Since the launch of the project in 2018, Cyclone’s flagship recreational model RX6 has been created by Chinese and foreign teamwork. It achieved mass production this year after more than two years of rigorous testing and optimization. From the RX6, we can see Cyclone’s sincerity and pragmatic attitude, as well as the determination to build a motorcycle in line with international standards. RX6 well deserves the flagship title in terms of the appearance, power performance, technology configuration and control quality.

Appealing looks

RX6’s appearance design is also done by the Italian Ricardo design center. The original design highlights the body muscle and volume to create a very attractive look.

The headlamp adopts a penetrating lamp shell, and the interior is matrix LED lights, which is adaptive. The taillight with a break angle is also very recognizable. The rear part of the body is well-proportioned. The exhaust is compact, making the tail more agile. The bottom is also designed with an engine protection plate made of nylon + glass fiber to ensure toughness and lightweight.

International standard power platform

RX6’s power platform is a highlight. In 2017, Norton and Zongshen signed the “Design and Licensing Agreement”, a 20-year licensing agreement for design and intellectual property. The two parties, together with Ricardo Global Engineering designed the 649.5ml parallel twin based on Norton’s 1200mL V4 power platform. The 649.5ml engine is manufactured by and licensed to Zongshen. That engine is the ND650 used on RX6.

The two-cylinder water-cooled eight-valve ND650 engine adopts international cutting-edge thermal research results, featuring a dual-overhead camshaft design, 270 degree crankshaft phase angle, lightweight forged pistons, all-aluminum alloy ceramic plated cylinder body and water-oil cooling. The engine has a good design foundation that allows it to produce a maximum power of 52kW/8500rpm (70.7h) and a maximum torque of 62N.m/7000rpm, with a FCC sliding clutch as standard.

The actual performance of the engine is amazing, especially the low torque performance, which can reach about 80% of the maximum torque at 4000rpm. It provides strong acceleration from idle, and a power burst at around 5000rpm. You have linear throttle and power output throughout the acceleration process.

RX6 recorded 4.6 seconds in 0-100km/h acceleration test and 2.1 seconds in 0-60km/h acceleration test. Especially from 0-80km/h, the power output is stable and endurable.

Stable handling

RX6 has a strong body. The front part of the main frame is a trellis structure, forming multiple solid triangles. With the engine as one of the stress bearing parts, the frame has better rigidity and impact resistant ability. As a touring bike, RX6’s auxiliary frame is strengthened with a double-layer structure, further increasing the overall torsional rigidity. The use of stamping steel connection parts increase heavy-load stability. Besides, it has lightweight hollow aluminum alloy rear rocker arm.

RX6 adopts KYB adjustable inverted front fork and KYB rear shock absorber. The shock adjustment is more for road use purposes. The overall handling is smooth, with good stability at corners.

Traveling on the road may also encounter some non-paved road conditions. RX6 although is not as good as RX4 and other RX models in this aspect, with a minimum ground clearance of only 170mm, it feels ok on the non-paved roads. The front shock absorber can well resolve turbulence. However, due to the tires and weight of the vehicle, it may be a little difficult to navigate muddy roads.

Vibration control is a relatively weak spot. Vibration at the handlebar becomes obvious above 6000rpm. As the engine and the frame is hard-wired and the handlebar has no cushioning pad with the upper connection seat, riding at high speeds causes great vibration to the handlebar.

The RX6 also features a superior braking system with NISSIN opposed four-piston radial calipers+dual floating discs at the front, NISSIN single-piston calipers at the back, and Bosch dual-channel ABS system as standard. The overall braking feedback feels soft, but the braking force and front and rear braking distribution are good. In the braking test, RX6 recorded a braking distance of 16.1m from 60-0km/h. Tyre specifications are front 120/70 ZR17, rear 160/60 ZR17 Pirelli sports tyres.

A good companion on the road

The RX6, with its positioning on road trips, emphasizes practical features. The front of the bike is fitted with a wide, electrically adjustable windscreen to provide good wind protection, though not enough for riders over 185cm. RX6’s automatic headlight is also a very practical function. Adjusting the headlight switch to Automatic, it turns on automatically in tunnels, underground garages or night. The instrument screen automatically changes the day and night mode according to the light.

RX6’s color TFT meter supports mobile phone connection for map navigation. It also inherited the dashcam function, with a front and rear camera already installed. The dashcam supports real-time recording and playback. In addition, the RX6 has a wide saddle that adds to a comfortable riding experience. The flat and wide rear seat is easy to load luggage.

RX6 is a new attempt for Cyclone. With top international design resources, the vehicle positioning and idea is very clear. RX6 comes with a price tag of about 50,000 yuan, international standard appearance and dynamic platform, good configurations. It is a very competitive product in the market.

Source: https://www.newmotor.com.cn