CF Moto 800 MT-X Test Ride: The Best Adventure Bike Under $10,000?
CF Moto is the rising Chinese brand, and the 800 MT-X is proof of that! A bike built for adventure for less than $11,000 — quite a promise, but does it really deliver? We’ve tested it thoroughly to see if it has what it takes to rival the big names in the segment. Engine, chassis, equipment… Here’s our verdict!
A Familiar Yet Optimized Engine
Under the hood (or rather, under the tank), you’ll find the 799cc parallel-twin that’s already known from the CF Moto 800 MT and the KTM 790. The big difference here is that the 800 MT-X focuses more on torque than raw horsepower. With 91 hp and 86 Nm at 6,500 RPM, it’s made for off-road adventures. In short, you get more grunt at low revs, which is exactly what you want for off-roading. However, not everything is perfect. Below 3,000 RPM, the engine lacks smoothness and there are a few hiccups during acceleration and deceleration. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it can be annoying in city riding or on steady roads. Thankfully, from 6,000 RPM onwards, the engine performs better, offering a nice stretch and a pleasant sound.
A Clutch That Lacks Smoothness
The gearbox is quite stiff, and the shifter is a bit short and high. This is great for riding standing up, but less convenient for gear changes while seated. Fortunately, the quickshifter on both upshift and downshift helps somewhat, even if the shift requires a solid foot movement.
A Chassis That Hits the Mark
If there’s one area where the CF Moto 800 MT-X shines, it’s its chassis! A high seat perched at 34.2 inches, a natural standing position, a well-raised handlebar, and a low center of gravity thanks to the lowered tank… everything is designed for comfortable off-road riding. The suspension with 9 inches of travel works impressively well: it absorbs bumps without pitching in fast sequences. The braking is also well-tuned, with a good feel at the lever, and you can deactivate the rear ABS for off-road sessions. The big downside is having to go through menus to disable it every time you restart the ignition. Not very convenient for switching between road and trail.
Off-road, It Excels!
CF Moto designed this MT-X with adventure in mind, and you can feel it. On trails, the 21-inch front wheel and CST tire setup allow for confident riding. Of course, if the terrain becomes too muddy, more aggressive tires will be necessary. The Off-road mode improves traction management, though we miss a Sport mode. Nevertheless, the road/trail compromise is well-achieved, making it a bike that really urges you to venture off the beaten path.
