CFMoto 650NK
2023 CFMoto 650NK: 56.5 hp 649 cc twin naked bike, 206 kg, A2-restrictable, no longer sold in France. Full specs, press reviews and rivals.
At a glance
The CFMoto 650NK is a naked bike powered by a 649 cc parallel twin making 56.5 hp in Euro 5 form, and available for the A2 licence when restricted to 29 kW. It is no longer sold new in France: dropped from CFMoto France's range, with no official price published for its last model year, 2023, it leaves the NK range to carry on with the 675NK, a 674 cc triple listed at €5,999. Reviewers praise its flexible engine, stable chassis and comprehensive equipment for the money, but criticise electronics limited to ABS, a front brake lacking bite, and firm suspension.
World press review
Meta-score
7 sources
Press ratings
5-inch colour TFT, well-sorted chassis and low price; heavier than the 700CL-X and slightly short of midrange torque.
Stable, easy to tip into corners, smooth and quick-revving engine, careful finish for the price; annoying on-off throttle in town, ABS that sometimes cuts in too early, electronics limited to ABS.
Australian version: "astonishing" value, very much at home in town and filtering through traffic; unnecessarily firm suspension and seat, weak low beam.
Euro 4 version: flexible, linear engine, excellent Metzeler tyres, effective ABS, exceptional value; long-travel front brake lever with little feel, vibrations in the mirrors at high revs.
First ride of the restyled 650NK alongside the 400NK: solid for commuting, the 650NK more refined (smoother gearbox); J.Juan brakes spongy at the lever, noted on the 400NK.
First generation: a copy of the Kawasaki ER-6n but genuine competition for budget bikes, with good suspension compliance and excellent steering; brakes need bedding in and switchgear looks low-rent.
Press synthesis
What the world’s press says
The average score of 88/100 rests on a single score: the 8.8/10 given by the Australian publication Bike Review to the 2017 650NK ABS, the Euro 4 version of the same design. No other review of this generation gives a score, and no review was found at MCN, Bennetts, 1000PS or in the French motorcycle press. Motorcyclist gave the first generation 3/5 in 2012; that score, which covers a different bike, is not included in the average.
What reviewers like: value for money praised by every review (“bargain of the decade” for Bike Review, “astonishing value” for MCNews, exceptional bang for your buck for Morebikes), a flexible, linear engine (Morebikes, Insella), a stable, well-sorted chassis (Cycle World, Insella) and, on the Euro 5 version, the colour TFT (Cycle World). Insella finds it comfortable, well built and inexpensive.
What they criticise: slightly short midrange torque and more weight than the 700CL-X (Cycle World), on-off throttle response at low speed and ABS that sometimes cuts in too early (Insella), a front brake lever with long travel and little feel (Morebikes; Bikesales on the 400NK), firm suspension and seat plus a weak low beam (MCNews), vibrations in the mirrors at high revs (Morebikes) and a finish that corrodes if the bike is neglected (Bike Review).
Key quotes
"Bargain of the decade."
"The Chinese-manufactured CFMOTO 650NK combines premium features with excellent riding characteristics. Although not as punchy as CFMOTO’s 700CL-X, the 650NK is a well-optioned package that’s ideal for around-town riding and the occasional spirited backroad session."
"CFmoto's "naked" has an engine that is easy to manage and just feisty enough to have fun on twisty roads. It is comfortable, well built and inexpensive."
"the 650NK represents astonishing value whichever way you look at it."
"The updated WK 650NK represents exceptional bang for your buck."
"Stick to the thrust and parry of commuting though and the 400NK and 650NK will give back in spades."
"The 650 NK is great for consumers, but unfortunate for competing Asian and European manufacturers!"
Pros
- Value for money praised by every review
- Flexible, linear engine, available restricted for the A2 licence
- Stable, easy-going chassis
- Colour TFT and slipper clutch on the Euro 5 version
- Full LED lighting, adjustable levers
Cons
- No longer sold new in France (the NK range carries on with the 675NK)
- Electronics limited to ABS: no traction control or cruise control
- Front brake lacking bite and feel according to several reviews
- Firm suspension and seat according to MCNews
- On-off throttle response at low speed according to Insella
- Maximum load of 150 kg, rider included
Our review
Is the 650NK still on sale?
No. The 650NK is no longer in CFMoto France’s range: its old model page no longer exists, and it has disappeared from the site map, the warranty page and the manuals page. Only a few compatible accessories (smartphone mount, tank bags) 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 NK range carries on with the 675NK, which CFMoto France presents as “the second generation” of the brand’s “family of roadster motorcycles” and as “the evolution of the NK series”. It changes architecture, with an 89 hp, 674 cc inline triple (35 kW in its native A2 version) and a kerb weight of 189 kg; CFMoto France lists it at €5,999.
Which version and what price in France?
The 650NK was sold in a single version, in black with blue pinstripes or in white with yellow wheels; CFMoto France no longer publishes the official names of these colours. 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 650NK.
How good is the engine?
The 649 cc parallel twin (83 x 60 mm, 11.3:1) with a 180° crank uses Bosch fuel injection and a cable throttle. Bike Review finds it identical in geometry to the Kawasaki Z650 and Ninja 650 engine. Homologated to Euro 5 from 2021, the 650NK makes 56.5 hp (41.5 kW) at 8,250 rpm according to Insella and Moto.it, and 54.4 Nm at 7,000 rpm according to Moto.it. CFMoto France’s owner’s manual, written in 2020, quotes 45 kW at 8,750 rpm and 56 Nm, and Cycle World reports a claimed 60 hp in the United States. CFMoto does not publish a top speed.
Reviewers like its flexibility: Morebikes finds it linear and strong in the midrange, and Insella likes how smoothly and quickly it revs. Cycle World nevertheless finds it slightly short of midrange torque, and Insella notes an annoying on-off throttle response at low speed.
How does it ride?
The tubular steel frame carries a conventional 41 mm KYB fork and an offset monoshock, adjustable according to Cycle World (rebound at the front, preload and rebound at the rear), 17-inch wheels with 120/70 and 160/60 tyres, and J.Juan brakes with twin 300 mm petal discs and Continental ABS. The bike weighs 206 kg kerb according to manufacturer data published by Cycle World and Morebikes; CFMoto France’s owner’s manual gives the same figure as a “dry” weight, and Insella quotes 194 kg dry.
Insella finds it stable in a straight line and easy to tip into corners, and Cycle World considers the chassis well sorted. MCNews finds the Australian version unnecessarily firm, and the front brake lacks bite and feel for Morebikes and Bikesales.
Equipment
The Euro 5 version gets a 5-inch colour TFT, a slipper clutch and full LED lighting. The electronics are limited to two engine maps (Eco and Sport) and two-channel ABS that cannot be switched off: no traction control, cruise control or quickshifter. The brake and clutch levers are adjustable.
Who is it for?
The 650NK targets riders on a tight budget, including beginners thanks to the A2 version: Cycle World sees it as ideal around town and for the occasional spirited ride, and MCNews finds it very much at home in traffic. Bike Review points out that its finish is that of a budget bike, prone to corrosion if neglected.
Fuel consumption and maintenance
CFMoto France’s owner’s manual quotes average fuel consumption of 5.0 L/100 km, giving a range of about 340 km from the 17-litre tank; Moto.it gives 18 km/l on the WMTC cycle, about 5.6 L/100 km. No review publishes a measured figure. The manual calls for an oil change every 6,000 km or every 6 months and a valve clearance check at 40,000 km.
Generations
Launched in 2012 with styling close to the Kawasaki ER-6n, the 650NK was redesigned by Kiska for 2017 (Euro 4, standard ABS), then homologated to Euro 5 in 2021 with a TFT screen. In Italy, Moto.it lists it in production until 2025.
Recalls
No recall affects the 650NK in France (RappelConso), the United States (NHTSA) or Canada. The CFMoto campaign on gear shift shafts reported in Spain in late 2024 covers the 2022 700CL-X Heritage and 650MT, not the 650NK.
Specifications
| Displacement | 649 cc |
|---|---|
| Power | 56.5 hp (41.5 kW) @ 8,250 rpm (Euro 5 version, according to Insella and Moto.it; 45 kW @ 8,750 rpm in CFMoto France's 2020 owner's manual; 60 hp claimed in the US) |
| Torque | 54.4 Nm @ 7,000 rpm (Euro 5 version, according to Moto.it; 56 Nm @ 7,000 rpm in CFMoto France's 2020 owner's manual) |
| Weight | 206 kg (kerb, manufacturer data published by Cycle World and Morebikes; given as "dry" in CFMoto France's owner's manual; 194 kg dry according to Insella) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 3.65 |
| Seat height | 780 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 17 L |
| Fuel consumption | 5.0 L/100 km (average consumption, CFMoto France owner's manual, cycle not specified; 18 km/l, about 5.6 L/100 km, on the WMTC cycle according to Moto.it) |
| 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, balancer shaft, liquid-cooled |
| Cooling | liquide |
| Transmission | 6-speed, chain drive, slipper clutch |
| License | AA2 Restrictable |
Engine detail
| Bore x stroke | 83 x 60 mm |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 11,3:1 |
| Fuel system | Bosch electronic fuel injection, cable throttle |
| 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 frame, aluminium alloy swingarm according to Cycle World |
|---|---|
| Rake angle | 24.5 ° |
| Trail | 102 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1415 mm |
| Ground clearance | 150 mm |
| Front suspension | Conventional 41 mm KYB telescopic fork, 120 mm travel, rebound-adjustable according to Cycle World |
| Rear suspension | Offset KYB monoshock, adjustable for preload and rebound according to Cycle World |
| Front brake | Dual 300 mm petal discs, radially mounted two-piston J.Juan calipers |
| Rear brake | Single 240 mm disc, single-piston floating J.Juan caliper |
| Front tire | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear tire | 160/60 ZR17 |
| ABS system | Two-channel Continental ABS, cannot be switched off, not cornering-optimised |
Electronics & rider aids
| Riding modes | Eco, Sport |
|---|---|
| Traction control | No |
| Anti-wheelie | No |
| Quickshifter | No |
| Cruise control | No |
| Dashboard | 5-inch colour TFT (Euro 5 version) |
| Other features | Standard two-channel Continental ABS, Full LED lighting, Slipper clutch, Adjustable brake and clutch levers |
Ergonomics & rider fit
| Riding position | Naked bike: upright, tipped slightly forward (rear-set footpegs according to Insella) |
|---|---|
| Wind protection | Minimal (naked bike) |
| Payload | 150 kg |
The 650NK offers a naked-bike riding position, upright and tipped slightly forward by rear-set footpegs, which Insella finds comfortable for riders of all sizes. The seat is 780 mm high according to CFMoto France’s owner’s manual (Moto.it gives 799 mm). MCNews finds the seat well shaped but firm and, combined with firm suspension, uncomfortable after an hour in the saddle. Morebikes notes vibrations in the mirrors at high revs. The brake and clutch levers are adjustable. The manual limits total load to 150 kg, including rider, luggage and accessories, which leaves little margin for riding two-up.
Ownership & maintenance
~~340 km (calculated: 17 L tank / 5.0 L/100 km from CFMoto France's owner's manual)
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 (30 to 40 mm slack) |
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, JASO MA2). Spark plugs are checked at 6,000 km and replaced at 12,000 km, the air filter is cleaned at 6,000 km and replaced at 20,000 km, coolant is replaced at 35,000 km or every 24 to 36 months, brake fluid every 24 months, and valve clearance is checked at 40,000 km. The chain is lubricated every 500 to 1,000 km. No servicing cost is published. CFMoto France no longer publishes warranty terms for the 650NK; the brand’s current models that do not get the 5-year warranty are covered for 2 years, parts and labour.
Direct competitors
Compare →| Model | MSRP | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| CFMoto 650NK | — | 56.5 hp (41.5 kW) @ 8,250 rpm (Euro 5 version, according to Insella and Moto.it; 45 kW @ 8,750 rpm in CFMoto France's 2020 owner's manual; 60 hp claimed in the US) | 206 kg (kerb, manufacturer data published by Cycle World and Morebikes; given as "dry" in CFMoto France's owner's manual; 194 kg dry according to Insella) |
| Honda CB500 Hornet2026 | €6,199 | 47.5 hp | 188 kg (kerb) |
| Kawasaki Z650 S2026 | €7,599 | 68 hp | 190 kg (wet) |
| Yamaha MT-072025 | €7,999 | 73.4 hp | 183 kg (wet) |
| Triumph Trident 6602026 | €8,295 | 95 hp | 195 kg (wet) |
Generations
Compare →- 650NK (1re génération)2012 – 2016
649 cc · 70.7 hp · 62 Nm · 206 kg (road-ready)
Launch: the first large Chinese twin, an engine very close to the Kawasaki ER-6's, tubular frame, 41 mm KYB fork and LCD instruments.
- 650NK (2e génération, design Kiska)2017 – 2020
649 cc · 61.2 hp · 56 Nm · 206 kg (road-ready)
New Kiska-designed bodywork, Euro 4 homologation, standard Continental ABS, LED lighting and two engine maps.
- 650NK Euro 52021 – 2023
649 cc · 56.5 hp · 54.4 Nm · 206 kg (road-ready)
Euro 5 homologation, output cut to 41.5 kW in Europe, 5-inch colour TFT and slipper clutch.
- 675NK (suite de la gamme NK)2025 – today
674 cc · 89 hp · 68 Nm · 189 kg (road-ready)
Presented by CFMoto France as the second generation of its roadsters: 674 cc triple derived from the 675SR-R, quickshifter, traction control and 5-inch TFT.
Compare with this generation →
| Generation | Displacement | Power | Torque | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 650NK (1re génération)2012 – 2016 Launch: the first large Chinese twin, an engine very close to the Kawasaki ER-6's, tubular frame, 41 mm KYB fork and LCD instruments. | 649 cc | 70.7 hp | 62 Nm | 206 kg road-ready |
| 650NK (2e génération, design Kiska)2017 – 2020 New Kiska-designed bodywork, Euro 4 homologation, standard Continental ABS, LED lighting and two engine maps. | 649 cc | 61.2 hp | 56 Nm | 206 kg road-ready |
| 650NK Euro 52021 – 2023 Euro 5 homologation, output cut to 41.5 kW in Europe, 5-inch colour TFT and slipper clutch. | 649 cc | 56.5 hp | 54.4 Nm | 206 kg road-ready |
| 675NK (suite de la gamme NK)2025 – today Presented by CFMoto France as the second generation of its roadsters: 674 cc triple derived from the 675SR-R, quickshifter, traction control and 5-inch TFT. Compare with this generation → | 674 cc | 89 hp | 68 Nm | 189 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.