CFMOTO Australia will be running a host of demo ride days over the next few months, across quite a few states, in partnership with TeamMoto and their dealership network, spanning February to April.
Whether a TeamMoto regular or a rider less familiar with CFMOTO, all are welcome to, with the Demo Ride Days presenting an excellent opportunity to sample some of the latest offerings from the world’s fastest-growing powersports brand, which now offers an extensive range of motorcycles.
You can join by registering your spot at one of the selected dealerships, with a full list of dates listed below:
(Note: Only February dates are currently accepting entries)
3rd February 2024 – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
2nd March, 2024 – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
20th APRIL – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
CFMOTO models available for test rides include the XO Papio Racer, 150NK, 300NK, 300SR, 450SR, 650NK, 800MT Explore. However not all bikes are available at all dealerships, and ensure you book for your preferred dealership.
If your desired bike is not available at your preferred dealership, please contact them, and they may be able to arrange a private test ride for you.
The CFMOTO Demo Rides offer a great opportunity to take the latest and greatest motorcycles from the range for a spin, with staff on hand to answer questions or offer additional insights.
There will also be an In-Store Sale, with special promotions and discounts on parts and accessories, available only to attendees of the test ride event, as well as exclusive spot prizes to be won on the day by just registering and attending an event.
Plus you can meet your local riding community, and connect with fellow motorcycle enthusiasts and share your passion. So don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity.
Motorcycle Test by Wayne Vickers – Images RbMotoLens
Two blokes within ten minutes stopped and asked us about the bike when we were shooting the pics. “What is that mate? It looks awesome, is it a custom?” Both were amazed when I told them it was a production bike. Then positively gobsmacked when I told them it was by CFMOTO – a Chinese brand. Both guys owned Ducatis. One hung around poring over the bike and asking questions for another 10 minutes. He has a Paul Smart in the shed. If you reckon Chinese bikes aren’t there yet from a design or build level point of view – I’m telling you that you need a rethink. They look pretty bloody good in the metal. Feel solid on the go too…
Mechanically it’s basically the same as the 700 CLX Heritage I reviewed not long back. The CL stands for Classic I’m told, and the X represents infinite possibilities. The marketing book says they’re going for a neo retro cafe racer vibe. Which, while being a bit of a mouthful, sums up the look quite nicely.
It has the same engine and driveline as the Heritage model, with different styling, clip-ons and brakes etc. This is the sportier version. Hence, well… being called Sport. Thanks captain obvious. Twin discs up front versus a single on the Heritage, it also has a slightly more aggressive ride position and a firmer, flatter seat. Supposedly it has a pillion seat, but not really one that’s usable for any human I know… It’d work ok as a spot to stick a tail bag though I guess. If that’s your thing.
Now I really enjoyed the Heritage variant during the time I had it, it had a lot of character on the road. So I was looking forward to getting to know the Sport. Despite sharing so much mechanically, I can tell you that they do feel quite distinctly different.
Going back to styling. The partnership with Kiska (the guys who do KTMs styling), is obviously paying dividends. There are angles where this thing looks seriously good – hence the admirers mentioned in the opening paragraph. And lots of genuinely nice details. The whole seat and tail unit in particular is beautifully executed. As an overall package it really is quite distinctly unique – which is not an easy ask. Material choice is solid and finishes look excellent. Even the faux carbon finish looks good I reckon. It’s clearly not carbon. It’s sort of not even pretending to be. But the Matt-satin finish seems to suit the bike perfectly along with some nice alloy accents here and there. The headlight looks ace on this variant too and throws out some good light too. It’s not just for looks.
It shares the same dash as the Heritage, and it’s a nice enough design that works – so no issues there really other than the fuel gauge sneaks up on you a bit as it gets towards empty. The same switch-gear adorns both models. Like the heritage I found some of the controls a bit devoid of feedback; And I somehow kept tagging the horn unexpectedly with my thumb. Often it was after using the cruise control, when in the process of repositioning my hand on the grip. Though that’s where the cockpit similarities come to and end.
Where the Heritage has a more upright sweeping bar setup and high mirrors, the Sport opts for clip ons and bar end mirrors. Those mirrors seem to work ok too surprisingly – they aren’t big, but they do get the job done. The ride position as a result of the clipons being noticeably lower is sportier without extreme. Bearing in mind that the pegs remain in the same location on both variants. The seat is 5mm lower at 795 mm which means standover is more than comfortable and in town manoeuvrability is excellent.
Did I mention the brakes are Brembos? Oh yeah – that’s definitely a thing. Stylemas no less. And they work just fine. As does the ABS. And the slipper clutch.
I found that the exhaust note on this bike seemed a little quieter than the Heritage – though it looks to me to have the same set-up. Maybe I just wanted it to be a bit rortier.
The seat is noticeably flatter and immediately gives it more of a cafe racer vibe. On the go, that firmer seat certainly transfers more information to your freckle than what is soaked up on the Heritage. It really is quite firm. Not the bike to travel around Australia on then probably. I was looking for a rest and stretch after only an hour and a half. I did notice that there’s a ‘high rider’ seat as an optional accessory – could be worth a look.
The KYB 150 mm suspension at both ends are slightly underdone. While being fully-adjustable up front ,and adjustable for preload and comp out back, they don’t quite offer the rebound control I’d like – though it’s not nearly as bad as a certain red naked bike I rode recently that costs almost twice what this does. So take that into context. I played with the clickers a bit but didn’t find a setting that was noticeably better than standard.
As far as handling goes, on a reasonably smooth road it changes direction well, tips in nicely and holds a good line. The Maxxis MA ST2s offering good feedback and feel. Big bumps did unsettle it, but not in an unexpectedly bad way.
Where I did run into a challenge was when pushing harder and trying to lay some black lines down. The power delivery is a bit of a head scratcher. While it might ‘only’ put out 73 horsepower, the way it kicks in from around 4 grand really takes some getting used to if you’re trying to hustle along. There’s a noticeable step up in out-put and much like VTEC being polarising for riders, you’re probably either going to really dig it or find it unsettling.
Whereas I found that kick a bit of fun on the Heritage, I found it distracting on the Sport because I wanted to ride it faster. And for me, faster needs to be smooth. I don’t think it ever unsettled the bike – but I’d much rather the aggressive delivery was tuned in a way so you can open the taps more progressively. I suggested as such in the Heritage review, but the sport would benefit from something like a Power Commander or a retune even more than the Heritage. In doing so you’d fix what is really the only major gripe I have with the bike. And you’d do it for not much money I’d expect…
Speaking of money. This is where it ramps up another notch in the ratings stakes. Because at just on ten and a half grand it represents amazing value. You’re starting to get up towards Triumph Trident territory in terms of money (they’re a bit over 12 big ones), and they’re an incredible bike for the coin. But remember that the Trident is a LAMS bike in Australia and as such is limited to the 53 hp version. This CFMOTO jigger has almost half as much power again… and with a tune… could represent the bargain buy of the year. And then you could throw on a nice conical muffler and liberate some more sound. And throw some proper sticky tyres at it…
Why I like the CFMOTO 700 CL-X Sport…
Value, value, value
Styling is very nicely executed
Such a great base that could be even better with a few tweaks…
I’d like the CFMOTO 700 CL-X Sport more if…
That power delivery was ironed out a bit. Then it could be punted hard
CFMOTO Australia’s first fully faired sports bike, the 300SR, will be arriving in a new tri-colour colour scheme, featuring orange, blue and white livery for 2022, while retaining the ultra competitive $5790 Ride Away price point the successful model is famous for.
The striking new design joins Nebula Black and the traditional CFMOTO Turquoise Blue in the Australian line-up.
A current special offer sees customers receive a free CFMOTO helmet and jacket valued at $349 with every 300SR purchase until February 28, 2022 includes the new tri-colour variant.
The CFMOTO 300SR runs a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected single-cylinder as part of its LAMS package with linear power and torque curves – great for learners and commuters.
With impressive styling, an underslung exhaust, 780 mm seat height, 37mm upside-down forks, J. Juan brakes, Continental ABS, TFT display, LED lights, switchable ride modes and mobile phone connectivity, it is a very impressive package for the money and tips the scales at a light 165 kg.
For further information on the 300SR and promotion head to www.cfmoto.com.au or contact your CFMoto Dealer.
2021 CFMOTO 300SR Specifications
2021 CFMoto 300SR Specifications
Engine
Single cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid cooled, 4-valve, DOHC with balance shaft
CFMOTO Australia have launched a new campaign for its economical LAMS commuter, the 150NK, offering even better value for buyers.
From now until March 31, 2022, all customers who purchase the 150NK will receive a free CFMOTO full-face helmet and summer riding jacket with a combined value of $349.
At $3490 ride away, the 150NK is an entry-level rider’s best friend: ultra-light, easy to change direction, commanding ergonomics, low seat height, disc brakes, LED lighting, plush suspension and punchy inner-city performance – all wrapped in a package that’s sharply styled and sharply priced.
The 150NK has a three-year warranty, and comes in two liveries Titanium Grey and Turquoise Blue.
The combined value of the *helmet and *summer jacket is $349, and helmet and jacket styles may vary with availability.
Visit your local CFMOTO dealership to check out the 150NK and the range of CFMoto gear.
Motorcycle Review by Wayne Vickers – Images by RBMotoLens
This is third CFMOTO I’ve tested in recent times and I’ll say straight up that the CFMoto 700CL-X Heritage is the best of them so far. To start with, it’s not a LAMS bike, so it has noticeably more poke.
However that aside, I reckon the build quality and design are an overall step up as well. It’s seriously not far from being a genuinely bloody good thing. Not just good for the price, but proper good.
But what exactly is it? Well, they’ve focussed the 700CL-X at the ‘classic’ retro naked segment with the brand’s first full power bike and one they describe as a bit of a watershed moment. It’s the product of their newest R&D office and production facilities. I think it shows.
The design has some really nicely executed elements and overall reminds me a little of the Indian FTR, which is no bad thing. It just tones the butch down a little from the FTR and aims things further on-road even though it arrives with chunky treaded tyres for a bit of that scrambler look.
The materials overall look nicely finished. Nothing looks like it’s been built to a cost even though it obviously has. Nice aluminium panels, a lovely leather seat, well resolved touches everywhere. The more you look the more you see. Are those braided lines? Why yes. Yes they are. It looks pretty trick!
That 693 cc engine is a much more lively lump than the LAMS 650 donks. It throws out just under 75 ponies and 70 Nm of torque and does so in a lively manner. It has a meaty exhaust note from that stubby little can; and a surprisingly rorty intake note.
Get up it and the bike growls underneath you. And it revs nicely too. Peak power coming in at around eight and a half grand. Unlike the 650s, the mode button on this jigger transforms the engine. Eco mode cuts power by a decent margin and has a super soft throttle feel. It feels more like a wet map to be honest. Very smooth.
Given that the bike has no traction control, you could easily use this as a wet map if you were so inclined. Newer riders would likely see a benefit there.
Flick it to Sport mode though and it comes to life. It’s night and day. Apparently it’s just timing and fuel that changes, but it feels like a whole different engine.
In old school terms, it feels like another butterfly is opening up or another injector coming online when you give the throttle a decent twist – there’s a noticeable kick as it responds. It’s akin to the feel of VTEC kicking in. It’s good fun on the road!
The fueling isn’t perfect in Sport mode though – I found it a bit snatchy down low. Nothing that’s a deal breaker, it has certainly got some character which I kinda like. But it could be improved. To the point that I couldn’t help but wonder how good the bike could be with maybe a Power Commander thrown on… It might make it a better wheelie bike too.
It didn’t feel totally comfortable on the back wheel with the fuelling the way it was and I had trouble finding the balance point.
The rest of the controls are all pretty solid. Nice slipper clutch and box. I found some of the switchgear a bit devoid of feedback, especially the indicator switch, but did like the round dash design. With the headlight design it took us a while to spot the X and there’s a few of them sprinkled throughout the bike. I especially liked the seat-tail unit design.
Speaking of, it’s quite a comfy seat, my buttometer was happy for solid 60+ minute stretches, but it did start looking for a rest after several hours on the photoshoot day. I don’t think it’s the seat though that’s the issue there.
I think the KYB rear suspension is maybe a touch underdone in terms of rebound control. I didn’t notice it at first, but certainly after a solid day on the bike, it was showing up. It’s just a little on the harsh side.
Nothing to stop most people from climbing aboard, because most people probably wont spend four or five hours in and out of the saddle in a single stint. You’ll also be getting off to refuel anyway. That 13 L tank won’t get you far past 250k’s, which gives you an idea of how they think people will use it. And I don’t think that range is an issue, particularly for this bike. Standard cruise control helps keep your licence intact on any highway commutes.
Brakes wise, I was initially thinking it should have a pair of discs up front when I first got aboard, but the single J.Juan unit works and showed no signs of being an issue. If I was going to be charging hard, often, it might be something to consider. But then.. it has a sister model called the 700CL-X Sport and it has twin discs, so if that’s your bent – go for that one. Continental supplies the ABS smarts.
Handling wise it rides pretty damn well. Those tyres are quite a high profile, so it tips in eagerly and is composed and stable throughout the corner, feels nice and light on change of direction too. No problems there. I was starting to really enjoy repeated runs of a twisty section for the pics. If only the cars would have buggered off I could have had some real fun…
So then the only remaining question is how much – and this is where it shines even further. $9,490 ride-away (or $10,490 for the Sport). Exqueese me? Seems unpossible. There’s a whole lot to like here.
People would be doing themselves a disservice by looking past this bike. And a Power Commander or something along those lines along with a decent tuner could make it even better I am sure. All in all I give it two thumbs up.
The future is looking good for CFMOTO I reckon. I wonder how good the 800MT is going to stack up…
Why I like the CFMOTO 700CL-X Heritage:
Overall its very nicely styled and well built
That engine has got some character – and poke
Nice exhaust note for a stocky too
Such a great package for under ten grand
Imagine it with a power commander and tune…
I’d the CFMOTO 700CL-X Heritage more if:
The fuelling could be better in Sport mode
And the rear suspension could have better rebound control for stints beyond a couple of hours
CFMoto 300SR Summer Deal – Bonus jacket and helmet with bike
There’s never been a better time to get onto two wheels, with CFMoto’s 300SR now the focus of their summer campaign, offering a free CFMoto full-face helmet and riding jacket to help you get started.
The campaign kicked off yesterday and will run until February 22, with the 300SR priced at an extremely competitive $5790 ride away, offering a light and sporty single-cylinder with full fairings for those who like the racer look.
The 300SR produces 29hp and 25Nm from that single-cylinder engine, runs Bosch EFI, 37mm upside-down forks, Continental ABS, a TFT screen, dual modes, mobile phone connectivity, LED lights and has a three-year warranty for total peace of mind.
The combined value of the helmet and summer jacket is $349, with various styles on offer, which may vary. Contact your local CFMoto dealer for more information or drop in and check one out yourself.
CFMOTO is branching into the youth quad market, unveiling two all-new machines – including an electric version – at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan.
The CForce 110 and CForce EV 110 will go on sale in Australia in Q2 2022 and add a long-awaited entry-level element to the CFMOTO ATV family – which currently includes eight models ranging from 400-1000cc.
The electric-start CForce 110 is powered by a conventional single-cylinder fuel-injected engine, with styling cues from the existing CForce range but otherwise a blank-sheet design. Colours are blue and red.
Meanwhile, the CForce EV 110 has strong links to the show-stopping adult-sized ‘Evolution A’ electric concept that CFMOTO displayed at EICMA 2019. The EV 110’s motor produces 4.5kW and 40Nm of instantaneous torque – the same zone as CFMOTO’s current CFORCE 525 ATV – fed by a 44V, 53Ah lithium battery. Top speed is 45km/h.
The white EV 110 has all-LED lighting and a five-inch LCD dash, while safety features on both models include a speed limiter and a geo-fencing function where smartphones can be used to set range limits. Wheel sizes are 10/8-inch front and rear.
“This is a big moment for CFMoto,” said CFMoto Australia director Michael Poynton. “Adding youth quads to the CFMoto ATV line-up has always been on the radar, and I’m delighted that it’s now coming to fruition. With CFMoto’s ATV pedigree and extraordinary value proposition, I’m confident that both models will make a huge impact on the local market. We are particularly excited about the CForce EV 110 with its mantle as the first electric CFMoto to go on sale Down Under. It’s not only a stunning design exercise, but with a level of dynamic and sporty performance to keep the kids smiling.”
Pricing on the CForce 110 and CForce EV 110 will be announced soon.
Grand prix motorcycle racing has a new aspirant, with rapidly expanding Chinese marque CFMOTO declaring it will go Moto3 racing in 2022 alongside German-based team Prüstel GP.
The announcement, made overnight at the penultimate round of the 2021 Road Racing World Championship in Portugal, will see the Sino-German partnership compete in the 21-round world championship with equipment based on KTM’s world-championship-winning RC4 machine.
CFMOTO will have full access to the experience and engineering acumen of KTM, which has been a technical and operational partner of CFMOTO since 2013.
Su Zhen, CFMOTO Racing Development Manager
“Entering the category and the Grand Prix motorcycling world championship means a new adventure for us and one we are very excited about. We are grateful to have some strong partners, like the Prüstel GP team, and we know the series is very competitive. We cannot wait to start, and we will also look to challenge more international racing events in the future. We hope fans, especially the ones in China, will follow us on our journey!”
The CFMOTO-KTM alliance started with the production of small-capacity KTM-badged models for China, and today the joint venture comprises an R&D building and manufacturing facility in Hangzhou.
In Australia, the first bikes emanating from the KTM/CFMOTO joint venture will be the upcoming 800MT adventure touring range, powered by a potent 790cc parallel-twin engine.
Eighteen-year-olds Xavier Artigas and Carlos Tatay will represent an all-Spanish Prüstel GP roster for 2022. Artigas scored a sensational podium finish on his maiden Grand Prix appearance at Valencia in 2019, and Tatay is a former Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup champion.
Prüstel GP has been in the Moto3 class for five years, and has fielded GP winners like John McPhee and 2020 world champion Albert Arenas. The professionally run family team is based in the Saxony area of Germany.
CFMOTO’s elevation to a Grand Prix marque follows on from a number of years competing in various domestic championship via its international subsidiaries, and it has been a mainstay at the Isle of Man TT since 2013 as the only factory team from China.
Florian Prüstel, Team Manager
“We are proud that Prüstel GP can collaborate on a project like this. In tricky times worldwide – and also for motorsports – we are grateful to have a partner like CFMOTO on our side. With this big global manufacturer behind us we will have a great opportunity to bring the best sporting results and media exposure for the brand.”
The 2022 Road Racing World Championship will commence in Qatar on March, 6, and conclude eight months later in Spain on November 6. For the first time since 2019, the calendar will make a return to the spectacular Philip Island Grand Prix Circuit in Victoria from October 14-16.
CFMOTO 800MT pre-orders to receive $899 of bonus accessories
With CFMOTO’s 800MT due to arrive from January 2022, the company have unveiled a pre-order promotion with $899 of bonus accessories for those who get their name down before December 31, 2021.
Riders who place an order on either the 800MT Sport ($12,990 ride away) or 800MT Touring ($13,990 ride away), will also receive $899 worth of free accessories fitted during pre-delivery alongside a 2021-2022 summer delivery guarantee.
The free accessories included are silver side crash bars, a black radiator protector and black headlight guard.
Those interested can make a pre-order through a dealership, over the phone or online via a new dedicated 800MT microsite (link) with a simple step-by-step build process.
The microsite allows riders to start the build process to place a pre-order and nominate their preferred dealer, including adding any accessories they’d like to fit on their 800MT over and above the items already included in the campaign.
Once the pre-order details are received by a CFMOTO dealer, the customer will be contacted to verify details and process a $500 deposit, and as these models will be arriving sight unseen the deposit is refundable if there’s a change of mind. Anyone who’s already pre-ordered will also receive the bonus accessories.
First shipments are scheduled to arrive in January to begin honouring the summer delivery guarantee.
The Sport version will be available in a Nebula Black livery, and the Touring in Twilight Blue.
The 800MTs are powered by KTM’s 799cc 95hp/88Nm parallel twin with a ride-by-wire throttle and multiple riding modes: Sport and Rain.
Wheel sizes are 19-inch front and 17-inch rear – an ideal compromise for road and off-road riding – with the Sport tracking on cast wheels and the Touring on spoked wheels.
The chassis is completed by fully adjustable KYB suspension, Spanish J.Juan radial brakes and a tubular steel frame.
Visit www.cfmoto800mt.com.au or contact your local CFMOTO dealer for further information or to preorder.
Over the weekend Chinese motorcycle manufacturer CFMOTO released some teasers of a new sportsbike it is developing.
Details are scant, but we have been informed that this concept is expected to evolve into a production model that is expected to make its debut at some point in 2022.
Aggressive race-replica styling, Brembos, Ohlins, trick rims, single-sided swingarm, wings, SC Project exhaust.. The ingredients are all there for a tasty recipe…
CFMOTO has extensive ties with KTM and its European design house Kiska, thus one would expect the new model to be driven by an engine derived from a current KTM powerplant.
That means it could be a 390 or 700 cc single, 890 cc parallel-twin, a modernised version of KTM’s earlier 990 cc V-Twin or perhaps even the current full monty 1301 cc V-Twin!
As the clutch appears to be cable operated in these concept shots that would seem to rule out the big V-Twins, and leads us to believe that it will be powered by KTM’s 890 cc parallel-twin.
Or could it be a derivative of the parallel-twin but sized and modified to meet new Supersport racing regulations that will allow 765 cc triples and 955 cc twins race each other…?
Next year, 2022, the Supersport category will start to transition from its traditional 600 cc four-cylinder roots towards a new beginning for the class that will first be trialled in British Superbike.
The production derived intermediate class is long established, but as the motorcycle market evolves it is clear that changes are required to allow more motorcycle models to become eligible, and thus we will see the category move towards models that are more popular with the motorcycle public.
The British Supersport Championship will pilot the evolution of the class in 2022 with the introduction of a Triumph 765 three-cylinder machine, and later in the season a Ducati 955 twin-cylinder machine. In a view to evaluate if this new technical regulations could be the platform for the 2023 FIM Supersport World Championship.
Thus I am reckoning that this new CFMOTO model could be the first toe in the water by a Chinese manufacturer in a quest to go up against the traditional high-performance Japanese and European brands on the racetrack…
Or is it instead a first step towards joining the World Supersport 300 ranks with a single-cylinder machine before a graduation to the new look senior Supersport class…?
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