CFMoto previews new range
CFMoto will expand into the middleweight motorcycle market and beyond in 2021 with the arrival of a trio of 693cc-engined models leading the charge.
The ‘700CL-X’ was unveiled at EICMA last year and recently launched in the Chinese market, with Australian release expected in February, 2021.
CFMoto Australia director Michael Poynton says the 700CL-X is a watershed model for the brand as its first non-LAMS two-wheeler for the Australian market.
“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.
“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 (in August), as well as a new manufacturing facility nearby, which will be operational later this year.”
Big Bike Spec
Powered by a 693cc parallel twin producing 55kW at 8500rpm and 68Nm at 7000rpm, the 700CL-X is outside the LAMS limits, marking a first for CFMoto in Australia.
With an 83 x 64mm bore x stroke and 11.6:1 compression ratio, the new engine features optimised airflow for improved efficiency, with Bosch EFI and ride-by-wire throttle technology.
The big twin is matched to a 6-speed gearbox, with a slipper clutch fitted as standard.
The frame for the 700CL-X is a new design, manufactured from aluminium in the trellis style and weighing just 16.5kg. Matched to a 6.7kg aluminium swingarm, total weight is listed at 183kg -comparable to most 700cc twins on the market.
KYB suspension will feature at both ends, with a 41mm USD fork offering compression and rebound adjustability, as will the rear monoshock. Front and rear suspension travel is 150mm.
Braking consists of a pair of 320mm front discs with 4-piston radial-mount calipers, with a 260mm disc and 2-piston caliper on the rear. The ‘J.Juan’ braking system is a new one for the Australian market, but Continental ABS is more familiar and will be standard.
The 700CL-X’s wheel and tyre combo is made up of 18 inches up front and 17 inches at the rear, fitted with Pirelli tyres.
LED lighting all round includes what CFMoto calls a “self-adaptive assist” system for the headlight that functions like auto headlights in automobiles. How that works with mandatory headlight operation in Australia is yet to be determined.
Standard tech includes cruise control (a segment first), USB charge point, digital instrumentation and two selectable riding modes – Economy and Sport.
An 800mm seat height appears to be standard across the range, with other dimensions revealed so far including 2107mm length, 887mm width, 1200mm height and a 1435mm wheelbase.
The full list of specs and features will be revealed closer to the February launch.
Choice of Three
The 700CL-X will be offered in three versions – Heritage, Adventure and Sport. All three run the same mechanical spec and most of the same cycle parts, but use different styling treatments produced by CFMoto’s European design team.
The Heritage will be the base model, and as the name suggests, it carries deliberately retro-influenced styling features, like the circular headlight, but the ‘X’ DRL surround adds a modern twist. The leather-look saddle continues the theme, as do spoke-look alloy wheels with Pirelli MT60 RS tyres.
Further ‘X’ identification (X stands for infinite modification possibilities, according to CFMoto) features on the engine covers, front mudguard and aluminium side panels for the 13.5-litre fuel tank.
A swingarm-mounted licence-plate holder allows for a clean tail, giving the 700CL-X something of a streetfighter look.
A choice of Twilight Blue or Coal Grey colours will be offered on the Heritage.
Over the same basic engine, transmission and frame package as the Heritage, the 700CL-X Adventure adds a number of adventure touring accessories, including Kriega soft saddlebags, a touring windscreen and genuine Excel spoke wheels with more aggressive Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres. The same blue and grey colours appear to carry over, but with some differences in the details.
What other features the 700CL-X Adventure offers as standard will be revealed closer to local launch.
The 700CL-X Sport is set up as a solo ride, with its own seat and deleted pillion footpegs. There are also clip-on handlebars with bar-end mirrors, an instrument pod shroud and a different wheel design in the specifications revealed so far.
The carbon fibre look for that instrument shroud is continued on the radiator covers, lower side covers and forward section of the fuel tank. The rest of the tinware is finished in a two-tone black and white combination, with fluoro yellow detailing.
Local Launch
The 700CL-X Heritage will be the first to reach Australia, in February next year, followed by the Adventure and Sport versions soon after.
From launch, a range of accessories, some of which are standard fitment on the Adventure and Sport, will also be available, with more to come.
Pricing will also be revealed closer to local launch. Given CFMoto’s 650GT is currently their most expensive two-wheel model at $8,490 ride away, expect the CL700-X to be north of that. The Heritage will likely start under $10,000, with the Adventure and Sport variants to be in the $10,000-12,000 range to remain competitive against rivals that include the new Benelli 752S, Yamaha XSR700 and Husqvarna’s Vitpilen/Svartpilen 701 duo.
