CFMOTO 800MT-X Ride Review: Big Bike Capability Without the Big Ego
We put the CFMOTO 800MT-X through a real-world ride test. A serious middleweight adventure bike with off-road intent and strong value.
There’s a point where “entry-level” adventure bikes stop cutting it.
You want more power. More stability. More range.
But without jumping straight into the heavy, expensive 1000cc category.
That’s exactly where the CFMOTO 800MT-X comes in.
On paper, it looks like a proper middleweight contender – big suspension, real off-road geometry, and a strong twin-cylinder motor.
But numbers don’t ride bikes.
So we took it out into the real world to see what it’s actually like when the tar ends and the ride begins.
First Impressions
This isn’t a “soft” adventure bike.
The 800MT-X looks and feels purpose-built for dirt. Tall stance, aggressive geometry, and that rally-inspired setup immediately tell you what it’s about.
But the interesting part?
It doesn’t feel as heavy as it should.
Despite a curb weight around 220kg, the low-slung fuel tank design keeps the centre of gravity down, making the bike feel more manageable than expected.
That’s a big win – especially when things get technical.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the 800MT-X is a 799cc parallel twin, pushing around 70kW and 87Nm of torque.
On the road:
- Strong mid-range pull
- Smooth power delivery
- Comfortable cruising speeds
Off-Road Capability (Where It Shines):
- Predictable throttle response
- Enough torque to tractor through loose terrain
- Not intimidating, but definitely not underpowered
It’s a proper step up from smaller bikes like the 450MT – but still manageable enough for most riders.
Off-Road Capability (Where It Shines)
This is where the MT-X separates itself.
With:
- 21” front / 18” rear wheels
- 230mm suspension travel
- 240mm ground clearance
…it’s built to handle proper terrain.
On gravel, the bike feels planted and stable. The suspension does a solid job soaking up rough sections, and the chassis gives you confidence to keep pushing.
What stands out most is how balanced it feels.
Even though it’s a bigger bike, the weight distribution and geometry make it surprisingly agile for its class.
On-Road Comfort & Touring
Long-distance riding? No problem.
The 800MT-X is set up for proper touring:
- 22.5L fuel tank (with optional extra range)
- Cruise control
- Upright, comfortable riding position
- Adjustable windscreen
It’s the kind of bike you can ride all day, then still take off-road when the opportunity comes up.
That balance is what makes it interesting.
Tech & Features
CFMOTO has packed this bike with features you’d normally expect at a much higher price point:
- 6-axis IMU (cornering ABS + traction control)
- Multiple ride modes (Standard, Rain, Off-road)
- Quickshifter (up & down)
- 7” TFT display with connectivity
- Tyre pressure monitoring
This is where the “value for money” story really starts to make sense.
So… Who Is This Bike For?
The 800MT-X makes the most sense if you:
- Want a serious adventure bike without going full 1000cc
- Plan to ride a mix of tar, gravel, and technical terrain
- Value features and performance for the price
- Want something more capable than entry-level ADV bikes
It’s not a beginner bike – but it’s a very accessible big bike.
Ride It Yourself
Watching reviews is one thing, but this bike only really makes sense once you ride it.
You can rent the CFMOTO 800MT-X through Adventure Co and experience it on the kind of terrain it was built for.
Whether you’re testing before buying or just want a proper adventure ride – this is the best way to understand what it can do.