The China syndrome
Cfmoto’s 800MT is the latest attempt by China to woo British biker’s hearts and minds
Brilliant KTM 799cc engine, massive colour TFT screen, sat nav, cruise control, quickshifter, automatic headlights, cornering ABS, cornering traction control, riding modes, keyless ignition, heated grips and seat, Kayaba suspension and a four year warranty… for less than £7000? It’s a tempting proposition. There are, of course, several catches. Firstly, it’s Chinese, which is enough to put off plenty of riders who immediately assume it’ll conk out or rust before getting home from the dealer. Secondly, we’ve estimated the price – the bike was recently unveiled in China at just over £5000 but will inevitably cost more once shipping and import duties are included. We just don’t know by how much. And thirdly, it hasn’t passed Euro5 so won’t be in the UK for at least 12 months. But, despite all the reservations, we’re excited by the Cfmoto 800MT. Italian and French motorcyclists have embraced Chinese-made bikes, with the Qianjiang TRK502 (branded Benelli) regularly in the top five best-sellers list, but we’ve been more reticent in the UK. Though Chinese brands such as Lexmoto, Keeway and Sym do good business in the scooter and sub-125cc market, above that us Brits stick to the traditional suspects. Could this Cfmoto be the bike that turns us? ‘We believe this model would be very popular with customers in the UK and we hope to see the Euro 5 version here in the near future,’ said Freddie Hinkley, Managing Director of Cfmoto UK. ‘The unveiling of the 800MT in China is just the start of an exciting time for Cfmoto. It shows the huge amount of development and investment Cfmoto are putting into motorcycles, and more exciting models are due.’ The 800MT is the result of a deal with KTM to use their engines, in this case the parallel twin from the outgoing 790s. That motor is a cracker, making 92bhp and 65 lb.ft of torque, and though the Cfmoto’s KYB suspension will no doubt be a notch down from KTM’S WP kit, there’s no reason for it to ruin the experience. Yamaha’s MT-07 has proved you don’t need flash suspension to produce a brilliant ride. Also, in an effort to overturn quality worries, Cfmoto have just announced all their bikes will have a four year warranty – double what the Japanese manufacturers offer. That could go some way to instil confidence in the bike’s longevity…
‘Brilliant KTM 799cc engine, massive TFT, sat nav, cruise… for less than £7000?’