CFMoto 800NK Advanced Review: A Chinese Naked Middleweight That Impresses

CFMoto 800NK Advanced: A Middleweight Contender

The CFMoto 800NK Advanced is a compelling middleweight naked motorcycle that showcases the Chinese manufacturer's growing prowess. While not a direct clone of the KTM 790 Duke, the NK boasts its own distinct styling and a more relaxed, approachable character.

Key Features:

• Engine: 799cc parallel-twin engine, producing 95 hp and 72 Nm of torque.
• Chassis: Steel trellis frame, with fully adjustable KYB suspension and Brembo brakes.
• Electronics: Ride-by-wire throttle, traction control, and optional quickshifter (depending on model).
• Styling: Aggressive, modern design with sharp lines and LED lighting.

Comparison to KTM 790 Duke:

While the CFMoto 800NK Advanced shares a similar engine displacement and target market with the KTM 790 Duke, it offers a different riding experience. The NK prioritizes comfort and accessibility, with a more upright riding position and a softer suspension setup. The KTM Duke, by contrast, is known for its sharper handling and sportier feel.

Practical Implications:

The CFMoto 800NK Advanced offers a compelling value proposition for riders looking for a powerful and versatile naked motorcycle. Its blend of performance, features, and affordability makes it a strong contender in the competitive middleweight market.

Important Note: While the CFMoto 800NK Advanced is a solid machine, it's important to note that the brand's reputation for reliability is still developing.

Real-World Applications:

The 800NK is well-suited for commuting, weekend rides, and even light touring. Its comfortable riding position and capable engine make it a versatile machine for a wide range of applications.

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Riding Dynamics

The 800NK boasts a suspension setup that expertly balances sporty handling with everyday comfort. While its fork offers adjustability, accessing the tops for fine-tuning can be a bit cumbersome.

• Suspension Specs:
  • Front: 41mm USD forks with adjustable preload and rebound damping.
  • Rear: Monoshock with adjustable preload.

The bike handles with remarkable agility, tracing corners with the grace of a true naked machine. It remains composed even under aggressive riding, never feeling overly harsh or compromised.

Safety Features

While the 800NK comes equipped with an ABS system, it feels dated compared to modern angle-responsive systems. The lack of traction control is a notable omission, particularly given the bike's performance capabilities.

• ABS System: Two-channel, non-angle-sensitive.

Important Note: The absence of traction control might be a concern for riders seeking maximum safety and confidence in demanding conditions.

Ergonomics

The 800NK adopts a typical naked-bike riding position, prioritizing rider comfort. The rider's triangle is relatively relaxed, offering a comfortable upright posture for extended rides. However, the pillion seat leaves much to be desired, likely not providing a comfortable experience for passengers.

Comparison with Competitors

Compared to competitors like the Yamaha MT-09 and the Triumph Street Triple, the 800NK offers a more balanced approach to handling and comfort. While the Yamaha boasts more advanced electronics, and the Triumph offers a more aggressive riding experience, the 800NK strikes a middle ground.

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The 800NK Engine: A Refined Powerhouse

The 800NK's heart beats with a reworked version of the KTM 790 Duke's parallel-twin engine, boasting a displacement of 799cc. This liquid-cooled, 8-valve, SOHC engine features:

• Internal Revisions: The engine benefits from revised internal components like pistons, connecting rods, and camshafts, resulting in improved power delivery and refinement.
• Smooth Throttle Response: The engine's smooth throttle response provides a relaxed and enjoyable ride in everyday settings.
• Sport Mode: Switching to Sport mode unleashes the engine's full potential, delivering a more aggressive and exhilarating ride experience.
• A2 License Compatibility: The 800NK can be restricted for A2 license holders, making it accessible to a wider range of riders.

Transmission and Quickshifter

The 800NK is paired with a 6-speed gearbox that utilizes a precise quickshifter. This allows for seamless gear changes, both up and down, without using the clutch.

• Pros: The quickshifter enhances both performance and rider comfort by eliminating the need for clutch manipulation during spirited riding.
• Cons: Some riders may find the quickshifter's responsiveness to be a bit aggressive, especially in lower gears.

Key Takeaways

• The 800NK's reworked engine offers both smooth everyday usability and exhilarating performance when desired.
• The quickshifter enhances the riding experience by enabling seamless gear changes, contributing to a more enjoyable and spirited ride.
• The A2-legal option makes the 800NK accessible to a broader range of riders.

Build Quality & Warranty

The 800NK offers a compelling value proposition with its impressive build quality and finish, considering its price point. The styling is modern and appealing, further enhanced by a robust four-year warranty.

Key Takeaway: The 800NK boasts a solid build and a reassuring warranty, making it a good choice for riders seeking a balance between quality and affordability.

Extended Service & Software Updates

Adding to its appeal, the 800NK offers an extended seven-year breakdown recovery service if maintained by an authorized dealer. Furthermore, it incorporates over-the-air software updates through its dash, allowing for ongoing enhancements and bug fixes. This ensures the motorcycle remains up-to-date with the latest features and security protocols.

Engine Reliability

While KTM's LC8c engines have faced reliability concerns in the past, CFMoto's revised engine for the 800NK shows no indication of similar issues. This revised design incorporates improvements to address previous shortcomings, making it a more reassuring choice for riders.

Important Note: The absence of reported issues in the revised engine is encouraging, but it's essential to monitor long-term performance and reliability data.

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Practical Implications: The combination of a solid build, extended service, software updates, and a revised engine addresses concerns often associated with entry-level motorcycles. This makes the 800NK a compelling option for riders seeking a reliable and value-packed machine.

CFMoto 800NK Advanced: A Value-Driven Alternative to the KTM 790 Duke

The CFMoto 800NK Advanced, a product of the Chinese manufacturer's close collaboration with KTM, has emerged as a strong contender in the middleweight naked sportbike segment. This motorcycle offers a compelling mix of features and affordability, making it an enticing alternative to its Austrian counterpart, the KTM 790 Duke.

Feature Comparison:

• CFMoto 800NK Advanced:
  • Engine: 799cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, producing 95 hp and 77 Nm of torque.
  • Key Features: Keyless ignition, cruise control, quickshifter, full-LED lighting, TFT instrument panel, adjustable suspension.
• KTM 790 Duke:
  • Engine: 799cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, producing 105 hp and 87 Nm of torque.
  • Key Features: Similar to the 800NK Advanced, but many features (quickshifter, cruise control) are optional extras.

Value Proposition:

The CFMoto 800NK Advanced offers a compelling value proposition due to its competitive pricing and its inclusion of standard features that are optional extras on the KTM 790 Duke. This makes it a more accessible and feature-rich option for budget-conscious riders.

Key Takeaways:

• The CFMoto 800NK Advanced is a well-equipped, competitively priced motorcycle that offers a compelling alternative to the KTM 790 Duke.
• It features a powerful engine, a comprehensive suite of standard features, and a modern design, making it a strong contender in the middleweight naked sportbike segment.
• However, it's important to note that the KTM 790 Duke offers slightly more power and performance, along with a more premium brand identity, though at a higher price point.
• Both bikes offer distinct advantages and cater to different rider needs and budgets.

Practical Implications:

The CFMoto 800NK Advanced is a great option for riders looking for a fun and affordable motorcycle with modern features. It's well-suited for commuting, weekend rides, and even track days.

800NK: Technology and Features

The 800NK boasts an impressive array of features, many of which are designed to enhance rider comfort, safety, and convenience.

Digital Dashboard and Connectivity

The 800NK features a large, 7-inch TFT digital instrument cluster, comparable in size to an iPad. This screen seamlessly integrates with Apple CarPlay, allowing riders to access navigation, music, calls, and messaging through their iOS devices.

Ergonomics and Convenience Features

• Switchgear: The 800NK features well-designed switchgear, making it easy to control various functions like indicators, headlights, and horn.
• Keyless Ignition: This feature allows for effortless starting without needing to physically insert a key. *
• Cruise Control: Cruise control is a welcome addition for long highway journeys, allowing riders to maintain a constant speed without needing to constantly adjust the throttle.
• Built-in Tracker: The 800NK features a GPS tracker that allows riders to locate their motorcycle in case of theft.

Advanced Lighting and Other Design Elements

• Indicator Light Strips: These LED strips are integrated into the handlebars and provide unique visual feedback during turns. While some may consider this a design flourish, others may find it distracting.
• Auto-Adjusting Lights: This feature automatically adjusts the headlight intensity based on ambient light conditions, enhancing visibility in various lighting scenarios.

Potential Areas for Improvement

• ABS System: The 800NK's ABS system is considered outdated compared to modern motorcycle ABS systems that offer more refined control and braking performance.
• Traction Control: The lack of traction control is a noticeable omission, particularly for riders seeking advanced safety features and those who ride in challenging weather conditions.

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Key Takeaways

The 800NK offers a compelling blend of features and technology, but its outdated ABS system and lack of traction control detract from its overall value proposition.