CFMoto mades some waves with their concept ATV at EICMA this year, showing off a futuristic design that looked more like a moon-rover than a traditional ATV and looks to pack some interesting technology, while offering an all-electric four-wheeler.
CFMoto ‘Evoltion A’ ATV concept
There’s no doubt CFMoto have made an impact on the ATV segment, with the brand reported to be outselling Kawasaki and Can-Am in Australia back in 2014 for ATVs, with a range of highly affordable motorcycles offering new options to riders in the LAMS segment as well.
CFMoto ‘Evoltion A’ ATV concept
Quality has seen enormous improvement over recent years, and the Evoltion A, an all-electric ATV concept only continues to show the innovation going on at CFMoto.
CFMoto ‘Evoltion A’ ATV concept
The Evoltion A is also a pretty stylish piece of kit for a vehicle in the rugged, hard working ATV segment, and seems to have more in common with a Can-Am Spyder as far as styling, than a traditional ATV.
CFMoto ‘Evoltion A’ ATV concept
Sleek lines, high tech lighting, cool rims and low profile tyres also make this look like a tasteful ‘Pimp my Ride’ creation.
CFMoto ‘Evoltion A’ ATV concept
Being all-electric is a big factor, with the way development is heading, everyone’s expected to have something in the works these days, even if riders often seem pretty wary of where electric bikes are going, but for unregistered vehicles on private properly, where sound may be an issue and range expectations can be limited, electric makes a lot of sense.
CFMoto ‘Evoltion A’ ATV concept
The Evoltion A also boasts technology like riding modes and suspension modes, although the former, being all electric is probably easier to implement, than on motorcycles where RbW normally needs to be implemented.
CFMoto ‘Evoltion A’ ATV concept
A dash that looks like it belongs on a premium adventure-touring machine looks like it will include phone connectivity, and much more too.
CFMoto ‘Evoltion A’ ATV concept
While it’s a bit hard to see the practical applications of the Evoltion A here in Australia, it’s an interesting offering from CFMoto none-the-less, as the brand stretches its wings a bit and shows off what it is capable of.
CFMoto ‘Evoltion A’ ATV concept
It’ll be interesting to see what ends up reaching the showroom floors in the future either way.
CFMoto ‘Evoltion A’ ATV conceptCFMoto ‘Evoltion A’ ATV conceptCFMoto ‘Evoltion A’ ATV concept
Dale says the GT is a “great bike” with “world-class” fit and finish that makes it well worth the extra money.
“If it had another name on the tank, you could easily believe it came from one of the best manufacturers,” he says.
“The only part of the bike that appears cheap are the switchblocks which need a better choice of symbols and fonts.”
Here is Dale’s assessment of the CFMoto 650GT:
Engine
At 100km/h, the engine is running at 4000rpm which is 500rpm less than the MT.
I get about a very reasonable 4.3L/100km from the MT, so the GT’s economy should be a little better.
At highway speed, power delivery is good and it doesn’t feel like it is over-geared.In fact, it feels a little stronger in the mid-range than the MT.
Engine temperature shows it runs cooler than the MT which does tend to run hot in traffic.
It also feels cooler but this can be difficult to quantify as the temperature gauge does not indicate the actual temperature, only an LCD line.
Suspension
I would rate the GT’s suspension as the best of any CFMoto I’ve ridden.
It handles all manner of road bumps with ease and in general gives no cause for concern.
I would encourage CFMoto to add a preload adjuster cap to the fork, as these not only look good but offer a positive feature at little extra cost.
An Ohlins cap, spacer and spring kit costs the manufacturer very little and a lesser brand cap would add little to the bike’s overall cost, but more to its value.
The rear coloured spring is an attractive feature, but it would be great if it could be adjusted.
I would like to see a pin-type adjuster as used by Ohlins which is easy and simple to use.
Wheels, tyres and brakes
The German Metzeler tyres are a noticeable improvement over the Chinese CST Adrenos fitted to the MT.
They add stability under braking, cornering integrity, they cope better with bumps and undulations and they have better grip. I would imagine they would have superior wet too, but it hasn’t rained here for a while!
The 160 section rear sat on the 4.5-inch rim better than the MT, as well.
Braking power started out a bit poor but began to offer good bite and progression after about 800km.
If they have used the same compounds as the MT, it will be best around 2000km.
Features
The riding position on the 650GT is good and suits a wider range of people with a lower seat than the MT.
I note that some effort has been used to weight the footpegs and rubber mount them.
The left footpeg was in the way most times when I put the side stand down.
By the way, as a tourer, it needs a centre stand, especially with the left-hand side chain run, making chain lubing more difficult on the side stand alone.
The 650GT windscreen is perfect and the type of adjustment should be employed on the MT as it is more effective. Perhaps the robust MT system works better on rougher roads.
The fuel filler cap is much better than the MT as it stays in place during filling.
Mirrors are not as good as the MT as they vibrate. They need better weighting to reduce harmonics. Field of view is poor and there is not enough adjustment available.
Digital instrumentation are what you would expect on a more expensive bike with two layouts. I also love the way they change to night settings and are dimmable.
There is also a USB for charging your phone or GPS, which is essential for a tourer.
My only complaints are minor:
Like the MT, it needs a helmet lock;
It is difficult to tell the fuel and temperature gauges apart;
It was too easy to confuse the horn with the change button for the maps/dash layout; and
The rear axle nut is probably the biggest in the business and could do with at least 1cm shaved off.
Conclusion
This is a recommended option for anyone looking for a good-value, midsize road bike.
They should fit these with panniers from standard not only to fill in the rear aesthetically, but to truly live up to the “Grand Tourer” moniker.
CFMoto 650GT tech specs
Engine
Engine Type:
Two cylinder, inline 4-stroke, 8-valve, DOHC with counter balance
Capacity:
649.3cc
Bore & Stroke:
83mm x 60mm
Compression Ratio:
11.3:1
Fuel System:
Bosch EFI
Max Power Output:
41.5 kW @ 9,500rpm (LAMS Restricted)
Max Torque:
62 NM @ 7,000rpm
Gearbox:
6-speed
Clutch:
Multiplate wet
Chassis
Frame:
Tubular steel diamond frame employing engine as fully-stressed member
CFMoto celebrated its 30th anniversary in Milan last night (4 November 2019) by announcing the introduction of the sexy new 700CL-X.
Australian director Michael Poynton says it will arrive in late 2020.
“They will be offering this new model as three different variants – Sports, Heritage, Adventure,” he says.
Sports has bar-end mirrors, lower bars, solo seat and mag wheels. Heritage features more complex mags, round mirrors and wide bars. Adventure has a screen, wire wheels and knobby tyres.
Sport
Heritage
Adventure
“In Australia, we are speaking to CFMoto to offer these new models in both a 650cc and 700cc displacement, allowing us to still have models for the LAMS market.”
The design features a mix of modern and traditional influences.
For example, the traditional round headlight has LED lighting and the round instruments have an LCD readout that can display fuel consumption and incoming call.
Interestingly, the X design in the headlights and the LCD instrument are quite reminiscent of the popular Ducati Scrambler.
The CFMoto 700CL-X has a lightweight frame that weighs just 16.5kg and the swingarm weighs 6.7kg. All up, it weighs 183kg dry.
Technology includes ABS, electronically controlled throttle, sliding clutch, cruise control , USB charging port under the seat and “electronic protection control” (an alarm, we think).
Its lighting system automatically switches on/off according to ambient brightness.
New engine
The 700CL-X is powered by a newly developed 692cc inline twin-cylinder water-cooled engine.
It is the latest evolution of the CFMOTO 150/250/400/650 displacement platforms, featuring split-type connection rod, forged piston, electronic throttle, sliding clutch.
The optimised intake system improves efficiency and increases the peak power from 41.5kW to 55kw and torque from 62Nm to 67Nm.
Thankfully it is one of the few adventur-ish motorcycles that has an easy-to-access air filter for cleaning.
Just remove the right plastic panel.
They say an oil change is so simple it can “easily be done at home”.
CFMoto also has a range of accessories to customise the bike, including luggage for the Adventure model.
We tested the bike and found it a willing partner around town and even out on the highway.
The CFMoto 300NK is powered by a new 300cc water-cooled, single-single engine with 25kW of power in its lithe 151kg frame.
It’s an extremely flexible little engine with capable power delivery around town and passable passing abilities on the highway where it revs at 5700rpm in sixth.
The only time it starts to run out of puff is up steep hills.
With a 12.5L tank and excellent fuel economy, you could ride this bike much more than 300km on one fill.
Smooth operator
The EFI engine has a balance shaft and a sixth gear to reduce vibration at highway speed.
We found that after a long ride, there was only a slight tingle in the fingers and none in the toes thanks to the rubber-topped footpegs.
There was also little vibration through the mirrors which are big and wide for plenty of good rear vision. They are no wider than the reasonably wide bars, so lane filtering is fine on this narrow bike.
The whole bike feels very narrow including the 795mm seat which makes it easy for most riders to get a foot on the ground.
The 300NK pillion seat is removable with a key and there is little space underneath. The rider seat is removable with a spanner.
This is a highly manoeuvrable motorcycle in traffic and tight spaces thanks to its smooth fuelling, light weight and narrow frame.
The six-speed transmission is slick and faultless with no false neutrals and neutral easy to select when stopped.
Braking is handled by Spanish J Juan brake callipers and a Continental Dual Channel ABS controller.
They are strong and willing with reasonable feel in both the lever and pedal, but the front fades off under heavy braking.
Suspension may be rudimentary, but it is quite capable as the bike is so light.
Heavier riders may have trouble and the forks gets jittery over high-frequency bumps.
I’m 183mm tall and found the riding position quite neutral, except the pegs are fairly high which cramped my legs. They could easily drop them down a bit as it has plenty of cornering clearance.
Modern features
Modern features on the 300NK include a full-colour TFT instrumentation panel with convenient gearshift indicator, LED headlight, lockable fuel cap and daytime running lights.
The 300NK instruments are easy to read in most lighting conditions although they can reflect the sun’s glare at certain angles.
They are also light sensitive and change colour in a tunnel or at night.
You can also choose between a traditional analogue-style display or digital representation.
Interestingly, they include “Sport” and “Rain” engine modes, but they are not active … yet! We are told that may come in future models.
The backlit controls are basic and a bit cheap, but tactile and function fine.
We like the modern, angular styling of CFMoto’s range which has been outsourced to Kiska, the Austrian design house which is also responsible for many KTM models.
An interesting touch is the rear the tail which has winglets and reminds us of the Ducati Panigale!
It only comes in solid black and we reckon it would look a whole lot better with some graphics or at least a flash of an alternate colour to alleviate the all-black paintwork.
Fit and finish is close to Japanese standard.
Conclusion
Despite our test bike developing an occasional coolant leak from an ill-fitting cap that was replaced as a precaution, we found the bike very strong and reliable.
Coolant leak
Novices will find it easy and enjoyable to ride and useful in most road situations.
At this bargain price, it would also make a great second bike for commuting to keep the kilometres down on your prized bike.
CFMoto 300NK tech specs
Price
$4990 ride away
Warranty
2yrs/unlimited km
Engine
292.4cc single cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid cooled, 4-valve, DOHC with balance shaft
CFMOTO Australia has added the third 650cc model to the range, called the 650GT ABS which is a “grand tourer”.
It will cost just $8490 ride away and joins the naked 650NK at $6490 and the 650MT at $7490 including a free set of panniers valued at $650 until the end of the year.
Comparative models are the Honda CBR650L ($9999 +ORC), Kawasaki 650L ($9999 +ORC), Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 (from $84440 ride-away), Suzuki SV650 LAMS ($8990 +ORC) and Yamaha MT-07 $9999 +ORC).
That makes the CFMoto 650 range among the cheapest 650cc learner-approved road-going motorcycles in our market.
CFMoto’s grand tourer comes standard with a large colour auto dimming TFT display, adjustable windscreen and USB and 12 volt charging sockets on either side in the cockpit. Panniers are also available as an option.
The 650GT ABS is powered by the same 41.5kW (LAMS restricted) 650cc parallel twin engine as used in the 650NK and 650MT variants.
It is managed by a Bosch EFI system delivering a user-friendly power curve, perfect for new riders.
The hydraulic brakes are supplied by Spanish company J.Juan with a Continental ABS.
It is shod with Metzeler tyres and claims to have a “plush ride” on the KYB conventional telescopic forks and cantilever KYB rear monoshock.
CFMoto also claims the low seat height of 795mm will provide a relaxed riding position.
They say it will appeal to commuters, tourers and learner riders.
The 650GT ABS is available in two colour options, Concept Blue or Nebula Black and is backed by CFMOTO’s two-year, unlimited km warranty.
KTM links
Like the other models in the CFMoto range, the 650GT has European styling thanks to Austrian design house Kiska which also designs KTM motorcycles.
Shinko Tyres bought the almost new radial tyre plant from Yokohama Tire Japan in the late 1990s. They have since become one of the most versatile and innovative tyre manufacturers in today’s market.
So we chose a 120/70R17 front and 170/60R17 rear.
Ivan and Louie at Tyres4Bikes, Brisbane, handled the fitting duties with their usual professional and friendly service.
They settled on 34psi in the front and 38psi in the rear for pressures.
The 705 Series tread pattern gave the bike an instant look of aggression, credibility and capability.
First thing I noticed as I rode home was that the steering was more stable and turns were more deliberate.
Much of this feeling comes from the wider rear, combined with a flatter tread pattern which is common with adventure tyres.
Tyre tread noise is a little louder, but not a major issue. Added vibration from the aggressive tread is not noticeable above 25km/h.
Shinko advise that the tyre is biased towards “80% road” use, and while they perform well there, I also can report excellent off-road manners.
Front and rear braking is now possible on unsealed roads with good feedback and confidence.
On a recent dirt/tar run out to Mount Berryman and Schultz Lookout, I was soon able to power slide out of gravel corners and really start to enjoy this bike in its intended environment.
After a few hundred kilometres, wear hasn’t shown itself to be a problem. We will update later with another review.
Surprisingly, I have noticed a small improvement in fuel economy over the past three tanks of unleaded. That’s unusual as the tyres are noticeably heavier than the road tyres they replaced.
Shinko 705 Series tyres would suit most Adventure riders on mid to large bikes.
CFMoto continue to offer some of the cheapest learner bikes in Australia with the 300NK arriving next month at just $4990, ride away.
We could not find a 300cc motorcycle on the market for less. In fact, the Chinese-made motorcycle is about the same price as a couple of 150cc bikes on the market.
And it includes an unlimited kilometre, two-year factory warranty.
It rounds out their NK (naked) road bike range: 150NK ($3490 with free jacket and helmet worth $350); 250NK ($4290) and 650NK ($5990).
Despite the cheap prices, we have found all the CFMoto models we’ve tested to be reliable and great value.
This latest variant is powered by a new 300cc four-valve DOHC, water-cooled engine with 25kW of power in its lithe 151kg frame.
The EFI engine has a balance shaft and a sixth gear to reduce vibration in the footpegs and hand grips.
Braking is handled by Spanish J Juan brake callipers and a Continental Dual Channel ABS controller.
The frame is narrow making it easy for most riders to get a foot on the ground and the seat is split for rider and pillion.
Modern features include a full-colour TFT instrumentation panel, LED headlight and daytime running lights.
Like all NK motorcycles, styling has been outsourced to Kiska, the Austrian design house responsible for many KTM models.
First service came up at a pleasing 1500km, not 1000km or even 800km like many other bikes.
The service was performed by the selling dealer, Sunstate Motorcycles, Nerang, and it was also very pleasing at just $270.
I was lucky enough to throw a leg over a new Suzuki V-Strom 650 while waiting for the service. The V-Strom was fully run in and quite an impressive model in the same genre, but it highlighted the amazing value of the CFMoto at less than 2/3 of the price and with panniers included.
I bought the bike because I needed a machine capable of many types of riding, so it didn’t take long before I got the wheels dirty on some unpaved country back roads.
While it may climb every mountain and ford every stream, there are two main drawbacks.
First is the road-biased tyre tread. Second is the lack of high-speed damping from the rear shock on corrugated dirt inclines. It tends to skip the corrugations, losing power and traction.
It adds a bit to the challenge, but I am sure a little work in the suspension, tyre pressures and a rubber update should help a great deal.
Loosen up
My CFMoto has taken most of the first 1500km to loosen up the engine and front suspension.
The fork seals had a noticeable amount of stiction from new, which made modulating the front brakes on dirt roads harder than now the stiction has faded.
On one very fast creek crossing, the exhaust pipe did ground out once, but I doubt most people will ever find this.
The headlight on low beam is good for everything up to 100km/h.
The LED running lights light up the immediate road well, filling in the usual dark area. However the headlight is really bright and does not alternate between high and low. The low stays on with high beam and does its best to dazzle everything in sight.
The chain and sprocket have shown minimal wear and has not required adjustment to date, which is exceptional.
I cannot comment on wet braking as yet, thanks to the current winter drought, but in the dry the brakes are more than adequate. I recently tested out the ABS on a straight dirt road and there is great feedback before it cuts in.
Fuel economy has been steady since day one and hasn’t improved much with running in.
On 95 RON fuel, the bike gets a respectable 4.3L/100km (23km/l or 65mpg), theoretically allowing for 400km range.
When the last fuel block has been flashing for some time, it takes about 13.5 litres from a claimed 18 litre tank, so reserve is quite generous.
Overall, I am still enjoying the bike immensely and hope to give you another update at around 8000km.
CFMoto 650 MT ABS tech specs
Price:
$7490 ride away
Engine:
649.3cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve, parallel-twin four-stroke with 180-degree crankshaft, chain camshaft drive and single gear-driven counter balancer
Bore & Capacity:
83mm x 60mm
Compression Ratio:
11.3:1
Fuel System:
EFI with 2 x 38mm ITT throttle bodies and single injector per cylinder
Power:
41.5kW @ 9500rpm (LAMS restricted)
Torque:
62Nm @ 7000rpm
Gearbox:
6-speed with gear primary drive
Clutch:
Multiplate wet
Chassis:
Tubular steel diamond frame employing engine as fully-stressed member
When motorcycle industry stalwart Dale Schmidtchen needed an attractive, utilitarian motorcycle at a good price, his research led him to the CFMoto 650 MT ABS.
Dale, who has previously worked for CFMoto, says he needed a bike capable of many types of riding.
“I had set a budget of under 10k,” he says.
Bargain bike
650 MT
Sunstate Motorcycles at Nerang delivered the bike in an attractive “Athens Blue” for the current deal that includes panniers and engine bars for just $7490 ride away.
“I chose to upgrade to the larger aluminium panniers for a small premium extra,” Dale says.
“I have to admit I rode one of the original prototypes at the factory back in 2011, so I was keen to see how much they had progressed since then.
“In a word, refinement.”
Dale is a big lad. Tall and hefty, yet he says he feels comfortable on the 650 MT.
“It’s tall in the seat (840mm) and wide with the panniers fitted, but this is typical of most adventure tourers,” he says.
“The ride position feels very much like a Ducati Multistrada.
Dale says the styling is “very KTM”.
That’s understandable as CFMoto styling is done by Austrian design house Kisha who also design for KTM.
“The LCD instrumentation is easy to read and I am pleased to say has a curved glass, so doesn’t suffer from bright sun.
“The mirrors are clear and do not fuzz, even at highway speeds.
The 649.3cc LAMS engine has 41.5kW of power and 64Nm of torque.
“There is more than adequate torque for acceleration, but I have to say that while it is still tight, at least 3000 revs are required for clean acceleration in the higher gears,” Dale says.
“It ticks over at a bit more than 4200rpm at 100km/h and early indications are that there could be close to 400km range from the 18 litre tank.”
New to CFMoto are the Yuan USD forks, featuring rebound damping, as does the rear shock.
“Ride is very plush, but I have noticed high-speed compression damping is a little harsh,” Dale says.
“Overall, I have to rate the bike as extremely capable and a genuine surprise in terms of value.”
We will get many opportunities to also ride the bike and we will track Dale’s ownership of the bike to see if it stacks up to his demands.
CFMoto 650 MT ABS tech specs
Price:
$7490 ride away
Engine:
649.3cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve, parallel-twin four-stroke with 180-degree crankshaft, chain camshaft drive and single gear-driven counter balancer
Bore & Capacity:
83mm x 60mm
Compression Ratio:
11.3:1
Fuel System:
EFI with 2 x 38mm ITT throttle bodies and single injector per cylinder
Power:
41.5kW @ 9500rpm (LAMS restricted)
Torque:
62Nm @ 7000rpm
Gearbox:
6-speed with gear primary drive
Clutch:
Multiplate wet
Chassis:
Tubular steel diamond frame employing engine as fully-stressed member
CFMoto could soon be expanding its engine sizes with a 700cc liquid-cooled parallel twin engine and KTM’s first-generation 990cc LC8 engine.
Images from the Chinese company’s patent application have leaked showing the 700cc engine which is expected to replace the current 650cc units.
Expanding capacity
The company has close ties with KTM, making their bikes in China for the domestic market and using the same designing house, Kiska.
CFMoto are not only expanding engine capacities but also expanding production.
They are building a joint factory wth KTM in China, producing more than half a million bikes a year.
From 2021, the factory will make all KTM models powered by the new 799cc parallel-twin for the world market.
Now CFMoto has also bought the rights to use their old LC8 engines in models for the Asian market.
700cc engine
The leaked 700cc patent images also show the bikes will have a new tubular steel frame, aluminium swingarm, upside-down forks and rising-rate monoshock rear shock mounted on the swingarm rather than a direct-action setup as on the current 650cc line-up.
The 649cc engine delivers 52kW of power, while the 700cc is expected to deliver up to 60kW.
CFMoto Australia boss Michael Poynton says he doesn’t know “too much at this point in time about the 700cc platform”.
“Like always, there will be some new motorcycles released by CFMoto at EICMA later this year but I am unsure on what these will be,” he says.
The only problem with the new models is that they would no longer be learner-approved like the current range of 650cc and 400cc models.
650cc deals
650MT
CFMoto 650NK
Meanwhile, CFMoto Australia has some “cracking deals on “excessive inventory” of their current 650cc models ahead of the release of the new 650GT later this year.
Customers can save $500 on the $5990 ride-away price on a new CFMoto 650NK ABS or the $7490 650MT ABS.
The 650MT ABS adventure models also comes with a free set of panniers worth $650.
CFMoto motorcycles come with a two-year, unlimited kilometre factory warranty.
The “CFMoto Double Deal” will run to 30 September 2019.
