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Trying out the 2022 650NK Motorcycle from CFMoto
Founded in 1989, CFMoto is a Chinese company based in Hangzou, with a second factory in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Originally specializing in ATVs and side-by-sides, the company is increasingly moving into the motorcycle market, and is currently the fastest growing motorcycle company in Canada, according to their website.
As you may know, CFMoto has recently launched a range of 7 motorbikes in Canada. This selection is very diverse, bringing to the market a bike in almost every category imaginable, whether it be an agile little 125cc, a sport bike, an adventure bike, or even the sporty-looking 300SS, which I actually got to try out: read my review here!
Following my road test of the 300SS, thanks to Mathias Sport and Chicks And Machines, I was able to test a second bike from CFMoto: this time, it was the 650NK that I had the chance to discover.
CFMoto’s 2022 650NK Specs
The 2022 650NK is a naked sport-touring bike.
- Displacement 649 cc
- 6-speed transmission
- LED lighting
- Digital display
- Maximum torque: 61 HP (ps)/8750 RPM
- Seat height: 780 mm
- Cassette type transmission
- Available colours: Nebula Black and Nebula White
- ABS braking system
We’re starting to recognize CFMoto for its low prices: the 650NK sells for $8,704.00.
Technical Information
| Engine | |
| Type: | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, parallel-twin |
| Displacement: | 649cc |
| Bore and stroke: | 83 x 60 mm |
| Maximum power: | 61 HP(ps)/8750 rpm |
| Maximum torque: | 56 N-m/7000 rpm |
| Clutch: | Multi-disc oil bath, manual |
| Dimensions and weight | |
| Length x width x height: | 2114 x 750 x 1100 mm (83.2 x 29.5 x 43.3 in) |
| Wheelbase: | 1415 mm (55.7 in.) |
| Seat height: | 780 mm (30.7 in.) |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 17 L (4.49 gal) |
| Curb weight: | 206 kg (454 lbs) |
The 2022 650NK: a sport touring bike
The 2022 650NK can be compared to other naked sport touring bikes in its range, such as the Yamaha MT07 and the Kawasaki Z700. It is a perfect style of bike for riders who like comfort, while having an agile and versatile bike: indeed, sport-touring bikes of this kind are well suited for long rides as well as for everyday use. I love these bikes because they offer the comfort needed for big days of adventure, while looking sporty and aggressive.
As for the look, there are a few details that catch your eye when you look at this bike, notably the details on the rear fender and on the wheels.
These decorations match the colours on the sides of the bike.
The bench features the CFMoto logo, which I found very original and a nice touch.
My experience riding the 2022 650NK
The 650NK offers a generally pleasant ride, with a respectable level of performance. Transitions between gears are smooth and efficient, but I’ve tried bikes of comparable power that accelerated a bit more aggressively.
The riding position is very comfortable; I think I could spend many, many hours on this bike. However, the seat is a bit stiff for a sport-touring bike, so frequent breaks might be necessary.
That being said, I love the seating position on this bike. The handlebar and pedals are placed in a very optimal position, allowing you to keep your back straight and your eyes straight ahead. This allows you to really appreciate the beauty of the road ahead, and you can truly see everything in front of you, without straining your neck, back, arms or head at all.
Like the 300SS, the SP version of the bike offers two display modes: ‘sport’ and ‘eco’. You navigate between these options using a simple little button on the left handlebar of the bike. This change doesn’t make any noticeable difference to the riding experience.
I like the digital display screen, which makes it easy to see all the necessary controls in a modern and aesthetic way. However, depending on the sun’s glare, I sometimes had trouble seeing what was on the screen, as it would turn almost all matte black. In those instances, I had to lean forward and strain a bit to see, which is not ideal from a safety point of view.
If you are a shorter person, like me (at a mere 5 feet), I strongly recommend asking your dealer if it is possible to change the kickstand on the bike. It’s easy to put up, but due to the design of the stand itself and its location just below the pedal, you may encounter significant difficulties when it comes time to lower it again.
My impressions of the 2022 650NK
I generally enjoyed my experience with the 650NK: it’s a nice sport-touring bike, with no fireworks, but still very effective. What would make it more appealing to me would be a dashboard that you can see well at all times, regardless of the position of the sun and the strength of its rays. A slightly more cushioned bench and a modified kickstand would be the icing on the cake.
Like the other naked bikes in its lineup, this bike is perfect for riders who want a bike that looks and feels sporty, yet has the comfort and performance needed for long rides.
For those who are willing to make small compromises in design and performance to save a little money, I think CFMoto offers a great option with the 650NK.
To read more about the seven motorcycles that CFMoto recently released in Canada, I recommend this article, which provides an overview.
I would like to thank CFMoto Canada, Mathias Sport and Chicks And Machines for allowing me to discover the 650NK!
