This is currently the hottest category—mid-size adventure motorcycles—and a new contender is joining the field, aiming to surprise the market with its capabilities and, especially, its price.
The Chinese conglomerate CF MOTO, which previously gave us the 800MT, has now released a version geared more towards off-road use—the MT-X. Both models are ultimately based on the KTM 790 Adventure, which is actually manufactured jointly with CF MOTO in the same factory in China. The Austrians reduce costs, the Chinese gain know-how—and put it to use.
One of the standout design elements is the fuel tank that drops down low (yes, like KTM). It’s not the most aesthetic feature, but it’s highly effective while riding, as it addresses one of the common issues in designing tall and heavy adventure bikes. Here, smart engineering lowers the center of gravity, making the bike more comfortable and efficient to handle.
The X model comes in two color options: Black and a somewhat flashy blue. It features a large screen and an extended one-piece seat, designed to allow movement during off-road riding. It also boasts a generous ground clearance of 23 cm.
Most notably, it offers a wealth of electronic features: Three riding modes—Standard, Rain, and Off-road—selectable via a simple button, which disables ABS and traction control. The traction control relies on Bosch’s IMU sensors to detect the bike’s position and angle. It has an excellent bi-directional quickshifter, a steering damper, and tire pressure monitoring sensors. The fuel tank is relatively large for the category at 22.5 liters (with the option of adding over 30 liters total), though the windshield is not adjustable.
The engine is the same parallel-twin 799cc found in KTM’s model—producing 95 hp at 8,500 rpm and 8.87 kgm of torque at 6,750 rpm. The claims about the engine’s reliability, once a concern, are now reportedly a thing of the past.
Fuel injection is by Bosch, and the engine includes a balance shaft to reduce vibrations—which are still felt, especially above 6,000 rpm, delivering speeds up to 140 km/h. The front features a 48mm fully adjustable upside-down fork with 230mm travel, and the rear uses a fully adjustable monoshock, also with 230mm travel. It comes with 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels and dual-sport tires suited for off-road riding.
The seat is flat in typical off-road style, which might feel firm on long rides for sensitive riders. Seat height can be adjusted between 830 mm and 870 mm—on the tall side.
I took it on a demanding 500 km day ride, heading northeast and through central Israel. It’s a bike that feels very light with an enjoyable engine that loves revving and gives off a saw-like sound that recalls its KTM roots.
On the flip side, that same strength becomes a bit of a drawback in technical off-road situations requiring slow maneuvering. This is a bike that loves trails and, with its respectable ground clearance, handles rocks and holes with ease—it’s practically begging to go off-road. The relatively stiff suspension suits fast and aggressive riding.
In summary:
This is a machine based on a well-known and respected brand, built solidly with high-quality components and loaded with electronics. It enters one of the most competitive categories—and tries to shake it up from below, with its price point. The sense is that we’ll be seeing quite a few of these on the road.
CF MOTO 800MT-X: Technical Specs
Engine:
799cc, parallel twin, liquid-cooled, 8 valves, DOHC, 95 hp at 8,500 rpm, 8.87 kgm at 6,750 rpm.
Dimensions:
Length/Width/Height – 2.288 m, 1.42 m, 0.945 m.
Wheelbase – 1.530 m.
Seat height – 83/87 cm.
Ground clearance – 24 cm.
Front tire – 90/90 R21.
Rear tire – 150/70 R18.
Fuel tank:
22.5 liters (with an optional 8-liter auxiliary tank at the rear).
Weight:
196 kg dry, 220 kg wet.
Service intervals:
Initial break-in service after 1,000 km, then every 15,000 km.
Warranty:
2 years or 24,000 km.
Price:
NIS 60,000.
Pros:
On-road and off-road capability, quality, electronics, and price.
Cons:
Less capable in technical off-road riding.