The every day bike?
Wide bars. Comfortable seat. Cool dash. The first three things that made an impression when we rode this one from Randburg through to our spot on the East Rand.
CFMOTO has built a really comfortable all round motorcycle in this one…
The bike gets spoked wheels, a 20-litre fuel tank, crash bars and comes in a stealthy black, or a white finish and blue with gold wheels.
Rather than sitting on the bike, you are ensconced in the bike with a nicely shaped tank, wide footpegs and a very neutral, comfortable riding position.
The bike is not overly tall either – Pete is the serious shorty on our team and he managed to easily get his feet onto the ground.Â
Unintimidating.Â
It takes time for taller riders to get used to, we’d probably go for the optional higher seat on this one.
It’s got a cool fairing that keeps the weather as well as the bugs at bay.
It feels built and comes equipped with the kind of creature comforts you’d have to pay extra for on a more premium machine and it boasts typical CFMOTO attention to detail. Stuff like the neat little rubber cable straps and the ghosted camouflage design on the fairing infills, show the 700MT has been given some attention.
Standard equipment includes heated grips and seat, hand guards, radial brakes, a large manually adjustable screen, a posh-looking 5in colour TFT display with connectivity, adjustable suspension and levers, Type-A and C USB charging ports, tyre pressure monitors, ABS and traction control.
Powered by CFMOTO’s 693cc Parallel twin, the 700MT is not an aggressive bike to ride at all.
It’s all rather civilised actually, with decent bottom end, steady acceleration and a decent amount of top-end puff that peters out at the 180KPH mark.
It’s not boring at all – it just makes linear steady, practical, user friendly power.
It’s not a T7. It’s not a Transalp. The 700MT is its own machine with its own personality.
On the road, she handled everything, including some nasty potholes with aplomb, she turns well and the brakes are excellent.
The smaller wheel combo (19/17) tells you what it’s for. Adventure touring.
It’s an affordable, every day do-it-all tourer that can handle some of the gravel roads that we are blessed with.
Once again – quality feel. Great build quality. Great price point.Â
It feels like a bike that should go the distance and then, perhaps even a bit further than you’d expect…
CFMOTO 700 MT AT A GLANCE:Â
What does the CFMOTO 700MT cost? In South Africa, R140900 with a four year/ 48000KM warranty.
Is the CFMOTO 700MT comfortable? Yes, and it’s a great bike for shorties too. Taller riders will opt for the optional higher seat option.
Is the CFMOTO 700MT fast? It’s fast enough with linear acceleration and a top speed at around 180KPH.
Is the CFMOTO 700MT well equipped? It’s incredibly well specced for the price point.
Is the CFMOTO 700MT a hardcore ADV machine? No. It’s an adventure tourer. If you are looking for something more sporty from this manufacturer look towards a bike like the 800MT-X.
Specs
Engine size 691cc
Engine type Liquid-cooled, 8v, parallel twin
Frame type Tubular steel
Fuel capacity 20 litres
Seat height 800mm
Bike weight 240kg
Front suspension 43mm telescopic forks, fully adjustable
Rear suspension Single shock, adjustable for preload and rebound damping
Front brake 2 x 320mm discs with four-piston radial caliper, ABS
Rear brake 240mm single disc with single-piston caliper
Front tyre size 110/80 x 19
Rear tyre size 150/70 x 17
