CFMoto Dual 250 Dual-Sport Bike Unveiled

• CFMoto Dual 250 launched in Malaysia
• Expected to be available in select other markets soon
• India launch is highly unlikely

Chinese two-wheeler brand CFMoto has launched an interesting new dual-sport motorcycle, the Dual 250, in Malaysia. The motorcycle is expected to be available in overseas markets at a later stage, but its India arrival is unlikely for now. However, if CFMoto manages to make it compliant with India’s new fuel and emission regulations to introduce it here, the Dual 250 would be a strong contender for the likes of the Hero Xpulse 210, Kawasaki KLX 230, and Bajaj’s upcoming dual-sport offering.

Visually, it looks like a quintessential dual-sport bike with a tall and upright stance. Elements like the raised front fender, belly pan, flat seat, and a high-set under-seat exhaust give away its adventure-centric, trail-bashing intentions. To some degree, it reminds us of the Hero Impulse, of course, a more modern and mature version of that. With an LCD console, LED lighting, USB charging port, and dual-channel ABS, it is also modern, which is typical of CFMoto bikes.

Powering the motorcycle is a 249cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine which produces 24bhp and 22.5Nm. The bike rides on 21-18-inch spoke wheels and offers a respectable 244m of ground clearance. At 841mm, the seat height is on the taller side, while the compact fuel tank can accommodate 12.9 litres of petrol. With a kerb weight of just 154kg, it is significantly lighter than the Xpulse 210 but heavier than the Kawasaki KLX 230.

In India, CFMoto is under Adishwar Auto Ride’s ownership and the brand has put its much-anticipated bike, the 450 MT’s launch on hold. Hence, the India entry of the 250 Dual also looks nearly impossible in the near future.