Ups
- Peppy 649cc parallel-twin engine
- 5-inch full-color TFT display
- Attractive styling
Downs
- Poor airflow funnels engine heat directly toward rider
- 17-inch standard wheels
Verdict
The CFMoto 650 Adventura doesn’t quite have what it takes to compete toe-to-toe in the middleweight adventure category. That isn’t to say that the bike isn’t a quality machine with a generous feature set, but it takes more than that to fully capture the adventure bike spirit. Instead, the Adventura feels like a bulkier, less comfortable version of the company’s 650NK naked.
That said, for its modest price, the 650 Adventura is worth considering for entry-level riders looking to break into the touring/adventure scene.
Overview
CFMoto came out full throttle with its 2022 moto lineup, debuting seven new models that fill a long-standing need for premium quality at entry-level price points. The company may be a new name to most consumers, but Chinese-based CFMoto has been a prominent force in the ATV and side-by-side market for years; its US headquarters has been in Plymouth, Minnesota, since 2007. The company’s foray into motos is still relatively fresh, but with close ties to KTM, CFMoto may be well positioned to break into the US market.
The 650 Adventura is the company’s adventure-touring option, a fully featured, well-built 649cc parallel-twin-powered machine. On paper, with its 5-inch full-color TFT display, J.Juan brakes front and rear, fully adjustable upside-down front fork and monotube rear shock, and contemporary styling, the 650 Adventura seems competitive. Riding it in the real world, though, leaves a bit to be desired, with smaller issues like excess heat in the cockpit area. That said, the bike’s low price point will most likely be enough for entry-level riders to overlook any flaws.
Updates for 2022
As this is the first year of production for the 650 Adventura, there are no updates to report.
Pricing and Variants
The 650 Adventura isn’t the only model in CFMoto’s lineup with a 649cc parallel twin, adjustable front and rear suspension, 5-inch TFT display, and J.Juan disc brakes; much of this is shared with CFMoto’s 650NK. The Adventura seems to be, more or less, a restyled version of the NK with a taller seat and a heftier price tag.
The only variations on the Adventura are trim color; it’s available in either Athens Blue/Matte Titanium Gray or Nebula White/Matte Titanium Gray.
Competition
CFMoto’s 650 Adventura is intended to compete in the middleweight adventure class, where it goes up against bikes such as the Aprilia Tuareg 660 and Suzuki V-Strom 650 (soon to be replaced by the V-Strom 800DE). Other standouts in this category include the Yamaha Ténéré 700, KTM 890 Adventure R, BMW F 850 GS Adventure and 850 GS, Husqvarna Norden 901, Triumph Tiger 900 models, and the Ducati DesertX.
While the Adventura may be less capable in off-road riding, its modest price tag may justify a reduction in versatility, especially if on-road touring will be the bike’s primary use.
Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 650 Adventura’s 649cc parallel-twin engine produces a moderate 60 hp and 41.3 lb.-ft. of torque, providing riders with adequate pep for around-town riding and touring. While a bit lacking in the midrange, the engine’s Bosch EFI system makes for a smooth, predictable powerband.
Power goes through a six-speed transmission, with a CF/SC slipper clutch for quick and accurate shifts. In testing, the bike performed decently, but compared to its naked counterpart the Adventura feels notably less refined on the street.
Handling
The 650 Adventura is fitted with premium upside-down adjustable dampers front and rear, including rebound-adjustable front fork and rebound/preload-adjustable rear offset monotube shock. The dampers perform well out of the box for riders weighing around 180 pounds; however, larger riders may need to increase damping to get the most out of the bike.
Handling is approximately what you’d expect from any middleweight adventure bike with a 33-inch seat height. Steering is moderately light and overall good for spirited riding, though not as sporty as the shorter-wheelbased and lower-seated CFMoto 650NK.
Brakes
As on the 650NK, the Adventura’s J.Juan front brakes are one of the bike’s better aspects, providing excellent braking feel and fade-free performance. Up front, CFMoto uses dual 300mm rotors and two-piston calipers, while a single-piston caliper acts on the bikes’ single rear 240mm rotor.
The model also features standard dual-channel Continental ABS, which performed well in both wet and dry conditions during test sessions.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
There is currently no fuel data for the CFMoto 650 Adventura.
Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility
Overall, the 650 Adventura isn’t a bad first attempt at an adventure bike. It simply isn’t as refined as bikes from competitors with more experience. For instance, the upright seating position isn’t necessarily uncomfortable; it’s adequate for touring and around-town riding. However, the bike’s bodywork seems to funnel engine heat directly upward. When paired with the oversized windscreen, heat ends up trapped directly in front of the rider for an uncomfortably toasty riding experience. Perhaps this is a side effect of basing operations out of Minnesota? In any case, the excess heat will almost certainly get some complaints in warmer climates.
The Adventura includes a set of roomy hard-sided panniers and an oversized seat for long-distance comfort. Other nice features include the aforementioned adjustable windscreen, integrated hand guards, and a USB charging port. A lower fairing/engine guard is sold separately.
Electronics
The 650 Adventura’s electronics include a full-color 5-inch TFT display, dual-channel Continental ABS, and LED lighting. The bike is also equipped with dual riding modes, Eco and Sport, allowing riders to choose between fuel economy and total performance.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
CFMoto’s 650 Adventura comes with a two-year factory warranty.
The 650 Adventura’s quality is just as impressive as that of the rest of CFMoto’s lineup. Defined welds can be seen on the carbon-steel trellis frame, fit and finish appears excellent, and the company has opted for tried-and-tested components to deliver a pleasant feel and appearance.
2022 CFMoto 650 Adventura Claimed Specs
| MSRP: | $6,799 |
|---|---|
| Engine: | 649cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel twin; 4 valves/cyl. |
| Bore x Stroke: | 83.0 x 60.0mm |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/chain |
| Fuel System: | Bosch EFI |
| Clutch: | Wet, multiplate slipper |
| Frame: | Tubular steel w/ aluminum alloy swingarm |
| Front Suspension: | Inverted fork, rebound damping adjustable |
| Rear Suspension: | Cantilever, rebound damping and preload adjustable |
| Front Brake: | Radial-mounted 2-piston J.Juan caliper, 300mm disc w/ ABS |
| Rear Brake: | 1-piston floating J.Juan caliper, 240mm disc w/ ABS |
| Wheels, Front/Rear: | Aluminum alloy; 17 x 3.5 in. / 17 x 4.5 in. |
| Tires, Front/Rear: | 120/70R-17 / 160/60R-17 |
| Rake/Trail: | 24.5°/4.1 in. |
| Wheelbase: | 56.0 in. |
| Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in. |
| Seat Height: | 33.0 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 4.75 gal. |
| Claimed Wet Weight: | 480 lb. |
| Contact: | cfmotousa.com |
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com