A recent CFMoto patent shows that the brand could be developing a new parallel twin engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The patent itself is interesting, but I think it's more interesting to imagine where the future lies for this powertrain.
Semi-automatic and automatic transmission are the talk of the motorcycling world right now, and everyone's got an opinion, whether it's about Honda's E-Clutch, Yamaha's Y-AMT, or KTM's AMT. The thing about the aforementioned transmissions, is that they all allow the rider to change gear at will, albeit via an electronic switchgear.
The array of new transmissions have been met with various reactions, but it's undeniable that they have a place in motorcycling. Honda's Goldwing, for example, only sells 30% of its models with a manual clutch, as the majority of buyers opt for the dual-clutch transmission (DCT) option. But a DCT and a CVT are far cries from each other in my opinion, which leaves me wondering what CFMoto plans to use this powertrain for.
