2020 CFMoto 650GT Review

CFMoto is a company on the rise and the range-topping, LAMS-approved CFMoto 650GT is a great example of its potential to produce quality motorcycles. The Chinese manufacturer is perhaps better known for its ATVs, UTVs and SSVs, but things are changing.

In the past, China’s motorcycling industry has arguably been focused on quantity over quality, with an output more rapid than the spread of coronavirus. It makes sense for a nation with over 1.4 billion people, but a changing political landscape has resulted in a renewed focus on quality for companies like CFMoto.

Price tag

The CFMoto 650GT builds on the brand's 650 range which already includes the 650NK and the 650MT. The 650GT is a sports tourer with KISKA European styling and a bargain price tag of $8490 ride away.

A cheap price can often ring alarm bells where a motorcycle is concerned, especially when it carries the Made-in-China label. But take a closer look at the CFMoto 650GT and you’ll realise that it’s a bike that smashes the stereotype.

The CFMoto 650GT is powered by a 649.5cc parallel-twin four-stroke engine, with Bosch EFI. The bike also features Continental ABS, J.Juan hydraulic brakes, KYB suspension and Metzeler tyres. Throw in an LED headlight, large colour TFT dash, adjustable windscreen, USB port, 12-volt socket and sleek European styling, and you have yourself a pretty fancy motorcycle.

Weight watchers

But costs must be cut somewhere, and the CFMoto 650GT’s downfall is its weight. At 226kg, it is one of the heavier bikes in its class and at slower speeds, you feel every bit of it. The front-end in particular feels very heavy and the high-placement of the 19L fuel tank doesn’t help either. Tighter turns in city and suburban streets are not this bike's strong suit.

Another issue is braking power. It’s certainly not shabby, but in order to stop a 226kg machine comfortably, you need a fair bit of bite. The CFMoto 650GT has dual 300mm discs and twin-piston calipers up front and a single 240mm disc with a single-piston caliper at the rear. The brakes require a pretty decent squeeze to activate, and this didn’t give me supreme confidence. Still, there was at least one occasion where I was forced to slam on the anchors, and the Continental ABS did its thing and there were no issues.

Related Reading:
Launch: 2014 CFMoto 650NK and 650TK
$8490 rideaway for CFMoto 650GT
2016 CFMoto 400NK and 650NK first ride

Value for money

Perhaps I’m being picky, because weight and brakes aside, the CFMoto 650GT gives you plenty of value in all other areas. The same engine is also used in the NK and MT variants and it puts out a LAMS-restricted 41.5kW at 9500rpm and 62Nm at 7000rpm. The bike gets off the line reasonably quickly and it feels zippy enough around the streets, despite its heavy weight.

It does lack a little mid-range, which is most noticeable on the highways. That isn’t a deal-breaker though. The linear and predictable power is perfect for learners. Remember, this is a LAMS bike, so maniacal performance isn’t the name of the game here.

There are two riding modes, Touring and Sport, but there isn’t a whole lot of difference between them. Touring mode mellows things out a little, but unless you are an absolute beginner, there is no real need to take it out of Sport mode. Switching between the modes is a breeze though, with a handlebar-mounted switch that can be utilised on the fly.

Comfort talk

The KYB suspension gets a pass mark too. It’s a little on the soft side, but it still soaks up all bumps and feels well-balanced on the road. I would stiffen everything up a little, as that would give the bike a slightly more sporty personality, but that is a personal preference.

Ergonomically, the bike is comfortable. A low seat height and high handlebar puts you in the bike rather than on top of it. This makes for a relaxing ride over long distances. The TFT dash is great and easy to read. At times I found myself distracted, mesmerised by its colour and brightness.

The CFMoto 650GT is a very capable bike. It does everything you need it to. It could certainly benefit from some creature comforts like cruise control, heated grips, self-cancelling indicators and a quickshifter, but these things aren’t necessarily needed. And it’s important to remember that this is a sub-$10,000 bike – you’re already getting a lot of bike for the price.

Who is it for? 

The big question here is, who will buy this bike? It’s a simple, cheap and capable machine, but it lacks a little fun-factor and this is probably to do with its mellow power, especially in the mid-range. But at $8490, this isn’t the type of bike you buy expecting high performance and maniacal fun. This bike is about value, capability and getting from point A to point B. With that in mind, I think this bike is best suited for beginners and commuters. The LAMS tag should attract first-timers, while the simple, cheap and economical nature of the bike is a plus for commuters, who just want a daily-driver.

The verdict

For a company that is still making its name in the motorcycle industry, the 650GT is a brilliant baseline for CFMoto. The next 12 months are going to be big for the Chinese company, as its new partnership with KTM ramps up and it introduces new models with Austrian influence. In particular, the 799cc LC8 engine, most recently seen in the KTM 790 Adventure, is going to play a big part in the company’s immediate future.

The CFMoto 650GT is a sneak preview of where this company is going. Sure, there are elements that can be improved and refined, but this capable sports tourer is a bargain and is certainly proof that the made-in-China stigma is becoming a thing of the past.

Specs: 2020 CFMoto 650GT

ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, parallel-twin
Capacity: 649.3cc
Bore x stroke: 83mm x 60mm
Compression ratio: 11.3:1
Fuel system: Bosch EFI

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 41.5kW at 9500rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 62Nm at 7000rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
Clutch: Wet multi-plate
Final drive: Chain

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Tubular steel diamond
Front suspension: KYB telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Cantilever KYB monoshock
Front brakes: J.Juan dual 300mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear brake: J.Juan single 240mm disc with single-piston caliper
Tyres: Metzler
Tyre sizes: 120/70ZR17 front, 160/60ZR17 rear

DIMENSIONS
Claimed wet weight: 226kg
Wheelbase: 1415mm
Seat height: 795mm
Fuel capacity: 19l

OTHER STUFF
Price: $8490 (ride away)
Colours: Concept Blue or Nebula Black
Bike supplied by: Mojo Motorcycles