CF MOTO 650MT (2019 - on) Review

It is easy to write-off the CFMoto 650MT as just another cheap Chinese bike that shouldn’t be considered over a more premium Japanese equivalent.

• Latest news: CFMoto 800MT unveiled

However, in the world of the commuter where every penny counts, the MT is worth a second look. Unlike some Chinese brands, CFMoto have an expanding UK dealer network and an established spares supply, which is reassuring – not to mention a two-year warranty.

Although some will always shun Chinese bikes, those that ignore their prejudices and try out the 650MT may well find their minds changed. It is a really pleasant and good-looking middleweight.

After 264.5 miles aboard the CFMoto with no major fuss or drama, we reach our destination  without any aches or pains, which is testament to its long-distance comfort. In the bends, it also feels quite sporty and engaging, without sacrificing practicality. One missing screen knob aside, it has all gone to plan.

The 650MT is powered by a motor that bears more than a passing resemblance to Kawasaki’s ER-6 parallel twin, but it’s lacking in grunt. Maybe CFMoto have had to strangle it to meet Euro4 or maybe they’re just playing it safe.

In top gear it feels lazy and also devoid of the mid-range punch you expect on a parallel twin, so much so you really have to work its gearbox to compensate, often dropping as low as third to overtake cars doing 50mph, which leads to a frustrating ride.

Altering the power mode does nothing to cure it either, and swapping from 'Touring' to 'Sport' during our ride does precisely nothing... aside from alter what is written on the dash.

Also adding to the frustration is the throttle, which has way too much turn in the twist-grip. That said, the brush guards give you loads of confidence to attack small gaps!

When a Chinese company launches a new bike under its own name, there is a knee-jerk reaction of distrust from the buying public.

However, there are a few things that you should know about CFMoto. Yes, they are a Chinese company, but they are also a huge global business who alongside their bikes make quads, ATVs and other motorised vehicles.

When it comes to their two-wheeled side, CFMoto are serious players and as well as employing KISKA design to style their models (the same firm KTM work with), alongside their own bikes they build engines for KTM.

• Related: CFMOTO launch four-year warranty across 2021 models

They have 20 UK dealers, but are looking to expand this to 40 by the end of 2020. To put that into context, KTM have 37 dealers, Triumph 49, Ducati 30 and Honda 78.

So hardly a flash-in-the-pan company and one that can certainly afford to invest in their bikes, which is the impression you get when you look at the 650MT. There's also a two year warranty, too. 

That said, despite the impressive CV, during our ride, the CFMoto's screen adjuster knob did come off. 

The CFMoto is great value. Priced at £5499, it represents a saving of £1600 over a standard Japanese-built Honda NC750X, which is a chunk towards an annual fuel bill. It's also £300 cheaper than CFMoto's own 650GT. 

Although it lacks traction control, the 650MT still delivers 50mpg as well as coming with an all-day comfortable riding position and even crash bars and pannier mounts as standard.

Styling-wise the 650MT looks fresh and cool and in no way cheap. You get fully-adjustable inverted forks, twin front wavey discs, engine protection bars, pannier mounts as standard, a USB port and even an adjustable screen. True, the dash is a bit basic, but it still has all the necessary info.