CFMOTO in South Africa: Game-Changer or Just Another Chinese Brand?

Welcome back. Today, I’m writing about a new brand that has just entered the South African market. Maybe not new to everyone, but new to me at least in the adventure category: CFMOTO.

By now, most people have noticed that Chinese manufacturers have taken over the South African car industry, with every second vehicle on the road being a HAVAL or Chery. While opinions are divided on this trend, often due to the association of Chinese products with poor quality, it’s interesting that we haven’t seen the same level of adoption when it comes to Chinese motorcycles in South Africa.

This may be because most Chinese motorcycle brands that launch here tend not to stick around for long or don’t gain long-term popularity. But could this be changing with the arrival of CFMOTO’s new adventure range?

Who is CFMOTO?

CFMOTO is a Chinese powersports manufacturer known for producing motorcycles, ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles), UTVs (Utility Task Vehicles), and side-by-sides. Founded in 1989 and based in Hangzhou, China, the company has become a major player in the global powersports market.

What’s most interesting to me is CFMOTO’s strategic partnership with KTM, the Austrian motorcycle giant. This includes joint ventures and engine manufacturing. If KTM is willing to work closely with them, surely that challenges the stereotypical belief that all Chinese-made goods are of low quality.

This partnership intrigued me enough to look deeper, and here’s what I found:

CFMOTO Builds the KTM 790 Duke and 790 Adventure

CFMOTO manufactures both the KTM 790 Duke and 790 Adventure in China under their joint venture with KTM. These bikes are sold globally, particularly in markets where competitive pricing and cost-effective manufacturing are essential.

KTM 790 Duke

• Known as “The Scalpel,” this is a sharp-handling naked bike with a 799cc parallel-twin engine.
• CFMOTO produces the engine and assembles the bike in China for KTM.
• In some markets, it’s the only version of the 790 Duke available, as KTM has shifted production from Austria to China.

KTM 790 Adventure

• A middleweight adventure bike built for both road and off-road use.
• Powered by the same 799cc LC8c parallel-twin engine.
• Reintroduced in various markets with CFMOTO-manufactured units due to the partnership.

How the Partnership Works

The joint venture is called CFMOTO-KTMR2R and is based in China.

• CFMOTO handles manufacturing, assembly, and some component production.
• KTM oversees design, engineering, and global distribution.

This collaboration allows KTM to reach more price-sensitive markets while giving CFMOTO access to advanced European engineering.

Is CFMOTO’s Own Lineup Any Good?

That’s a great question and one with a mix of answers. Some of their adventure models are still quite new, so it’s too early to tell how they’ll hold up long-term.

What I can say is that the CFMOTO 800MT Adventure uses KTM’s 799cc LC8c parallel-twin engine, the same engine found in the KTM 790 Adventure. Meanwhile, the CFMOTO 700MT Adventure features an engine based on Kawasaki’s 650cc twin, modified to 693cc, producing around 67 hp at 9,500 rpm and 60 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm.

With powertrains rooted in KTM and Kawasaki engineering, I can’t help but wonder if there’s more to CFMOTO than just being another cheap knock-off brand.

Then there’s the CFMOTO 450MT, also known in some markets as the Ibex 450. This is a mid-sized adventure bike with a 449cc in-house engine using a 270° crankshaft, delivering a torquey and characterful ride.

Look this model up on YouTube and you’ll find loads of positive reviews. Having seen one up close, I get the appeal: a 449cc adventure bike, fully loaded from the factory, for just R124,990, including phone connectivity, and an adjustable windscreen. What’s not to like?

Here are some photos of me on the 700MT.

Would I Buy a CFMOTO and What Do They Cost?

That’s a tough question. Like many riders, I worry about longevity and reliability. But the KTM partnership gives me some peace of mind. One thing’s for sure: you won’t find a better-equipped ADV bike at a lower price in South Africa right now.

I saw the CFMOTO 800MT, 700MT, and 450MT in person at Bikeshop in Rivonia and even got the chance to test-ride the 700MT.

Current Prices:

• CFMOTO 450MT Adventure – R124,990.00
• CFMOTO 700MT Adventure – R139,990.00
• CFMOTO 800MT Adventure – R199,999.00

During the 700MT’s test ride, I found the engine a bit underwhelming, which I expected, knowing its Kawasaki Versys roots. That said, I don’t believe horsepower is everything. I believe power should match the bike’s intended use.

What did surprise me was the weight. It’s not a light motorcycle. Unfortunately, there’s some confusion around the published wet and dry weights, so I can’t give you an exact figure. I just know it felt very bulky. That said, it’s so well equipped that even a BMW GS rider might get jealous: cruise control, center stand, phone connectivity, crash bars, luggage racks, ABS, adjustable suspension, and even a tire pressure monitoring system all stock standard.

No wonder it’s on the heavier side; it has every gadget under the sun!

And what about the CFMOTO 800MT?

The 800MT looked stunning and, with the KTM engine, I imagine it’ll be the most popular model in South Africa within its price bracket. However, its price is creeping into Africa Twin territory, which is something to consider.

The bike that really grabbed my attention was the CFMOTO 450MT. It felt like a mini Yamaha Tenere T7, great styling, great features, great price, and, for off-road use, a 450cc engine is more than sufficient.

So, Would I Buy One?

Yes! But maybe not just yet.

I’d like to see how well this first generation of adventure bikes holds up. If they prove reliable, I’ll definitely consider buying from the second generation. It’s worth noting that Bikeshop Rivonia mentioned that the next batch of bikes will be more expensive, so early buyers are definitely getting a bargain. Maybe I could be persuaded if big price hikes are expected. Im a bit conflicted, as im sure many riders would be when considering a Chinese brand. In the end, price is king, and if it’s all you can afford, it’s a compelling option that’s for sure.

My Conclusion

CFMOTO’s arrival in South Africa marks an exciting shift in the local adventure motorcycle scene. With strong ties to industry giants like KTM, surprisingly high build quality, and feature-rich models at unbeatable prices, CFMOTO is proving it’s not just another short-lived Chinese brand. While questions around long-term reliability remain, early impressions, both from global reviews and local firsthand impressions, suggest that CFMOTO is here to stay.

If you’re in the market for a well-equipped adventure bike that won’t break the bank, CFMOTO might just be the dark horse worth betting on. Keep an eye on this brand, because if the first generation holds up, the second could be a game-changer if CFMOTO retains its current consumer-friendly pricing.

Special thanks to the guys at Bikeshop Revonia for allowing me access to these new bikes! Check them out here: https://bikeshoprivonia.co.za/

Here is a video from a popular YouTuber on the CFMOTO 450MT.