First Look: CFMOTO Motorcycles Offer a Quality Ride at a Low Price Point

Learn more about 7 new bikes now available in the U.S.

By Sarah Schilke, photos provided by CFMOTO, Gary Walton, and Leviathan
CFMOTO WRN Sarah Schilke
Testing each of CFMOTO’s seven motorcycles on its private test track in St. Cloud, Minnesota, it quickly became clear that the company has developed a line of quality machines built to compete in the American (and global) market.

The CFMOTO Brand

I recommend getting to know this brand. CFMOTO might be a new or completely unknown brand to some, but this Chinese producer of powersports products has been successfully selling ATVs and UTVs in the U.S. since 2002. The company is known to have a long time collaboration with Austrian brand, KTM. And now it has launched a line of motorcycles that almost 250 of its 550 established U.S. ATV/UTV dealers are ramping up to carry and many of us in the moto biz are excited about them.

In March 2022, the company invited WomenRidersNow.com (WRN) to its test track to learn about the brand and ride each of the motorcycles. I’ll admit I was skeptical about the quality and craftsmanship of the Chinese bikes, as were some of the other journalists there. But all of us came away feeling impressed with the motorcycles’ finish and performance on and off the track. One seasoned journalist reminded me that the Japanese brands also faced scrutiny when first launching in the U.S. and are now hugely popular and trusted.

Make No Assumptions

It is no secret to CFMOTO executives that some Americans are skeptical about Chinese-made products. They are eager to dispel assumptions with details about the quality of CFMOTO powersports products. Consider, instead, where many of our favorite phones, computers, and electronics are produced. And most of our motorcycles and cars already use parts and technologies developed in China. CFMOTO supplies many brands with engines, parts, and components. It also collaborates with KTM in China on technologies and supply chain.

CFMOTO  motorcycles have been on the market in other countries, so new-model bugs have already been resolved in the products imported to the U.S. To address the potential skepticism, CFMOTO offers a two year warranty on all of its bikes (except the Papio) while the major Japanese brands offer one year.

No, Really. Try It!

If you still aren’t sure, I highly recommend finding a dealer and taking a test ride. The moment I swung a leg over the motorcycles, it was clear that the quality is on par with expectations of American consumers. Taking each for a spin on CFMOTO’s private test track convinced me that these are fantastically viable machines. I might even want a 700CL-X of my own someday, or sooner. Some of the simple basics were missing for me such as a clock, heated grips, or luggage. But, given the remarkably low prices across the line, the CFMOTO motorcycles provide a fun and confident ride for the price point. 

Seat height was comfortable for my 5 feet 4 inches on all but the taller ADVentura models, something I’m used to. The rest of the bikes have seat heights of at least 30 inches, but as an experienced rider, the narrow seats and upright seating position enabled me to have a comfortable solid foot plant on at least one side.

There are some notable technology features added most of the models, such as a connective TFT/Ride App screen, ABS as standard, shift assist, LED lighting, and ride modes.

CFMOTO 800 ADVentura

At the track event, CFMOTO teased a new model that has now just been introduced, the brand new 800 ADVentura. The new 800 ADVentura solidly shows the collaboration with KTM, as it uses the same CFMOTO engine as KTM’s 790 Adventure. The 800 ADVentura is available in a “Street” or a “Terrain” version, differentiated by the 19 inch front/17 inch rear cast wheel vs. spoke wheel options. (Most off-road riders prefer the spoke wheels.) The 800 is the big sister to its 650 version which is also a quality machine. (More below.)

CFMOTO 800 ADVentura T
The latest release in CFMOTO’s motorcycle lineup, the 800 ADVentura offers a fully capable ride in both touring on the street “S” and offroad “T” (Terrain) adventure version shown here.
One of the first in the U.S. to test ride the 800 ADVentura S, I was impressed with it's performance, features, and viability with similar adventure bike models currently on the market. I'm looking forward to an opportunity to try the T (Terrain) version in an offroad habitat.
One of the first in the U.S. to test ride the 800 ADVentura S, I was impressed with it's performance, features, and viability with similar adventure bike models currently on the market. I'm looking forward to an opportunity to try the T (Terrain) version in an offroad habitat.

The 800 ADVentura (known in other countries as the 800MT) has some impressive premium features such as ride modes (Rain or Sport), a 7 inch TFT display, cruise control, Bosch ABS brake system with lean-angle sensing and traction control, and adjustable KYB suspension. The “Terrain” version is the first in the CFMOTO line-up to feature heated grips (a must-have for me!) and bi-directional quick shifting, meaning you can shift through the gearbox without the clutch.

All this, and wait there’s more…the 800 ADVentura also comes with handguards, skid pan, centerstand, and removable hard side cases. All for a low MSRP of $9,499 (S) or $10,499 (T). Certainly a solid contender in the middleweight ADV scene.

At 5 feet 4 inches, the 32.5 inch 800 ADVentura S seat height allowed me to touch toes down on both sides, making it a reasonable low in the ADV segment and something I'm used to with off-road bikes. Some shorter riders might consider that too high, and while the suspenion offers some adjustability, at the time the bike was too new to learn the specifics.
At 5 feet 4 inches, the 32.5 inch 800 ADVentura S seat height allowed me to touch toes down on both sides, making it a reasonable low in the ADV segment and something I'm used to with off-road bikes. Some shorter riders might consider that too high, and while the suspenion offers some adjustability, at the time the bike was too new to learn the specifics.

CFMOTO 700CL-X

My favorite in the lineup is one of the last I tried: the scrambler-style 700CL-X. The ergonomics and retro look are similar to my Indian FTR 1200 S except for the lower seat height and more moderate power delivery. (The FTR has a 1203cc V-Twin engine while the 700CL-X has a 693cc inline twin.) Had I experienced the 700CL-X before purchasing my FTR I just might have ended up with one in my garage. MSRP starts at just $6,499.

I had such a blast on the 700CL-X, it rides like a fantastic does-everything-well street bike that was fluid and nimble on the test track.
I had such a blast on the 700CL-X, it rides like a fantastic does-everything-well street bike that was fluid and nimble on the test track.
The 700 CL-X's 31.5-inch high narrow seat provides me a comfortable solid footplant on both sides—another reason I love this bike.
The 700 CL-X's 31.5-inch high narrow seat provides me a comfortable solid footplant on both sides—another reason I love this bike.

Comparable to Yamaha’s MT/FZ-07, the 700CL-X pushes out slightly more power (74 vs. 73 hp), features a slipper clutch, offers two ride modes (ECO and Sport), cruise control, and self-canceling turn signals. The bike has a single brake disc up front which I found to be sufficient. I love the retro classic style and CFMOTO offers a host of accessories such as a  brown leather seat, or machined protective parts, enabling the owner to customize the bike even more. I also love the confident cornering performance provided by the rigid steel frame paired with fully-adjustable top-of-the-line KYB suspension. All this makes the bike spirited on the test track twisties and sexy posing on the tarmac.

CFMOTO 700CL-X Sport

Based on the same 700CL-X platform, the Sport ($6,999) is a souped up version for those who want midweight performance paired with a beastier aggressive cafe-racer look. Most obvious is the sportier tail section with removable seat cowl paired with clip-on bars, standard bar end mirrors, and gripper sport riding tires. The Sport is 25 pounds heavier than the 700CL-X mainly due to the additional front brake caliper, but I didn’t notice the additional weight.

The 700CL-X Sport features a sportier look, seating position, and power delivery (and premium Brembo dual front disc brakes to accommodate it) which is usually my jam, but I find the standard 700CL-X much more accommodating to my riding style and to an all day ride. Also, the more forward seating position restricted my footplant a bit but due to the narrow seat it still felt ok for me.
The 700CL-X Sport features a sportier look, seating position, and power delivery (and premium Brembo dual front disc brakes to accommodate it) which is usually my jam, but I find the standard 700CL-X much more accommodating to my riding style and to an all day ride. Also, the more forward seating position restricted my footplant a bit but due to the narrow seat it still felt ok for me.

CFMOTO 650 ADVentura

The 650 ADVentura is the original adventure motorcycle introduced by CFMOTO and is now the little sister to its new 800 ADVentura. The 800 has more features and the bigger engine, but the 650 provides a comfortable all-day/all-week ride thanks to the upright adventure bike style seating position. The 650 features an adjustable windshield, USB charging port, and ABS. It comes with hard side cases and there is an optional engine guard and crash bars available. While the 800 comes in the Street and Terrain visions, the 650 is dedicated more to street adventuring, although you could certainly put some dual sport tires on it for some light ADV riding.

The $6,799 650 ADVentura provides a comfortable, competent street adventure touring ride at a lower cost than its closest competitors. At 33 inches, the seat height is one of the highest in the line-up, but that’s common for adventure style motorcycles.
The $6,799 650 ADVentura provides a comfortable, competent street adventure touring ride at a lower cost than its closest competitors. At 33 inches, the seat height is one of the highest in the line-up, but that’s common for adventure style motorcycles.

CFMOTO 650NK

For naked bike fans, the 650NK proves to be an inspiring and confidence inspiring ride. The 650NK feels light and competent in turns thanks to the high tensile steel frame, KYB suspension, dual disc brakes, and Pirelli sport tires. But the 60 hp sport capabilities don’t dominate the ride, and the 650NK proves to be a great all-arounder offering comfortable and inspiring performance for novice and experienced riders alike.

CFMOTO’s middleweight naked sportbike, the 650NK provides easy comfort and performance for riders at all levels. MSRP starts at $6,499.
CFMOTO’s middleweight naked sportbike, the 650NK provides easy comfort and performance for riders at all levels. MSRP starts at $6,499.
The 30.7 inch seat height on the 650NK allows a confident footplant for experienced riders and most shorter novice riders thanks to the bike's narrow seat and light weight.
The 30.7 inch seat height on the 650NK allows a confident footplant for experienced riders and most shorter novice riders thanks to the bike's narrow seat and light weight.

CFMOTO 300NK

The 650NK’s little sister, the 300NK provides the same sporty naked bike look in an even smaller package. Perfect for beginning riders with the neutral ergonomics and 29 hp performance. The 300NK provides many of the same features, such as a 6-speed transmission, slipper clutch, ABS, and TFT display.

I always have my eye out for great motorcycles to recommend to new riders, and the $3,999 300NK certainly meets the criteria. With it's 31.2 inch seat height this model is easy for novice riders to maneuver and provides a simply fun ride without the low-end torque or over-powering performance of some other small displacement bikes.
I always have my eye out for great motorcycles to recommend to new riders, and the $3,999 300NK certainly meets the criteria. With it's 31.2 inch seat height this model is easy for novice riders to maneuver and provides a simply fun ride without the low-end torque or over-powering performance of some other small displacement bikes.

CFMOTO 300SS

This lightweight, fully-faired sport version of the 300NK is a dream for burgeoning sport bike riders. The seating position is fairly extreme for a bike in its category, but overall the bike is un-intimidating and easy to maneuver. The 300SS has many of the same performance features of its bigger kin such as the 6-speed transmission, TFT display, ABS, and a slipper clutch making the 364 pound, 30 hp machine feel sporty and confidence-inspiring around town or on the track.

Calling all lightweight sportbike riders and soon-to-bes! The 300SS is the ultimate novice level ride in a classic sportbike package. It’s no wonder this is CFMOTO’s current best-selling model.
Calling all lightweight sportbike riders and soon-to-bes! The 300SS is the ultimate novice level ride in a classic sportbike package. It’s no wonder this is CFMOTO’s current best-selling model.
Even with this super sporty forward seating, the 30.7 inch seat height allowed confident flat footing on this fun entry level sportbike.
Even with this super sporty forward seating, the 30.7 inch seat height allowed confident flat footing on this fun entry level sportbike.

CFMOTO Papio

For those looking for a pit bike or mini-bike, CFMOTO’s Papio presents a heap of fun in a very small package–and with a small price tag. Starting at just $2,999, the Papio offers 126cc with a 6-speed transmission, unheard of in the mini-bike category. While I initially gravitated to the bigger bikes, by lunchtime the Papio was the most in-demand bike of the current lineup. Everyone had fun on it, whether stunting on the open flat, winding around the tight inner track twisties, or pinning it wide open around the bigger track sweepers. If you hanker for a mini-moto in your future, the Papio should be at the top of the list.

The <a href="https://womenridersnow.com/hondas-125cc-minimoto-lineup-offers-big-fun-in-small-packages/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> mini-bike craze </a> is off the charts right now, and CFMOTO’s 126cc Papio delivers true competition to the current favorites. After watching some of the other journalists spin wheelies around the staging area all day it was clear the little monster is a grin-inspiring ball of fun.
The mini-bike craze is off the charts right now, and CFMOTO’s 126cc Papio delivers true competition to the current favorites. After watching some of the other journalists spin wheelies around the staging area all day it was clear the little monster is a grin-inspiring ball of fun.
Lovers of mini-motos or any novice looking for a super-small but fun ride will love the Papio. True to other mini-bikes, the 30.7 inch seat height on it's small frame provides easy access riding to riders of small stature.
Lovers of mini-motos or any novice looking for a super-small but fun ride will love the Papio. True to other mini-bikes, the 30.7 inch seat height on it's small frame provides easy access riding to riders of small stature.
Giving the full line of CFMOTO two-wheeled offerings the thumbs-up. No matter what your riding style, there’s a bike for you that will impress with its styling, performance, and unmatched low price point.
Giving the full line of CFMOTO two-wheeled offerings the thumbs-up. No matter what your riding style, there’s a bike for you that will impress with its styling, performance, and unmatched low price point.

Stay tuned for a more detailed ride report of our favorite in the line-up, the 700 CL-X.

Specs at a Glance: CFMOTO 800 ADVentura

Engine Size: 799cc
Max Power: 95 hp
Seat Height: 32.5 inches
Fuel Capacity: 5 gallons
Curb Weight: 496 pounds
2022 MSRP: $9,499 (S) / $10,499 (T)
2022 Colors: Nebula Black, Twilight Blue (S) / Twilight Blue (T)
Best for: Riders seeking a robust, mid-sized street or off-road adventure bike

Specs at a Glance: CFMOTO 700CL-X

Engine Size: 693cc
Max Power: 74 hp
Seat Height: 31.5 inches
Fuel Capacity: 3.4 gallons
Curb Weight: 432 pounds / 451 pounds (Sport)
2022 MSRP: $6,499 / $6999 (Sport)
2022 Colors: Coal Gray, Twilight Blue / Velocity Gray, Nebula White (Sport)
Best for: Riders seeking a sporty, café style with serious pep

Specs at a Glance: CFMOTO 650 ADVentura

Engine Size: 649cc
Max Power: 60 hp
Seat Height: 33 inches
Fuel Capacity: 4.75 gallons
Curb Weight: 469 pounds
2022 MSRP: $6,799
2022 Colors: Nebula White, Athens Blue
Best for: Riders seeking a simple, street-oriented ADV bike

Specs at a Glance: CFMOTO 650NK

Engine Size: 649cc
Max Power: 60 hp
Seat Height: 30.7 inches
Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gallons
Curb Weight: 454 pounds
2022 MSRP: $6,499
2022 Colors: Nebula White, Nebula Black
Best for: Riders seeking an all-'rounder or commuter bike, also good for beginners

Specs at a Glance: CFMOTO 300SS

Engine Size: 292cc
Max Power: 29 hp
Seat Height: 30.7 inches
Fuel Capacity: 3.2 gallons
Curb Weight: 364 pounds
2022 MSRP: $4,299
2022 Colors: Nebula White/Turquoise Blue, Nebula Black
Best for: Beginning riders into sport bikes

Specs at a Glance: CFMOTO 300NK

Engine Size: 292cc
Max Power: 29 hp
Seat Height: 31.2 inches
Fuel Capacity: 3.3 gallons
Curb Weight: 333 pounds
2022 MSRP: $3,999
2022 Colors: Athens Blue, Nebula Black 
Best for: Beginning riders, or those looking for an easy-to maneuver all-arounder

Specs at a Glance: CFMOTO Papio

Engine Size: 126cc 6-speed
Max Power: 9 hp
Seat Height: 30.5 inches
Fuel Capacity: 1.9 gallons
Curb Weight: 251 pounds
2022 MSRP: $2,999
2022 Colors: Gray/Red Dragon, Yellow
Best for: Riders seeking a small, pit bike or mini-moto

Scroll to Top