Adventure tourer motorbikes have become the go-to two-wheel transport for so many riders looking for a mile-munching load-lugger.
I loved my trusty Suzuki V-Strom 650 and, having switched to a retro classic and then a sportsbike, expect to return to an adventure tourer when my old joints are not flexible but I need cargo capacity that is!
CFMOTO is certainly getting in on the adventure bike act with four models now ranging from 450 to the new 1000.
They have a lot of road presence and kit for a lot less money that a lot of the competition.
One of CFMOTO’s big-value models is the 700MT which is easy to dismiss with the 800MT-X and forthcoming 1000MT-X.
The 700MT looks a tall, imposing motorbike but an 800mm seat makes it easy for shorter riders to get aboard.
The upright riding position feels very natural and comfortable with huge squidgy seats, a wide handlebar and front footpegs which are set quite high and forward which also suits shorter riders.
This is a bike you could cover big distances on with ease. The windscreen gives good protection in the highest setting and can be wound up and down easily, even on the move, via knobs on either side.
The upside-down 43mm front forks are fully adjustable, the rear shock for preload and rebound, so you can tailor it to your liking and loads.
I found the standard set-up cushioned rough surfaces well, with 140mm of front travel and 145mm at the back. It still allowed the 700MT to be confidently hustled along meandering roads with decent feel and grip from the dual-purpose tyres.
The flexible 693cc, parallel twin engine pulls cleanly from low revs and does its best work in the mid-range, making acceptable progress. The engine was still tight but this is not a motor that rewards being revved hard.
Instead just go for a more relaxed approach to riding, more suited for long-distance touring. The reward was 63mpg in mixed riding which gives a good range with the 20-litre fuel tank.
With 67PS at 9,500rpm and 60Nm of torque at 6,000rpm I expected the 700MT to feel a bit more lively at the top end. That said, it is no lightweight at 240kg, and that is without the optional quick-release aluminium three-case luggage system, although it does not feel heavy to move about.
Twin 320mm front discs, a single 240mm rear disc and ABS stop this big motorbike safely and competently. Traction control is standard.
A big attraction of the 700MT is the price. At £6,499 it is £1,800 less than the more powerful 800MT-X, but still well equipped. Do you need to pay that much more for more power and performance you may not need?
The 5in TFT colour screen displays lots of useful information, including tyre pressures and temperatures, and is easy to navigate.
It also comes with heated grips and seat, handguards, tyre pressure monitoring and Type C and A USB charging ports.
The 700MT is not the quickest adventure bike but can cruise comfortably at 70mph.
Like its two colour options, whether it works for you is black or white.
This is a capable, big-value adventure bike built for comfort rather than speed and that makes it very likeable.
Find out more about the CFMOTO 700MT at orwell.co.uk/cfmoto/new-cfmoto-motorcycle-range/multifunctioning-touring/700mt
