CFMOTO Unveils a Pair of Value-Packed Naked Sportbikes

Motorcycle and ATV manufacturer CFMOTO is gaining ground in the North American and European markets, and its latest model releases demonstrate the brand’s desire to continue this momentum. The new CFMOTO 450NK and 800NK are naked sportbikes featuring both modern styling and hardware, and sporting parallel-twin powerplants putting out respectable numbers. With plenty of competition from the traditional Japanese manufacturers, CFMOTO hopes to see success using a combination of features and value.

Starting with the 450NK, CFMOTO has essentially taken its 450SS (450SR in some markets) and stripped off the racer-replica bodywork. Same engine and output, same frame, same suspension, even the seat and tail section appear carried over. Higher bars and lower footpegs on the 450NK will relax the ergonomics, but the rest of the experience should be very similar. It is a tried and true recipe that gives the rider sportbike performance without the boy or girl racer look, and saves the manufacturer big money in development and tooling costs.

Putting out a claimed 50 horsepower and 28.8 lb-ft of torque, the 450NK follows the current trend of cost-effective parallel-twin engines for entry level and middleweight sportbikes. Bosch electronic fuel injection, a 270-degree crank angle, dual overhead cams, six speeds, traction control, and a CF-SC slipper clutch are all fairly standard fare for the segment. Balance shafts keep things smooth up and down the rev range. Seventeen inch wheels are suspended by an upside down fork up front and a linkage actuated shock out back, and stopping is handled by a single 320mm disc and four-piston caliper up front, and a 220 mm disc and single-piston caliper out back, featuring dual-channel ABS.

The 800NK turns the volume up from the 450NK, putting out twice the power from its KTM-derived engine. KTM and CFMOTO have been in collaboration for over a decade, including entering Moto3 Grand Prix competition using KTM bikes rebranded as CFMOTO machines. Thus, it is no surprise that CFMOTO turned to KTM for the powerplant for the 800NK. In the 800NK, the motor puts out a claimed 100 horsepower and 59.7 lb-ft of torque, similar to the numbers for the KTM 790 Duke that shares essentially the same engine architecture.

Bosch EFI, dual overhead cams, six speeds, and a standard CF-SC slipper clutch work in conjunction with an electronic throttle providing three ride modes - SPORT, STREET and RAIN. Riding modes are accessed through the display, and are described as “exhilarating” for SPORT, “balanced and versatile” for STREET, and “safe and confident” for RAIN.

Twice as much power as the 450NK means twice as many discs up front for the 800NK, 320mm with four piston calipers, and a 260mm disc and two piston caliper out back, equipped with Bosch ABS. Calipers are by J. Juan, the Spanish manufacturer of braking components that was acquired by Brembo in 2021. Suspension duties are handled by KYB, with a preload, rebound and compression adjustable upside down fork up front, and a preload and rebound adjustable single shock in back. Cruise control is a nice touch.

Both NK models feature five-inch TFT displays with Bluetooth connectivity and are compatible with the CFMOTO Ride app. LED lighting all around on both bikes, with headlights mounted to a bikini fairing featuring a unique, wing-shaped array of lighting. Stubby, heavily stylized front fenders lead the eye back towards layered body panels, some featuring a carbon fiber look, giving both bikes a very modern appearance, with not a retro styling cue in sight. Two color options each - Nebula White and Zephyr Blue for the 450NK, Nebula White and Zircon Black for the 800NK - are actually somewhat conservative in execution, allowing the bodywork itself to make the majority of the aesthetic statement.

With so many manufacturers moving towards less expensive alternatives to the traditional inline fours that previously dominated the middleweight category, the parallel twin has become a very popular layout that is lighter and less complicated, and with more street-friendly power characteristics. Sharing platforms between models further cuts costs, as do manufacturing partnerships. CFMOTO is hoping to take advantage of all of these factors to further their market share in an already somewhat crowded segment.

The bikes come priced at $5,399 plus freight and setup for the 450NK, and $8,499 plus freight and setup for the 800NK. Visit CFMOTOUSA.com for more information.

This is sponsored content produced in partnership with CFMOTO.