Nowadays, many new motorcycle manufacturers are cropping up, and most of them are EV-only brands. Some of them have made a name for themselves, and some are still trying. But even in the ICE motorcycle space, there are a few names that are still not that common. CFMoto is not one of them. In my opinion, there are now two kinds of motorcyclists in the world: those who already know about CFMoto, and those who soon will.

That might sound like an audacious statement, but after spending a day with the new CFMoto 500SR VOOM around Sydney, it no longer feels like one. It may seem like just another run-of-the-mill middleweight, but trust me, it is far from it. It is a statement. It is a symphonic proof that people are going to change their tune when it comes to their views on Chinese motorcycles. Why? Because the 500 SR VOOM is a genuinely special motorcycle. Why? Let us talk about it. 

First off, no matter how much of a geek you are or how much you love numbers, the love affair with a certain motorcycle starts with the looks. And CFMoto absolutely nailed that. Their 500 SR is a good-looking motorcycle, but the VOOM is simply gorgeous. 

The neo-retro theme really works for this motorcycle. The twin circular DRLs integrated into the front fascia, the hidden projector headlamp, functional ram-air intake, underseat twin exhausts and compact tail section combine to create one of the most distinctive sports bikes currently on sale.

That said, the 500 SR VOOM is not just a showpony either. The magic that elevates its looks can be found under the fairing as well. It is powered by CFMoto’s first-ever inline-4 engine. These engines are not easy to execute, but CFMoto has got it right. It would have been easier and cheaper if they just sourced one or adapted someone else’s architecture, but they did not. They built it from scratch. 

Now, whether CFMoto drew inspiration from existing engines or reverse-engineered certain ideas is beside the point. Every manufacturer studies the competition. Turning that knowledge into a production-ready, high-revving, reliable inline-four is still something that deserves recognition.

Let me put forth some impressive facts first. It revs up to 12,500 rpm. And it does that with a lot of zing. It revs quickly and rewards the rider if you wring it. It is no R6 or ZX-4RR, but it is still an enjoyable experience on the road. 

I got my hands on the CFMoto 500SR Voom thanks to Crossland Powersports. From new parts or new tyres to top-notch service for just about any motorcycle, ATV, UTV and SSV, they have got it all. Under the same roof, they house Western Sydney CFMoto along with the brand’s genuine parts and accessories. Between the workshop and the showroom, it’s a proper one-stop shop: buy it, ride it, service it, all in one place. Check them out at crosslandpowersports.com.au or on Instagram @crossland_powersports

The two motorcycles I compared it with would be a little less enjoyable on public roads. Plus, it sounds pretty darn awesome. In terms of numbers, it makes around 78 horses (around 82 with the ram air system) and 49 Nm of torque. Those are decent numbers for a motorcycle that weighs around 194 kilos wet. 

In terms of riding, it feels light, punchy, rev-happy, and very approachable because the power delivery is very progressive… As I mentioned earlier, it rewards the effort to wring it. That simple joy of a motorcycle being as approachable as it is enjoyable has become increasingly rare. 

Moving on, the chassis is just as good. The handling is confidence-inspiring. It is very neutral and does not feel too twitchy or too lethargic. It strikes a good balance in that regard. It changes direction with ease, remains composed even in long and flowing corners. Chassis and dynamics are very hard to nail, and it takes manufacturers years to hone this bit. CFMoto has achieved that in an impressive amount of time. 

In terms of electronics, you get ABS and 2 levels of traction control, but they aren’t of the ‘cornering’ variety. Other than that, you get a slipper clutch, clutchless upshifter, and a steering damper. It is rather bare in terms of electronics, but to me, it felt just fine. 

It makes considerably less power than the litre-class missiles that I used to ride in an era where even ABS was a rarity. I would have liked an autoblipper or a proper quickshifter (for both upshifts and downshifts) because, otherwise, this is a really slick gearbox. 

Now, that was the motorcycle. But there is a bigger conversation that needs to happen. For a long time, China has been viewed as a hub for inexpensive consumer goods. What you ask, China makes- probably a little inferior, but they do. Now, that view is outdated, and examples are everywhere. They are leading everything now, and brands like BYD are a testament to that. What was unimaginable a few years ago is a reality now. 

The motorcycle in question today is a prime example. And yet, the biggest hurdle that they have to overcome is not engineering, but heritage, a legacy. No matter how good it looks or how well it does on the road, in front of its Japanese or European counterparts, it is going to be overlooked by a fair few. And that is because of the badge. That mentality is going to take some to budge, but considering how young the brand is, it is quite natural. 

Now, what they do not have in terms of legacy, they have in terms of momentum. They have made their presence felt in Moto3 and Moto2. They manufacture KTM motorcycles for the Chinese market and share technology across several models, including the 800NK, which uses KTM’s proven parallel-twin platform. 

The 500SR VOOM, though, is something entirely different. It showcases that even as a standalone manufacturer, they can make stuff that impresses even a purist like me. Naturally, one important question remains unanswered: long-term reliability. No amount of performance or styling can replace years of proven durability. Only time and customer experience will answer that question. Beyond that uncertainty, however, there is remarkably little to criticise.

I am not going to lie, there is stuff that makes this motorcycle feel a bit juvenile. The digital dashboard is one of those things. Probably a little too much enthusiasm, especially with that torque graph display. But hey, if you want to make a splash, you need to throw some rocks. On the actual fronts that mean anything to us motorcycle enthusiasts, the 500SR VOOM delivers. 

The one competition that I can think of based on various factors is the ZX-4RR. But then again, the 500SR VOOM delivers something so different that the comparison seems unnatural. It offers a compelling alternative with distinctive styling, an engaging inline-four and what is likely to be a significantly more accessible price point in many markets.

Perhaps the most exciting part is what the 500SR represents rather than what it is. If CFMoto can build an inline-four sports bike this accomplished today, what happens when the company inevitably turns its attention towards larger-capacity machines? That prospect alone should have the established manufacturers paying attention.

The 500SR isn’t perfect. No motorcycle is. But it achieves something arguably more important. It changes perceptions. Not just of CFMoto, but of what Chinese motorcycle manufacturers are now capable of producing. And if this motorcycle is any indication of where the industry is headed, the rest of the world would be wise to pay attention.