The launch of the handsome CFMoto 700CL-X range has been delayed until early 2021, but it will arrive with a pack of accessories.
The company celebrated its 30th anniversary in Milan last November 2019 with the announcement that the 700CL-X would arrive in late 2020 in three models: Sports, Heritage, Adventure.
Sports has bar-end mirrors, lower bars, solo seat and mag wheels. Heritage features more complex mags, round mirrors and wide bars. Adventure has a screen, wire wheels and knobby tyres.
Launch delayed
However, it has been delayed, presumably by the COVID crisis, and will arrive early in 2021.
The 700CL-X Heritage will also launch a wide range of accessories, including classic-style panniers, a diamond-stitched seat, protection and bar-end mirrors, as well as a collection of rider gear.
CFMoto Australia director Michael Poynton says the delayed 700CL-X will be a “watershed model” for the brand as its first middleweight naked.
“The 700CL-X is extremely important to us. 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.
“This comprises an all-new office and R&D building, in Hangzhou, China, which officially opened this month, as well as a new manufacturing facility nearby, which will be operational later this year.”
Pricing for the 700CL-X range will be announced at a later date, but we can expect it will be among the cheapest in its class as is most of their range.
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 |
Heritage