Nick is back from the USA and has finally been reunited with his CFMOTO 800MT long termer. Check out what he's been up to on the adventure sports machine... Photos: BikeReview, CFMOTO
After a few months overseas, I was itching to get our long-termer CFMOTO 800MT back out on the road and tracks and out of the hands of Simon Harris. He handed the keys back over a few days after I’d touched back down on Australian soil, I was right back out on the beast.
Nick is back from the US and has finally been reunited with his CFMOTO 800MT long-termer! Check out what he’s been up to on the bike, doing big commutes and weekend rides.
Given the craziness of the Christmas period, I haven’t managed to get out and about on the 800MT as much as I’d have liked, only managing to squeeze in a few hundred kilometres, mainly commuting to and from work and Uni.
Check out our other CFMOTO 800MT updates here…
In between, I did get out on the odd trail ride and even an Old Pac run, but with double demerits approaching and our ever-present NSW Highway Patrol out in force, I restrained myself and remained sensible. What I have done, however, is started a bit of a wish list for what I think the 800MT needs to be a perfect adventure machine. Here’s what I’ve planned for the 800MT over the coming months.
For starters, at 196cm tall I need bar risers to be comfortable on the dirt in a standing position. Much like its younger brother (CFMOTO 650MT) the 800MT’s bars sit slightly too low for the taller rider. For now, I’ve tilted the bars slightly to give me a bit of extra lift – but I think I’ll be ordering the 1-1.5-inch risers soon. At $89 for the genuine parts – it’s a small price to pay for a lot less strain on my lower back. I’ve also ripped off the rubber covers on the footpegs and exposed the toothed off-road ‘pegs, which offer a ton of grip in the rain and mud.
Nick first became acquainted with the 800MT during the Australian launch in Victoria back at the start of 2022.
Read Nick’s full Aussie Launch Report on the CFMOTO 800MT here…
Out of the factory – there aren’t a lot of options for storage, and I’ve been strapping down the gym bag to the rear luggage rack with a couple of elastic tie-downs. I love the look of the full aluminium luggage cases available through CFMOTO. The total kit offers over 99L of waterproof and dust-proof storage and will be the perfect solution to my storage issues. While they aren’t the cheapest accessory CFMOTO provides ($2097), they’ll be worth it…
On some of the rough tracks out through the local fire trails, I notice the need for the radiator guard, which is available through CFMOTO for $169. It’s great that the 800MT’s are coming out with a lower bash-plate now to protect the exhaust (something I had always wanted on the baby brother 650MT) but I suspect something a little more heavy duty will be required soon.
CFMOTO don’t offer an upgrade for the sump guard – but I’ll have a look online to see if any third parties produce a solid bash-plate. Additionally, it’s inevitable I’ll drop the poor bike on a fire trail at some point, so some quality adjustable spring clutch and brake levers are also on the wish list.
The 800MT needs to sing! What’s a motorcycle wish list without an exhaust system…
Similarly, the exhaust system is a little too subtle for my liking. The 799cc liquid cooled, DOHC, parallel twin produces 70kW – but I can’t help feeling as though a better exhaust will help this thing flow a little better. There’s one Aussie company, Staintune, currently making a stainless muffler, check it out here.
Now that the multiple double demerit weekends have finally ended, hopefully Nick can finally get out and enjoy the 800MT fully!
They claim it’s 1.4kg lighter and pumps out an extra few horsepower, with a much better exhaust note. If I can get my hands on one of these Staintune mufflers I’ll be stoked, otherwise eBay offers a few other mufflers available from overseas. Verex Australia offer a stainless DeCat linking pipe that replaces the big heavy muffler box located by the swingarm. With both of these – we should be seeing a bit more power and a much better sounding bike. Check out the DeCat pipe here…
The current hoops are road tyres, and I do a fair bit of off road. It had full adventure tyres on it when we first got it, but they were no good on the highway commutes, but these are no good at all off road, so I need to sort out something in between at some point…
Aside from my wish list – the majority of the small teething issues I’d spoken about in the launch report earlier in the year appear to have been worked out. The two-way quick-shifter has been working flawlessly so far and the strange fuel-mapping issues appear to be fixed. The power delivery is exactly what I’d expect from this punchy little engine.
A good few thousand km to run on the 800MT seemed to sort out a few of the issues Nick mentioned at the Australian launch, like the fuel mapping.
Once we’ve got our hands on some of these early, base-level upgrades, I plan on tackling the suspension and seeing what aftermarket options are available. We’ve got some big rides planned for the 800MT, but in the meantime I’ll continue carving on the local fire trails and on the daily commutes. Check back in next month to see where we’re at…
2022 CFMOTO 800MT Model Info
CFMOTO have two choices for the KTM powered 2022 800MT. Both with different price points, you can choose from the base “Sport” model, for those looking for a bit more tech can opt for the “Touring” model. The Touring is available with or without a keyless start system, check out all the differences below to find the best fit for you!
In addition to a huge catalogue of standard-fitment features, 21 items are also available across the full accessories’ gamut: luggage, protection and ergonomic alternatives such as a higher seat, handlebar riser mounts and oversized rally pegs.
Aluminium top case (36 litres): $699
- High-strength reinforced corners for the shock and stress of off-road riding
- Perfect match with the original mounting bracket
- Waterproof, dustproof scratchproof inside lining
Aluminium side case (RHS 28 litres, LHS 35 litres): $699 each
- High-strength reinforced corners for the shock and stress of off-road riding
- Perfect match with the original mounting bracket
- Waterproof, dustproof scratchproof inside lining
Rear tail bag (40 litres): $399
- Constructed from waterproof and wear-resistant nylon fabric
- Wide range of internal pockets and strapping
- Top access port (waterproof zipper), internal nylon waterproof bag
- Double-end roll mouth, items accessible from both sides
- Converts to a backpack when not fitted to bike.
Side bag assembly: RHS $599, LHS $499
- Isolation plate which protects the bag and its contents from exhaust heat
- Made of wear-resistant waterproof 1000D fabric, with a waterproof zipper to achieve an all-inclusive waterproof and dustproof seal
- Can be used as a backpack or tail bag
- 10kg maximum load
The 800MT Sport and 800MT Touring will go on sale with factory-fitted pannier mounts.
PROTECTION
- Headlight guard (silver or black): $179
- Radiator protector (silver or black): $169
- Lower crash bars (silver): $299
- Spotlight guards : $99
- Front brake caliper guards: $59
- Front brake fluid reservoir guard: $59
- Rear brake fluid reservoir guard: $59
- Dashboard protective film: $12
ERGONOMICS
- High seat (up 30mm to 855mm): $199
- Handlebar riser mounts: $89
- Oversized rally pegs: $119 each
MISCELLANEOUS
- Oversized side stand seat (800MT Sport only): $59
- Front fender extension: $39
- Device extension bar: $99
2022 CFMOTO BikeReview 800MT Specifications
Price: $12,990 ($13,990 for touring)
Colours: Twilight Blue (Touring), Nebula Black (Sport)
Claimed power: 70kW@8000rpm
Claimed torque: 88Nm@6600rpm
Wet weight: 225kg (no panniers)
Fuel capacity: 19L
Engine: Liquid cooled, DOHC, parallel twin, 799cc, 88 x 65.7mm bore x stroke, Bosch electronic fuel-injection with ride-by-wire throttle, 12.7:1 compression ratio.
Gearbox: 6-speed
Clutch: Slipper
Chassis: Steel tubular frame
Suspension: 43mm USD KYB Fully Adjustable, 160mm travel (f) KYB Monoshock, fully adjustable, 150mm travel (r)
Brakes: 320mm discs, J.Juan 4-piston radial calipers, ABS (f), 260mm disc, J.Juan 2-piston caliper, ABS (r) Bosch ABS,
Wheels & Tyres: Maxxis Tubeless, 110/80–19in (f), 150/70–17in (r) Spoked wheel with Touring model, Cast-alloy with Sport model.
Dimensions:
Length: 2234mm
Width: 853mm
Height: 1277mm
Wheelbase: 1531mm
Seat height: 825mm
Ground clearance: 190mm
Instruments & Electronics: 7in TFT Dash, two riding modes, ride-by-wire throttle, cruise control, Bosch ABS, LED lighting.
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