For several years now, Chinese motorcycle manufacturer CFMOTO has been impressing the global market with its high-end and affordable motorcycles. With ties to some of the biggest brands in the industry, the manufacturer is indeed a cut above most of its compatriots, not only in terms of build quality and performance, but also in style.
Among the brand's notable partnerships is that with KISKA Design, the design firm behind the style of KTM's road bikes. CFMOTO extension also has a long-standing partnership with KTM, where the Chinese manufacturer produces KTM machines for China and neighboring markets, and also holds the rights to some of KTM's LC8 engines. More recently, CFMOTO extension launched the 800MT, an adventure motorcycle that uses KTM's LC8 engine, the same one found in the Mattighofen brand's 790 range.
The Western market has long been in the sights of CFMOTO extension, and the company has been present in Europe for several years now. Designated in Italy, the 700 CL-X Sport targets motorcyclists looking for a driving experience, aspiring to the latest trends. CFMOTO extension has developed this Sport version to offer consumers an even more efficient and quality product with a neo-retro, sophisticated and sporty design, combined with excellent handling.
The 700 CL-X Sport thus wishes to combine the simplicity of the design and modern technologies by adorning itself with numerous old-fashioned elements: a round headlight, a visible frame, a thin fuel tank or even round instrumentation and mirrors. But these elements are also modern with LED headlights surrounded by chrome, matte paint, retro leather, aluminum rims.
The 700 CL-X Sport is powered by a 693 cc in-line twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled, double overhead camshaft engine with electronic fuel injection. Power from the 180-degree twin-cylinder crankshaft engine is rated at 73 hp at 8500 rpm and torque at 68 Nm at 6500 rpm, placing it adequately in the mid-displacement roadster category currently dominated by the Yamaha MT-07 and XSR700. The latter is associated with electronic throttle control and a slipper clutch.
This motor is integrated into a lightweight tubular frame since it weighs only 16,5 kg and the swingarm 6,7 kg. The 700 CL-X Sport stands out from the competition with its high-end components: the inverted fork and rear shock absorber are adjustable, while the Brembo brakes with radial caliper and 320 mm disc at the front , are supported by an ABS.
Its electronics are also impressive, with features like cruise control, auto-cancelling turn signals, and selectable driving modes on offer. The equipment is not left out since there is also a cruise control or a USB port under the saddle.
It will be available in two two-tone paint finishes Nebula White and Velocity Gray, which are combined with black and other color accents to highlight the headlights, front fender, fuel scoops and rear hull. There CFMOTO extension 700 CL-X Sport presents itself as a value for money alternative to some of the more expensive motorcycles like the KTM 890 Duke and the Triumph Street Triple 765, as it is priced at €7990.
