CFMOTO has previewed its upcoming 800NK naked bike with a new concept model revealed in China this week.
The CFMOTO NK-C22 concept bike takes on a similar design direction to the 450SR sportsbike-previewing SR-C21 concept bike, with a red-and-black colour scheme and angular carbon-fibre bodywork.
It is unlikely that the concept’s single-sided swingarm, SC Project exhaust, aerodynamic wheels and winglets will make it to the production-ready 800NK, however, the concept bike does provide clues as to what can be expected.
Critically, the bike appears to be based on the same platform as the CFMOTO 800MT adventure bike, suggesting that the new 800NK will use a version of its KTM-sourced 799cc parallel twin, and may carry over its KYB suspension and J-Juan brakes. The 800NK may also borrow the 800MT’s 7.0-inch TFT screen, ride-by-wire electronics package and up/down quickshifter.
While the 800NK will likely get a unique tune compared to the platform-sharing 800MT, it should deliver similar outputs (70kW/77Nm).
At a company conference in China, CFMOTO stopped short of confirming the 800NK’s production but admitted in a press release that “there was little doubt that an 800NK may be in the marque’s immediate future model plan” and that further information “will be announced closer to launch”.
The company also revealed that it plans to launch six petrol-powered and four electric motorcycles in 2023.
While pricing for the CFMOTO 800NK has yet to be confirmed, it will likely be positioned below $15,000 in Australia alongside the 800MT adventure bike, and above the 150NK, 300NK and 650NK in its naked bike line-up.
The CFMOTO 800NK may play as a more affordable naked bike competitor to the likes of the Yamaha MT-09 ($15,699), Triumph Street Triple ($18,140) and BMW F 900 R ($16,885).
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
