First 500 KM with the CFmoto 650MT

The CFmoto 650MT is not going to give you the most intense, mind-warping, jaw-clenching riding experience. However, it will put a damn smile on your face — from the fun and comfortable low-end torque that’s not too face-melting but still gets you a little excited, to the lovely option of putting your helmet in the large storage compartments.

I got the chance to ride my friend’s CFMoto for a few days and did a 300 km journey with my girlfriend, who usually does not appreciate long rides on the back of my previous bikes. With the CFMoto, she was ready to go for the whole day.

A brand-new CFMoto 650 MT would cost about RM31,500. A second-hand one would cost around RM10,000 to RM15,000 (depending on the year and how lucky your find is). This machine will do everything you need it to do. If you are working, studying, travelling, or touring, basically anything that’s not chasing lap times or trying to compete with ZX6s and supersports out there, she’ll do a fine job.

Now, the looks on this machine may not be the most eye-glazing sight, but it’s important to be fair given its attractive price. You can’t expect a Multistrada for RM30K. You also shouldn’t expect the most amazing, “premium” build quality, but at least you won’t feel bad absolutely riding the life out of this thing.

The power is so linear and predictable, you could ride this machine with your eyes closed, hands tied, and feet in the large storage boxes. The low-RPM grunt is not eye-watering, but it’s plenty fun, and at high RPMs this machine performs surprisingly well, with enough torque to zoom past most vehicles on the highway.

Now, keeping in mind it’s set up as a tourer, high-speed cornering or sudden direction changes can feel a little bit sketchy. After 150–160 km/h, the bike starts to feel a bit light and shaky. I compare this bike a lot to the CB500X and others in that engine platform series, as it has very comparable characteristics. With 62 hp and 62 Nm of torque, she’ll get you around town and much further than that.

The suspension is comfortable but don’t expect to do any off-road riding although it will eat up speed bumps for breakfast. Of course, the lovely comfortable suspension raises the issue of it not being super planted during aggressive cornering, but you don’t buy a 650 MT to drag knee. The front forks are also adjustable, which is a nice touch.

The riding position is quite close to an adventure bike, with tall, wide handlebars. I am 6 ft 1, and the windscreen is just short enough that it directs all the wind straight to my face, so for shorter riders it should be about perfect. For the passenger, it seems to do a good job. My girlfriend enjoys rides on the CFMoto and even asks for more, which is a first for me. The legs feel a little tucked in and tight for me, though granted, I have long dangly legs.

Specifications:

• Engine: 649cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin

• Power Output: Approximately 60 bhp (45 kW) at 8,500 rpm

• Torque: 45.8 ft-lb (62 Nm) at 7,000 rpm

• Weight: 218 kg (480 lbs) without luggage

• Seat Height: 840 mm (33.1 inches), with a lower option at 810 mm (31.9 inches)

• Fuel Tank Capacity: 18 liters (4.8 gallons)

• Fuel Consumption: Approximately 50.1 mpg (21 km/l), giving a range of about 200 miles (321 km)

• Top Speed: Around 111 mph (178 km/h)