The middleweight naked bike arena is buzzing with excitement as two motorcycles capture the attention of riders everywhere: the CFMOTO 800NK and the long-reigning champion, the Yamaha MT-07.
Both bikes promise heart-pounding thrills and exceptional value, but CFMOTO‘s latest offering is making a bold statement, challenging the established order. With their adventure range already exceeding expectations with models selling out across the country, can the CFMOTO 800NK ride that same wave of success and potentially dethrone the MT-07 in this hotly contested segment?
Let’s see how these two powerhouses stack up against each other.
Engine Performance
CF MOTO 800NK:
- Engine: 799cc parallel-twin
- Power: 95 hp (70 kW) at 9,250 rpm
- Torque: 79 Nm at 8,000 rpm
Yamaha MT-07:
- Engine: 689cc parallel-twin
- Power: 73.4 hp (54 kW) at 8,750 rpm
- Torque: 67 Nm at 6,500 rpm
What this means for riders: The CF MOTO 800NK’s larger displacement and significantly higher power output translate to a more exhilarating riding experience. You’ll feel the difference when overtaking on motorways, powering out of corners, or simply enjoying a spirited ride on your favourite twisty road. The extra 21.6 hp isn’t just a number – it might be the difference between a good ride and a great one.
Why you should care: While the MT-07’s engine is known for its user-friendly nature, the 800NK’s power plant offers room to grow. It’s an engine that can excite novice riders while still providing thrills for more experienced hands. This versatility means you’re less likely to outgrow the bike quickly, potentially saving you money in the long run.
Chassis and Handling
CF MOTO 800NK:
- Frame: Lightweight steel trellis
- Suspension: KYB fully adjustable fork and shock
- Dry Weight: 186 kg
Yamaha MT-07:
- Frame: Steel diamond-type
- Suspension: Non-adjustable fork, preload-adjustable shock
- Wet Weight: 184 kg
What this means for riders: The CF MOTO 800NK’s fully adjustable KYB suspension is a trailblazer in this class. It allows you to fine-tune the bike’s handling characteristics to your weight, riding style, and road conditions. Whether you’re commuting on pothole-ridden streets or carving up mountain roads on the weekend, you can set up the 800NK to perform at its best.
Why you should care: Suspension adjustability isn’t just for racers or tech-savvy riders. It means you can easily adapt the bike as your skills progress or as you tackle different types of riding. The MT-07’s simpler suspension setup, while adequate, doesn’t offer this level of customisation. Over time, this flexibility can significantly enhance your riding experience and confidence.
Technology and Features
CF MOTO 800NK:
- 5-inch TFT display
- Multiple riding modes
- Cruise control
- LED lighting all around
Yamaha MT-07:
- LCD display
- No riding modes
- No cruise control
- LED headlight and taillight
What this means for riders: The CF MOTO 800NK brings premium features to the middleweight class. The TFT display offers better visibility in all lighting conditions and a more premium feel. Riding modes allow you to adapt the bike’s power delivery to different conditions, enhancing both safety and enjoyment. Cruise control, a rarity in this segment, can significantly reduce fatigue on longer rides.
Why you should care: These features aren’t just nice-to-haves; they genuinely enhance the day-to-day riding experience. Whether it’s the clarity of the TFT display on a sunny day, the ability to soften power delivery in the rain, or the relaxation of using cruise control on a motorway stretch, these technologies make every ride more enjoyable and potentially safer.
Comfort and Ergonomics
CF MOTO 800NK:
- Seat Height: 795 mm
- Fuel Capacity: 15 litres
Yamaha MT-07:
- Seat Height: 805 mm
- Fuel Capacity: 14 litres
What this means for riders: The CF MOTO 800NK’s slightly lower seat height improves accessibility for a wider range of riders, particularly those with shorter inseams. The larger fuel tank means fewer stops on long rides, extending your range and reducing interruptions to your journey.
Why you should care: Comfort and practicality are crucial for everyday riding. The lower seat height can boost confidence, especially in urban environments with frequent stops. The extra litre of fuel capacity might not seem like much, but it can make the difference between making it to your destination and having to stop for fuel, particularly on longer trips.
Value Proposition
CF MOTO 800NK: £5,999
Yamaha MT-07: £7,516
What this means for riders: The CF MOTO 800NK offers more power, advanced features, and premium components at a significantly lower price point than the Yamaha MT-07. This price difference could be invested in accessories, gear, or simply kept in your pocket.
Why you should care: Value isn’t just about the initial purchase price. The 800NK’s higher specification means you’re less likely to feel the need to upgrade components or even the entire bike as your skills progress. This could lead to long-term savings and a more satisfying ownership experience.
Verdict? The 800NK Takes the Win!
While the Yamaha MT-07 has long been a benchmark in the middleweight naked category, the CF MOTO 800NK presents a compelling alternative that in many ways surpasses the established favourite. With its more powerful engine, advanced suspension, modern technology, and attractive price point, the 800NK offers a package that’s pretty hard to ignore.
For riders seeking a bike that can excel in various scenarios – from daily commuting to weekend thrills, and even the occasional track day – the 800NK emerges as the more versatile and future-proof option. It combines the user-friendliness expected in this class with performance and features typically found on more expensive machines.
The CFMOTO 800NK isn’t just competing in the middleweight naked segment; it’s redefining expectations. It proves that you don’t have to sacrifice performance, technology, or quality to achieve an attractive price point. For riders who want it all – power, handling, features, and value – the CF MOTO 800NK is now the clear choice.
Ready to experience the difference for yourself? Contact DMC Motorcycles today to arrange a test ride of the 800NK, or book one in using the form below. It might just change your perception of what a middleweight naked bike can be.