CFMoto isn’t a brand that’s had a lot of exposure here but has sold reasonably well anyway because of competitive pricing. Now the marque is about to get more serious, with new models on the way and more of a push from HQ.
The first new model is due to arrive here in a few weeks. It is the second member of CFMoto’s new modern-classic family, the 700CL-X Sport, and will be priced at $10,990 plus ORC. Just one colour, Velocity Grey, will be available.
The 700CL-X Sport is, as it sounds, a more aggressive offering than the Heritage model, with sticky 17-inch rubber, petal discs and twin Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers. Other features include a solo seat, clip-on handlebars, a windshield and round bar-end mirrors.
Powering the middleweight is a new fuel injected 693cc parallel twin engine, developing 55kW at 8500rpm. A slipper clutch helps with shifting duties.
Other items include Eco and Sport power modes, one-touch cruise control and an adjustable headlight.
If the styling looks vaguely Italian, that’s possibly because the CL-X Sport was designed in Europe, with deliberate retro café racer elements, like the round headlight and naked frame. More modern items include LED lighting, bar-end mirrors, aluminium side plates on the fuel tank and integrated air intake.
Tyres are by Maxxis and the suspension is by KYB. They are fully adjustable 41mm upside-down forks and a rear monoshock offers both rebound and preload adjustment. Seat height is similar to that of the Heritage, at 795mm and, despite clip-on handlebars, the riding position is said to be not overly aggressive. The Sport is much shorter and sits lower than the Heritage, by 110mm and 138mm, respectively.
Wet weight is a claimed 205kg, an aluminium swingarm helping to keep that in check. Accessories include racing rear sets, an upper triple clamp, bar-end mirrors, a 10mm taller rider’s seat, an optional pillion seat, and radiator guard.
CFMOTO Australia director, Michael Poynton, commented “We’re confident that the 700CL-X Sport will appeal to a wide range of riders with its striking looks, top-spec chassis and sensational value-packed proposition.
“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.”
