Prueba de CF Moto 800 MT-X: Is it the best adventure motorcycle for under €10,000?
CF Moto is the rising Chinese brand, and the 800 MT-X is proof of that! A bike designed for adventure for less than 10,000 € sounds like a tempting promise, but does it really live up to it? We’ve put it to the test in every aspect to see if it has what it takes to compete with the big names in the segment. Engine, chassis, equipment… Here is our verdict!
A known engine, but optimized
Under the tank lies the twin-cylinder 799 cc engine that we already know from the CF Moto 800 MT and the KTM 790. The big difference here is that the 800 MT-X focuses more on torque than on raw power. With 91 hp and 86 Nm at 6500 rpm, it is built for off-road. In other words, you have more power at low revs, just what you need for tough terrain. But not everything is perfect… Below 3000 rpm, the engine lacks smoothness and you feel some jolts when accelerating and decelerating. It’s not severe, but can be annoying in the city or on constant-speed roads. Fortunately, from 6000 rpm onward, the engine performs better, with good stretch and a nice sound.
A gearbox that lacks smoothness
The gearbox is quite stiff, and the shifter is a bit short and located high, which is convenient for standing riding, but less practical for shifting while seated. Fortunately, the up and down quickshifter helps a bit, although the selection requires a well-defined foot movement.
A well-maintained chassis
If there’s one area where this CF Moto 800 MT-X shines, it’s in its chassis. A high seat at 870 mm, a natural standing position, a raised handlebar, a low center of gravity thanks to the tank… everything is designed for comfortable riding in off-road. The suspensions with 230 mm of travel do an impressive job: they absorb irregularities well without bouncing in quick sequences. The brakes are well-calibrated, with good feel at the lever and the option to disconnect the rear ABS for off-road sessions. The major drawback is that you have to go into the menus to deactivate it every time the ignition is turned off. It’s not very practical if you mix road and trail.
In off-road, it performs!
CF Moto designed this MT-X with adventure in mind, and it shows. On dirt roads, the front tire of 21 inches and the CST tires allow you to tackle with confidence. Of course, if the terrain gets really muddy, you’ll need more specialized tires. The Off-road mode improves traction management, but a Sport mode is missed. Still, the balance between road and off-road is well achieved, and it’s clearly a bike that invites you to explore unconventional paths.
