I'm a new subscriber who's been enjoying your channel for a while now . I'm in my late 60's semi retired and enjoying my biking more than ever due to me having more time to indulge it. I've always had used bikes of various sizes and ages my last being a 1998 low mileage BMW r850r , a modern classic . Last year I decided to replace it with a newer adventure style bike for touring, I fully subscribe to the belief that bigger is not always better and set my sights on a mid size bike. With a limited budget I started looking at 4 or 5 year old Kawasaki Versys 650. Suzuki Vstrom and Honda NC750x ( I've previously owned a NC700x) . I was aware of Cfmoto so I had a look at the 650mt and was literally blown away by the quality, value and overall package offered, it was a no brainer a well equipped new bike with a 4 year warranty or a 5 year old bike . I've had the Cfmoto 650mt for a year now and it's a great bike more than capable of anything I want from a bike. My friend who rides a BMW 1250 which cost 3 times as much rode my bike and was full of praise and summon up saying why did he waste all the money buying the BMW. Good luck with your new bike I'm sure you will enjoy it.
Looking forward to your future reviews on the bike. I purchased a 2022 ex-demo model with 1,800 miles in December 2023 and am now at 4,500 miles. I love it. As you say it’s so comfortable for long distances and has enough power for real world riding. I appreciate the standard spec (saves you thousands over most competitors) and I love the cruise control for motorway trips.
I started biking in 1970 my first bike was a Honda CB175 twin carb electric start with mirrors. Why did you buy a bike with electric start and mirrors ? You should buy British a real man’s bike and these Hondas will never last. We all know how that went, good on you for buying what is obviously a very well specked and put together bike. I was very impressed when you did the walk round and can tell you there was no wind noise from that screen on your video. In fact probably the quietest screen I have ever heard, very impressive. BMW eat your heart out, looking forward to your adventures on this bike, the Classic and the Guzzi V7 ….. if you can live with the elusive neutral 😊
@@williamtaylor874I only had one CD 175... Then a CB250.. Then a CX500.... after that is history! Many Hondas!! The lasted was an Africa Twin... Now V7 Special Edition & T120
Here in South Africa the CB 175 was a very popular bike for delivery drivers, there were literally tens of thousands of them on the road. They were brilliant and just about as bullet proof as a bike could be made.
It's a divisive tack you have taken sir, but I must say it looks great; and has a sensible sized power plant for a 'multi disciplinary' bike in my oh so humble of opinions. I wish you many miles of happy, safe and trouble free riding.
Hello from Australia. I appreciate your review and pointing out the differences of the two models. I just purchased the Explore version and pickup on Tuesday. Exciting times ahead!
I ran a Ural 650 for 2 years everyone said they were rubbish and nothing but trouble but I rode it to work through snow and ice in Sheffield and it never had a problem was parked outside and always started first or second kick, wish I’d never sold it.
I got my 890 adventure serviced last week at local ktm dealer and they had a few cf moto’s for sale. I was impressed with the quality. I’ll be interested in your experiences with your new bike, great choice
Morning Dave and congratulations on your new acquisition. Your enthusiasm when testing this bike was really noticeable and i am not in the least surprised to see you riding it today. No mention as to whether you have sent one out to pasture or are you now squeezing 4 into the stable, would love to hear. Happy riding and all the best from Norfolk, Roy.
I have also recently put my money where my mouth is and brought a Chinese bike, a benelli imperiale 400, and it's amazing. Great video I will watch how you get on with great interest.keep up the good work.
Nice one Dave. This bike is a great addition to your fleet and dovetails nicely covering all genres of bike. I would also have gone for the more road orientated version as I spend most of my riding on tarmac with limited gravel tracks. I have recently seen the Benelli 702x and was impressed with the build and level of equipment and I'm just waiting to see the CFMoto when my nearest dealer gets stock. I'm looking forward to more content from you regarding the new bike. For a moment in the video it looked like summer had arrived but looking out of my window today it seems that winter has returned!
Fantastic TBW! The motorcycles coming out from CFMoto are becoming increasingly better in terms of features & quality with every new model released. Looking forward to your future adventures & reviews of your ownership. Looks great 👌 Edit: You will definitely need handguards for all season riding.
Thanks for the video update and I am looking forward to seeing how you get on with the CF Moto. I currently have a Triumph Speed 400 and like the smaller capacity bikes meaning I would be interested in the 450 MT at some point. Thanks
I watch a lot of motorcycle reviews and this was certainly one of the best I've ever seen. Before I'd even seen this video I'd already nominated this CF MOTO Bike of The Year. I follow John on Ozarks Backroads in the USA 🇺🇸 John loves this bike. Fantastic review and purchase 👏 Well done Dave 👏 Excellent narrative 👏
@patwatters1 John is an excellent mechanic and knows he's bikes and he's done enough miles on the CF MOTO to know it's a Great motorcycle, especially at that price.
Hi I've just subscribed. The bike looks amazing and I don't have any snobbery owning a Chinese bike and have done so in the past. I currently have a BMW r1150 RT and RE Himalayan. I am very interested in the CF bike as the beemer is heavy. I agree entirely with you on this bike and will consider buying one. Good content and thanks for posting
Eyup Dave. Bugger what people think. If you are happy with your new purchase, then that's all that matters. Enjoy the CF, and all your other bikes. Si thi
Morning Dave, what a buy 👍. Wonderful machine and great value for money. Perfect alternate to the Tiger and the likes of that premier range. I see the future of motorcycles coming from the likes of CFMoto and the like. At some 6.5k, I am tempted with the Benelli 702 TRK. Another machine of great value. Great video as per usual 👍
Check out the Cmoto 700 mt, the Bennelli has the Cfmoto engine. An alternative is the now discontinued Cfmoto 650mt available with luggage at less than £5000.
Morning Dave. Congratulations on the new purchase. I would really like to get out on one, but Appleyards is the nearest dealer, so would really need to plan ahead…..and that’s my only concern, no dealer close by, for servicing or should anything go wrong. Hopefully that will change in the future. All the best.
Good for you for going with what you want.. sometimes you just have to follow your gut feeling.. these bikes have to start somewhere.. keep us updated.. looks great, fab price and panniers too.. miles of smiles 😁 xx
Congratulations on the new bike Dave ,I test rode the CF Moto 800MT Touring a few weeks ago , fantastic bike rode well and with all the bell & whistles for 9.2K what a bike including luggage , I could not fault the bike in anyway as a machine, the reason I did not purchase it , I found it a little tall and too top heavy for me ( I'm only 5,6), this was the reasons I sold my Tiger Sport , I have gone on to purchase something else but its Top secret at the moment 😉Enjoy mate , safe riding
I own a 2020 Benelli 302s that I couldn't be happier with. I've had no issues with it in about 6,000 miles so far. The proof in the pudding of these Chinese-made bikes is going to be in their endurance and reliability over time, in my opinion. They clearly are appealing on the surface, but long-term ownership will reveal their true build quality and detail to engineering compared to mainstream competitors. Also, they are at a disadvantage out of the gate in the number of dealers they have and the lack of history in providing parts and service.
The thing is that main stream competitors are having parts, engines and whole machines made on the other side of the world, including China. If CF importers and retailers keep their prices sensible, they will take market share and rightly so. IMO though, the price of the Explore Edition of this machine is somewhat imaginative. Looking at the "discounts" offered on lesser versions, there must be ample room for competitive pricing of the whole range. Good luck to CFM at the right prices. May they break the mould!
Went to a bike show Sunday and there were several cf motor there. They seem to be gathering popularity and in doing so hopefully more dealers. You have Appleyards and they seem a great dealership
Well thanks for opening my eyes to this Wheeler. I need a touring bike and have had a GS1200 some years ago, a great bike. I currently have a 2018 KTM Duke 790 which I bought new and love. I test rode a Tracer 9 GT+ the other day and expected to be blown away but wasn't enough. Two things, it's a bit of a tank. I quickly resigned myself to that and that it was never going to be a scalpel i.e. Duke. The other was although it went like a rocket at cruising speeds the engine is revving more and I just think the 790 engine is a better delivery. The grunt of a yesterday 1000cc v twin. I have been waiting for KTM to release a 790 or 890 GT or adventure bike that doesn't require stilts to ride it and here it is a CFMoto... Going for a test ride. Cheers 👍
I looked at one 3 months ago. I found out the promotional models with free luggage were manufactured in 2022 with no traction control. Lots of people on the Facebook group complain about having to get it remapped for the jerky throttle. I found it top heavy too. I agree it’s a handsome bike, enjoy.
Awesome bike for the price, and the 4 year warranty is the icing on the cake. My only concern for me personally is the luggage removal or rather the frame work for them when not needed.
Nice one Dave. I wanted the Explore edition last year but no one could get one at the time so I purchased a Yamaha Tracer 9GT plus. But, I still intend to buy the explore to add to my collection. It’s a lot of bike for the money and most of the parts are European so parts should not be an issue.
Enjoyed ur review, got my explore a couple of weeks ago I too noticed throttle twitchiness followed usa group advice; with ride mode in sport, kill switch to off, ignition to on, kill switch to on, rotate throttle from off to full over 8 seconds, hold at full on for 20 seconds, return throttle to off slowly over 8 seconds & turn ignition off. don't start bike for a minute.
My buddy bought a CF Moto. Not this one though. They are great for the price. Just not many dealers here in the US so that’s one issue. Could change quickly though. I’m not a chain person anymore. Which is why I own a Harley FatBoy S and. BMW R1250 GSA. I think we’ll need more time to see if it is a real contender in durability and quality. Might be a bit early to call it a GS beater. It has a lot of options and that’s nice. Best of luck with it. Look forward to more reviews on it.
Like the new bike and wish you many safe rides After following you for a while I’m just wondering which bike is leaving the stable next. One in one out It seems that you must be aboard a bike almost 24/7 as you rack up miles on all of them Thanks again for this information type video and vlog Regards from Florida
Nice one it's the future I remember when Japanese bikes were derided and look what happened. Did you get a look at the Voge 900 I really like them good luck with your new bike and enjoy cheers.
China have always had quality manufacturing for those that want to pay for it! Problem, America did huge damage years ago by only buying as cheap as possible, so of course they didn't buy quality, thus the damage was done. CF Moto now equals any manufacturer.
China can still produce industrial crap. Where I worked gave contracts to Chinese companies but we must have spent more than the "accountants savings" on fixing all the shortfalls.. ? Sadly, today, we are now at the economic mercy of China and other similar countries
I think you hit the nail on the head when you mentioned budget and need. For me, I am looking for my first bike and the CFmoto 650MT hits my budget nicely. My ideal is an RE 350 but I need a bike that will travel a bit further than local. Of course we can all lust after the feature laden GS's and Ducati's but do we need all the gizmo's? ( That no doubt hardly get used). I think CF Moto are a serious player for the money. The Chinese bike syndrome is a non starter for me, most manufacturers use or need Chinese sourced parts, and/or are built, manufactured and exported as CKD's to the relevant manufacturer. ( Triumph, BMW etc) I am old enough to remember my Dad buying a Datsun and everyone wondering why. Keep it up mate.
Great looking bike, interesting to see how you get on with it, I'd be a bit worried about how easy it is to work on as I do my own maintenance, also there was some word it needed an ecu update right away? also getting through the onscreen menus could be a bit fiddly. Good luck with it and enjoy, great channel.
Dave i am in the market and looking now all your bikrs are v nice .I am s big Guzzi fan and saw your last purchase ..Not keen on the REnfield but that CF Moto is blinking good value !
Enjoy your new bike, it certainly looks great value though comparing it to a GS is (IMO) rather pointless as those looking to buy a GS would not be in the market for the CF Moto and vice versa, it's a bit like comparing an MG ZS to a BMW X5. Both are in a different market segment as are the bikes and a more suitable comparison woukd be the Tiger 900 and the smaller GS' Oh and your patio needs weeding 😅 good luck with your channel 👍
That's a beautiful bike. It looks top quality and I really can't see it having any issues, electrical or otherwise. I'm sold. Probably my next bike. Thanks for the review 👍
That is a lovely looking bike and if I had the money would definitely get one. I'm with you 100% on the gadgets front. I personally don't think bikes need all the gizmos and gadgets that you pay a hefty price for.
lovely bike proper jealous one point , maybe if the wiring loom is along the same lines as KTM it should have accessory points built In, 2 at front and 2 at rear with a choice of switched and permanent live at both, my Duke had and what a wonderful idea !
What a lovely bike , looks very good and you got all those extras , fantastic and the no electric suspension etc means less to go wrong, looks great for touring and 800cc is plenty . I prefer alloy wheels very good for handling and easy to clean. The only thing I’m not keen on is chain drive I prefer shaft .😊
Thank you Donna yes it’s a very useable go anywhere bike and yes shaft would be the cream on an otherwise perfect cake….at least I have shaft on the Guzzi for my lazy days 😊
Hello! This CF moto seems to be a very reasonable choice for touring away, for long trips or commuting on highways. Not my needs, but I have to consider the CF450MT for example, another chinese bike that could be successfull too! Thank you for the video and hope the rain mode of the running in will finish soon 😉 This engine will never be close to a Royal Enfield single at low speed and revs. But then, higher...🔥🔞😉
Hi Dave i messaged you when you test rode it originally I bought the explore version traded my GS 1250. I took a lot of stick for it but I don’t regret it. I’m very pleased with mine does have a slight fuelling issue it’s had one map upgrade but I’m sure another one will be available soon. I couldn’t and wouldn’t spend £24k on a bike that has the same my Explore has for£11k. Enjoy the bike I look forward to more videos on it and thanks for subscribing to my channel
@@thebingleywheeler it was very jerky at low revs coming from the GS was a shock. It’s much better now but not 100% I had mine from the Bike Sanctuary and they are well up onthe bike and will call me if any further updates become available. As to build ,luggage and the general bike itself I’m happy And financially means I can continue to ride for a few more years The keyboard warriors will always have an opinion if you ask them what they ride invariably you get no reply. I’ve done a clutch mod which really makes the clutch light. I’ve changed the end can it I may revert back to standard see if it helps the fuelling now the map has been upgraded.
Hi BW. ( its Keith/ shottostravels) Well that has put the cat amongst the pigeons. Just when I thought Id sorted out (in my own) head what was coming next you pop up with this. Looks great. I like you have no hangups on any badge snobbery. I obviously need to take a test ride. My only slight negative thought is residual costs when it comes to sell? But then again that is mitigated by the original price I guess. Ride safe mate
Hi Keith great to hear from you yes residual values is the last remaining contra position….but of course that’s a function of perceptions which need to be overcome over time….bit of a waiting game 😎
Great review cheers, question for me is would I swap my Honda VFR Crossrunner for one? Wouldn’t make sense to have both…..you say the most comfortable bike you’ve ridden, even more comfortable than your Pan European?
Waiting to see the cruiser 450 at some point, but no dealers up my way, well local dealer is but, not seen 1 model, in the showroom . They seem to offer great value for money. Are they under the KTM banner?😊
Actually I was disappointed with Honda`s NT1100 build quality and finishing of farings and Side boxes It even got worse after seen the CFMOTO 800 MT and a Voge DSX900 ....
I must say I do like the new bike Dave, only thing against it in my book is chain drive but then again I’m a right lazy arse. That said, if my future plans come to fruition in the next 12 months it will definitely be on my radar. So I will watch with interest how you get on with it. Having a Chinese car the country of origin doesn’t bother me .Enjoy the new toy .
Seriously thinking of getting rid of the GS for one of these as the GS is getting a little heavy for me to move about; but looking at the weight of the CF Moto 800 there's very little difference weight wise, I may find myself having to drop down to a 500 or 650 but not sure I could take such a big drop in power.
The bike is a very tempting proposition; I'll be very interested in how the long term ownership experience goes as the electrical and engine issues with the KTM 790 on which it is based are legendary. Much kudos for putting your money where your mouth is and buying one!
I seem to have contracted a touring virus over the winter but new that if I was going to sell motorcycle touring to my wife it could not be on my 2007 Triumph Scrambler. Couldn’t face selling the scrambler in the end so went down the line of buying the best older touring bike I could at the cheapest possible price and bought a 2013 Versys 1000 for 4.5k with all the touring extras on. We love it and are taking our first adventure this summer to north Scotland. But I do feel the pull of these ‘proper’ adventure bikes (though I have no intention of going off-road). Being someone who really needs to feel that have not been mugged and have got the best bangs for my bucks, if we do move on from the Versys this may well be the bike. I do sense that we have reached a tipping point with Chinese manufactured goods of this kind where we need to dispense with our prejudice and recognise that these some of these Chinese products offer unrivalled combinations of quality and price, and they look every bit the part. Why would you buy a GS with 25k on the clock over this CF? Don’t think I would
Took one out from Appy's a couple of days ago, I have to disagree about the seat. It's flat as a board and felt like I was sitting on a plank, I also found the seat to be quite wide at the front which dug into the inside of my legs when I put my legs down at junctions etc, rest of the bike was pretty good though; if not a little lumpy engine wise. Missed the grunt of the GS but I'm gonna have to get used to that no matter what bike I eventually go for as it most definitely will be smaller.
The only thing I am not fussed about, is square metal boxes on motorcycles . It’s just a personal thing ,but I prefer just to fit a Givi or similar aerodynamic shaped top case , plus tank bag & use a big waterproof tote bag strapped on my pillion seat . I like my bikes to be as slim as possible to get through busy traffic jams . Also if you have a woman pillion she will stuff them boxes with all kinds of hair appliances including half her wardrobe & throw in the kitchen sink for good measure .
Nice MC Dave, Enjoy. The CF Moto 700 Adventure MC is available for £5,295, that's got to be a bargain. Do you think you could test ride that from A/yards ?
Nice, cockpit view that, that's important to me as well as the other aesthetic aspects. A Nice bike for a Decent human being, wearing a lovely jacket..
I personally thought you would spend your hard earned pennies on the Benelli 702, I wasn't on my own on this thought as the sales chap I spoke to at Appleyards thought you would too, so you surprised us both, will be interested to see how you get on with your CF Moto 800. Pleased to see you testing out the new tarmac on the roundabout outside Boston Spa, the powers that be must have known you were buying a new bike and decided to roll out some new tarmac for you😅
Hi there, I have seen in Australia that the 450MT has had an ecu update for that throttle issue via the cfmoto app which you download to your phone. You then link your phone to your bike and it updates the bike without going to the dealership.
I've no problem with Chinese bikes apart from the fact that there's not many available in Oz yet. Can't wait for the Shineray Sportster and Benda LFC700 et al to appear here. BSA doesn't even have a presence here yet. We're stuck with a pretty minimal offering from Japan at present.
Fantastic! Great bike. Here in Germany the Voge DS 900 X is new on the market. End of the year the Benelli TRK 902 X will be available. The new Voge DS 900 X is below 10.000 Euro, the TRK 902 X will be below 10.000 Euros as well. Right now, in Italy the Benelli TRK 702 is the number one selling motorcycle and the Voge DSX 525 is on rank number 10 (all in Italy, Italy the the biggest motorcycle market in the EU, the new players focus on Italy right now). Means lots of new competion right now. Right now in Germany: Honda, BMW and others give huge price reductions on new motorcycles. Reason might be the new Players in the market? Funny: KTM will sell the CF Moto motorcycle products over here. Also the KTM dealer close to me will sell CF Moto soon. Personally have a Honda and I'am happy with it. But those new players are welcome. I'am thinking of maybe adding a Voge 300 Rally. Not all the new motorcycles will be great products - that's clear. But those Benelly TRK 702 X owners in Italy - the love the TRK. Seems to be a great, great small adventure bike. And good to hear that you are happy with the 800 MT. Great. Cheers from Germany, Andreas
@@thebingleywheeler Hi Dave, yes - you are correct. Forgot Moto Morini. Their X Cape is - in Italy - indeed the number 8 right now (best selling motorcycles January-April 2024, Italy). Right now close to no dealer network of Moto Morini here in Germany so. But this might change quick. Company which was able tho change their image big times: Royal Enfield. Owners love their Royal Enfields. And I think the Himalayan 450 arrived now at the dealers here. Situation is quite good for people which need a new motorcycle right now. Possible right now to buy a brand new Honda Transalp 750 for a bit over 9000 Euro (including taxes). The pressure of the new competition is already there... Hope all you guys have a good time right now in the US. Ride safe. Cheers, Andreas
Lovely bike, where did you buy it and where do you intend to get it serviced? We seeem to to be very light on CF Moto dealers in the North West which has been one of the things to put me off
Enjoy the bike Dave , I reckon you'll have less recalls or electrical problems/service issues with this bike than if you'd have bought a recent BMW or Triumph.? cheers Mel
