CFMOTO 1000MTX Challenges the Big Adventure Bikes at a Lower Price

CFMOTO’s new 1000MTX is presented as a serious large adventure motorcycle, not a budget bike, and as a signal that the Chinese maker is moving into the top tier of the segment. The article says the bike was tested in Israel after a launch ride in the Negev’s Nahal Zin, and that it is aimed squarely at big European and Japanese litre-class adventure machines.

The model builds on CFMOTO’s fast-growing adventure lineup, following the MT450, which became Israel’s best-selling motorcycle in less than two years and now has about 500 Israeli riders meeting for off-road trips. CFMOTO also has the MT Challenge and is set to compete in Romaniacs, while its broader racing record includes a Moto3 title and wins and podiums in Moto2.

Under the aggressive bodywork sits a KTM-sourced 948 cc parallel-twin engine, the LC8, already used in the Duke 990 and RC and soon to appear in the KTM 990 Adventure. It produces 112.5 hp and 105 kgm of torque at 6,250 rpm, and the review describes strong low-end pull, more vibration at high revs, and heat from the engine in traffic on hot days. The bike weighs 208 kg dry, about 230 kg with fluids, and uses low-slung fuel tanks to help manage the weight.

Off-road intent is reinforced by 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wire-spoke wheels, Brembo brakes, and adjustable KYB suspension. Electronics include cornering ABS, traction control, a six-axis IMU, five riding modes, cruise control, a bidirectional quickshifter, heated grips and seat, a large vertical touchscreen TFT display with glove-friendly touch, full connectivity, and integrated Apple CarPlay for Waze navigation. The seat height is 870 mm, with lower-seat and lower-suspension versions due by 4 cm and 2 cm respectively. The article notes the wind protection is imperfect, but concludes that at 76,000 shekels, the 1000MTX offers unusually strong value for a large adventure bike.