CFMoto 700CL-X Heritage
CFMoto 700CL-X Heritage: 70 hp neo-retro roadster, 693 cc, 196 kg, no longer sold new in France. Full specs, press reviews and rivals.
At a glance
The CFMoto 700CL-X Heritage is a Chinese neo-retro roadster powered by a 693 cc, 70 hp twin, restrictable for the A2 licence. Reviewers praised its finish, chassis and generous equipment (cruise control, adjustable suspension). It is no longer in CFMoto France's range, whose neo-retro line-up now only includes the 450CL-C.
World press review
Meta-score
6 sources
Press ratings
Flawless finish, outstanding front end, characterful engine above 6,000 rpm and generous equipment; a twin disc and more bite would be welcome.
Pleasant, well-made bike, instantly familiar ergonomics, adjustable suspension; engine less lively than the Z650RS's, low-rpm snatchiness, heavy brake lever.
The Sport version is comfortable despite its café racer style, with convincing brakes and suspension and lots of equipment for the price; lacks low-down torque.
Original style, high perceived quality and a first-class chassis; seat too dished, intrusive ABS and brakes lacking consistency, frequent oil changes.
A surprising Chinese bike that could mark a new era for Chinese brands.
Press synthesis
What the world’s press says
Reviews cover the 2021-2022 launch model. MCN rates it 4/5. Visordown, MOTORRAD, Le Repaire des Motards and Moto Magazine tested it without a numeric score; RevZilla tested the Sport version. MCN considers it marks the moment a Chinese-built bike can be judged against established rivals without caveat.
What reviewers like: unexpected finish and perceived quality, an effective chassis with adjustable suspension, a strong top-end engine and generous equipment for the price.
What they criticise: single-disc brakes lacking bite, intrusive ABS, an engine less flexible low down than its rivals, frequent oil changes and a stock seat that could be better.
Key quotes
"It marks the moment when a Chinese-built machine can be judged against established rivals without caveat."
"CFMOTO’s bikes have for some time being the most credible Chinese-built alternative to the Japanese giants, and the new CFMOTO 700CL-X feels like the most convincing machine of the lot so far. It may be built in the land of the Red Dragon, but it has a distinctly European heart and soul."
"When you feel at home straight away on a bike you hardly know, that already says a lot."
"Effective and lively, its chassis delivers first-class performance. And its finish and equipment complete an appealing picture."
Pros
- Finish and perceived quality
- Effective chassis, adjustable KYB suspension
- Generous equipment (cruise control, modes, LED)
- Strong top-end engine
Cons
- No longer sold new in France
- Single-disc brakes lacking bite
- Oil change every 5,000 km
- Less flexible engine low down
Our review
Is it still on sale?
No. In October 2026, the 700CL-X pages disappeared from CFMoto France’s official website: they redirect to the neo-retro range, which now only includes the 450CL-C. The model has also left the German, British and Benelux ranges. New bikes may still be in stock at some dealers, but CFMoto France no longer publishes a price.
The base version, the Heritage, was sold in France as the 700CL-X Heritage TC once traction control was added. It was also offered as the Sport (café racer with clip-ons) and the Adventure (scrambler with spoked wheels).
How good is the engine?
According to MCN, it is CFMoto’s existing twin enlarged to 693 cc. It makes 70 hp (51.5 kW) at 8,750 rpm and 60.9 Nm at 6,500 rpm in European form. Visordown and Le Repaire des Motards note a clear surge above 6,000 rpm. MOTORRAD finds it less lively than the Kawasaki Z650RS’s and notes low-rpm snatchiness. A 35 kW restricted version made it available to A2 licence holders.
How does it ride?
This is its strong point: steel trellis frame, adjustable 41 mm KYB upside-down fork, adjustable shock and an 18-inch front wheel. Visordown praises an outstanding front end, Le Repaire des Motards a first-class chassis. Braking, with a single 320 mm disc, is the main criticism: Visordown wants more bite, MOTORRAD less lever effort, and Le Repaire des Motards finds the ABS intrusive. Equipment is rich for the class: cruise control, two engine modes, LED lighting and traction control on the latest model years.
Fuel consumption and maintenance
CFMoto’s manual gives an average consumption of 5.6 L/100 km; MCN recorded about 5.0 L/100 km in normal use. Range is around 230 km from the 13-litre tank. Maintenance is frequent: the 2021-2022 manual calls for an oil change every 5,000 km or 6 months, and a valve clearance check at 40,000 km.
Recalls
In France, a recall (Safety Gate A12/01549/23) covered the ABS module of 700CL-X Sports built from November 2021 to January 2022. In the United States, 2022-2023 700CL-Xs received an ABS software update (NHTSA 23V-779).
Specifications
| Displacement | 693 cc |
|---|---|
| Power | 70 hp (51.5 kW) @ 8,750 rpm |
| Torque | 60.9 Nm @ 6,500 rpm |
| Weight | 196 kg (kerb weight) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 2.80 |
| Seat height | 800 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 13 L |
| Fuel consumption | 5.6 L/100 km (average given in CFMoto's manual, cycle not specified) |
| Maintenance interval | Oil change every 5,000 km or 6 months — Valves: 40,000 km (CFMoto 2021-2022 owner's manual) |
| Engine type | 180-degree parallel twin, 4-stroke, DOHC, 8 valves, liquid-cooled |
| Cooling | liquide |
| Transmission | 6-speed, chain drive, slipper clutch |
| License | AA2 Restrictable |
Engine detail
| Bore x stroke | 83 x 64 mm |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 11,6:1 |
| Fuel system | Electronic fuel injection, ride-by-wire |
| Valve train | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Max power RPM | 8750 units.rpm |
| Max torque RPM | 6500 units.rpm |
| Starter | Electric |
| Euro standard | Euro 5 |
Chassis & running gear
| Frame type | Steel tube trellis frame, aluminium swingarm |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 1435 mm |
| Ground clearance | 160 mm |
| Front suspension | 41 mm KYB upside-down fork, adjustable compression and rebound, 150 mm travel |
| Rear suspension | Adjustable KYB monoshock, 150 mm travel |
| Front brake | Single 320 mm disc, J.Juan radial caliper |
| Rear brake | Single 260 mm disc, floating caliper |
| Front tire | 110/80 R18 |
| Rear tire | 180/55 R17 |
| ABS system | Two-channel Continental ABS |
Performance
| Top speed | 180 km/h |
|---|
Electronics & rider aids
| Riding modes | Eco, Sport |
|---|---|
| Traction control | Yes |
| Quickshifter | No |
| Cruise control | Yes (Standard, usable from 4th to 6th gear) |
| Dashboard | Round monochrome LCD screen |
| Other features | Switchable traction control (Heritage TC versions from 2023), Continental ABS, Ride-by-wire throttle, Slipper clutch, Full LED lighting, Self-cancelling indicators, Tip-over sensor |
Ergonomics & rider fit
| Riding position | Roadster: upright, wide handlebars |
|---|---|
| Wind protection | None (naked) |
| Payload | 150 kg |
The 700CL-X Heritage offers a roadster position, upright with wide handlebars, and a low 800 mm seat. MOTORRAD finds the ergonomics instantly familiar. Le Repaire des Motards finds the stock seat too dished and short. Maximum payload is 150 kg according to the manual.
Ownership & maintenance
~5.0 L/100 km in normal use (MCN, 57 UK mpg)
L/100km
Real-world consumption
~~230 km (calculated from the manual's figure: 13 L tank / 5.6 L/100 km)
km
Estimated range
| Oil change | every 5,000 km or every 6 months |
|---|---|
| Valve check | every 40,000 km |
| Spark plugs | every 10,000 km |
| Chain | Daily tension and lubrication check; clean and adjust every 10,000 km or 12 months |
CFMoto’s 2021-2022 owner’s manual specifies a first oil change at 1,000 km, then an oil and filter change every 5,000 km or 6 months, a short interval noted by MCN. Spark plugs are checked at 10,000 km and valve clearance at 40,000 km; coolant is replaced at 30,000 km or 24 months, brake fluid every 24 months. The manual for later model years is not published in France: these intervals may have changed.
Direct competitors
Compare →| Model | MSRP | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| CFMoto 700CL-X Heritage | — | 70 hp (51.5 kW) @ 8,750 rpm | 196 kg (kerb weight) |
| Kawasaki Z650RS2026 | €8,399 | 68 hp | 187 kg (wet) |
| Royal Enfield Interceptor 6502026 | €7,690 | 47.5 hp | 217 kg (kerb) |
| Triumph Trident 6602026 | €8,295 | 95 hp | 195 kg (wet) |
| Yamaha MT-072025 | €7,999 | 73.4 hp | 183 kg (wet) |
Generations
- 700CL-X Heritage2021 – 2022
693 cc · 70 hp · 60.9 Nm · 198 kg (road-ready)
Launch: 693 cc twin in a new trellis frame, ride-by-wire, two modes, cruise control, adjustable KYB suspension and Continental ABS.
- 700CL-X Heritage TC2023 – 2025
693 cc · 70 hp · — · 196 kg (road-ready)
Switchable traction control added and new colours; Sport and Adventure versions in the range. Dropped from the French range in 2026.
| Generation | Displacement | Power | Torque | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 700CL-X Heritage2021 – 2022 Launch: 693 cc twin in a new trellis frame, ride-by-wire, two modes, cruise control, adjustable KYB suspension and Continental ABS. | 693 cc | 70 hp | 60.9 Nm | 198 kg road-ready |
| 700CL-X Heritage TC2023 – 2025 Switchable traction control added and new colours; Sport and Adventure versions in the range. Dropped from the French range in 2026. | 693 cc | 70 hp | — | 196 kg road-ready |
Manufacturer figures (otherwise specialist press). Weighing conditions differ between generations: compare weights with care.
Available colors
Manufacturer recalls
ABS module settings that may delay braking after several squeezes of the lever (2022-2023 700CL-Xs sold in the United States); software update
Voir le rappel →Possibly defective ABS module on the 700CL-X Sport built from November 2021 to January 2022: excessive braking effort
Voir le rappel →