In search of an increasingly wide range and quality, CFMOTO has just launched another product that, in this case, turns out to be the most powerful naked bike to date from the Chinese brand. A modern and aggressive-looking motorcycle, which joins a segment with heavyweight models, and which we had the opportunity to ride on roads in the south of France.
It is easy to understand how the CFMOTO brand has shown enormous strength in the first half of 2023, although in Portugal this is also the responsibility of its new and very active importer, the Multimoto group. In fact, the brand was born in 1989, but it was in recent years that the name gained more prominence, thanks to its quality products among quads and SSVs, and later among two-wheelers, as well as a recent presence in the speed world championship with a team in Moto3. This year we have already seen the new SR450 and 700 CL-X Adventure here in the magazine, we have also tested the 800MT Touring and the 650GT, and we have even done a comparison with the 300 CL-X, so motorcycles from very different segments. Now we were the first to attend the presentation of the new 800NK, which fits into the important segment of medium-displacement naked bikes and tries to succeed through the combination of 3 factors: design, performance, and technology.
ESTHETICS AND DETAILS
It wasn’t worth mentioning, but since we were among the first to see the motorcycle live, it’s necessary to say that aesthetically, this motorcycle looks fabulous, especially in the black/bronze decoration, not falling behind any rival in the segment. The lines are angular and aggressive without losing charm, and the feel of the components is good, indicating high quality. In technical terms, this 800NK comes equipped with the trendy engine, a parallel twin, in this case well-known from some KTM models with a 285-degree crankshaft to increase excitement and traction on the asphalt, still mounting two balance shafts to reduce vibrations, with a slipper clutch. It delivers 95 hp of power and offers 81 Nm of torque at 8,000 rotations, although the engine reaches 10,500 rpm. In this Euro5 engine, the air filter box is positioned under the seat, which aims to provide benefits in terms of intake and ease of maintenance. In this Advanced version, already available in our country, the weight in running order is only 189 kg, and in terms of the chassis, the adjustable KYB suspensions stand out, with inverted forks at the front and simplicity at the rear with a direct connection from the shock absorber to the swingarm. The frame is made of steel and the braking system is from J.Juan, with two discs and 4-piston radial calipers at the front, with the wheels mounting sport tires from Maxxis.
TECHNOLOGICAL
In terms of technology, the equipment is very interesting, starting with the three riding modes: Rain, Street, and Sport, also due to the presence of cruise control and full LED lighting. Even more surprising is the presence of a huge and fully comprehensive 8-inch color TFT display, mounted in front of us in a vertical position. This display has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with the touchscreen supporting multimedia interaction, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and navigation directions. The steering damper is also part of the standard equipment, as well as a bi-directional quickshifter and a keyless ignition. Those who like a more sporty look will also be interested in exploring the accessories line for this model.
ON THE ROAD
It was on a very hot day that we took control of this 800NK, a motorcycle with which we immediately fit in terms of riding position and that excites us with the sound of the exhaust, as if Euro 5 had passed by this model. We rode about 150 kilometers in various situations, and the keyword here is fun! The engine, which we already knew from other models, is very lively, especially in the mid-range, which, together with the attractive sound, makes us want to accelerate more than necessary. The huge instrumentation doesn’t distract us from the road and provides us with numerous connectivity functions, although we didn’t have time to configure and pair everything, because here the main focus is on the fun of riding. That’s why we would prefer to have a traction control system instead of cruise control, for example, although we didn’t have any scares due to the good grip of the Maxxis tires and the correct behavior of the suspensions, which are more on the soft side but have various adjustment possibilities.
THE PROS AND CONS
Only in one chapter does this CFMOTO fall short of what we would like and we talk about the throttle feel, due to a poorly refined injection system in any driving mode. Still, the Street mode will always be the most recommended for calm driving, as well as the Sport mode, even with some harshness, being the most suitable for a fast pace. As for braking, it convinced in power and feel, although in the two motorcycles we tested, the feeling was not exactly the same in both units. We feel that the steering damper makes sense, so it’s good that we have it (although we like the very tight steering angle for strong emotions), and the quickshifter also works very well. And if the instrumentation with its respective functionalities is incredible (we recommend some free time to understand how everything works, pairing it with the smartphone and the brand’s respective app), on the road we only need the tachometer, the instant speed, and the gear indicator prominently displayed on the TFT to be happy.
With this naked bike, we averaged around 5 liters per 100 kilometers and we got the feeling that it is one of the most fun naked bikes in the segment, although there is still room for improvement, especially in terms of throttle feel and fuel injection operation, something that we have already mentioned in other works with CFMOTO models. But do you want to know the best part? Talking about it with one of the brand’s representatives at the end of the day, he mentioned that it is very possible that this injection feeling can even be improved through the smartphone and the brand’s respective app that each one can (and should) use, and that will be awesome. When we ride an 800NK again, we will give feedback about it! As for the interest in the app, it is high because we also have a record of many data about our bike, our route, and we can even set up a “virtual security network” around our bike, so we are notified if someone moves the bike.
Above all, the 800NK is a very fun motorcycle. It can mature even more, without a doubt, and it is also not the cheapest in the segment, but all the equipment it has and all the fun it provides will certainly put a big smile on the face of whoever rides it.
CFMOTO 800NK
ENGINE 2-cylinder inline, liquid-cooled, 4 valves
DISPLACEMENT 799 cc
POWER 70 kW (95 hp) @9,250 rpm
TORQUE 81 Nm @8,000 rpm
6-speed GEARBOX
FRAME made of chrome-molybdenum steel alloy
15-liter TANK
FRONT SUSPENSION: KYB inverted telescopic fork, adjustable, 43mm, 130mm stroke
REAR SUSPENSION: KYB adjustable monoshock, 130mm stroke
FRONT BRAKE: 2x 320mm discs, radial 2-piston calipers
REAR BRAKE: 260mm disc
FRONT TIRE: 120/70-17
REAR TIRE: 180/55-17
WHEELBASE: 1,468mm
SEAT HEIGHT: 800mm
WEIGHT: 189kg
MSRP (starting from): €8,790
