CFMoto 650NK sport bike

[bikerdoc]

Look forward to your impressions after the test drive then Doc. How come you're considering this bike? You've already got plenty of power in your stable and a nice commuter.
I'm heading out of Shanghai this weekend, it's a shame, it'd have been nice to meet up.

I'm looking forward to it myself actually, even though I'd planned to head down to Taizhou for the test ride today - this has been postponed until sometime next week.

I've been fairly impressed overall with CFMoto products since my CF250T-F 'Fashion VIP' scoot (Honda Helix) which seems to have a cult following in the USA, which is surprising considering the super size me mentality that generally exists there.

I'm considering the 650NK for a variety of reasons, first and foremost it's two wheels, and I'm a sucker for moto's especially two wheeled engine variety, though I do own one or two with pedals. I'm also fairly happy with what CFMoto are manufacturing of late, and have been pleasantly surprised with the Jetmax maxi, that's not to say it couldn't do with a few changes, some of which CFMoto have taken heed of.

The price for the 650NK is reasonable given the input in engineering and design, and the similarities to the Kwaka ER6N, though one could argue that it's still a Chinese designed and made motorcycle and therefore is inferior (as some Chinese moto fans have done), and actually costs just under an equivalent ER6N does in many overseas markets. One commentator was complaining about the price on motofans.cn arguing that the price compared to the Kwaka which is a proven product from a Japanese manufacturer (ie. better quality and standards etc) so the poster was questioning why CFMoto was pricing on the Chinese domestic market so high!

It's a reasonable capacity motorbike (I really like 1000cc plus) that can be plated legally, with parts that can for now be sourced easily and if the Jetmax is any example then the parts are a steal (very affordable), that I've ordered quite few parts for the Jetmax to keep my own inventory - just in case.

I've to say that I'm also happy to support a CFMoto product having seen their facilities first hand (which I'm aware I've yet to write about and post up photos). I also believe that by supporting CFMoto it will benefit all of us in many different ways, and motorcycling/motorcycles in China and all that entails in general. To be honest I like both the 650NK (rawness, masculine clean lines) and the fully faired RS650 or 650RS (functional, weather protection etc). So I may end up buying both - but this hinges on how I find the ride next week! The police version of the same bike; 650TR was on display at a few motorcycle shows locally see here or at CFMoto-club.

I'm also looking at a TMax too, so I might just buy one of the CFMoto. I also got to get the bikes into the garage (where space is getting a little tight already - and without wifey noticing!

One thing is riding in China, one gets dirty real quick, covered in a layer of dirt even in the mountains I can end up home in the evenings and taking wash find a layer of dirt on the flannel even wearing all the gear and a face mask (complete with paper filter). Having ridden the Fashion and now Jetmax some 60000km between them, I've found have a fairing makes for a more cleaner and more refreshed ride overall as compared with my 1100 Dragstar, even with screen and air deflectors.
Convenience also rates higher with luggage carrying ability thus my bias towards the full fairing RS650. Oh, and having a centre-stand also rates high on my list of road side conveniences.

[bikerdoc]

"Re: CF Moto CF650 sport bike

A new CF650NK sold to a local guy in Nanjing, here's his report at motofans- taking delivery of the bike, then riding Nanjing-Shanghai-Nanjing (Tianma race circuit), adapting a Honda VTR1000 screen to his CF650NK complete with photos."


Bikerdoc,

You mention this is Nanjing. Any idea where? I am still looking for local mechanic for my JH600. I have a pretty good guy for the CJ750 but have had to bring in outside factory help for the JH600. You may well remember the guys I first tried broke the oil filter bolt off not even knowing the lefty loose righty tight rule. I am sure there is a capable JH600 mechanic somewhere here but I have not found him. Maybe this is my lucky break.............

Hey TexasA... sorry I missed this one, so apologies for the delay in replying to you.

I don't know the Chinese guy who's bought the 650NK in Nanjing so I can't advise you in regards to where he's getting his work done. Seems though that the place he had the Honda VTR1000 screen adapted and fitted to the 650NK did a pretty stand-up job. Not sure though if that was done in Nanjing or Shanghai though?

[macieq]

The ex-BMW engineer 'Ulli' based out at TianMa circuit was involved in the mechanical/transmission design, and has by all accounts, had only positive things to say about the overall design & quality of the CFMoto 650NK. I will be catching up with him this weekend when I hit SH for the day or two. As for input from Ducati, me thinks thats just an urban legend that flies on Motofans.cn and other Chinese moto websites/forums. I will check and report back.
I've also been invited by the Taizhou based Zhejiang agent to head down for a test-ride of the said 650NK as I'm considering adding it to the stable, and can avail myself of the offer of a test-ride without any obligations.

Will report back on my thoughts and impression after that takes place sometime next week.

Yes, Ulli told me the same about the bike. Furthermore he said (free translation from German): "why do you make it so complicated? Just fire an email to them and ask about the registerability and ask for a test ride at their facilities". It was 1 month ago. no reply from CFMoto so far. I think the bike is not bad. But I doubt, they have C 3 for it already.

Anyway, a test ride is most important. So, I am excited to hear about your test ride to come. BTW 1000 thanks to Milton for giving me the oportunity to try the JH600! I do not know which bike I should buy right now. It makes me crazy! My current idea is something lighter than the JH600. I think, first I will go not too far away... A lot of city traffic in Shanghai. Thought about a supermoto, lightweight bike. There is an outdated QM200GY at a dealer in pudong. Stored there since more than 1 year. Model 2009. The guy said it is C 2 still plateable in Shanghai (as in stock for long time, can be back dated). He promissed to call me back after he knows how and how much guanxi qian to obtain a Shanghai license plate for a lao wai without Shanghai hukou (he said, in general it does not work - is that true?). No call back so far. i am frustrated.

Another issue is the seat height of the enduros / supermotos - Qingqi, Galaxy, Shineray. I can't believe. Is it really about 940 mm? That means no way for me. I am 173 cm only. The said JH600 of Milton was the Asian version, means 780 mm? The feeling on her (regarding the height) was exactly as my old BMW (dont know what is the theoretical seat height of the R65 Year Built '79). If the seat height is 940mm the rider must be at least 190 cm, doesn't he? I have tried to sit on the QM200GY-B supermoto - no problem, it was lower than my BMW and Milton's JH600! What's wrong about the specs?

[bikerdoc]

The CFMoto CF650TR and possibly the 650RS which might just be the civilian version of the 650TR (police moto) will not be available until 2012. I tried to put my order in for one yesterday (Friday 3 June 2011) after I was initially told it was available but just not with the rear top-box (supposedly the top box would be available later) which I thought was odd, since the top-box is likely from another manufacturer me thinks. Turns out there was a miscommunication or misunderstanding between the Taizhou CFMoto agent and CFMoto company, TIC!
So I will have to wait until 2012 for the full-fairing model of the 650.

650TR-1.jpg

650TR-2.jpg

[Lao Jia Hou]

I'd buy the police version!

[euphonius]

Gorgeous bike. China's cops have good taste!

I'd have to say, that's much less of a sport bike in that "public security" configuration, and more of a grand tourer. As such, it's going to be a strong competitor to the JH600 if they can get the bugger out the door. Looks like it would be fine for two-up riding, too.

Nice.

[bikerdoc]

I'd buy the police version!

I'm going to have to check if it's possible if I could buy the 650TR model if it's available now, just so I don't have to wait. What can I say, I'm itching to buy another set of two wheels, the money must be burning a hole in my pocket - me thinks! LOL.
I'd be happy enough with the colour of the TR version, but I was informed by the Taizhou agent that the civilian version will be available in the same colours as the 650NK. I'll let you guys know.

[bikerdoc]

Gorgeous bike. China's cops have good taste!
I'd have to say, that's much less of a sport bike in that "public security" configuration, and more of a grand tourer. As such, it's going to be a strong competitor to the JH600 if they can get the bugger out the door. Looks like it would be fine for two-up riding, too.
Nice.

Actually Euph. the standard 650NK is not really a sport bike, in the pure sense. It's a naked bike, but the seating position is almost upright or as I probably tend to do on the Jetmax, slouch! If you look/watch some of the videos on youku of the 650NK being ridden (when the guys actually stay on the seat that is!) you will notice as I did from the get go, how upright they are sitting. Then figure the normal stature of the average westerner/foreigner - think, arm length & in-seam and one might then appreciate just how much of an upright riding position will likely be in.

[euphonius]

Yes, I did notice that about the NK, and find this an encouraging feature of the bike.

The litmus test for me would be whether you can comfortably stand on the bike and ride for a sustained period, as is normal on any GS-style bike. On my JH600 I can stand for basically as long as I like, and do not need to lean forward to retain solid command of the bars and controls. I'd like to install 2cm bar risers to make things even more comfortable. For me, standing is essential for shaking out the cobwebs during a long ride, and of course is essential on a stretch of nasty pavement or unpaved road/trail. I would hate being restricted to a sitting position, as I assume is the case with most cruisers and true sport bikes.

And to avoid any misunderstandings, what I mean by " standing" is standing on the pegs and gripping the tank with my knees/thighs, and not standing on the seat or the rack or the tank or the fenders or the handlebars...

Keep us posted on your progress!

cheers

[bikerdoc]

CF650TR
The manufacturers info outlines a few items that are interesting. One is that CFMoto have provided technical training so there will be authorised repair/maintenance personnel/dealer around the country. I can confirm this as I discussed this very subject (maintenance/warranty issues) with the Taizhou agent yesterday. I voiced a concern over buying the 650TR or civilian equivalent via the agent versus my local shop that stocks CFMoto products (and where I've bought quite a few moto's over the past 5-6 years). The agent advised that some of his staff have just completed training in a special CFMoto 650 technical/mechanical course held by CFMoto - photos of a 650 training course (ignore the dates on the photos, seems likely the dates are in error)

The agent also elaborated that should I have any issues with the 650 then he would send one of his trained tech's to me to sort any problems, though if it was a simple problem then I would be free to take it to my local dealer who have not had the training (hell, I do most of my own wrenching anyways but it's a nice to know). This further fits into the items outlined on the CFMoto website above, that there will be a national emergency breakdown service supported by a national hotline number (00-679-0020).

Such a stance might just be a game changer, something that the motorcycling industry needs in PRC going some way to all help sort out the better Chinese motorbike manufacturers and cause other to raise their game to meet increasing expectations. Yet, some will fall by the wayside.

I also read that the 650TR police version enjoys a 2 year unlimited kilometer warranty. I wonder if this will role over to the civilian version. I'll have to check on that.