Motorcycle description sheet CFMOTO650 GT 2023 Voyage low cost ?

if for you, motorcycling means getting away from it all, sharing your passion, going away for the weekend over several days, the proposition of the classic roadster will quickly restrict your desire to go elsewhere. But not every pocketbook can afford a bourgeois German tourer. Give up? Not according to CF Moto, which certainly offers the smallest GT on the market. A good idea?

Engine: a familiar land

from a distance, you could be mistaken: with its generous fairing, almost-windshield bubble and big suitcases, it's hard at first glance to confine the bike to 650 cm3. The 650 GT is powered by an engine that CF Moto has already used for the 650 NK or MT 650. It's a liquid-cooled parallel twin with 4 valves per cylinder. Exactly 649 cm3 in displacement, it delivers 56.5 hp (41.5 kw) at 8250 rpm (45 hp (33 kw) in A2 version). Maximum torque is 54.4 N.m at 7000 rpm. In earlier years, this block was more generous, with 62 hp and 6 mkg available. From 2022 onwards, the Euro5 standard has somewhat stifled it. This old-generation engine, which uses the same technical base as the old Kawasaki ER-6s, remains willing to perform in all circumstances, and its architecture is well suited to a small-displacement GT. Transmission is via a 6-speed gearbox, with final drive via a chain. As the throttle still relies on a good old-fashioned cable, there are no driving modes here.

the tubular steel frame is fitted with a hydraulic front fork. It offers 120 mm of travel. The rear suspension uses a preload-adjustable monoshock with 125 mm travel, anchored laterally to the swingarm. Suspension is supplied by KYB, with the 38 mm fork fitted with softer springs than the roadster to enhance comfort.

braking is controlled by ABS. J.Juan calipers (2-piston front, 1-piston rear) bite 300 mm-diameter front and 240 mm-diameter rear discs. The 17-inch wheels are fitted with 120 mm front and 160 mm rear tires for enhanced handling. CF Moto has chosen Metzeler's high-performance Roadtec Z8 tires. Handling will undoubtedly be somewhat compromised (like performance) by the weight of 226 kg (unladen). On the other hand, the relatively low seat height of 795 mm will facilitate manoeuvring when you need to put your feet down.

aesthetics: it has all the makings of a great bike

once again, CF Moto has worked hard on the aesthetics of its machine. The front end features a generous fairing, open at the bottom for protection, and a manually adjustable bubble that can be raised by 60 mm. The front fairing also conceals a double USB port and a 12V socket for connecting your equipment. It incorporates full LED lighting (lights/turn signals), with a visual signature provided by the daytime running lights. Quite a lot of equipment, given the bike's relatively low price. And that's not all, as the rider will have a 5-inch TFT color display right in front of him. It offers 2 ambiences: Sport and Touring, with differentiated displays for integrated functions: gear indicator, rev counter, speedometer, fuel gauge, etc...

the 650 GT comes standard with two generous panniers from accessory manufacturer SHAD. The fuel tank has a capacity of 17 liters, and with a claimed fuel consumption of 5.4 l/100 kms, the bike should have a range of over 300 km.

Too late ... or too soon?

priced at 7,690 euros, the CF Moto 650 GT doesn't really have any rivals in the small GT segment. It's either behind the times, or ahead of them. Small, inexpensive road bikes were all the rage in the early 2000s, with the streamlined Yamaha 600 Diversion and Suzuki 600 Bandit. Today, many well-equipped trails(Kawasaki Versys or Suzuki V-Strom) and medium-displacement bikes also boast this travel capability. As the latter are more trendy, the 650 GT may struggle to find its clientele.

the 650 GT is available in two colors: nebula white and midnight black. A Concept Blue was also offered in its early days. The model comes with a 2-year warranty.

Vincent Beaucousin - Manufacturer's photos