CCM Street Moto Review: Affordable Hand-Built Exclusivity

CCM Street Moto: A New Breed of British Scrambler

CCM Motorcycles are known for their unique approach to motorcycle design, offering highly customizable machines with a wide range of options. The previous generation Street Moto, while boasting incredible customization potential, was often criticized for its high price point and lack of practicality. However, the second-generation Street Moto aims to address these shortcomings by offering a more straightforward and accessible riding experience.

Two Models, Two Personalities

The new Street Moto lineup features two distinct models:

• Street Moto: At £9,995, the standard Street Moto is positioned as a competitive alternative to mid-capacity scramblers like the Ducati Scrambler, Fantic Caballero 700, and Triumph Street Scrambler. It's characterized by a low-level exhaust, spoked wheels, and an adjustable YSS rear shock.

• Street Moto R: This premium model features a higher-spec suspension with an Öhlins rear shock, a wider handlebar, and a more aggressive exhaust. It's designed for riders seeking a more focused off-road experience.

Technical Specifications

Street Moto:

• Engine: 604cc single-cylinder, air-cooled
• Power: 55 hp
• Torque: 41 lb-ft
• Transmission: 5-speed
• Suspension: Telescopic front forks, adjustable YSS monoshock
• Brakes: Single disc front and rear
• Wheels: 19-inch front, 17-inch rear
• Weight: 175 kg

Street Moto R

• Engine: 604cc single-cylinder, air-cooled
• Power: 55 hp
• Torque: 41 lb-ft
• Transmission: 5-speed
• Suspension: Telescopic front forks, Öhlins monoshock
• Brakes: Single disc front and rear
• Wheels: 19-inch front, 17-inch rear
• Weight: 175 kg

Key Takeaways

• The new Street Moto models offer a more accessible and affordable entry point into the CCM lineup.
• The two models cater to different rider preferences, with the standard Street Moto providing a balance of road and off-road capabilities, while the Street Moto R focuses on off-road performance.
• Unlike its predecessor, the new Street Moto sacrifices some of the extreme customization options for a more streamlined approach.

Practical Implications

The Street Moto's revised focus on practicality makes it more appealing to a wider range of riders. Its competitive pricing and approachable performance make it a viable option for both daily commuting and weekend adventures.

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CCM Street Moto R: A Performance Upgrade

The CCM Street Moto R (£11,495) is a performance-oriented upgrade over the standard Street Moto. It boasts several key enhancements designed to elevate the riding experience:

Key Upgrades

• Wheels: Forged-aluminium Dymag UP7X wheels, renowned for their lightweight construction and superior strength, contribute to enhanced handling and acceleration.
• Exhaust: A high-level, bigger-bore exhaust system not only improves the visual appeal but also liberates more power and delivers a more resonant exhaust note.
• Suspension: A remote-reservoir YSS shock provides greater adjustability and refined damping, optimizing ride comfort and handling dynamics.
• Carbon Sump Cover: This addition not only protects the engine but also reduces weight and adds a touch of premium aesthetics.

Technical Specifications

• Weight (wet): 139 kg
• Engine: SWM-sourced, single-cylinder, 600cc
• Power Output: 55 bhp

Important Notes

• Shared Platform: The Street Moto R and its standard counterpart share the same chassis and engine, dating back to the 2019 Spitfire. This proven platform ensures a robust and reliable foundation.
• Agile Performance: The Street Moto R's lightweight construction, coupled with its responsive engine and quality chassis components, delivers a playful and nimble ride.
• Versatility: Riders can choose to enjoy the Street Moto R's low-rpm torque for relaxed cruising or exploit its powerband for spirited riding.

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Real-World Applications

The Street Moto R caters to riders seeking a blend of style, performance, and versatility. Its lightweight design and agile handling make it ideal for urban commuting, while its potent engine and upgraded suspension deliver a thrilling experience on winding roads.

Comparison with Similar Technologies

The Street Moto R competes with other lightweight naked bikes, including the Triumph Street Twin and the Yamaha MT-07. However, the Street Moto R's focus on high-quality components and unique styling sets it apart from the competition.

Key Takeaways

The CCM Street Moto R is a compelling option for riders seeking a distinctive and engaging motorcycle experience. Its blend of classic styling, modern technology, and performance modifications delivers a truly unique ride.

The CCM Street Moto R: A Purist's Delight

The CCM Street Moto R is not your typical motorcycle. Designed for the purist rider, it eschews modern electronic rider aids and focuses on a raw, unfiltered riding experience.

Technical Specifications

• Engine: 600cc single-cylinder, air-cooled
• Power: 55 bhp
• Transmission: 6-speed manual
• Suspension: Front: Telescopic forks, Rear: Monoshock
• Brakes: Front: Single disc, Rear: Single disc
• ABS: Not available
• Traction Control: Not available
• Rider Aids: None

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Unfiltered Riding Experience: Enjoy the direct connection between throttle input and engine response.
• Lightweight and Agile: The minimalist design contributes to a nimble and responsive ride.
• Hand-Built Quality: The motorcycle's handcrafted heritage offers a unique sense of ownership.

Cons:

• Lack of Rider Aids: The absence of ABS and traction control can be a concern for some riders, particularly in challenging conditions.
• Minimalistic Instrumentation: The basic LCD dash may not appeal to riders who prefer a more detailed display.
• Type Approval: In some regions, the motorcycle requires individual type-approval for road use, which can be a complex process.

Important Notes

• The lack of electronic rider aids can be a significant factor for riders used to modern motorcycles.
• The motorcycle's minimalist design may not be suitable for long-distance touring or commuting.

Practical Implications

The CCM Street Moto R targets a niche audience of riders who value a pure and engaging riding experience. Its lack of electronic rider aids and minimalist design appeal to experienced riders who enjoy the challenge and gratification of a direct connection with the machine.

"It's refreshing to just get on a brand-new bike and ride without having to check what mode it's in, and what the rider aids are set to."

The motorcycle's hand-built quality and well-balanced chassis provide a satisfying and rewarding ride, especially on winding roads where its agility and responsiveness shine. However, for riders seeking a more user-friendly and tech-laden motorcycle, the Street Moto R may not be the ideal choice.

The CCM Streetmoto: Chassis Setup and Engineering

Small-scale manufacturers often face challenges in optimizing chassis setup due to limited resources and manpower. However, CCM, with its five-year commitment to developing a range of bikes sharing core components, has overcome these hurdles. Their dedication to thorough testing and refining has resulted in the Streetmoto range boasting not only excellent handling but also remarkable stability and ride quality, even on demanding road surfaces.

CCM's Approach to Chassis Development

CCM's approach to chassis development emphasizes extensive testing and refinement. Their R&D engineer, Ben, meticulously evaluates prototypes on challenging roads, such as the Belgian pavé, ensuring optimal performance and durability. This commitment to rigorous testing translates to a bike that handles well, feels stable, and provides a surprisingly comfortable ride, even on rough roads.

Lightweight Design and Performance

The Streetmoto's lightweight design (base model: 141kg with fluids), combined with carefully chosen componentry, is a key factor in achieving its exceptional ride quality. For example, the "R" model features lighter wheels and tubeless tires, reducing weight by 2kg. This weight reduction, while maintaining braking and cornering capability, enables a more comfortable ride, especially for non-aggressive riding styles.

Technical Specifications

• Weight: 141kg (base model)
• Suspension: CCM-designed fork with adjustable damping and rebound | Monoshock with adjustable pre-load and rebound (adjustable damping on R model)
• Wheels: Standard model: 17-inch cast aluminum | R model: Lightweight aluminum wheels
• Tires: Standard model: Tubed tires | R model: Tubeless tires

Key Takeaways

• CCM's focus on thorough testing and a shared component platform allows for optimized chassis setup, even for smaller manufacturers.
• The Streetmoto's lightweight design, coupled with carefully chosen componentry, contributes to its exceptional ride quality, even on demanding road surfaces.
• CCM's approach to chassis development demonstrates the importance of dedicated testing and refinement in achieving optimal performance and a comfortable riding experience.

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The CCM Streetmoto: Retro Power with a Modern Twist

The CCM Streetmoto, a product of the early 2000s when Husqvarna was under the Cagiva Group, packs a punch with its claimed 55bhp, derived from a KTM engine. This power output provides a thrilling riding experience without sacrificing the character that CCM motorcycles are known for.

Performance and Handling

• Power Delivery: The engine, despite its age, delivers a satisfying and responsive throttle response, thanks to the absence of restrictive Euro emissions standards.
• Riding Experience: This lack of emissions regulations allows for a more direct and enjoyable throttle experience, something that many riders appreciate over modern ride-by-wire systems.
• Handling: Although the Streetmoto is designed for fun, it's important to note that prolonged high-speed riding can induce discomfort due to vibrations. This is a characteristic common to older, performance-focused motorcycles lacking modern vibration dampening technologies.

Practical Implications

The CCM Streetmoto is ideal for those seeking a retro-styled motorcycle with a potent engine. Its simplicity and lack of modern electronic aids make it a great choice for riders who prefer a more analog experience. However, it's important to consider its limitations, especially for long-distance rides.

Key Takeaways

• The CCM Streetmoto offers a potent, old-school riding experience, devoid of modern restrictions.
• Despite the lack of modern technology, the Streetmoto remains a potent performer, offering a satisfying throttle response and a distinct character.
• For those seeking a retro-styled motorcycle with a performance edge, the Streetmoto is a compelling option. However, it's important to be aware of its limitations, particularly in terms of comfort on long rides.

First Impressions: Design and Aesthetics

The CCM Street Moto Core boasts a well-detailed and aesthetically pleasing design, as expected from a motorcycle of this caliber. However, there are a few minor drawbacks:

• Sidestand Design: The sidestand's design is somewhat inconvenient, as it tends to flip up when weight is removed. Additionally, the bracket on which it hangs appears slightly unrefined.
• Redundant Swingarm Bosses: Threaded bosses on the swingarm, intended for a license plate bracket on other models, are unnecessary on this particular variant. These bosses present a slightly cluttered aesthetic.

Durability and Corrosion Concerns

Key Takeaway: While the CCM Street Moto Core generally exhibits good durability, potential corrosion issues should be considered for owners who plan to ride frequently.

Owners of other CCM Street Moto variants generally report good durability. However, it is important to note that these motorcycles are not typically intended for high-mileage use.

• Corrosion: One review suggests that daily use can lead to accelerated corrosion on the steel frame, particularly in wet and salty environments.

Practical Implications: Owners who plan to ride their bikes regularly, especially in adverse weather conditions, should consider applying a protective spray to prevent corrosion.

Comparison with Similar Technologies

The CCM Street Moto Core competes with other premium street motorcycles. Its design, features, and build quality are comparable to those offered by brands such as Triumph and Ducati. However, the CCM's focus on minimalist aesthetics and lightweight construction differentiates it from its competitors.

Value Proposition: Simplicity vs. Modern Convenience

At nearly £10,000 for a single-cylinder 600cc motorcycle, the CCM's value proposition hinges on a unique selling point: unadulterated simplicity and a hand-built, "kit-only" approach. This starkly contrasts with modern rivals like the Ducati Scrambler and Yamaha XSR700, which offer more technology and features for similar or even lower prices.

## CCM's USP: Raw, Essential, and Exclusive

• Hand-built Quality: Each CCM is assembled meticulously by hand, resulting in a unique and bespoke motorcycle. This craftsmanship comes with a premium price tag but emphasizes exclusivity and a sense of ownership.
• Minimalist Design: The CCM lacks modern conveniences like ABS, traction control, or rider aids. Its stripped-down design prioritizes a raw, unfiltered riding experience.
• Focus on Fun: The CCM's focus on essential riding elements aims to provide pure riding pleasure, free from electronic distractions.

## Key Takeaways

• The CCM targets a niche audience seeking an unfiltered, minimalist riding experience.
• The lack of modern features may be a deterrent for riders seeking convenience and safety features.
• The premium price reflects the hand-built quality and exclusivity.

## Comparison with Modern Rivals

Feature	CCM	Ducati Scrambler	Yamaha XSR700
Engine	600cc Single-cylinder	800cc L-Twin	689cc Parallel-Twin
Price	£10,000 (approx.)	£9,000 (approx.)	£7,000 (approx.)
Features	Minimalist	Modern features (ABS, traction control)	Modern features (ABS, traction control)
Styling	Classic, raw	Modern retro	Classic with modern touches

## Real-World Application

The CCM caters to riders seeking a purist riding experience, prioritizing a connection with the motorcycle over technological advancements. It's ideal for those who appreciate the art of riding and value the handmade quality of a bespoke machine. However, the lack of modern features might make it less appealing for daily commutes or longer journeys.

No Frills, Pure Performance: CCM Street Moto's Minimalist Design

The CCM Street Moto prioritizes a pure mechanical experience over electronic gadgets and fancy finishes. This means you're paying for a robust, high-quality bike, not a plethora of features.

Limited Customization

While CCM offers a factory customization program, it's less extensive than other models. The Street Moto comes with a fixed color palette and only offers the standard satin black frame option.

Key Takeaways:

• Focus on Mechanics: The Street Moto emphasizes a raw, mechanical riding experience.
• Limited Customization: You can't personalize every aspect of the bike.

Accessorizing and Personalizing

Despite the limited factory customization, there's plenty of scope for accessorizing and making the Street Moto your own.

• Exhaust Options: Choose from various aftermarket exhausts to enhance performance and sound.
• Carbon Parts: Replace stock parts with lightweight carbon fiber components for improved aesthetics and performance.
• Billet Bolt-ons: Upgrade with billet aluminum bolt-ons for a touch of luxury and durability.

Practical Implications:

• Budget-Conscious: The lack of extensive customization options helps keep the price competitive.
• Performance-Focused: The focus on mechanical performance attracts riders seeking a stripped-down, raw riding experience.

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