOTO has proven that it is capable of producing motorcycles that can stand shoulder to shoulder with many of their Japanese and European rivals.
Priced at around RM37,888 brand new, or around RM30,000 on the used market, the 675SR-R offers exceptional value for money. For that price, you’re getting a characterful inline-three engine, premium KYB suspension, J.Juan brakes, a quickshifter, traction control, a TFT display with smartphone connectivity, and styling that certainly stands out from the crowd. It’s difficult to find another motorcycle in this price range that offers such a well-rounded package.
After riding the 675SR-R, I can confidently say that it deserves to be on the shortlist of anyone looking to step into the 600cc sportbike category. It’s fast enough to keep experienced riders entertained, yet approachable enough for those upgrading from smaller-capacity motorcycles. More importantly, it doesn’t just compete on price, it competes on performance, features and overall riding experience.
Would I own one? Honestly, yes. The 675SR-R exceeded my expectations in more ways than one. It delivers the excitement you’d expect from a middleweight sportbike while offering a level of value that’s difficult to ignore. If this is the direction CFMOTO is heading, then the future certainly looks very promising for the brand.
CFMOTO 675SR-R Specifications
Engine & Performance
- Engine: 675cc Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, Inline-three, DOHC
- Max Power: 94 horsepower at 11,000 rpm
- Max Torque: 70 Nm Torque at 8,250 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed with up-shift quickshifter
- Clutch: Wet multi-plate, CF-SC slipper assist clutch
Chassis & Suspension
- Frame: High-strength chromium-molybdenum (CrMo) steel tube
- Front Suspension: 41 mm upside-down (USD) fully adjustable KYB forks
- Rear Suspension: KYB monoshock, adjustable preload and rebound
- Front Brakes: Twin 300 mm discs with J.Juan 4-piston radial calipers
- Rear Brakes: Single 240 mm disc
- Tires: 120/70-ZR17 (front), 180/55-ZR17 (rear)
Dimensions & Electronics
- Wet Weight: 189 kg
- Seat Height: 810 mm
- Fuel Capacity: 15 Liters
- Electronics: 5-inch curved TFT screen, built-in USB charging ports, dual-channel ABS, Riding MOdes (Sport, Eco), two-level adjustable traction control system, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
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