HEAVYWEIGHT MIDDLEWEIGHT
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CFMOTO 800MT-X
$ 15,990
Engine: 799cc, DOHC, 270 °
Power:
Torque: parallel twin 70kW( 95hp) @ 8500rpmpm 87Nm @ 6750rpm Tank capacity: 22.5 litres Gears / drive: Seat height: Wheels: Weight:
Six speed, chain 870mm 21F / 18R-inch, tubeless 220kg fuelled
Blazing around gravel roads the 800MT-X simply excels. From the dash I could select Offroad, on the fly, haul in the clutch and we are away. Throttle response is smoothed out, and at first I thought they’ d gone too far, but lots of hideous corrugations later, plus some gnarly rocky gravel corners, and I’ m convinced. With good unflappable motive power to the 18-inch rear wheel, the bike keeps form and stability to rival anything out there. In fast braking, on the same surfaces, excellent feedback into both front lever and rear pedal saw the ABS also performing excellently. These lead to confidence in the rider, and a day on gravel would have you pretty enamoured. I had little time to spend off-road proper, but cruised over humps and knolls, pulled tight turns standing on the pegs, and I came away impressed. So overall I’ d say 8.1 / 10 on road, and 9.2 / 10 offroad. Will it keep value, will it withstand NZ’ s tough conditions and hold up without issues like KTM has been dealing with? Time will tell. In the meantime, it’ s exceptional value for money, highly capable, and attractive. Win, win, win.
KIWI RIDER 43