One of the Best-Looking Approachable Retro-Styled Cruisers Pumps up the Volume

The supersized new bike gets a boost in power, torque and tech that should more than justify the price hike.

Close-up of a motorcycle fuel tank with a chrome fuel cap and a black strap with a red stripe.

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Published June 1, 2026

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Over the past few years, the CFMoto 450CL-C’s combo of good looks, performance, approachability and price have made it a big hit.

No wonder one of China’s most impressive moto brands has been seeking to extend the silhouette’s reach, spinning it off into a bobber, an automatic and an entry-level 249cc edition.

Black and silver motorcycle with a tan bag on the seat parked on a road with mountains in the background. — The 550CL-C offers more power and torque without losing the style and approachability of its predecessor.

That precedent serves to make the big news out of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province a bit less surprising but nonetheless quite exciting.

Because the brand’s new 550CL-C essentially amps everything up without breaking the bank.

Everything’s bigger…

Recently unveiled in China, the brand’s biggest cruiser yet could be huge in the US market, where motorcyclists tend to value size a bit more than in other parts of the world.

What makes the bike especially compelling is the fact that, as Australian Motorcycle News points out, the 30 percent power increase and 25 percent torque boost (over the 450CL-C) outstrip an anticipated 20 percent hike in price.

Black and silver CFMOTO motorcycle engine against a dark background. — Though it obviously resembles the 450CL-C’s engine, CFMoto says the 550CL-C’s beating heart is 80 percent new.

The almost entirely new 526cc parallel twin engine makes a claimed 52 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 38 ft-lbs of torque at 6,000 rpm (versus the 450 CL-C’s 40 horsepower at 8000 rpm and 31 ft-lbs of torque at 6250 rpm).

That’s not all, as the bike itself gets bigger, with its wheelbase extending from roughly 58 inches to 60 inches and its fuel tank growing from 3.17 gallons to 3.7 gallons.

Glossy black motorcycle fuel tank with a matte gray side panel and a black strap across the top. — The tank grows to accommodate roughly half a gallon more gas while holding onto its classic looks.

As you might expect, the body gets re-shaped a bit, most notably in a redesigned seat and tail.

The upgrades translate to a gain in weight from 399 pounds to 430, but with a seat height under 28 inches, even less experienced riders should not feel too intimidated.

Many other key elements, including the suspension, brakes, wheels and tires, are not meaningfully changed.

Close-up of a black CFMOTO motorcycle headlight and handlebars against a dusk sky. — The round headlight, speedo and mirrors will always be winners in my book.

However, the bike does get a notable tech improvement, with the circular 3.6-inch TFT dash offering MotoPlay phone connectivity for navigation and screen mirroring.

Even so, it retains its attractive analog speedo aesthetic when in its traditional mode.

Many other good-looking retro elements also remain, including the round headlight and mirrors, chopped fenders, teardrop tank and classic low-slung silhouette.

Person wearing a helmet and brown jacket riding a black motorcycle on a road with snowy pine trees in the background. — If this rider properly pushes the bike to its limits, they should roll up to their destination without a flower in sight.

Seemingly only one image of a new color treatment featuring a dark green tank and brown stitched seat exists (see below), but it’s arguably the best-looking CFMoto cruiser yet.

Availability and pricing

The CFMoto 550CL-C recently made its Chinese debut, and no details about stateside availability and pricing have been released.

However, insiders anticipate a 2027 launch in the $7,000 ballpark, a healthy chunk higher than the 450CL-C’s $5,799 starting price but still very much in the affordable range.

Green and black motorcycle with a silver stripe on the fuel tank and a brown leather seat.

CFMoto 550CL-C

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About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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