Nick has been putting in the Winter km on the BikeReview CFMOTO 800MT. Check out his ride out to the picturesque Wisemans Ferry with friends and Bowie...
I’ve been squeezing in more rides on our long-term CFMOTO 800MT this winter, taking full advantage of the heated seats, grips, and pillion seat. Dressed in my favourite DriRider adventure gear, I’ve been braving the cold and hitting the road out to Wisemans Ferry.
Nick has been out braving the winter weather on his CFMOTO 800MT long-termer!
We ventured out on a scenic pillion ride to one of our favourite spots, Wisemans Ferry. The route takes us through the picturesque landscapes of Somersby, Peats Ridge, and Central Mangrove, before we leisurely cruise along Wisemans Ferry Road, passing through Spencer and Singletons Mill.
Check out all our 800MT long-termer updates here…
This time, we are accompanied by a few friends who were keen to come and check out what I do most weekends, aside from “writing for a review website”, they don’t often get to see what I experience. Their Harleys would limit us to tarmac terrain, but that isn’t a damper, considering the precious cargo I have on the back. Despite the chilly 6-degree winter morning, the DriRider adventure gear keeps me snug. The heated grips and seat prove invaluable, to the point that I have to switch off the seat heater an hour into the ride to avoid getting too hot!
The CFMOTO 800MT handles a pillion passenger exceptionally well. My partner Kirsten’s weight, although light at 49kg, adds a favourable balance to the ride, especially on the sweeping corners. Even with three pannier bags loaded with sustenance for the journey, the bike maintains its composure. Its affinity for lifting the front under hard acceleration added a touch of exhilaration to the ride.
“The 800MT handles a passenger exceptionally well. My partner Kirsten’s weight, although light at 49kg, adds a favourable balance to the ride, especially on the sweeping corners.”
Kirsten reckons that the CFMOTO offers a comfortable experience for the pillion passenger, especially with the addition of hard panniers. The spacious foot pegs and the padding on the rear cargo box make long rides a breeze.
Kirsten, Nick’s partner, reckons that the CFMOTO offers a comfortable experience for the pillion passenger, especially with the addition of hard panniers.
Our timing wasn’t the best, though, as we chose to ride on the Kings Birthday Long Weekend, one of the busiest times for Wisemans Ferry. With the local establishments packed, our packed provisions saved the day. The route is perfect for a day trip, and it’s versatile enough to accommodate a caravan of friends or family in a car. Our cattle dog, Bowie, had a blast accompanying us on the 800MT!
This was our longest pillion ride yet, and the CFMOTO 800MT performed admirably, despite the mounting bolts loosening due to the added weight and cargo.
While nothing managed to fall off, the centre bracing support that runs from one side to the other did fall down and was scraping the rear wheel for a kilometre or two before I noticed. I’d recommend using high tensile bolts and nylock nuts here as a precaution. The last thing you want is a pannier full of essentials breaking loose and rolling down the side of a cliff.
Check out Nick’s 800MT pannier installation here…
The journey through Wisemans is always a wicked, made even better with the company of friends. I urge you to carve out some time in the coming months to explore these serene small towns, if anything, jumping on the car ferries and chugging across the Hawkesbury is an awesome experience if you haven’t tried it. They’re especially tranquil in winter, perfect for enjoying a pub meal and even an overnight camping trip, which is on my agenda before winter ends.
“I’ll be back with more updates at the end of July. Until then, keep riding and keep bloody warm!”
I’ll be back with more updates at the end of July. Until then, keep riding and keep bloody warm!
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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