CFMoto 650MT
2023 CFMoto 650MT: 56.4 hp 649 cc twin adventure bike, 218 kg, A2-restrictable, no longer sold in France. Full specs, press reviews and rivals.
At a glance
The CFMoto 650MT is a road-biased adventure bike on 17-inch wheels, powered by a 649 cc parallel twin making 56.4 hp in Euro 5 form, and available restricted for the A2 licence. It is no longer sold new in France: dropped from CFMoto France's range, it has been replaced by the 700MT, to which its old page now redirects, and no official French price is published for its last model year, 2023. Reviewers praise its comfort, adjustable chassis and comprehensive standard equipment, but criticise an engine short on torque, minimal electronics without traction control, and vibrations.
World press review
Meta-score
6 sources
Press ratings
Comfortable, active riding position, a lively engine that feels stronger than it is, a stable and surprisingly adjustable chassis, good brakes and a competitive price; minimal electronics and styling too close to the Honda CB500X and NC750X.
Brilliant engine, careful finish and comprehensive standard equipment, at a very attractive price.
The lowest price in the category for comprehensive equipment, excellent handling and stability, powerful brakes; heavy clutch, vibrations above 4,000 rpm, firm suspension, mirrors and dash contrast could be better, front brake lacks feel.
Exceptional value, much improved finish, good road performance and easy direction changes; engine runs hot in summer, imperfect gear selection, weight noticeable at standstill, slightly harsh fork.
First generation: very comfortable riding position, smooth gearbox and clutch, flexible vibration-free engine, effective brakes; high footpegs, harsh rear shock, ungainly front master cylinder.
Press synthesis
What the world’s press says
No review covers the 2022 and 2023 model years: the reviews used here cover the restyled 2019-2020 650MT (MCN, Le Repaire des Motards), the 2021 Euro 5 version (1000PS, Insella) and, for reference, the 2017 and 2018 Australian versions (Motorcyclist, Bikereview). The average score of 80/100 rests on a narrow base: MCN is the only reference publication to score the bike, with 4/5 for the “2019-on” 650MT, before the switch to Euro 5. The others tested it without a score used here.
What reviewers like: excellent equipment for the money (MCN, Insella, Bikereview, and Le Repaire des Motards, which sees the lowest price in the category with no sacrifice on quality), long-distance comfort (MCN, Motorcyclist), a stable, playful and adjustable chassis (1000PS, Le Repaire des Motards) and a lively engine that 1000PS finds stronger than it really is. MCN concludes that those who set aside their prejudices about Chinese bikes may well change their minds.
What they criticise: an engine short on torque and roll-on performance, riding modes that make little difference and long throttle travel (MCN), minimal electronics without traction control (MCN, 1000PS), a heavy clutch and vibrations above 4,000 rpm (Le Repaire des Motards, whereas Motorcyclist found the engine vibration-free in 2017), firm suspension and a harsh fork (Le Repaire des Motards, Bikereview), and styling that 1000PS finds too close to the Honda CB500X and NC750X.
Key quotes
"Although some will always shun Chinese bikes, those that ignore their prejudices and try out the 650MT may well find their minds changed. It is a really pleasant and good-looking middleweight."
"But that doesn't matter at all: the things that count on the 650 MT are absolutely spot on. The engine revs willingly and feels stronger than it actually is, and the chassis, surprisingly adjustable for such a low entry price (rear preload, front and rear rebound), together with its smart USD fork, makes riding really fun."
"Buying this CFMoto 650 MT means wanting to go grand touring on the mid-size bike with the lowest price in its category, without sacrificing either equipment or quality."
"Some styling changes and refinements for 2018 see the CFMoto 650MT improve again, making this one of the best value motorcycles in our market today."
"A good-looking, smooth-sailing, distance touring machine at an affordable price — one can only hope it'll make its way to the states!"
Pros
- Comprehensive standard equipment: adjustable screen, crash bars, handguards, pannier mounts
- Long-distance comfort
- Stable, adjustable chassis
- Lively engine, available restricted for the A2 licence
- Full LED lighting
Cons
- No longer sold new in France (replaced by the 700MT)
- Engine short on torque and roll-on performance
- Minimal electronics: no traction control or cruise control
- Heavy clutch and vibrations above 4,000 rpm according to one review
- Firm suspension as delivered
- Maximum load of 150 kg, rider included
Our review
Is the 650MT still on sale?
No. The 650MT is no longer in CFMoto France’s range: its old model page redirects to that of the 700MT, which replaces it, and it has disappeared from the warranty and manuals pages of the official website. Only a few accessories (centre stand, top boxes, tank pads) are still listed there. This page covers the 2023 model year, the last one documented by CFMoto France (visuals and manual posted in July 2023); no official source gives the exact date it was withdrawn.
The 700MT uses a new 67 hp, 693 cc twin and weighs 240 kg kerb; CFMoto France lists it at €7,099 before offers (2026 range).
Which version and what price in France?
The 650MT was sold in a single, well-equipped version: adjustable screen, handguards, crash bars and pannier mounts. It came in blue and white. CFMoto France’s owner’s manual describes an A2 version restricted to 29 kW at 7,000 rpm (49.5 Nm at 5,000 rpm).
CFMoto France no longer publishes a price for this model, so this page gives no new price. The rivals’ prices, recorded in 2026, are not contemporary with the 650MT.
How good is the engine?
The 649 cc parallel twin (83 x 60 mm, 11.3:1) with a 180° crank comes from the 650NK; Bennetts BikeSocial finds it very close in design concept to the Kawasaki ER-6 engine. Homologated to Euro 5 from 2021, the 650MT makes 56.4 hp (41.5 kW) at 8,250 rpm and 56 Nm at 7,000 rpm according to Insella and 1000PS. CFMoto France’s owner’s manual, which covers the 2020 version, quotes 45 kW at 8,500 rpm. Torque for the Euro 5 version varies between sources: 56 Nm for Insella, 54.4 Nm for the official Malaysian distributor. The latter quotes a top speed of 170 km/h.
Reviewers are divided: 1000PS finds the engine lively and stronger than it really is, Insella calls it brilliant, but MCN criticises a lack of torque and roll-on performance, and a throttle with too much travel.
How does it ride?
The tubular steel frame uses the engine as a stressed member. It carries an adjustable upside-down fork and a monoshock adjustable for preload and rebound, 17-inch wheels with 120/70 and 160/60 tyres, and J.Juan brakes with twin 300 mm discs and ABS that cannot be switched off. CFMoto France does not publish the fork diameter, and its adjustment differs between reviews: fully adjustable for MCN, rebound only at the front for 1000PS.
Reviewers praise the stability and engaging character of the chassis (MCN, 1000PS, Le Repaire des Motards). Bikereview nevertheless finds the fork slightly harsh, and Le Repaire des Motards the suspension firm.
Equipment
The electronics are limited to two riding modes (Sport and Touring), which MCN finds make little difference, and ABS: no traction control, cruise control or quickshifter. The instruments combine an analogue rev counter and an LCD screen. In Australia, a 5-inch TFT was announced for 2022, with no confirmation for France. Lighting is full LED, and a USB socket is fitted.
Who is it for?
The 650MT targets budget-conscious road riders who want an adventure bike equipped for touring: Le Repaire des Motards sees it as a bike for travellers who would rather spend their money on trips than on the motorcycle. 1000PS rates its chassis above that of the 650GT, its sport-touring sister.
Fuel consumption and maintenance
1000PS quotes 5.4 L/100 km on the combined cycle (125 g/km CO2), giving a range of about 330 km from the 18-litre tank; MCN gives an average of 50.1 UK mpg, about 5.6 L/100 km. CFMoto France’s owner’s manual calls for an oil change every 6,000 km or every 6 months and a valve clearance check at 40,000 km.
Generations
Unveiled at EICMA 2016, the first 650MT came with panniers as standard. The 2019 European restyle brought crash bars and pannier mounts, and Euro 5 homologation in 2021 cut output to 41.5 kW.
Recalls
No recall affects the 650MT in France (RappelConso) or in the United States, where it was not sold under this name. In Australia, recall REC-006018 (July 2024) covered 16 CFMoto 650GT and 650MT bikes from 2021 whose gear shift shaft may have been incorrectly welded; there is no evidence that it applies to bikes sold in France.
Specifications
| Displacement | 649 cc |
|---|---|
| Power | 56.4 hp (41.5 kW) @ 8,250 rpm (Euro 5 version, according to Insella and 1000PS; 45 kW @ 8,500 rpm in CFMoto France's 2020 owner's manual) |
| Torque | 56 Nm @ 7,000 rpm (CFMoto France owner's manual and Insella; 54.4 Nm according to the official Malaysian distributor) |
| Weight | 218 kg (kerb according to 1000PS; given as "dry" in CFMoto France's owner's manual) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 3.87 |
| Seat height | 840 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 18 L |
| Fuel consumption | 5.4 L/100 km — 125 g/km CO2 (combined cycle, 1000PS model data) |
| Maintenance interval | Running-in service at 1,000 km, then oil change every 6,000 km or 6 months — Valves: check at 40,000 km (CFMoto France owner's manual) |
| Engine type | Parallel twin with 180° crank, 4-stroke, DOHC, 8 valves, liquid-cooled |
| Cooling | liquide |
| Transmission | 6-speed, chain drive, wet multi-plate clutch |
| License | AA2 Restrictable |
Engine detail
| Bore x stroke | 83 x 60 mm |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 11,3:1 |
| Fuel system | Electronic fuel injection (Bosch according to the official Malaysian distributor) |
| Valve train | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Max power RPM | 8250 units.rpm |
| Max torque RPM | 7000 units.rpm |
| Starter | Electric |
| Euro standard | Euro 5 |
Chassis & running gear
| Frame type | Tubular steel diamond frame, engine as a stressed member |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 1415 mm |
| Ground clearance | 170 mm |
| Front suspension | Adjustable upside-down fork (fully adjustable according to MCN, rebound according to 1000PS), 140 mm travel according to Bikereview |
| Rear suspension | Monoshock adjustable for preload (with a tool) and rebound, 145 mm travel according to Bikereview |
| Front brake | Dual 300 mm wave discs, axial two-piston J.Juan calipers |
| Rear brake | Single 240 mm disc, single-piston caliper |
| Front tire | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear tire | 160/60 ZR17 |
| ABS system | ABS that cannot be switched off (Continental according to the press), not cornering-optimised |
Electronics & rider aids
| Riding modes | Sport, Touring |
|---|---|
| Traction control | No |
| Anti-wheelie | No |
| Quickshifter | No |
| Cruise control | No |
| Dashboard | Analogue rev counter and LCD screen (CFMoto France photo and owner's manual) |
| Connectivity | None |
| Other features | Standard ABS, cannot be switched off, LED lighting (low beam, high beam, tail and brake light), USB socket, Adjustable levers, Tip-over sensor that cuts the engine, Hazard lights, Crash bars, handguards and pannier mounts as standard |
Ergonomics & rider fit
| Riding position | Road-biased adventure: upright, wide handlebars |
|---|---|
| Wind protection | Tall manually adjustable screen (side levers) |
| Payload | 150 kg |
The 650MT offers a road-biased adventure riding position, upright with wide handlebars, and an 840 mm seat according to CFMoto France’s owner’s manual (1000PS gives 795 mm). MCN finds it comfortable over long distances, 1000PS finds the position very comfortable and active, and Motorcyclist already found the first generation very comfortable, despite high footpegs. The tall screen is adjusted by hand with two side levers, and the brake and clutch levers are adjustable. Bikereview finds the weight noticeable at standstill, and Le Repaire des Motards criticises the mirrors and the dash contrast. The manual limits total load to 150 kg, including rider, luggage and accessories, which leaves little margin for two-up touring with luggage.
Ownership & maintenance
≈ 5.6 L/100 km (50.1 UK mpg, average given by MCN)
L/100km
Real-world consumption
~~330 km (calculated: 18 L tank / 5.4 L/100 km)
km
Estimated range
| Oil change | every 6,000 km or every 6 months |
|---|---|
| Valve check | every 40,000 km |
| Coolant change | every 35,000 km |
| Spark plugs | every 12,000 km |
| Chain | Lubricate every 500 to 1,000 km; check chain and sprockets every 12,000 km or 12 months |
Average service cost
Around £150 a year in the UK (MCN)
CFMoto France’s owner’s manual specifies a first oil and filter change at 1,000 km, then an oil change every 6,000 km or every 6 months (SAE 10W-40 oil, 2.2 litres with the filter). Spark plugs are checked at 6,000 km and replaced at 12,000 km, the air filter is replaced at 20,000 km, coolant at 35,000 km or every 24 to 36 months, and valve clearance is checked at 40,000 km. The chain is lubricated every 500 to 1,000 km. MCN puts annual servicing at around £150 in the UK. CFMoto France no longer publishes warranty terms for the 650MT: the 5-year warranty announced for several models of the current range applies from 1 January 2025; in the UK, MCN mentioned a 2-year warranty.
Direct competitors
Compare →| Model | MSRP | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| CFMoto 650MT | — | 56.4 hp (41.5 kW) @ 8,250 rpm (Euro 5 version, according to Insella and 1000PS; 45 kW @ 8,500 rpm in CFMoto France's 2020 owner's manual) | 218 kg (kerb according to 1000PS; given as "dry" in CFMoto France's owner's manual) |
| Kawasaki Versys 6502027 | €8,449 | 67 hp | 219 kg (wet) |
| Honda NX5002026 | €6,799 | 47.6 hp | 196 kg (kerb) |
| Yamaha Tracer 72025 | €9,999 | 73.4 hp | 203 kg (wet) |
| Honda NC750X2026 | €8,999 | 58.6 hp | 226 kg (kerb, DCT) |
Generations
Compare →- 650MT (1re génération)2017 – 2018
649 cc · 70.7 hp · 62 Nm · 213 kg (road-ready)
Launched at EICMA 2016: 650NK engine and frame, Kiska-designed bodywork, upside-down fork and dedicated swingarm, panniers as standard.
- 650MT restylée2019 – 2020
649 cc · 61.2 hp · 56 Nm · 218 kg (dry)
Restyle: crash bars, handguards and pannier mounts as standard, 45 kW output according to CFMoto France's owner's manual.
- 650MT Euro 52021 – 2023
649 cc · 56.4 hp · 56 Nm · 218 kg (road-ready)
Euro 5 homologation, output cut to 41.5 kW, new colours; Pirelli Angel GT tyres on the official 2023 photos.
- 700MT (1re génération)2023 – 2024
693 cc · 67 hp · 60 Nm · 218 kg (road-ready)
Replaces the 650MT: 693 cc twin (49 kW) from the 700CL-X platform, 5-inch TFT, USB-A and USB-C sockets, 18-litre tank, 17-inch cast wheels.
- 700MT (2e génération)2025 – today
693 cc · 67 hp · 60 Nm · 240 kg (road-ready)
19- and 17-inch spoked wheels, 20-litre tank, 50 kW, switchable traction control and rear ABS, TPMS, heated seat and grips, slipper clutch, Euro 5+.
Compare with this generation →
| Generation | Displacement | Power | Torque | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 650MT (1re génération)2017 – 2018 Launched at EICMA 2016: 650NK engine and frame, Kiska-designed bodywork, upside-down fork and dedicated swingarm, panniers as standard. | 649 cc | 70.7 hp | 62 Nm | 213 kg road-ready |
| 650MT restylée2019 – 2020 Restyle: crash bars, handguards and pannier mounts as standard, 45 kW output according to CFMoto France's owner's manual. | 649 cc | 61.2 hp | 56 Nm | 218 kg dry |
| 650MT Euro 52021 – 2023 Euro 5 homologation, output cut to 41.5 kW, new colours; Pirelli Angel GT tyres on the official 2023 photos. | 649 cc | 56.4 hp | 56 Nm | 218 kg road-ready |
| 700MT (1re génération)2023 – 2024 Replaces the 650MT: 693 cc twin (49 kW) from the 700CL-X platform, 5-inch TFT, USB-A and USB-C sockets, 18-litre tank, 17-inch cast wheels. | 693 cc | 67 hp | 60 Nm | 218 kg road-ready |
| 700MT (2e génération)2025 – today 19- and 17-inch spoked wheels, 20-litre tank, 50 kW, switchable traction control and rear ABS, TPMS, heated seat and grips, slipper clutch, Euro 5+. Compare with this generation → | 693 cc | 67 hp | 60 Nm | 240 kg road-ready |
Manufacturer figures (otherwise specialist press). Weighing conditions differ between generations: compare weights with care.
Available colors
Manufacturer recalls
No known recalls for this model.