effective. Mode delivers three options, Rain, Off Road, and Standard. Again, well executed. The menu is clear, concise and simple with fuel management and the rest, clear in both night and day mode. Tyre pressures permanently display, and I noted the pressure changes as the heat increased, red numerals show the need for inflation.
RIDING In riding the 800, I found the throttle response linear, accompanied by a satisfying burble, rising to a healthy growl at revs, to be really gratifying. It’ s lithe, quick, and nimble, and very easy to stand up without overreach to the bars. I enjoyed the sensation of pushing the bike with knees on the tanks, which are comfortably placed. The quick-shifter works well but, as with other equipped CFMOTOs, the gear lever only needs brushing to actuate, and it can be quite disconcerting if pressed accidentally, as the engine feels like its hiccupping- adjusting the gear lever to a height that suits is essential. The quick-shift is great on the open road, it could be annoying on gravel and in true offroad mode, so they’ ve thought of that, and you can simply switch it off. Very good move.
The slipper-type clutch is firm and the lever adjustable for reach, and ergonomically the bike is a treat. Likewise, the lighting, with attractive DRLs and excellent headlights. The seat is slightly wider than some, but the leg height isn’ t daunting for off-roading- although a fully-fuelled 220kg still demands respect. Competition wise- the Yamaha Tenere, Honda Transalp, Suzuki Vstrom, Guzzi V85, or even the Beamers, are in the mix, but if money is the guiding force here, then on that alone CFMOTO seems to have the scoop. So far all good news, but there are a couple of issues that I didn’ t like. The reflecting of one’ s own head on the TFT screen is one. It’ s not all that bad, just noticeable, and you can learn to ignore it, so, meh. Two, the heat generated by the engine blows around the lower left fuel tank and absolutely fried the inside of my left calf below the knee, it’ s awful, and I spent considerable time thinking about how I could place cardboard or something to deflect it. Things are not so bad on the right. Three, the gear lever is quite tucked in, and while that’ s an excellent choice for offroad
KIWI RIDER 35