CFMOTO’s 700MT: Hidden Gem or Just Another Hippo?

CFMOTO 700MT Review – Is It a Bargain Adventure Tourer or Just a Heavy Hippo?

With the release of the new CFMOTO adventure line in South Africa, it’s sparked quite a buzz in the motorcycling community thanks to its affordability and feature-rich lineup.

Although some stigma still lingers around the fact that it’s Chinese, those who have seen the bikes in person are starting to realise that this may not be the stereotypical low-quality Chinese machinery people are used to.

China has come a long way; its manufacturing capabilities and quality control have improved dramatically over the years. This is already evident in the car segment, with high-quality and feature-rich vehicles like those from HAVAL and Chery, brands many South Africans now applaud. It seems China is now applying the same recipe to motorcycling.

I can personally vouch for the perceived quality of the 450MT, 700MT, 800MT Explorer, and 800MT-X. I’ve seen them all up close and ridden all except the 800MT Explorer. At first glance and after a quick test ride, it’s hard to fault any of them. The build quality feels top-notch. Features that are usually paid extras on other brands come standard on CFMOTO’s lineup, all while boasting a lower price tag than competitors.

In a country like South Africa, where citizens are generally strapped for cash, this could be the recipe for dominance in what’s still considered an emerging market.

Let’s Talk About the CFMOTO 700MT

Now, don’t get me wrong, just because the quality seems legit and the price is right, doesn’t mean I inherently think this is a great motorcycle. Just because something is well-built and priced well doesn’t mean the engineers built it with a clear purpose or that it excels at that purpose.

Let’s put the stereotypical narrative around Chinese products aside, along with whether or not it’s built to last, and focus on the bike itself. If this had a Honda or BMW badge on it, would it still be considered a good motorcycle?

Deep Dive into Specs

The CFMOTO 700MT leans more towards being an adventure touring motorcycle rather than a full-on 50/50 ADV. It offers a robust set of features usually found on higher-priced competitors. Its combination of a tamed 700cc engine largely based on the Kawasaki ER-6, used in models like the Versys 650, along with advanced electronics and a comfort-oriented design, makes it a versatile option for both daily commuting and long-distance touring.

For those wanting to do hardcore off-road adventuring, this may not be the right bike. It’s better suited for long hauls on asphalt or, in my opinion, as an excellent daily commuter.

Don’t Expect a Punchy Engine

The engine in the 700MT is based on the proven Kawasaki ER-6 platform. CFMOTO’s 693cc parallel-twin shares similar bore and stroke dimensions and has been updated to meet modern performance and emissions standards.

While there’s a modest increase in performance over the original Kawasaki setup, those familiar with the Versys will know it was never a standout in terms of raw power or torque. Coupled with the 700MT’s weight, the performance may feel underwhelming for riders seeking a more spirited experience.

That said, the ER-6 engine platform is known for its reliability, where it lacks in punch, it gains in potential longevity. This remains to be seen, but if it’s based on Kawasaki engineering, I have high hopes and expectations.

Creature Comforts

The CFMOTO 700MT is arguably the best value-for-money adventure tourer currently available in South Africa. It’s jam-packed with creature comforts straight out of the box, whereas competitors often charge a premium for similar features. It includes:

• 5-inch curved colour TFT display with mobile connectivity
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Heated seats and grips
• Crash guards and pannier racks
• Adjustable windshield
• USB-A and USB-C charging ports
• Full LED lighting
• ABS and traction control
• T-Box system for bike monitoring and location tracking

In terms of adventure touring, what more could you ask for? And all of it is standard.

Overall Looks

This is obviously subjective, but in my opinion, it’s one of the best-looking adventure touring motorcycles on the market. I can’t fault it in the aesthetics department. Especially with the crash bars, it looks beefy and tough, particularly the all-black model. I’m sure some will disagree, but looks are subjective. Personally, I think it looks fantastic.

Answer the Question: Gem or Hippo?

I’d say it’s a bit of both. It really depends on the type of riding you plan to do.

If you’re a daily commuter or someone who enjoys long-distance road touring, this is an absolute gem, especially at this price point. If you’re a hardcore ADV rider, it’s likely going to feel like a hippo, not light, agile, or aggressive enough off-road.

My advice: Know your riding style before buying this bike. It’s easy to fault a motorcycle if it doesn’t meet your specific needs, even if that’s not what it was designed for.

Overall, I think the CFMOTO 700MT is a fantastic package. And yes, I would believe it was a Honda or BMW if it had the badge on it. But let’s be honest, it would probably cost twice as much.

Final Thoughts

I urge every rider to visit a local dealership and give this bike a try. Keep an open mind, and don’t let outdated stereotypes cloud your judgment. Yes, it’s from China. No, that doesn’t mean it’s bad.

Thanks for reading, guys!