I'm going to wear a tinfoil hat, or rather a neon orange hunting cap, because the theory I came up with is quite daring. But not that much, actually.
This idea is based on a few key facts that I believe strengthen this theory, making it grounded in reality and concrete decisions. Are you ready?
I think CFMoto is considering entering MotoGP. This belief is mainly based on the new V4 engine that the brand unveiled earlier this year. There are also several specific elements that reinforce this hypothesis. So let's examine this hunch and see if I can back it up enough that you can connect the dots, just like I can.
First of all, CFMoto recently introduced its first V4 engine. Unveiled at EICMA, this V4 is a real beast of power, developing more than 200 horsepower, and offering all the characteristics one would want to see in an engine designed for racing and approved for the road. However, a slight problem complicates this picture: CFMoto does not participate in any races with a V4 engine, at least not yet.
Photo by: CFMoto
CFMoto could simply be developing a new “liter” motorcycle, planned for next year, which is what the brand announced with its motorcycle concept. However, sales of sportbikes have fallen in recent years. Incorporating a V4-powered superbike into its lineup, along with all the associated development, wouldn't make much financial sense given the decline in popularity of these vehicles, unless the company really wanted to showcase advanced technology. racing, as Suzuki's CEO noted about his plans to return to MotoGP earlier this month.
Where did V4 engines take over? In MotoGP, where Ducati, KTM (for now), Aprilia and now Yamaha have already adopted this configuration. Investing several million dollars in the research and development of a V4 engine would make a lot more sense if the company also wanted to use this engine as the basis for its racing program at the highest level of motorcycle racing.
Additionally, although CFMoto does not compete in this series, it is part of the MotoGP ecosystem through the lower Moto2 and Moto3 categories. His team CFMoto Aspar Racing won both the drivers' and manufacturers' championships in Moto3 this year. CFMoto therefore has some history with the sport's regulatory entity, Dorna. The company also appears to have the means to support a team, providing Dorna, as well as its potential new shareholders, with benefits that could benefit the series as CFMoto has quickly become one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in the world .
The company's Chinese roots could also attract fresh eyes for the series, while aligning with Dorna's requirements that adding a new team depends on performance, investment and promotion that the brand carries out.
Finally, we are at the dawn of a change in regulations in MotoGP, which will affect the entire field. The new rules planned for 2026 could provide a great basis for a team to enter the series. Although CFMoto will have to adjust the V4's displacement slightly to comply with the 850cc requirements imposed by these rules. However, this seems to be something that CFMoto would probably have already considered.
So, will my theory come to fruition? Maybe. I don't know, but after watching the company's meteoric rise over the past year, I wouldn't dare bet against it. It could also be that my socks are too tight. We'll see…
Good to know
- CFMoto was founded in 1989 in China and specializes in manufacturing motorcycles, scooters and ATVs.
- MotoGP is considered the pinnacle of motorcycling competition, attracting the best riders and teams from around the world.
- V4 engine technology has become very popular in competition, particularly for its superior performance on the circuit.
