Concept: KTM Engine, CFMoto Frame, 21-Inch Front Wheel—the Long-Overdue Off-Road-Oriented 800

The 800 MT-X is the more serious off-road version of the 800 MT family. While the 800 MT Explore, with 150 mm of suspension travel and a 19-inch front wheel, is primarily designed as an adventure tourer, the MT-X gets 200 mm of suspension travel, a 21-inch front wheel with wire-spoke rims, and enduro-oriented original-equipment tires.

CFMoto positions the MT-X as a 60/40 motorcycle: 60 percent road, 40 percent off-road. This is not a hardcore enduro, but it is considerably more capable than an asphalt-focused adventure bike fitted with aggressive-looking tires. It is a mixture of Austrian engine technology and German electronics wrapped in Chinese design.

There are two versions. The Standard has an 870–875 mm seat height and the full 200 mm of suspension travel. The Comfort version has an 830 mm seat height and 40 mm less suspension travel—for riders under 1.75 meters or those who need easier ground reach. Both cost the same. The only standard colors are Zephyr Blue and Tundra Grey.

Engine: 91 hp, 87 Nm, LC8c-Based—Refined and Powerful, But With a Noticeable Midrange Torque Weakness

The 799 cc LC8c-based twin produces 91 hp at 8,500 rpm and 87 Nm at 6,750 rpm.

That gives the MT-X 12 Nm more than the 800 MT Touring and puts it close to KTM 790 territory at 95 hp and 88 Nm.

The engine delivers strong initial acceleration, linear drive, and a bass-heavy twin pulse that in testing sounds slightly more aggressive and substantial than its orange KTM siblings. Throttle response remains pleasantly easy to modulate even in Sport mode—important for off-road riding. A quickshifter comes standard.

Some riders criticize a noticeable torque weakness between 5,000 and 7,000 rpm.

At 91 hp, that is not a deal-breaker, but it is one area where the engine calibration differs from the quality of the original KTM setup. Reportedly, this has since been revised. Torque dip or not: for touring speeds and off-road riding, the engine provides more than enough performance.

Chassis: Fully Adjustable 48 mm KYB, 200 mm of Travel, 230 mm Ground Clearance—Surprisingly Capable for the Price

The 800 MT-X chassis leaves a strong impression. The 48 mm KYB USD fork—compared with 43 mm on the standard model—is fully adjustable. So is the rear monoshock. Suspension travel is 200 mm at both ends. Ground clearance is 230 mm. The suspension deals confidently with ruts and loose rocks, does not bottom out or begin to wallow, and provides useful feedback from the terrain through the grips and footpegs.

The MT-X feels neutral and confidence-inspiring in rain, leaves, and gravel.

With a full luggage system and hard acceleration, however, handlebar slap can occur.

A steering damper comes standard, but apparently is not always sufficient in this particular configuration. Anyone planning to ride the MT-X with luggage should check this during a test ride. The KYB suspension is clearly not in the same league as WP or Öhlins. However, riders who eventually want more can upgrade later.

Brakes & Electronics: J.Juan Radial Calipers, Bosch IMU, Cornering ABS, Three Riding Modes—An Off-Road-Capable Package

The front brake is a J.Juan dual-disc system with 320 mm rotors and radially mounted calipers with adjustable levers. At the rear is a 260 mm disc with a floating caliper. Initial bite is adequate. For very sporty year-round asphalt riding, stronger progression would be welcome. Off-road, the deliberately restrained setup makes sense.

Cornering ABS uses data from a Bosch 6-axis IMU and is lean-angle sensitive.

In Offroad mode, the system allows enough front-wheel slip, while rear ABS can be completely deactivated with a three-second button press directly from the riding mode—no menu required.

Three riding modes come standard: Standard, Rain, and Offroad. Quickshifter. Cruise control. TPMS. The vertically oriented 7-inch TFT can be tilted through four positions and includes Bluetooth, T-Box, and Google navigation. A steering damper comes standard. The windscreen can be height-adjusted with one hand. USB-C and USB-A ports are included.

There are no heated grips—not even in the accessory catalog at the time of launch. An optional heated seat is available.

Ergonomics & Tires: 870 mm Seat Height, 22.5-Liter Tank, CST Original-Equipment Tires—the Weakest Point From the Factory

The MT-X ergonomics work well. The seat is slim, with a standard height of 870 mm. The fuel tank uses low-slung side sections inspired by KTM’s design and holds 22.5 liters. The riding position is upright and enduro-oriented. For a 1.90-meter rider, the ergonomics are very good. The knee angle remains relaxed despite the generous cornering clearance.

When standing, there is sufficient room to move forward and enough surface area on the tank to grip with the legs. The suspension responds sensitively when the rider actively works with the motorcycle. The standard CST Ambro A4 tires in 90/90-21 front and 150/70-18 rear sizes are an unfortunate choice considering the MT-X’s off-road potential. The tread pattern strongly resembles the Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR, but the quality is lower.

Anyone intending to use the MT-X seriously off-road should invest in higher-quality tires early. Service intervals are 15,000 km.

Costs: €9,499 Including Additional Charges—Around €3,000 Less Than the KTM 790 Adventure, 4-Year Warranty

The CFMoto 800 MT-X costs €9,499 including all additional charges.

The KTM 790 Adventure cost €11,990 when it launched in 2024.

The Aprilia Tuareg 660 costs €12,199, produces 80 hp, comes with Öhlins suspension as standard, and uses a 21-inch front wheel.

The Honda Africa Twin starts at €16,449, produces 102 hp, and offers optional DCT: more expensive, larger displacement, more proven.

The BMW F 800 GS starts at around €10,650 plus additional charges and produces 87 hp: more expensive, less off-road focused.

The MT-X is priced below all of these alternatives and includes more standard equipment. The optional three-piece luggage set costs €1,568 including mounting hardware.

Verdict

91 hp KTM twin, fully adjustable 48 mm KYB suspension, 200 mm of travel, cornering ABS, quickshifter, cruise control, TPMS, 22.5-liter fuel tank, steering damper, 21/18-inch wire-spoke wheels, four-year warranty. The CST original-equipment tires cost it points.

The engine has previously suffered from a midrange torque dip. Know that and plan accordingly, and for €9,499 you get a well-equipped adventure bike that delivers far more than its price suggests.

 

Quick Check

+ KTM LC8c-based engine: 799 cc, 91 hp, 87 Nm; refined, bass-heavy twin-cylinder sound

+ Fully adjustable 48 mm KYB USD fork; fully adjustable rear monoshock; 200 mm suspension travel at both ends

+ 230 mm ground clearance; tubeless-compatible 21/18-inch wire-spoke wheels

+ Suspension handles off-road terrain confidently; sensitive response and plenty of feedback

+ Cornering ABS standard with Bosch 6-axis IMU; rear ABS can be deactivated with a three-second button press

+ Three riding modes: Standard, Rain, Offroad; Offroad mode allows front-wheel slip and disables rear ABS

+ Quickshifter and cruise control standard

+ Steering damper standard

+ TPMS standard

+ 22.5-liter fuel tank; more than 400 km of range based on CFMoto’s 4.6 L/100 km claim

+ Vertical 7-inch TFT; Bluetooth; T-Box; Google navigation; USB-C/A

+ Comfort version: 830 mm seat height instead of 870 mm, with 40 mm less suspension travel

+ €9,499 including additional charges—approx. €3,000 less than KTM 790 Adventure

+ 4-year warranty; 15,000 km service intervals

 

– Torque weakness between 5,000 and 7,000 rpm: noticeable dip that differs from the original KTM calibration

– CST Ambro A4 original-equipment tires: unfortunate choice for the MT-X’s off-road potential; early tire replacement recommended

– No heated grips standard

– Suspension below premium WP or Öhlins level: noticeable for ambitious off-road riders

– Brakes on asphalt during sporty riding: progression and bite could be stronger

– No luggage system standard; optional aluminum luggage set approx. €1,568

– Resale value not yet established; CFMoto dealer network smaller than KTM’s

 

Technical Specifications: CFMoto 800 MT-X (2026)

Country of manufacture: China (CFMoto; engine based on KTM LC8c)

Engine: Liquid-cooled 799 cc parallel twin, DOHC; KTM LC8c-based; 6-speed transmission; quickshifter standard; twin balance shafts; DLC coating

Power: 91 hp (67 kW) at 8,500 rpm

Torque: 87 Nm at 6,750 rpm

Riding Modes / Electronics: Standard, Rain, Offroad standard; cornering ABS with Bosch 6-axis IMU; TCS; switchable rear ABS; quickshifter; cruise control; steering damper; TPMS; T-Box

Versions: Standard: 870–875 mm seat height, 200 mm suspension travel; Comfort: 830 mm, approx. 160 mm suspension travel

Frame: Chrome-molybdenum steel; aluminum swingarm

Front suspension: 48 mm KYB USD fork; fully adjustable; 200 mm travel on Standard version

Rear suspension: KYB monoshock; fully adjustable; 200 mm travel on Standard version

Ground clearance: 230 mm on Standard version

Front brakes: Radially mounted J.Juan four-piston calipers; dual 320 mm discs; cornering ABS

Rear brake: J.Juan floating caliper; 260 mm disc; switchable ABS

Wheels: Tubeless-compatible wire-spoke wheels; 21-inch front / 18-inch rear

Tires: 90/90-21 front; 150/70-18 rear; CST Ambro A4 standard

Display: Vertical 7-inch TFT; four-position tilt adjustment; Bluetooth; T-Box; Google navigation; USB-C and USB-A

Windscreen: One-hand height adjustment

Wet weight: 220 kg

Seat height: 870–875 mm Standard / 830 mm Comfort

Wheelbase: Approx. 1,530 mm

Fuel capacity: 22.5 liters; more than 400 km range based on CFMoto’s 4.6 L/100 km claim

Service interval: 15,000 km

Price (Germany): €9,499 including additional charges

Warranty: 4-year manufacturer warranty