Naked ambition: CFMoto unveil NK-C22 concept

CFMoto weren’t short of new bikes to show us at the Eicma trade show in Milan – including this naked roadster concept called the NK-C22. The bike uses an 800cc parallel-twin engine, presumably the same KTM 790 lump used in CFMoto’s 800MT models, but wrapped in a lightweight, sporty chassis.

This concept version is covered in forged carbon bodywork with an engine faring that doubles up as an aerodynamic wing.

Front forks are heavy-duty upside-down units and look to be fully adjustable while at the back a stylish single-sided swingarm holds a rear wheel blanked off with carbon inserts.

CFMoto reside at the economical end of the motorcycle market and so even this concept version gets J.Juan brakes rather than the full Brembos used on last year’s track-focused SR-C21 concept.

Twin SC Project exhausts complete the aggressive, sporty look and would – from the looks of them – far exceed UK homologation noise limits, so expect something more sensible on the finished bike.

The ‘M’ button on the left switchgear and the word ‘Street’ on the bottom of the TFT dash display suggest that a selection of rider modes is available with up and down buttons for cruise control also included. And the tell-tale phone symbol elsewhere on the screen means there’s smartphone connectivity, too.

The 2021 SR-C21 concept was watered down to become the 450SR this year but with much of the NK-C22 looking more real-world, perhaps less will change en route to market. CFMoto say they will reveal a finished road version before the end of 2023.