CFMOTO 1000MT-X test
We traveled to Guadalajara to thoroughly test the new CFMOTO 1000MT-X, a machine that arrives with the aim of becoming one of the great references within the high displacement trail segment. To achieve this, it combines a first-class cycle part, a premium motorcycle electronic display and an unrivaled price. And we are going to detail everything in this contact.
Just to tell you what we are talking about when we talk about the Premium package, we list some of its main features:
- 946.2 cc, 113 HP at 8,500 rpm, 105 Nm at 6,250 rpm
- Ride by Wire Electronic Throttle
- Slipper clutch
- Bi-directional quickshifter (up and down)
- Bosch 6-axis inertial control unit
- KYB 48mm fork with 230 mm multi-adjustable travel and KYB 190 mm shock absorber
- cornering ABS
- Brembo 4-piston radial calipers
- Front wheel 21 inches
- 8 Inch TFT Screen
- Tire pressure and temperature monitoring
- Heated grips
- Adjustable screen
- Connectivity
- cruise control
- Traction control in 3 modes and 6 driving modes
- Tubular chassis
At first glance you can guess that CFMOTO has not saved anything for its new model. The brand knows that the European public is demanding and wants to seduce them on paper. Without a doubt, that part is achieved, but now we will see if its qualities live up to what was promised.
Test CFMOTO 1000MT-X: Ergonomics, a trail designed to cover kilometers… and enjoy standing
As soon as we get on the CFMOTO 1000MT-X the feeling is that of being on an authentic trail traveler. The driving position is very natural. The triangle formed by the seat, footpegs and handlebars is very well resolved, offering a relaxed posture from the first moment.
One of the aspects that we liked the most is the position of the legs. The knees work with a flexion close to the right angle, avoiding an excessively bent posture that ends up tiring on long trips. Added to this is a handlebar located at a very appropriate height, which keeps the arms slightly elevated and allows the motorcycle to be controlled completely naturally both in tourist riding and at a more sporty pace.
The aerodynamic protection also deserves a special mention. The voluminous tank effectively diverts air away from the legs, while the large front screen provides excellent coverage for the torso and helmet, making the MT-X an ideal companion for tackling long road stages.
CFMOTO offers two height configurations, a detail that should be explained because it is not just a lower seat. The Low version reduces the height of the motorcycle by modifying the suspension travel, going from 230 mm at the front and 190 mm at the rear to a configuration that lowers its height by 40 mm. The interesting thing is that the ergonomics do not change as happens with lowered seats: the pilot’s position remains identical, a plus that allows smaller pilots to have everything in its place but reach the ground well.
The MT-X also stands out in how its off-road posture is designed. We really like that the distance between the pilot and the screen is generous, so that even in strong accelerations on land, when the body moves forward, the helmet never hits the windshield, something that does happen on some competitive trail bikes.
The design of the footrest area also deserves recognition. The position of the passenger and exhaust footpegs leaves the movement of the boots completely free, allowing the heels to be lowered naturally without interference. It’s a detail that may seem minor on paper, but it makes a big difference when you spend hours riding standing on tracks.
The ergonomics are so successful that we hardly find any need to make modifications. We only recommend adjusting the clutch and brake levers, which are multi-adjustable, to adapt them to the hand of each rider. Otherwise, we found the standard position to be practically perfect, both for traveling seated for hundreds of kilometers and for facing a full day of off-road driving.
CFMOTO 1000MT-X test: Balance on the go
If there is something that the CFMOTO 1000MT-X transmits from the first meters, it is quality at its controls. Everything has a well-crafted feel and a feeling of solidity that exceeds what many expect from a motorcycle of this price that comes from China.
The clutch stands out for its enormous smoothness, allowing power to be perfectly dosed both in the city and in slow off-road maneuvers. As you know, it includes Quickshifter for up and down, although from my point of view it does not have the precision of other high-end brands.
The brake system, signed by Brembo and accompanied by J.Juan hoses, offers outstanding power, but the best thing is its feel. The braking is very progressive and easily modulated, but with great power if we press the brake lever hard. But in its first part it is very smooth, an especially important quality when we leave the asphalt and need maximum precision on terrain with little grip.
One of its greatest successes is the magnificent work done in tuning the KYB suspensions. The balance achieved between comfort and firmness allows you to face any type of road with enormous confidence. Even riding at high speeds, the bike maintains exemplary stability, absorbing irregularities without losing precision on the lines. In the field they are soft as soon as you get into bumpy terrain, but they can still safely support the 220 kilos of the set, we will see later.
And if you like strong sensations, keep reading. The engine response is forceful, fun and exciting. It gives you its 113 horses instantly by twisting the fist to the maximum and becomes the ultimate weapon. If you have good hands you will enjoy it a lot since it is very fast and is agile in curves and super fast coming out of them.
We like the Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires for dual use. They are more than correct on the road, supporting the weight, inertia and acceleration, and in the field with adequate pressures they are up to the task as long as there are no surfaces with poor grip.
We like the feeling of security it conveys. The operation of the Bosch inertial platform, with cornering ABS and adaptive traction control, works in a very transparent way and provides an important safety boost without being intrusive on the road.
All of this is supported by an excellent tubular steel frame and a first-class cycle assembly that accurately transmits all the rider’s movements on the motorcycle. All this means that it wants to (and can) make things difficult for some of its rivals, such as the BMW F900GS (895 cc | 219 kg | 105 hp | €14,210), Ducati Desert 105 hp | €15,299).
CFMOTO 1000MT-X Test: In the field, give me quick clues!
With 222 kg in running order, the CFMOTO is among the lightest liter trail bikes in the segment. On the road that figure practically disappears thanks to the excellent distribution of masses, but off the asphalt the laws of physics end up imposing themselves. It is a bulky motorcycle and if you do not have a good level it will be difficult for you to move it with ease. The inertia will be noticeable especially in braking where you have to anticipate a lot, nothing that you don’t know about a “fat” trail.
It has traction control in three levels, but for the field they are all too intrusive so it is best to keep it disconnected. As for the braking configuration, you can disconnect rear and front ABS with just the push of a button. It is appreciated. Of course, if you stop the motorcycle by turning the key you will have to deactivate it again.
As we mentioned above, the driving position is perfect for standing. Very well cared for and with everything in its place. The fast tracks will be an amusement park for you. If you drive very aggressively when cornering while sitting, you will see that when you take your leg out, the volume of the tank is what sets the limit. But realistically, few users are going to look for that style.
In the slower parts you will notice that the development is very long, with a second gear that reaches 120 km/h and an infinite third that will not give us much play in these areas. However, the CFMOTO 1000MT-X is not intended to be a large displacement enduro, but rather a true trail traveler capable of traveling thousands of kilometers on the road and successfully tackling any dirt track that appears along the way. Under this approach, the balance achieved by the brand has seemed outstanding to us.
In addition to the premium KYB suspensions we really like the steering damper. Any unexpected movement of the front axle is absorbed easily and barely perceptible. A very welcome plus for a motorcycle with 113 horsepower and with a front axle that can move a lot when opening the throttle strongly, especially on fast tracks.
