CFMOTO 700 CL-X Adventure 2023 Review

It has been over three years since CFMOTO revealed its first full-power motorcycles in the form of the 700 CL-X range, and now finally the last of the three variants has hit Australian shores.

Following on from the Heritage and Sport models, the CFMOTO 700 CL-X Adventure is the third and final piece to the CL-X puzzle, but it brings a very different take on the platform.

With Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres, pannier racks as standard, a scrambler-style seat, and a dedicated off-road riding mode, the Adventure variant is much more practical on paper when compared to its two stylish siblings. But does it hit the mark? Let’s dig in and find out...

The CFMOTO 700 CL-X Adventure is priced at $11,990 ride away, making it the most expensive model in the CL-X 700 range. The Heritage ($9490 ride away) and Sport ($10,490 ride away) variants are a fair bit cheaper, but the Adventure is arguably the best equipped of the trio.

As a neo-retro scrambler-style roadster, there isn’t a whole lot to compare it to. The Ducati Scrambler Icon ($16,500 ride away) and the Triumph Scrambler 900 ($19,190 ride away) are arguably in the same category, but they are on a different level in terms of price, equipment, and build quality.

Perhaps the closest competitor is the Benelli Leoncino 800 Trail ($13,990 ride away). Both bikes are built in China and offer ‘soft-road’ capability, but at $2000 cheaper, the 700 CL-X Adventure is the more attractive prospect in our eyes.

The 700 CL-X Adventure also comes with CFMOTO’s standard three-year factory warranty.

As mentioned above, the CFMOTO 700 CL-X Adventure is equipped with dirt-friendly Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres, pannier racks, a scrambler seat, and two riding modes (OFF-ROAD and ROAD). The ride modes are for throttle response only, but the same button can be used to switch off ABS at the rear wheel. It simply requires the rider to hold down the button for a few extra seconds.

The bike also comes with a high front mudguard, fully adjustable 41mm KYB fork, a single KYB rear shock, 18- and 17-inch tubeless wire-spoked wheels, ride-by-wire throttle, and J.Juan brakes with a 300mm front disc and 260mm rear disc. Interestingly, the Sport model features up-spec Brembo Stylema brakes, but the Adventure model makes up for it in other areas.

The CFMOTO 700 CL-X Adventure features a Continental ABS system which can be switched off at the rear wheel for off-road use. There is no traction control, but the 700 CL-X Adventure does offer cruiser control, a slipper clutch, and ‘intelligent’ adaptive LED lighting.

A round LCD display is simple but it does offer all the essential information, while the clever T-Box telemetry system is possibly the most advanced of its kind. It utilises smartphone connectivity to provide real-time information on vehicle status, location, speed, mileage and more. The bike can also receive over-the-air updates, which will help minimise trips to your dealership.

Like its siblings, the 700 CL-X Adventure makes use of a 693cc liquid-cooled DOHC eight-valve parallel-twin motor that puts out 73hp (55kW) at 8500rpm and 68Nm at 6500rpm.

The 700 CL-X platform went into development before KTM began working its magic with the Chinese manufacturer, so the engine is actually a beefed-up version of the brand’s existing 650 platform, as seen in the 650NK naked bike, the 650GT sportstourer, and the 650MT adventure bike. However, with a larger capacity and more power, the bike falls outside the requirements for LAMS approval.

Fuelling is handled by a Bosch electronic fuel injection system, while a six-speed gearbox and slipper clutch helps deliver drive to the rear wheel.

Forget the ‘Made in China’ stigma, this bike is the real deal. It is fast, fun, and agile, making it a great choice for both urban commuting and weekend jaunts.

The power is nice and crisp off the bottom of the rev range, and stays that way through the middle too. Even at higher speeds it feels comfortable and sheds any of CFMOTO’s previous LAMS restraint.

It handles nicely through the traffic and, despite the adventure dress, it tackles the twisties like a champion too. It weighs in at 204kg wet, which is pretty decent, but it feels even lighter when in motion.

The J.Juan brakes are not exceptional, but they do the job just fine, while the KYB suspension also ticks the box on the tarmac. The gear changes are also very smooth; a quickshifter on this bike would be an absolute hoot. Also thumbs up for the windscreen, comfy seat and pillion capabilities.

However, there was one issue. The fuelling is a bit off, especially when grabbing a handful of throttle. It tends to skip a beat every now and then, which is a little off-putting. It is most prevalent at lower revs but, once you get used to it, it is possible to ride around it.

This same issue plagued the early versions of the CFMOTO 800MT, but the Chinese firm found a fix and has subsequently updated that model with a fresh throttle map. The good news is that CFMOTO is currently working on a similar fix for the 700 platform, and customers will soon be able to update their bike at home via the T-Box system. Clever, huh?

The 700 CL-X Adventure is definitely not a dirt bike, but it does a reasonable job of convincing us otherwise. The Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres, off-road ride mode, and switchable ABS are all very helpful, as is the increased ground clearance (10mm over the Heritage model), higher handlebar position, high front fender, and grippy footpegs.

On regular gravel roads, the 700 CL-X Adventure is absolutely fine. But, then again, just about any road bike can comfortably ride the same roads. The big test is when the terrain gets a bit rougher and a bit tougher. And, well, it’s not bad. The standing positon is comfortable enough, and the OFF-ROAD power mode delivery is okay.

But while it is possible to put the 700 CL-X Adventure through some tricky stuff, it is definitely more at home on the tarmac. The suspension only just gets the job done where potholes and erosion mounds are concerned, while I had a mirror rattle loose after only 200 metres of fire trail.

In short, the 700 CL-X Adventure is not scared of the dirt, but it isn’t exactly a star performer either. Still, with the ability to easily fit panniers, this will be a fun little bike for multi-day, cross-country adventures.

Aside from what I’ve already mentioned, my only real gripe with the 700 CL-X Adventure was an annoying rattle and clank, which I deduced was the pillion footpeg. I am writing it off as simply an assembly issue though, and I’m sure a few tightened bolts will solve the problem.

The 13-litre fuel tank naturally isn’t huge, but I didn’t find fuel economy to be an issue for commuting or day trips. I imagine that longer journeys will require a few more fuel stops than you’d probably like, but I didn’t get an official fuel figure, so I am really just guessing.

In regard to the neo-retro styling, I really like it. It stands out on the road, but not too much, and the adventure guise gives it a rugged and capable look. It is quite comfy to sit on too, with an upright ride position, and a plush one-piece scrambler seat. At 830mm, the seat height might be a little up there for shorter riders, but my 6ft 1in frame had no issues.

Why the bloody hell not? At $11,990, this is a well-equipped machine that will take it up to bikes almost double in price. Sure, it’s not perfect, but what bike is?

With some genuine capability for weekend adventures, a fast and fun engine, and decent handling, the 700 CL-X Adventure is a genre-bender that can get you to work one day, and up into the hills the next. It’s not necessarily a dirt bike, but a few dirt roads here and there absolutely won’t hurt it.

Some people are hesitant when it comes to Chinese-built products. After all, the nation has traditionally operated on a quantity over quality model. But CFMOTO is very quickly becoming of age and it deserves to be spoken about in the same breath as other motorcycling powers.

The 700 CL-X range is surely just the start of some impressive things to come.

Specs: 2023 CFMOTO 700 CL-X Adventure 

ENGINE 
Type: Liquid-cooled, eight-valve, four-stroke, DOHC parallel-twin 
Capacity: 693cc 
Bore x stroke: 83mm x 64mm 
Compression ratio: 11.6:1 
Engine management: Electronic fuel injection 
Emissions: Euro 5 

PERFORMANCE 
Power: 73hp (55kW) at 8500rpm 
Torque: 68Nm at 7000rpm 

TRANSMISSION 
Type: Six-speed 
Final drive: Chain 
Clutch: Wet, multiplate, slipper 

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR 
Frame: Tubular chrommoly 
Front suspension: Inverted 41mm Kayaba telescopic fork, fully adjustable, 150mm travel 
Rear suspension: KYB monoshock, adjustable for preload and rebound, 150mm travel 
Front brakes: Single 300mm disc with J.Juan four-piston radial-mount caliper, ABS equipped 
Rear brake: 260mm disc with J.Juan twin-piston caliper, ABS equipped 
Tyres: Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR; front 110/80 R18, rear 170/60 R17 

ELECTRONICS 
Ride-by-wire throttle, Road and Off-Road ride modes, ABS, electronic cruise control, full LED lighting with DRL 

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES 
Claimed wet weight: 204kg 
Seat height: 830mm 
Fuel capacity: 13L

OTHER STUFF 
Price: $11,990 ride away 
Warranty: Three years, unlimited kilometres (if serviced within authorised dealer network) 
Colours: Aurora Blue