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With a variety of exciting models, CFMoto motorcycles have now arrived in the U.S. with a bang.
CFMoto fans in America are no longer limited to UTVs and ATVs, with the company known to have been in the U.S. powersports market since 2006. A top global ATV brand in the automotive industry, CFMoto had its humble beginning in Hangzhou, China, manufacturing parts for other powersports brands, to building the best Chinese ATVs, and now having dealerships in more than 70 countries.
A while back, the manufacturer held its first-ever dealer meeting in North America, where it announced seven motorcycles it will soon bring to the U.S. These motorcycles have since arrived, and they are the first U.S. release for CFMoto since 2006's less-than-stellar launch of the 650 model.
The models in question aren't brand new, and have already had their way through Europe, Asia, and Australia. They offer a wide variety of power, from the 126 cc Papio to the 693 cc 700CL-X. Take a look at how each one stacks up, having now arrived in the states.
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Starting with the most tame of the bunch, the Papio is essentially CFMoto's take on the Honda Grom. This 126 cc mini bike, according to the manufacturer's website, is "designed for youngsters who enjoy freedom and fun." Its four-stroke, single-cylinder engine brings its top speed to around 56 mph. The seat is situated about two-and-a-half feet above the ground, and it has a curb weight of 251 pounds. The wheelbase is just shy of 4 feet. It will retail for $2,999
For the older crowd, the lowest-power options sent to the U.S. are the 300SS (known as the 300SR in Europe) and the 300NK. Both feature a 292 cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine. They both also have dual-channel Continental AG ABS, six-speed transmission, a slipper clutch and color display allowing riders to access two different riding modes. From a mechanical standpoint, they're nearly identical.
The way the two set themselves apart is in the styling. In Europe, the "SR" in the name 300SR stands for "sport racing," and it's clear to see why. The 300SR boasts a more sporty appearance, with the rider's line of sight positioned much lower. The seat is 2.55 feet high, while the bike itself has about 5.3 inches of ground clearance. Additionally, the 300SR weighs about 364 pounds. It has hydraulic damping, telescopic upside down suspension in the front, and center-aligned, mono suspension in the rear. CFMoto doesn't list its top speed on its website, but it indicates it has 29 hp. It will retail for $4,299.
The 300NK is more roadster-like. The rider is more upright, and the handlebars are higher on the motorcycle. The seat is also about 0.6 inches higher on the NK, and ground clearance is also bumped up about half an inch. Its listed weight is 333 pounds, and its top speed is 86 mph. It also features retractable front suspension and cantilever rear suspension. The 300NK retails for $3,999 MSRP.
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Like the 300 models, the 650s are bikes of similar components serving different purposes. They both use a 649 cc, two-cylinder inline, four-stroke, liquid-cooled engine. They also share the same ground clearance of 5.9 inches, and the same wheelbase of about 4.6 feet. The two even have the same sized tires, with each having a 120/70 ZR17 in the front and 160/60 ZR17 in the rear.
The Adventura is more suitable for grand touring. Its seat is situated 2.75 inches above the ground. Like the 350NK, it has the higher handlebars of the two and has a more upright position for the rider. It has a curb weight of 480 pounds, and a fuel capacity of 18 liters. The Adventura also has dual-channel Continental ABS, a slipper clutch, standard cruise control, and even an adjustable windshield. It retails for $6,799.
However, the 650NK is, like the 350NK, styled more like a roadster. CFMoto says it's "enjoyable in both the city and out on the highway and it will give you a great taste of big-bike thrills." It is the lower, more aggressive of the two, with the seat placed 0.6 inches lower than the Adventura. It also features a slipper clutch and Continental ABS. Unlike the Adventura, however, the 650NK includes tires from Pirelli. The 650NK comes in at 454 pounds with a fuel capacity of 17 liters. It retails for $6,499.
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These CFMoto bikes were eagerly anticipated, and they are the most powerful models for the U.S. The CL-X and CL-X Sport both feature a 693 cc, two-cylinder inline, liquid-cooled engine. They also have a similar bore and stroke of 3.27x2.52 in. Both share a wheelbase of 4.71 feet, a fuel capacity of 3.43 gallons.
The standard CL-X boasts 74 hp at 8,500 rpm, a six-speed transmission and slipper clutch. Its seat is 2.62 feet high., and its curb weight is 432 pounds. The bike's swingarm and fork are both alluminum alloy, and the front and rear tires are Pirelli MT60 RS. It retails for $6,499 MSRP.
As one can tell from the name, the CL-X Sport is more sporty. Though it has the same wheelbase as the CL-X, the body has a more aggressive, more compact design. Its seat is slightly lower at 2.6 feet. It has an CF-SC slipper clutch, electric throttle and sport and eco riding modes. The tires are Maxxis MA-ST2, and the Sport comes in at a slightly heavier 451 pounds. It also has 11.8-inch, dual-disc, and Brembo Stylma brakes. Expectedly, the CL-X Sport is more expensive, retailing for $6,999.
Ahmad Austin Jr. is a journalist from South Jersey. A lover of cars a number of years, he's primarily interested in general automotive history and race history.