From our Old Bike Archives – Issue 108 – first published in 2023.
Ride impressions: Jim Scaysbrook • Photography: Sue Scaysbrook
Chinese brand CF Moto has come a very long way in a short space of time, and the latest offering is a genuine contender in the Sport/Touring category. There’s a great deal of competition in this middleweight section of the Adventure category, so the product needs to be good to survive.
Now 49% owned by the Austrian giant KTM, the tie up is a winner for both parties, with sharing of technology and production across several platforms. In this case, the powerplant comes directly from the KTM 790; tried, proven and powerful. CF Moto says that inside the engine there are subtle revisions aimed at optimising torque delivery, with reduced component weight throughout. The transmission incorporates a Power Assisted Slipper Clutch (PASC) which has a lighter clutch lever pull, plus a two-way quickshifter.
However what is probably the outstanding trait of this particular motorcycle is Value for Money. For $16,490 Ride Away in Australia, you get standard equipment which are optional extras on many or most competitors. The most visible of these is the 8-inch Multi-Media Interface which dominates the cockpit. There are gadgets and sensors all over the bike processing information, but the screen is where it comes back to the rider, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Systems, a touch screen display, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control and navigational functions. There is a constant stream of notifications popping up – tyre pressure warnings and so on – which can be a bit of information overload, but much of this can be switched off so the rider can concentrate on the road ahead. Heated grips (and even a heated seat) are standard, along with cruise control. Naturally there are USB ports and a 12 volt socket for keeping devices charged.
Amongst the numerous other technical features are what CF Moto call the Behind Radar System, which is basically a rear facing camera which provides several monitoring and warning functions. A very handy example is BSD, or Blind Spot Detection which provides a warning signal should another vehicle venture into this area. There’s another warning signal when it is unsafe to change lanes, and a system to monitor when a vehicle behind gets too close.
The 800MT Explore engine management system has two modes, Sport and Rain, but six when you factor in the various combinations in Road or Off Road, which take into account the level of Traction Control and the balance of ABS front to rear.
As well as the dazzling array of ultra modern functions built into the bike, there’s an impressive conventional list as well. The frame and rear sub-frame are made from lightweight chrome-moly steel which weigh a total of just 16kg, paired with an aluminium alloy swing-arm. Suspension is by KYB, with 43mm USD front forks offering 160mm of travel that are adjustable for compression and rebound damping and spring pre-load. At the rear, a single KYB unit gives 150mm of travel with adjustable rebound damping and spring pre-load. Michelin Anakee Adventure tyres are standard fitment. Stopping the show are brakes from the Spanish company J.Juan, which has had a spectacular growth in recent years and now has factories in China, North America and India. There’s an extremely generous screen between you and the elements, which is manually adjustable.
My short experience with the 800MT Explore at least gave me a chance to try it both on and (briefly) off-road. Naturally, tarmac is where the bike will spend the majority of its time, and it accomplishes this extremely well. I even rode it on steep slopes of slippery grass, and provided you think what you’re doing before you do it, there are no problems. The engine take-up is a bit grabby at very low revs, but open the throttle and away it goes thanks to the abundance of torque. Although the seat height is listed as 825mm it feels lower, which I guess is no bad thing. But it is wide and comfortable, with a handy built-in rack for bags and other gear.
All in all, the 800MT Explore is an incredibly refined and exceptionally well-appointed motorcycle. Factor in that Ride Away price and it begins to look like a real bargain. Thanks to Western Sydney CF Moto for the opportunity to sample this model.
For more information on CF Moto and their range of motorcycles visit https://www.cfmoto.com.au/range/motorcycle
2023 CF Moto 800MT Explore – Specifications
ENGINE: 799cc DOHC parallel twin, liquid cooled.
BORE X STROKE: 88 x 65.7mm
COMP. RATIO: 12.7:1
POWER: 67kW at 9,250 rpm
TORQUE: 75Nm at 8,000 rpm
FUELLING: Bosch electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle.
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed gearbox with slipper clutch.
CHASSIS: Tubular steel frame
SUSPENSION: Front: 43mm USB KYB forks with 160mm travel.
Rear: KYB Monoshock with 150mm travel
BRAKES: Front: 2 x 320mm floating discs. J.Juan 4-piston radial calpiers. ABS.
Rear: 1 x 260mm disc 2-piston caliper, ABS
WHEELS/TYRES: Spoked wheels
Front: 110/80 x 19.
Rear: 150/70 x 17.
WET WEIGHT: 231kg
FUEL CAPACITY: 19 litres
WHEELBASE: 1531mm
SEAT HEIGHT: 825mm
ELECTRONICS: 8-inch TFT dash, 6 riding modes, cruise control, LED Lighting.
RRP AUSTRALIA: $16,490 Ride Away.
COLOUR OPTIONS: Starry White, Gem Black.
TEST MODEL: Western Sydney CF Moto.
