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Since launching its U.S. lineup in 2022, CFMOTO has embraced the role of market disruptor. If Ari’s latest comparison is any indication, the China-based brand is doing just that. In 2024, CFMOTO sends the 800NK and 450NK stateside with hopes of disrupting the hotly contested naked bike class.
Haven’t I seen you somewhere before?
If the 800NK looks familiar, then you’re probably well acquainted with KTM’s 790 Duke. The new middleweight is a direct result of the ongoing partnership between the two manufacturers; one that awarded the Chinese firm rights to the 799 cc version of KTM’s LC8c parallel twin. That very power unit rests at the heart of the 800NK, producing 100 horsepower at 9,500 rpm and 59.7 foot-pounds of torque at 8,000 rpm.
Similar to the 790, the transplanted twin hangs from a chromoly-steel tubular frame. CFMOTO tucks much of that structure behind decorative body panels, but the Chinese roadster still bears a striking resemblance to its Austrian step-sibling. Still, the 800NK still manages to develop its own identity.
For example, KYB steps in to supply the suspension. That consists of a fully adjustable inverted fork along with a preload- and rebound-adjustable rear shock. CFMOTO also takes an alternate route when it comes to braking, with J.Juan calipers, twin 320 mm front discs, and a 260 mm rear rotor.
The 800NK also remains trim (relative to the 790 Duke), at a claimed running weight of 410 pounds. A 31.5-inch seat height only enhances the model’s accessibility. Performance features include the CF-SC slipper clutch, Bosch ABS, and ride modes (Sport, Street, and Rain). Even the 800NK’s 57.8-inch wheelbase is shorter than its “Scalpel”-dubbed relative.
Luxury features aren’t absent on the newcomer, either. A five-inch, full-color TFT dash offers device connectivity via Bluetooth while cruise control separates the 800NK from the middleweight masses. The model conforms to category conventions in other ways, such as its insectoid LED headlight design. Starting at $8,499 and backed by a two-year warranty, it’s clear that the 800NK aims to upend the crowded category in 2024.
Familiar formula
While the 800NK benefits from CFMOTO’s joint venture with KTM, the 450NK owes much to the brand’s own 450SS sport bike. Both welterweights wield the same CFMOTO-designed 450 cc parallel twin, which peaks at 50 horsepower (at 9,500 rpm) and 28.8 foot-pounds of torque (at 7,600 rpm).
The naked bike is not just an SS that shed its fairings, though. Listed at a curb weight of 364 pounds, the naked trim saves six pounds on its fully-faired counterpart. Seat height rises to 31.3 inches and the wheelbase extends to 53.9 inches. A four-piston J.Juan front caliper and standard dual-channel ABS replace the Brembo M40 caliper and Continental ABS on the sport bike. Fortunately, the NK snags one carry over in the form of the Bluetooth-compatible, five-inch TFT display.
Poised to go head-to-head with Kawasaki’s Z400 and KTM’s 390 Duke, the 450NK is ready to make waves in the beginner segment, especially with its $5,399 price tag.
| 2024 CFMOTO 450NK | 2024 CFMOTO 800NK | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | $5,399 | $8,499 |
| Engine | 450 cc, liquid-cooled, eight-valve, parallel twin | 799 cc, liquid-cooled, eight-valve, parallel twin |
|
Transmission, final drive |
Six-speed, chain | Six-speed, chain |
| Claimed horsepower | 50.0 @ 9,500 rpm | 100.0 @ 9,500 rpm |
| Claimed torque | 28.8 foot-pounds @ 7,600 rpm | 59.7 foot-pounds @ 8,000 rpm |
| Frame | Tubular steel | Tubular steel |
| Front suspension | KYB 37 mm fork; 5.1 inches of travel | KYB 43 mm inverted split-function fork, adjustable for spring preload, compression, and rebound damping; 5.1 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | KYB shock adjustable for spring preload; 5.1 inches of travel | KYB shock, adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping; 5.1 inches of travel |
| Front brake | J.Juan four-piston caliper, 320 mm disc with ABS | Dual J.Juan four-piston calipers, 320 mm disc |
| Rear brake | J.Juan one-piston caliper, 220mm disc with ABS | J.Juan two-piston caliper, 260 mm disc |
| Rake, trail | 24.5 degrees, 3.74 inches | 24 degrees, 3.77 inches |
| Wheelbase | 53.9 inches | 57.8 inches |
| Seat height | 31.3 inches | 31.5 inches |
| Fuel capacity | 3.7 gallons | 4.0 gallons |
| Tires | CST Adreno HS AS5, 110/70R17 front, 150/60R17 rear | Dunlop GPR-300 110/70R17 front, 150/60R17 rear |
| Claimed weight | 364 pounds | 410 pounds |
| Available | Now | Now |
| Warranty | 24 months | 24 months |
| More info | cfmotousa.com | cfmotousa.com |
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