I'm going to don a tinfoil hat right now—it's actually a blaze orange rifle hunting cap—because the following theory I've conjured up is pretty wild. Well, maybe not.
What I've actually cooked up is based on a few key facts that I think lend some credence to this theory, so it's grounded in reality and concrete decisions. Are you prepared?
I think CFMoto is planning to enter MotoGP. And it's largely based on the brand's new V4 engine it released earlier this year. But there are a few key details that also push this theory forward. So let's talk about my inkling and see if I can support it well enough that you begin to put the pieces together just as I have.
First and foremost, CFMoto recently unveiled the brand's first-ever V4 engine. Released at EICMA, the V4 is a tower of power, producing well over 200 horsepower, and features all the go-fast specs you'd want in a race-derived, street-legal powerplant. But there's just one problem with that description. CFMoto doesn't race a V4 anywhere.
At least not yet.
Now, CFMoto could just be building a new liter-bike set to debut next year, which is sorta what the company stated with its concept that went along with the motorcycle. However, sportbike sales have dwindled in recent years. And adding something like a V4-powered superbike to its lineup, along with all the R&D associated with it, wouldn't make that much financial sense given sportbikes' fall in popularity. That is, unless, you wanted to tout some racing tech, as Suzuki's own CEO stated about its potential MotoGP revival earlier this month.
And where have V4s taken hold? In MotoGP, where Ducati, KTM (for the time being), Aprilia, and now Yamaha have all switched to V4 power. Spending the millions of dollars on a V4's R&D would make far more sense if the company also wanted to use the engine as a basis for its racing program within the top tier of motorcycling racing.
Furthermore, though CFMoto doesn't race in the series, it is part of the MotoGP circus among the lower Moto2 and Moto3 tiers. Its CFMoto Aspar Racing Team actually took both this year's Moto3 rider and constructor's championship. So there's history with the sport's governing body, Dorna. CFMoto also seems to have the money to support a team, as well as offer Dorna, and its potential new owners, something that benefits the series as CFMoto has quickly become one of the world's most successful motorcycle manufacturers.
The company's Chinese roots also offers the series prospective new eyes within the country, and goes in line with Dorna's "it depends on the performance, the investment, the promotion that that brand does," requirements of adding another team.
Lastly, we're on the precipice of a MotoGP rules change, one that's going to affect the entire grid. The new 2026 regulations could be the perfect basis for a team to enter the series. Though, CFMoto would have to tweak the V4's displacement slightly to get it in line with those regulations' 850cc requirements. That, however, feels like something CFMoto would've likely already thought of.
So will my theory come to life? Eh, maybe. I don't know, but after watching the company's meteoric rise over the last year or so, I wouldn't bet against it. I could also just have my socks on too tight. We'll see...
