In November, CFMOTO gave a strong hint about its upcoming models by showcasing a series of motorcycle prototypes at the EICMA fair in Milan. One of them was the adventure bike MT-X, and just a few months later, we had our first contact with the production version due to the official registration of the future bike’s design.
Although CFMOTO did not reveal many details about the MT-X at the time, it was clearly based on the LC8c twin-cylinder engine designed by KTM and used in CFMOTO’s current Ibex models. CFMOTO and KTM are evidently partners in a Chinese partnership, and CFMOTO has long been tasked with manufacturing engines for use in KTM motorcycles, so this is not a case of China stealing a Western brand, but rather a cooperation between the two companies. Currently, CFMOTO uses the 799 cc version of the LC8c, from the entry-level 790 Duke and 790 Adventure models, instead of the 889 cc (“890″) versions or the new 947 cc (“990″) versions used in high-end KTM models.
However, while the 800MT is oriented towards road use and tourism, creating a clear distinction between it and the off-road-oriented KTM 790 Adventure, the MT-X concept fills that gap and the production version presented in these illustrations seems to be a direct competitor.
The similarities with KTM are more pronounced than the engine. The tubular steel frame is almost identical to the one used in the 790 Adventure, and the production 800 MT-X (the likely title for this model when it reaches showrooms) even uses the same dual low-slung fuel tank arrangement that KTM uses. Clearly visible in these CAD images, the tanks are not identical to those of KTM, but they are in the same position and offer the same advantages. These include a lower center of gravity, making the bike easier to handle when the tanks are full, as well as allowing for a longer and flatter motocross-style seat, and avoiding the legs-open riding position that a wide tank mounted high could force.
From these designs, it becomes clear that the “conceptual” version of the MT-X at EICMA was actually the production bike. The main differences are the exhaust muffler – the conceptual version had an Akrapovič system instead, with a larger end – and slight changes to the fairing. The concept had fairings over the brake discs, for example, which disappeared in the production version, while the production bike also gains a more sculpted seat and some passenger support bars that were not present in the presentation version. For practical and legal compliance purposes, there is also a new perfectly fitting front fender underneath the taller motocross version.
There was never any doubt that the MT-X would give rise to a production model – even when it was revealed in November, CFMOTO stated that it would be “available very soon” – but now that the design of the production version has been registered, it seems that it may be ready to be launched soon.
