Cyclone RA600 test
The new Cyclone RA600 comes to the market with a very clear idea: to demonstrate that a medium displacement custom does not have to be basic, slow or limited in sensations. And honestly, after testing it, we can say that this bike is ready to revolutionize the segment and put on the table a quality-price ratio that is really difficult to match.
Because yes, we are talking about a motorcycle manufactured by Cyclone, the premium division of the Asian giant Zonsen, but we are also talking about a custom that arrives loaded with top brand components, highly crafted aesthetics and a surprisingly refined set-up.
The Cyclone comes to compete in price, if we talk about models with power for the A2 such as the Honda Rebel 500 (46 HP – €6,350), Kawasaki Eliminator 500 (45 HP – €6,499), Benda Napoleon Bob 500 (47 HP – €6,750) or Macbor Rockster 410 (42 HP – 4,999). In the case of more powerful models, but limited for the A2, we would have the Moto Morini Calibro (69 HP – €7,090), or the future Voge CU625 (60 HP)
Cyclone RA600 test: A bobber aesthetic with a lot of personality
The first thing this Cyclone RA600 transmits is presence. Cyclone has opted for a line clearly inspired by the modern bobber world, with a compact, muscular and visually very low motorcycle. The balloon tires, 16-inch wheels, profiled floating seat and machined aluminum details generate a very premium visual sensation.
We especially liked the satin gold finishes that replace the typical classic chrome, and give it a different personality within the custom segment. The rough aluminum seat posts, the headlight support and the handlebar area have a truly surprising visual quality for a motorcycle of this price.
The whole is finished off with a double exhaust, a Full LED lighting system and a very recognizable front that gives it its own identity.
Cyclone RA600 test: 550 cc twin-cylinder engine, smooth and much faster than expected
This is where the surprises begin. The Cyclone RA600 has a 550 cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve parallel twin, which develops 59.16 HP at 8,500 rpm and 55 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm in its full power version, which we tested today. There is also a variant limited to 47.5 HP for the A2 license.
And honestly, this engine runs much faster than one imagines from the technical sheet. Because although it does not have the classic “punch” of a large American V-Twin, it does offer a very interesting combination between smoothness and acceleration. The throttle response is lively, reactive and very usable from below, but above all it is surprising how quickly it increases revs for a custom.
In the city the bike moves with tremendous ease. The clutch has an extremely smooth feel, the gear changes with great precision and the entire motorcycle transmits refinement in the drives. It is a docile, pleasant and very easy motorcycle to drive. This feeling of quality and softness is not common in newer Asian brands… But this Cyclone stands out precisely there.
But be careful! When you really turn on the gas, a completely different face appears. The acceleration has character and transmits much sportier sensations than usual in this segment. In fact, if you deactivate the traction control and go “on fire” its large rear ball will squeak like a dragster… very fun… And that, honestly, is not something we expected to find in an average 198 kilo custom.
This traction control is precisely one of the aspects to improve. It jumps early and blocks the accelerator for too long, giving a feeling of being underdeveloped. Although it is effective because it saves you from a scare, the touch it has is too primitive.
Cyclone RA600 test: Belt drive, smoothness and zero worries
One of the great successes of this motorcycle is the secondary toothed belt transmission. Cyclone has perfectly understood the focus of this model: smoothness, comfort and premium driving experience. The absence of a chain practically eliminates typical mechanical noises and also greatly reduces maintenance. There is no need to constantly grease or keep an eye on the tensioning. A rare luxury in this price range.
And the best thing is that it shows in motion. The bike runs especially smoothly and quietly for a twin-cylinder custom.
The bike is a pleasure to ride away from traffic. Where open curves and medium speeds are its best habitat. It is silent, it does not make noise and honestly it is a detail that attracts me a lot. Making noise is no longer acceptable.
If you are worried about its low ground clearance, don’t worry, you can go down steps without touching anything. And the warning devices do not sound easily on the road, but on roundabouts you will feel them scratching the asphalt.
Cyclone RA600 test: Ergonomics designed for everyone
Another of the great strengths of the RA600 is accessibility. With just 725 mm of seat height, virtually any rider can put both feet on it with complete ease. This generates a lot of confidence from the first moment, and makes this Cyclone a highly recommended motorcycle for both experienced users and those entering the custom segment for the first time.
The position is natural, relaxed and comfortable. The seat is well padded and the whole thing clearly invites you to enjoy long routes without fatigue. If you do not exceed the legal limit, the vibrations while driving are barely noticeable. From 120 km/h onwards, vibrations are perceived and we lose visibility in the mirrors.
In addition, the 14.5 liter tank combined with consumption of around 3.5-4 liters allows you to easily exceed 300 kilometers of real autonomy.
Cyclone RA600 test: Cyclone part, very stable at the front, dry at the rear
The cycle part also leaves very positive feelings. The steel double cradle chassis works together with a conventional 41 mm KYB fork, which especially surprised us with its balance. It has a comfortable feel but at the same time quite firm, avoiding the exaggerated sinkage typical of many heavy customs under heavy braking. The bike transmits stability and quite a bit of precision when entering curves, something that we do not always find in this type of models with wide tires and relaxed geometries.
Behind we find a monoshock adjustable in preload and rebound. And here one of the few points that could be improved on the bike appears. The rear travel is somewhat dry, and when we go over speed bumps or strong irregularities, the blow is clearly transmitted to the lumbar area, a detail that increases with a passenger. It is not uncomfortable in normal use, but we do believe that Cyclone could improve this section in future evolutions of the model.
The brake system signed by J.Juan works really well. At the front, it has a 320 mm disc with a double-piston caliper and dual-channel ABS, offering powerful, progressive and fairly dosable braking taking into account the size of the 130 mm front tire. For my taste, the ABS is intrusive when we brake hard, especially on the rear brake, although in general terms the behavior of the set conveys security.
Cyclone RA600 test: Also modern
A 2026 motorcycle doesn’t have to give up anything. And for that reason, in addition to its custom aesthetic that fights with the usual classics, it brings gadgets typical of our time but minimalist. The digital screen relies on a compact design.
The main information, especially the speed, is displayed correctly, although some secondary data is too small in size and when driving it is difficult to read clearly, especially since it is black on grey. It is functional on paper because it gives us a lot of information, but it probably could be improved in visual ergonomics.
