CFMoto has unveiled two new middleweight adventure motorcycles at EICMA 2026, expanding its MT lineup with the road-focused 550MT and the off-road-oriented 550MT-X. Both models feature a new 527cc parallel-twin engine, delivering more power than the existing 450MT while introducing additional technology and equipment. The two bikes share their engine but take different approaches to adventure riding, with distinct chassis setups, electronics, and riding priorities.
The new models slot above the 450MT, known as the Ibex 450 in the United States, and below CFMoto’s larger adventure offerings. They’re expected to arrive as 2027 models, although American availability, pricing, and final specifications haven’t been announced. Should they reach the US, they’ll likely join the Ibex family, giving buyers another option between lightweight adventure machines and larger middleweights.
Both motorcycles are powered by a liquid-cooled, 527cc parallel-twin engine producing a claimed 54 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 38.4 pound-feet of torque at 6,000 rpm. That represents an increase over the 450MT’s 449cc engine, with CFMoto claiming roughly 30 percent more horsepower. The new engine also shares its 527cc displacement with the recently introduced 550CL-C cruiser, although CFMoto hasn’t confirmed whether the two models use identical engine internals or tuning.
CFMoto has also showcased its new AEROCAST platform, which incorporates a low-pressure vacuum-cast aluminum frame, a next-generation parallel-twin engine, and configurable electronic clutch technology. The development signals the company’s broader plans for its 550-class motorcycles, although complete production chassis specifications for the two adventure models haven’t been finalized. Both versions feature a six-speed transmission and a bidirectional quickshifter, while the touring-focused 550MT offers an optional electronically controlled clutch.
The standard 550MT is designed primarily for road touring, featuring a 19-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel instead of the off-road-focused setup found on its sibling. It gets fully adjustable KYB suspension and a two-piece seat with an adjustable height ranging from 31.5 to 32.3 inches. A 6.1-gallon fuel tank further emphasizes its touring intentions, giving the motorcycle greater fuel capacity than many smaller adventure bikes.
Would-be owners will find a comprehensive electronics package centered around an 8-inch MMI 2.0 touchscreen with Apple CarPlay connectivity. The bike also features cruise control, three riding modes, cornering ABS, traction control, and a rear detection system. The cornering-sensitive rider aids use an IMU to account for the motorcycle’s lean angle. Bluetooth and NFC functionality support the smart-key system, adding another layer of convenience for everyday use.
The 550MT-X takes a different route, adopting a 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel equipped with CST tires. Fully adjustable KYB suspension provides 9.1 inches of front travel and 8.7 inches at the rear, while ground clearance measures 9.8 inches. The bike also features a narrower midsection and one-piece seat, with a standard seat height of 33.5 inches that can be reduced to 32.7 inches.
CFMoto quotes a dry weight of 379 pounds for the 550MT-X, although an official US-spec curb weight remains unavailable. Fuel capacity stands at 4.2 gallons, making it more compact in this department than the touring-focused 550MT. The bike is equipped with J.Juan brakes, featuring a single 320mm front disc and a 240mm rear disc. The single-disc arrangement also reduces front-end hardware compared with the twin-disc configuration used on the road-oriented model.
Its electronics package is more focused on off-road functionality. The 550MT-X receives selectable riding modes, including an off-road setting that allows riders to disable rear-wheel ABS and traction control. A bidirectional quickshifter comes standard, while a vertically mounted 6.2-inch display provides instrumentation and MotoPlay smartphone connectivity. It trades some of the 550MT’s touring-oriented features for equipment intended to support riding beyond paved roads.
CFMoto’s latest adventure bikes target riders who want more engine performance and equipment than the Ibex 450 offers without stepping into a larger-displacement adventure motorcycle. The 550MT emphasizes touring range, electronic rider aids, and convenience, while the 550MT-X prioritizes suspension travel, ground clearance, and off-road capability. Their shared engine gives buyers two distinct options within the same displacement class.
US pricing and availability remain unconfirmed, so it’s too early to establish where either motorcycle will sit against competitors such as the Honda NX500, Kawasaki KLE500, and Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. Nevertheless, the combination of a 54-horsepower parallel twin, adjustable suspension, and model-specific electronics gives CFMoto a clear foundation for expanding its Ibex lineup. Final pricing and American-market specifications will determine how competitive the two newcomers will be.
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Type |
Parallel-twin w/ 270-degree crank; DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
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Displacement |
527cc |
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Bore x stroke |
Not Provided By Manufacturer |
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Maximum horsepower |
54 horsepower @ 8,500 rpm, claimed |
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Maximum torque |
38.4 lb-ft @ 6,000 rpm, claimed |
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Compression ratio |
Not Provided By Manufacturer |
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Valvetrain |
DOHC; 4 valves per cylinder |
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Fueling |
Electronic fuel injection; throttle-by-wire (550MT) |
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Exhaust |
Not Provided By Manufacturer |
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Cooling |
Liquid |
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Transmission |
Six-speed manual w/ bidirectional quickshifter; optional electronic clutch (550MT) |
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Clutch |
Wet multiplate; optional electronically controlled clutch w/ automatic engagement and disengagement and manual override (550MT) |
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Final drive |
Chain |
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Frame |
Steel tubular frame derived from the 450MT platform |
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Front suspension; travel |
550MT: Fully adjustable KYB inverted telescopic fork; travel Not Provided By Manufacturer 550MT-X: Fully adjustable KYB inverted telescopic fork; 9.1 inches |
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Rear suspension; travel |
550MT: Fully adjustable KYB monoshock; travel Not Provided By Manufacturer 550MT-X: Fully adjustable KYB monoshock; 8.7 inches |
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Wheels |
Tubeless-compatible wire-spoke |
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Front wheel |
550MT: 19-inch diameter 550MT-X: 21-inch diameter |
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Rear wheel |
550MT: 17-inch diameter 550MT-X: 18-inch diameter |
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Tires |
CST tubeless |
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Front tire |
550MT: 110/80-19 550MT-X: 90/90-21 |
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Rear tire |
550MT: 150/70-17 550MT-X: 140/70-18 |
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Front brake |
550MT: Dual 320mm discs w/ radially mounted 4-piston J.Juan calipers 550MT-X: Single 320mm disc w/ radially mounted 4-piston J.Juan caliper |
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Rear brake |
240mm disc w/ single-piston J.Juan caliper |
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ABS |
550MT: Standard front and rear; IMU-supported cornering ABS 550MT-X: Standard front and rear; rear ABS switchable off for off-road riding |
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Electronic rider aids |
550MT: Throttle-by-wire; three riding modes; IMU-supported cornering traction control; cruise control; rear detection system; bidirectional quickshifter; optional electronic clutch; 8-inch touchscreen TFT display w/ Apple CarPlay and smartphone connectivity; Bluetooth and NFC smart key 550MT-X: Selectable engine power modes; off-road riding mode; switchable traction control; switchable rear ABS; bidirectional quickshifter; 6.2-inch vertically oriented TFT display w/ MotoPlay smartphone connectivity |
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Wheelbase |
Not Provided By Manufacturer |
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Rake |
Not Provided By Manufacturer |
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Trail |
Not Provided By Manufacturer |
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Seat height |
550MT: 31.5–32.3 inches, adjustable 550MT-X: 32.7–33.5 inches, adjustable |
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Ground clearance |
550MT: Not Provided By Manufacturer 550MT-X: 9.8 inches |
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Lean angle |
Not Provided By Manufacturer |
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Fuel capacity |
550MT: 6.1 gallons 550MT-X: 4.2 gallons |
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Estimated fuel consumption |
Not Provided By Manufacturer |
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Curb weight |
550MT: Not Provided By Manufacturer 550MT-X: 379 pounds, claimed dry weight |
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Website |
www.cfmoto.com |
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Price |
Not Announced |
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Warranty |
Not Announced |
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Service interval |
Not Provided By Manufacturer |
|
Color |
Not Announced |
Source: CFMoto
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