OK so I am one of the first to say that CFMoto is NOT a world-class leading motorcycle manufacturer - certainly not in the same class as any of the big 4 Jap moto manufacturers, and I believe I am well qualified to say such as I have already owned 2 CFMoto products; a Jetlux 250cc scooter and a 650TR (1st generation) 650cc tourer.
It's true that I have posted many times on MCM that I would never buy 1 more Chinese bike, and how wrong was I on both points.
With the upcoming ride from mainland China to the UK and return (June 2016) I decided to purchase a new bike. IMO the best available bikes in China to tackle a ride like China-UK/EU return would be one of BMW range - F650/700/800 GS. Unfortunately I allowed myself to be backed into a corner and ended up buying a new CFMoto 650TR-G. The 650TR-G is the more luxurious model above the 650TR.
With the new 650TR-G having arrived and plated this week, it was time to do a shakedown run to find out if the 650TR-G will be my "Achilles Heel" for the China-EU-China ride departing in June 2016.
So with a bag packed full of essentials I set off on a small 1500km run down the East coast of Shandong.
Hooking up with fellow MCM member Cryptographicide along the way in Yantai, Shandong.
Now, lets back pedal a little bit...
So I questioned what would I be getting for my money with the 650TR-G? Having ridden over 25.000km on the 650TR - would I just get a tarted up TR?
Allow me to begin this mini-review with the words WOW!
Yes really, I should be saying a big WOW as, the 650TR-G is not just a tarted up version of the 650TR wearing a different dress. It's my impression that CFMoto have invested a lot of time and money into the development/design of the new 650TR-G
The 650TR-G was initially designed as a Chinese police motorcycle (650G) which you can read about in one of Bikerdoc's threads on MCM. CFMoto have since released a civilian version of the Police 650G and is now being sold to the public as the 650TR-G as a "Touring Bike" in mainland China.
So what does one look for from a touring bike?
In my opinion a good touring bike should include;
1. Good riding posture
2. Good seat for long hours in the 'saddle'
3. Good wind protection
4. Good fuel range
5. Good lights
6. Easy to ride
7. Good adjustable suspension
If readers feel I should add more points on what makes a good touring bike then please leave comments and I can provide my views on how the 650TR-G stacks up.
So how does the 650TR-G measure up on these points?
Before I talk about the 650TR-G I'd like to make a comparison on the points above with regards to my old 650TR which is marketed as a mid-displacement touring bike.
650TR
1. The 650TR riding position was shiet IMO - the riding position had me leaning into the handle bars putting pressure on the palms of my hands. (Now one can buy 'bar rises' on Taobao for the 650TR which hopefully might remedy this situation. What say you BikerDoc, have any news on your bar risers you're fitting to your 650TR?)
2. After only about 2 hours in the 650TR seat I would get a "Twitching Arse" or numb bum, not good for a touring bike where one might expect to pile on the kilometers and hours at a time in the saddle!
3. The initial 650TR screen was too small for much of anything IMO. The second generation and later model 650TR had a new taller screen which I felt still didn't stop the wind hitting my face. I felt that my legs generally were well protected from the elements but I found my knees would hit the front fairing not helped by the forward slope of the seat. Also when the 650TR was stationary with the engine idling e.g. at traffic lights, I would get a lot of heat coming from the engine onto my legs.
4. The 650TR petrol tank is 17.7 L giving a range of just over 325 km with frugal riding - not that I would call a good range
5. 650TR headlights 35W each just sucked (H8 12V35W × 2) and I ended up fitting HIDs which were a night versus day improvement.
6. 650TR I found easy to ride so not much to complain about with the 650TR and I generally found it to be a good handling bike.
7. 650TR suspension was just ok but only adjustable at the rear. No adjustment in the front forks.
650TR-G
1. 650TR-G provides an upright neutral seating and relaxed foot peg positions yielding an accommodating ergonomic triangle suitable for commuter use or touring jaunts.
2. 650TR-G seat is much improved compared with the 650TR but still not 'spot on' IMO.
No " Twitching Arse" even after 7 hours in the seat though which is a big improvement!
3. 650TR-G screen is fully electric adjustable and also has a memory function. However even with the screen in the full up position, the wind was still hitting the very top of my helmet. I am 6 feet tall so perhaps for a shorter person the screen might be spot on.
I fitted a clip-on wind deflector to the top edge of the screen which sorted the wind buffeting problem, however what I like is I have the option to lower the screen to obtain full air movement over my face when needed.
4. The 650TR-G petrol tank is 22L. Given that I was on a break-in run and therefore not increasing the RPM >4000 - my fuel consumption figures should be thought of as perhaps the optimum in fuel economy. Average fuel consumption ranged from 23.5-24.8km/L. Therefore the 22L tank volume should provide a ~500-550km range depending on WOT or not! YMMV.
I'm not able to confirm that the petrol tank does indeed hold 22L as I never ran the tank dry.
5. The 650TR-G unlike the 650TR has LED lights with the twin low bream lights located to the sides of the headlight cluster with the high bream located between the low beam lights. The high beam light is actually, twin spot type lights.
In operation CFMoto have decided for some reason to not allow the low bream lights to remain illuminated when the high bream are switched on.
IMO it would be better to allow the low beam lights to remain illuminated when the high beam lights are switched on too.
Low bream illumination is adequate with fair-good coverage but there's room for improvement. I'll be adding 2 more LED spotlights to improve the forward lighting.
The 650TR-G high bream lights work well, even better than I expected. IMO forward lighting must work well because on coming 'nongmingren' Chinese drivers here think it's best to drive around all the time at night with the high breams on regardless of who else is around - well when I used my highbeams on the 650TR-G those same nomingren's soon switched to low beam.
6. I found the 650TR-G to be quite a nimble bike to ride with a slight movement of my body in the seat which allowed the bike to move left or right. Slow speed manoeuvring I found was very good with a low CoG (centre of gravity) which made the bike easy to ride at low speed without the need to put my feet down.
I also found the 650TR-G to have a good standing-on-the-pegs position with my arms nicely placed with a forward reach to the bars even better then my Honda CRF 250L which I fitted bar-rises to.
So IMO the 650TR-G is very, very easy to ride
7. With WP suspension all-round what can I say WOW again just so much better over the old 650TR. The suspension on the 650TR-G is fully adjustable, both front and rear. I do need to spend some more time with these to fully report back on how the adjustment affects the 650TR-G handling.
WP suspension are White Power from Austria which is now owned by KTM. The 650TR-G WP suspension was imported directly fully assembled/built up from the WP plant in Mattighofen, Austria.
Engine
Fuel: #93 RON
Can the engine be the same as used in the older 650TR and NK series bikes? It is the same engine from what I can see, yes it appears to be the old 650TR/NK engine, but it doesn't feel like it as the 650TR-G feels much smoother
I guess lot of work has gone into re-mapping the ECU.
With the old 650TR (1st generation) I found <3500 RPM the engine pulled like my old 1970 Ford Escort, or I should write didn't pull because that's how the old 650TR was to me.
The 650TR-G is as smother as silk from as low as 2000 RPM in 6th gear the engine pulls well and then starts to fly at 3500 RPM.
Engine Modes
The 650TR-G Engine comes equipped with a Engine Mode switch to change from "E" economy to "S" sports mode. Mode selection is done from the left hand side of the handle bar switches with the mode selected being visible on the bottom of the instrument cluster LCD screen.
I assume the modes must link to two different fuel maps within the ECU. Until I'm able to obtain an English owner's manual, I've no idea what the difference in engine performance is? I've used the switch but haven't as yet found or felt a discernable difference in the engine performance, however I have been using the throttle somehwat cautiously as I've been running the engine in. Also I'm usure what the procedures or requiirements are for using the switch. Can the modes be changed on the fly, or does the 650TR-G need to be in idle or at a stop? Hopefully I'll find the answer to these questions and update this report in diue course.
A few other items worth noting is the inclusion of front and rear ABS braking system from Continental in Germany. The brakes themselves are J. Juan brand from Spain.
Promotional video of "KEY" features on the New CFMoto 650 TR-G
Any high speed turbulence or excessive wind noise?
04-26-2016, 06:48 PM
prince666
Re: New CFMoto 650 TR-G review
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zorge
Any high speed turbulence or excessive wind noise?
At what speed are you talking about Zorge
04-26-2016, 07:03 PM
prince666
Re: New CFMoto 650 TR-G review
Had some cross winds on the expressway clocking about 120 KMh and found the bike very stable even when you pass a 40 feet lorry and you get that rush of air the bike keeps straight line maybe this is due to the bike comes in at 252Kg.
with wind noise by adjusting the screen you can reduce or increase the wind noise depending on the position of the screen.
But you can still hear the engine lol
04-26-2016, 07:11 PM
Zorge
Re: New CFMoto 650 TR-G review
Quote:
Originally Posted by prince666
At what speed are you talking about Zorge
Still legal, highway speeds - 100-120 km/h, but you already answered.
A propos suspension: is WP stands for "White Power" or some "Wei... Pong..." or something similar? :rolleyes1:
04-28-2016, 03:30 AM
prince666
Re: New CFMoto 650 TR-G review
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zorge
Still legal, highway speeds - 100-120 km/h, but you already answered.
A propos suspension: is WP stands for "White Power" or some "Wei... Pong..." or something similar? :rolleyes1:
WP is indeed White Power from Austria who was bought by KTM and now selling high-performance suspension.
The WP suspension was imported directly from WP in Mattighofen, Austria.
04-28-2016, 04:31 AM
prince666
3 Attachment(s)
Re: New CFMoto 650 TR-G review
The Director of Marketing for CFMoto has already read the review and has quoted by saying " It is a great article! Fair and interesting "
The Director has also e-mailed me some specification data on the TR-G in English
One of the major items not included with the CFMoto 650 models is the inclusion of a centre stand - not even available as an optional extra. The fact that there's a large catalytic converter underneath the mid-section isn't any sort of impediment to the inclusion of a centre stand as many other manufacturers can and do offer centre stands for motorcycles with a similarly placed catalytic converter. What CFMoto marketing strategy should be IMO is, add and offer more for less to the market segment in comparison to their competitors and doing so while offering and maintaining a high level of quality.
This would provide some form of market segment differentiation and a perceived value for money over competitors.
Although at this stage CFMoto has no plans to offer the 650TR-G to international markets, which seems a little odd and somewhat of a missed opportunity as there are not too many offerings of a luxury styled tourer in the mid-displacement class. One of the few I can think of at the minute is the F800GT aside from CFMoto's own 650TR.
YMMV
04-28-2016, 04:48 AM
prince666
Re: New CFMoto 650 TR-G review
Quote:
Originally Posted by bikerdoc
One of the major items not included with the CFMoto 650 models is the inclusion of a centre stand - not even available as an optional extra. The fact that there's a large catalytic converter underneath the mid-section isn't any sort of impediment to the incluso=ion of a centre stand as many other manufacturers can and do offer centre stands for motorcycles with a similarly placed catalytic converter. What CFMoto marketing strategy should be is, add and offer more for less to the market segment in comparison to their competitors and doing so while offering and maintaining a high level of quality. IMO.
YMMV
You are correct BikerDoc it's a very big shame CF dint have the foresight to include a centre stand ? but I am sure with the tie up with KTM which is very apparent with the introduction of WP shocks all-round, I am sure given time we will see more improvement on new models yet to be released by CF IMO
04-28-2016, 12:24 PM
prince666
3 Attachment(s)
Re: New CFMoto 650 TR-G review
Handel Bars
Like the 650 TR the TR-G uses unorthodox style handle bars which at first impression you won't like , but the handle bars work ok with good contact between you and the front wheel.
A added bonus is the shape of the bars allow a placement of a crash helmet to sit like it was designed for this propose.
Update on fuel economy.
With the engine now correctly run in I was able to ride the bike with no worries or concerns about the engine so this should be the average consumption for the bike.
The fuel economy on this tank was 22.65 Km per L.
With this consumption and the tank holding 22 L you should still be able to obtain a good 500 KM range
With nearly 4000 km cover over the last 14 days I am happy to report the TR-G is operating and rides as it is designed to do with no rattles or lose bolts due to bad quality control or vibration.
The "ONLY" issue I have had has been from the side stand cut out switch which at times was not operating correctly and with a quick inspection I adjusted the switch and all works correctly now.
The TR-G may have a issue IMO when the bike is parked on a slight downhill slop with the side stand down, the bike can very easy "roll" off the side stand, so important to remember to leave the bike in gear when parking on a slight downhill slop.
Happy to report now I have had time to translate some of the TR-G owner's manual I can report back on that the ABS system can be turn OFF, (see picture of the "white" WP adjustment knob and you can see to the left the ABS on/off switch) I am sure some riders will find the function to turn on/off the ABS a added bonus on certain road condition .
The WP front folks are adjustable for "rebound" (RED) and "compression" (WHITE)
The adjustment knob have 27 clicks turn it clockwise give you the max hard setting with WP recommended setting of 7 clicks down from hard.
The engine has a "Engine Mode Switch" "E" or "S", on translating the manual NO reference to how to operate or to what affects it has on the engine performance?
On Talking to BikerDoc the engine mode has replaced the "gear indicator" on the LCD dash screen ?
Given that I have no idea how this function works then my choice would have been to have the gear indicator then from what I can see some "useless" function to switch engine modes. ( need to find out more information)
Before someone asked? I can't work out why CFMoto has dropped the handle bars on the front folks?
(see picture) this is common on all TR-G bikes I have seen so far, I would be interested to hear people's views on this matter? surely by dropping the front like this you decrease the ground clearness.?
UPDATE ON LIGHTS.
As mention in my review the TR-G low bream head light has a lot to be desired? but with the help of 2X30 W low down LED spots it makes all the difference.
Nice write up. Does it have electronic cruise control? Is it ride-by-wire?
Side Note: I hope you get an off site photo hosting option before you share all your awesome adventures on your big trip. Your pictures deserve to be seen, and posting them directly in the forum makes them too small with too much quality loss.
04-29-2016, 03:52 PM
prince666
1 Attachment(s)
Re: New CFMoto 650 TR-G review
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChinaV
Nice write up. Does it have electronic cruise control? Is it ride-by-wire?
Side Note: I hope you get an off site photo hosting option before you share all your awesome adventures on your big trip. Your pictures deserve to be seen, and posting them directly in the forum makes them too small with too much quality loss.
Hi ChinaV and thanks had some help from a friend lol
Wishful thinking on them 2 points? remember its still only a CF? :naughty:
With over 2400 KM rode in the last 7 days I must say I have been very impressed with the TR-G, the engine power delivery is amassing far better then the TR I had.
Now the engine is now run in correctly was able to give some WOT today and was lifting the front wheel in the first 4 gears.
Will take your advice and look into offsite hosting, and yes I hope to post a RR on MCM not sure if it will be done along route or when I get back, but I hope to set up a Wechat account just for this ride and should be able to post every day with pictures and location maps. ( will post account details later for people to join the account)
Just purchased a new Olympus TG-4 along with a GoPro so I should have some amazing pictures & videos.
You have over the past rode some epic rides all over China and you have a good ideal of the condition of some roads I will encounter "JUST" getting out of China lol but I am optimistic that the TR-G will be fine
.
But for the re-turn leg which will take me into Kazakhstan I hope to fit a set of continental TKC 80 tyres which should help with grip/tracking..
I have the TG-4, it's a great little camera. I like TKC-80's, but they do wear fast. I had at least 6 sets of Bridgestone BattleWings on my V-Strom and it really is a fantastic all around China tire. Good mileage, great handling, very predictable when you hit those long stretches of muddy road construction.
05-01-2016, 12:07 AM
prince666
Re: New CFMoto 650 TR-G review
Thanks for the tip... will look into the Bridgestone BattleWings tyres.
I just hope Bridgestone make the tyre sizes required for the TR-G front 120/70.17 back 180/55/17.
On my research I found not to many tyre manufactures was making both these sizes
05-01-2016, 01:25 AM
ZMC888
Re: New CFMoto 650 TR-G review
Great write-up. Still interesting even though I want any future road vehicles to be either electric or pedal power.
05-01-2016, 06:56 AM
linuxyeti
Re: New CFMoto 650 TR-G review
Hi there
The new 650TR-G does look good, I have an older 650TR. I really like the bike, however, I wanted to replace the dashboard on mine, with that from the 650TR-G, as it's supposed to fit, and you get the extras such as clock, trip distance etc. I tried emailing CFMoto, but never got a reply, and WK bikes here in the UK are useless & clueless. As, you appear to have contacts within CF moto, perhaps you could find out if they could supply me with a 650TR-G dashboard, where the display is in MPH please, or, send me contact details of someone at CFMoto who will reply, and I can do the asking.
05-02-2016, 01:11 AM
prince666
Re: New CFMoto 650 TR-G review
Hi Linuxyeti
Speak to BikerDoc on here he is the person who has all the upto date information regarding the TR /TR-G dashboard and he has posted a thread on MCM with fitting instructions.
Sorry I can't pass on the Marking Director Personal email details .
05-02-2016, 04:42 AM
linuxyeti
Re: New CFMoto 650 TR-G review
Hi prince666
Yeah, I've seen bikerdoc's pages, which is why I want to get hold of one, with MPH speed display. The problem is, WK bikes here in the UK, really are useless, and really don't know the bike they sell, for example, they tried to tell any generic centre stand kit off ebay would work !! I have also tried emailing CFMoto from the contact email address' on their website, and not once had a reply. I fully appreciate that you can't give me the marketing director's personal details, but, perhaps if you could flag this up to him in some way?
Many thanks
Tony
05-02-2016, 05:12 AM
bikerdoc
Re: New CFMoto 650 TR-G review
Tony, I doubt that the TR-G instrument panel is available in miles as the model is not destined for sale outside the mainland at this moment in time. I've no idea if there's a method with the panel itself to switch between miles and km's either.
I've PM'd you...
05-03-2016, 07:03 AM
linuxyeti
Re: New CFMoto 650 TR-G review
Hi Bikerdoc
I've replied to your pm.
Thanks
Tony
05-03-2016, 02:16 PM
prince666
Re: New CFMoto 650 TR-G review
Quote:
Originally Posted by ZMC888
Great write-up. Still interesting even though I want any future road vehicles to be either electric or pedal power.
Thanks ZMC888 it a shame to hear future vehicles could be electric or pedal power :confused1: coming from a long time biker ?
05-13-2016, 03:46 AM
prince666
Re: New CFMoto 650 TR-G review
Review updated on post 12/13.........
05-30-2016, 09:16 AM
cfmotospain
1 Attachment(s)
Re: New CFMoto 650 TR-G review
We test this model with motorcycle magazines , is the better motorcycle than cfmoto are doing , better than many motorcycles japanese are doing in this moment but is a pitty because cfmoto never make a homologation for europe . Attachment 18518
R
05-30-2016, 09:35 AM
prince666
Re: New CFMoto 650 TR-G review
Hi
Mr CFMoto Spain
Just passed the 6000 KM now (4 weeks) with no issues so far, did you read about me and 2 other riders are intending to ride from China to the UK and back with the TR-G and apart of the trip we will pass through Madrid (Spain) we will be happy to pop in to meet up for a beer if you like.
So if you can please send contact details by PM and I will keep you updated with the progress of the trip, hopefully bike and riders will reach Madrid ok.
Do you have a link you can post on the thread for the review you done on the CFMoto 650 TR-G even if it is in Spanish.
I can't stress no more then what I said in my review how good the new TR-G is ?
Not sure I would go as far as saying its better then what is coming out of Japan just now but would say "Pound" for "Pound" it is better value then what is coming out of Japan just now and is a dam good bike.
I am sure the TR-G will be exported at some time but the way it works with CFMoto will use buyers in China as a beta riders to iron out all the problems first then give it about a year then I am sure the bike will be offered for export.
06-08-2016, 06:11 AM
Major Thom
Re: New CFMoto 650 TR-G review
The problem is the Chinese have not been able to create a high compression 4 cylinder engine yet, who ever heard of a 650CC motorcycle having such poor performance. I had a 350cc Regal Raptor Daytona, it was a pile of rubbish, scrapped it with only 8500KM on the clock, forever going wrong, ICU unit replaced after 4000KM new chain, to many things to mention, but the main thing that used to upset me was other Chinese Motorcycles such as Dayon, just fly past me and I have no response, they are 125CC. I think the Chinese have got the looks right but they really need Japanese technology for their engines.
06-08-2016, 09:10 AM
prince666
Re: New CFMoto 650 TR-G review
Quote:
Originally Posted by Major Thom
The problem is the Chinese have not been able to create a high compression 4 cylinder engine yet, who ever heard of a 650CC motorcycle having such poor performance. I had a 350cc Regal Raptor Daytona, it was a pile of rubbish, scrapped it with only 8500KM on the clock, forever going wrong, ICU unit replaced after 4000KM new chain, to many things to mention, but the main thing that used to upset me was other Chinese Motorcycles such as Dayon, just fly past me and I have no response, they are 125CC. I think the Chinese have got the looks right but they really need Japanese technology for their engines.
Hi Major Thom
This thread is about a review on the CFMoto 650TR-G and not to slag of a bike you have had problems with (Regal Raptor 350 Daytona ) which you have started a "NEW" thread about on your first post.
So if you please could kindly edit your post to keep this thread on track I would greatly be appreciated , thank you for your understanding on this matter and welcome to MCM
For your information the 650 range from CFMoto engine spec is...
52kW/8750r/min
62N•m/7000r/min
And so far "NO" 125cc have passed me even when I got stuck in first gear ? and with a top speed at just over 200 Kmh the bike rides good for me.
06-08-2016, 03:19 PM
billeuze
Re: New CFMoto 650 TR-G review
@prince666 when are you starting your trip to Europe? Will you be updating us with a thread on this forum?
