Motorcycle specifications CFMOTO700 CL-X Sport 2022 Rock en scène

CFMOTO wanted its café-racer, and so the 700 CL-X Sport appeared, the boldest version of this neo-retro family. It's a motorcycle that goes wild, with an undisguised desire to provoke affront, emotion and agitation. Enough to shake your palpitations? Chinese (not chinoiserie) intends to make it its own.

A taste of Italy

The CL-X brotherhood boasts Italian origins for its design. The work is not uninteresting, or even pleasing, for machines that seem intent on following in the footsteps of the Ducati Scrambler. The CL-X Sport is a natural competitor for the 800 Full Throttle. The Bolognese inspiration doesn't stop there: the rear end bears a certain resemblance to that of the Diavel. And the X-shaped headlight looks vaguely like a steroidalized version of the Scrambler. But let's stop there, because this bike is not lacking in personality, ITS personality, with bits of edginess all over the place.

Compared to its Heritage and Adventure siblings, the colors are brighter, the front end bolder and the sportiness more pronounced. The 700 CL-X Sport features a mini windscreen, handlebar-mounted mirrors, faux-carbon cladding, half handlebars for a more aggressive riding position, 17-inch wheels, road tires (Maxxis Supermaxx) and a superior braking system. The 41 mm inverted fork features not one but two brake discs, gripped by serious Brembo Stylema calipers. They're activated by a PR16 radial master cylinder, also from Brembo, and aviation hoses. This is the kind of gear you'd expect from a high-caliber sports car.

More incisive, but without overkill

The CL-X fully justifies its name. But the engine is no more virulent than on its siblings. The twin-cylinder 693 cm3 engine delivers 70 hp for speed and curves. A little short on thrills, but plenty to keep you entertained and vary your sensations. An SV 650 with the same power output can be played with in all circumstances. A Z 650 with almost as much power, but with a less "round" character than the Suz'. Speaking of Kawa, this block has its origins in the ER-6. CFMOTO has increased piston stroke, fitted Bosch fuel injection, installed 2 riding modes (Eco or Sport) and left power management to the rider. There's no traction control here; the right hand still has its place and honor.

That's not to say there's no room for equipment. At this level of the range, the CL-X is more than nice. It's got a USB socket (under the seat, of course), cruise control, full LED lighting, adjustable levers, an anti-dribble clutch, and in addition to the good stuff we've already seen (Brembo, Bosch), there's Kayaba suspension, an adjustable fork everywhere and Continental ABS. The bike weighs in at a more than reasonable 198 kg. Hardly more than the svelte machines in the segment. Another ten kilos or so to lose, and CFmoto will be able to stand proudly on the scales.

First attack

In the CL-X range, I ask for the horny one. With its nervous face, hint of cafra, striking front end and youthful engine, the 700 Sport promises to be a fun little troublemaker, without coming close to a few scares. The price may give pause for thought compared to the much more powerful 800 NK, but its Classic styling and equipment give it a very different appeal.

M.B. Manufacturer's photos