CFMOTO has largely flown under the radar here in New Zealand, but importer Mojo Motorcycles is on a mission to breathe new life into the brand with the imminent arrival of a range of new models.
We’ve already talked about their KTM powered adventure bike, but for those less keen to get dirty, CFMOTO is about to launch its new 700CL-X Sport into the country.
“The breakout year for CFMOTO in the full-power motorcycle ranks continues with the unveiling of the 700CL-X Sport,” said CFMOTO Australia director Michael Poynton.
“The initial response to the 700CL-X Heritage has been exceptionally positive, and we’re confident the 700CL-X Sport will also appeal to a wide range of riders with its striking looks, top-spec chassis and sensational value-packed proposition.
“Like the Heritage, the Sport offers a comfortable, fun, easy and relaxed ride, with a potent engine and an electronics package that is class-leading.
“The CL-X range, which will also include the Adventure variant in coming months, is the start of an exciting push by CFMOTO to enter new motorcycle segments – and that will continue with the much-anticipated KTM-engined 800MT adventure touring range.”
The second model in CFMOTO’s modern classic inspired range after the Heritage, the 700CL-X takes a sportier approach to riding than the CL-X Heritage that was released earlier this year.
The sporting credentials of the 700CL-X Sport are actually pretty solid.
At its heart is a 693cc parallel-twin pumping out a claimed 73hp at 8500rpm and 68Nm at 6500rpm respectively. Not huge power but plenty enough to be fun out on the road, for sure. The engine also makes use of Bosch fuel injection, split connecting rods, a slipper clutch and forged pistons for extra strength and reduced weight and inertia.
In an interesting move, CFMOTO included two selectable rider modes for the engine with an Eco and Sport setting on hand to tailor the ride. There’s also cruise control as standard – another rarity in the middleweight segment.
Doing the rolling and stopping on the CL-X Sport are sticky Maxxis tyres wrapping 17-inch wheels, with petal discs and twin Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers pulling things to a stop.
Suspension is quality also, with KYB coming to the party to supply the springers. The fork is a fully adjustable 41mm unit, while at the rear the monoshock offers both bound and preload adjustment. Travel at both ends is 150mm.
Aside from the much more aggressive stance, other features that separate the Sport from the Heritage model include a solo seat that sits at 795mm off the ground, clip-on handlebars, windshield and round bar-end mirrors.
In all, it's a great looking bike with some really good componentry bolted on. I
Pricing for the New Zealand market is set at $10,990 plus on-road costs with the first examples expected to arrive in early November.
CFMOTO 700CL-X Sport Specifications
ENGINE
Type: Parallel-twin, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, eight-valve, DOHC
Capacity: 693cc
Bore and stroke: 83mm x 64mm
Compression ratio: 11.6:1
Fuel system: Bosch electronic fuel-injection
Maximum power: 73hp (55kW) at 8500rpm
Maximum torque: 68Nm at 6500rpm
Gearbox: Six-speed with slipper clutch
CHASSIS
Front suspension: 41mm KYB upside-down fork, fully adjustable, 150mm travel
Rear suspension: KYB shock with preload and rebound adjustment, 150mm travel
Brakes: Front: 320mm petal discs with radial-mount Brembo Stylema M4.30 four-piston calipers, Continental ABS
Rear: 260mm disc with Brembo twin-piston caliper, Continental ABS
Front tyre: 120/70-17 Maxxis MA-ST2
Rear tyre: 180/55-17 Maxxis MA-ST2
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
Rake: 24.3 degrees
Trail: 102.5mm
Length x width x height: 2090mm x 795mm x 1080mm
Wheelbase: 1436mm
Seat height: 795mm
Fuel capacity: 13 litres
Wet weight: 205kg