CFMoto fills another adventure bike gap

Chinese bike maker CFMoto is in the midst of a new model onslaught, adding another middleweight adventure bike to its line-up. The new 700MT slots tidily in between the 650MT and 800MT models. Of the bike, the company says it is “purpose-built for daily commutes, urban traffic and exhilarating adventures on any terrain”.

However, it is touring that most would-be buyers of this bike will have in mind. To that end, it features an 18L fuel tank, an upright riding position and a seat height of 820mm for best visibility and agility on backroads and in urban traffic. An optional 840mm seat height is available for those wanting an even better view.

Powering the new machine is a 693cc parallel twin that’s up for 49kW of power and 60Nm of torque, the latter at 7250 rpm. Rather than coming from KTM, this engine is a long-stroke version of Kawasaki’s 650 parallel twin. It is the same as that used in the CFMoto 700CL-X Heritage. 

Underpinning the bike is a chromoly chassis that provides stiffness, durability and stability, while overall weight is a claimed 218kg.

Up front are 43mm upside-down forks for a plush feel, and a smooth and controlled ride. At the rear is an aluminum swingarm and a side-mounted monoshock. Travel of 140mm and 145mm, front and rear, respectively, mean the 700MT can handle a variety of road conditions. That said, both wheels are 17 inches in diameter, and are shod in Pirelli rubber, 120/70 ZR17 at the front and 160/60 ZR17 at the rear.

Twin disc brakes are supplied by J.Juan, the rotors 300mm in diameter and acted upon by two-piston calipers. A single 240 mm unit slows the rear wheel.

Instruments comprise a five-inch TFT display relaying speed, revs, fuel level and gear position. Two USB plugs are provided for charging devices.

A windscreen is designed to keep weather off and aid aeros while LED lights ensure proper visibility at night. Colours include Nebula White and Nebula Black. The bike is launching in Europe now and we are awaiting details on whether it will be coming here, and if so when and for how much.