After a long wait, the handsome CFMoto 700CL-X range will be launched in Australia in July at $9490, ride away.
The bike was to be launched last year, then the launch was pushed back to early this year, presumably because of the pandemic.
More than 8000 have now been produced in China, so they will start to roll out around the world.
When it does arrive, it will come with a pack of accessories including classic-style panniers, a diamond-stitched seat, protection and bar-end mirrors, as well as a collection of rider gear.
It will continue CFMoto’s reputation as one of the most affordable brands on the market.
The company celebrated its 30th anniversary in Milan in November 2019 with the announcement that the 700CL-X would arrive in late 2020.
There were to be three models: Sports with bar-end mirrors, lower bars, solo seat and mag wheels; Classic with more complex mags, round mirrors and wide bars; and Adventure with a screen, wire wheels and knobby tyres.
However, CFMoto Australia director Michael Poynton says the 700CL-X will arrive in the Classic model only in a choice of grey or blue.
It will include a two-year unlimited kilometre warranty plus an extra year if servicing is done by an authorised dealer.
The Adventure and Sports will arrive later this year.
“The 700CL-X is extremely important to us,” Michael says.
“It will be the company’s first non-LAMS model, and it’s just the tip of the iceberg of what we can expect from CFMOTO as a result of its relationship with KTM,” Michael says.
“Underscoring that relationship is a significant joint venture built on bricks and mortar.”
Last year the company opened a new office and R&D building, in Hangzhou, China, as well as a new manufacturing facility nearby.
CFMoto 700CL-X
Most CFMoto models are now designed by Kiska, the contemporary Austrian design house that does KTM’s design work.
The company has close ties with KTM, making their bikes in China for the domestic market.
This Euro-designed bike features a mix of modern and traditional influences.
For example, the traditional round headlight has LED lighting and the round instruments have an LCD readout that can display fuel consumption and incoming call.
Interestingly, the X design in the headlights and the LCD instrument are quite reminiscent of the popular Ducati Scrambler.
The CFMoto 700CL-X has a lightweight frame that weighs just 16.5kg and the swingarm weighs 6.7kg. All up, it weighs 183kg dry.
Technology includes ABS, electronically controlled throttle, sliding clutch, cruise control , USB charging port under the seat and “electronic protection control” (an alarm, we think).
Its lighting system automatically switches on/off according to ambient brightness.
New engine
The 700CL-X is powered by a newly developed 692cc inline twin-cylinder water-cooled engine.
It is the latest evolution of the CFMOTO 150/250/400/650 displacement platforms, featuring split-type connection rod, forged piston, electronic throttle, sliding clutch.
The optimised intake system improves efficiency and increases the peak power from 41.5kW to 55kw and torque from 62Nm to 67Nm.
Thankfully it is one of the few adventur-ish motorcycles that has an easy-to-access air filter for cleaning.
Just remove the right plastic panel.
They say an oil change is so simple it can “easily be done at home”.
CFMoto also has a range of accessories to customise the bike, including luggage for the Adventure model.
CFMoto 700CL-X tech specs
|
|
Dry Weight |
183kg |
|
Length |
2100mm |
|
Width |
860mm |
|
Height |
1150mm |
|
Wheelbase |
1435mm |
|
Seat |
800mm |
|
Clearance |
160mm |
|
Fuel |
13.5 litres |
|
Front tyre |
110/80-R18 |
|
Rear tyre |
180/55-R17 |
|
Front brake |
320mm disc, radial-mount caliper |
|
Rear brake |
260mm disc, floating caliper |
|
Forks |
USD, damping adjustable |
|
Rear shock |
Central shock absorber, damping adjustable |
|
Engine |
4-stroke, liquid-cooled inline twin |
|
Displacement |
692.2cc |
|
Clutch type |
Slide Clutch |
Classic