SF Moto is proud to be the leading motorcycle dealer near Redwood City that offers a remarkable selection of CFMOTO models. CFMOTO is a relatively new name in the American motorcycle industry, but it’s quickly earned an impressive reputation for its commitment to quality, design, and performance. What’s the story behind the company? What can you expect from the CFMOTO lineup on our showroom floor? It’s time to find out.
From Engines to Motorcycles: CFMOTO’s History
CFMOTO is undeniably one of the youngest motorcycle brands to join the American automotive landscape. The company got its start overseas in the Chinese market. In 1989, CFMOTO opened its doors as an engine manufacturer and gained a strong foothold by supplying the engines needed for government and fire vehicles across the country. This success solidified CFMOTO’s reputation and ongoing success as the company looked for ways to expand.
Instead of simply manufacturing and supplying engines, CFMOTO looked to use these potent heartbeats on its own products. Though the company continued manufacturing engines and parts, it also started producing all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), side-by-sides, motorcycles, and scooters. By the new millennium, CFMOTO set its sights on America, bringing its first ATVs and side-by-sides to the country in 2002.
After five years of steady success, CFMOTO opened its American headquarters in Minnesota and launched a global partnership with its corporate headquarters in China. The move proved that CFMOTO was here to stay, with the company importing its top-sellers from other markets. However, despite the best intentions, the bikes didn’t resonate with the American customer base.
CFMOTO took a brief step back from motorcycles, focusing on its ATVs and side-by-sides. Behind the scenes, the company studied the American motorcycle industry intently, listening attentively to rider feedback and gaining a better understanding of expectations and performance needs. In 2022 and 2023, CFMOTO showcased its research and hard work by introducing a new lineup of motorcycles designed specifically for American riders. Those models are what Redwood City riders can expect to find on our showroom floor today.
Meet the Minis: The Papio Family
Mini bikes are often undervalued. However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t in high demand. Mini bikes like the Papio CL and Papio SS are popular on our showroom floor because they give riders an opportunity to enjoy two-wheeled excitement without spending a fortune. The newest models start at a modest $3,299.
The Papio CL and Papio SS are lightweight at 251 lbs and identical in terms of performance. CFMOTO outfits the minis with a 126 cc single-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission to produce nine hp and seven lb-ft of torque. What differentiates these models all comes back to style, with the Papio CL boasting a modern aesthetic and the Papio SS a retro-inspired look with a dual pod LED headlight, quarter fairing, clip-on handlebars, and belly pan.
Meet the Naked Bikes
CFMOTO’s naked bike lineup is a must for Redwood City riders looking to add excitement and style, whether venturing down the peninsula along Route 101, crossing the Dumbarton Bridge to Fremont, or heading to Half Moon Bay to explore the iconic Route 1. You’ll find naked bikes for all skill levels, from the beginner-friendly 300NK and 450NK to the more powerful 800NK, 700CL-X, and 700CL-X Sport. More importantly, the naked lineup starts at $4,199 for the 300NK, making these two-wheeled road warriors some of the most affordable.
The naked lineup starts with the 300NK, weighing 333 lbs and powered by a 292 cc single-cylinder engine that produces 29 hp and 19 lb-ft of torque. Its slipper clutch makes for smooth downshifts, while advanced features like the antilock brakes and Ride App connectivity add to the bike’s value and appeal. As expected, the 450NK builds on this approach but is more potent and performance-oriented, from the race-inspired chassis to its 450 cc parallel-twin engine that produces 50 hp and 29 lb-ft of torque.
The 800NK is the most potent in CFMOTO’s naked lineup, courtesy of its 799-cc parallel-twin engine and six-speed transmission producing 100 hp and 60 lb-ft of torque. Weighing a mere 410 lbs, the 800NK is an incredible performer and remarkably well-equipped. CFMOTO guarantees as much, with the newest model featuring a TFT screen, three ride modes, optional cruise control, a fully adjustable suspension, and a standard slipper clutch.
The 700CL-X and 700CL-X Sport complete the lineup and are stylistically different from each other, like the Papio minis. The bikes rely on a 693-cc parallel-twin engine to produce 74 hp and 50 lb-ft of torque. From there, the 700CL-X is essentially the base model, weighing 441 lbs and blending elements of a scrambler, sport-tourer, and cruiser. The 700CL-X Sport breaks those stereotypes, from its cafe racer-style looks to its hot-rod performance complemented by Brembo brakes and a KYB suspension.
Meet the Sport Bikes
Venturing beyond Redwood City to explore your favorite backroad is the perfect way to break in a sport bike like the 450SS. Designed for hugging corners and chasing the horizon, the 450SS is instantly recognizable. Its aggressive riding position tucks you in, improving aerodynamics and heightening your control as you test its limits. It’s hard to believe it’s a 450-cc motorcycle.
CFMOTO proves its ingenuity by outfitting the bike with a 450 cc parallel-twin engine. The crankshaft is angled at 270 degrees to extend the torque curve and increase its output to 50 hp and 29 lb-ft of torque. Most impressively, the 450SS sounds like a V-Twin. CFMOTO sweetens the bike’s packaging by adding Brembo brakes, a reverse shifting option, and a multi-link rear suspension for exceptional handling.
Meet the Adventurers
While Redwood City is beloved for its suburban feel, numerous parks, and proximity to bigger cities like San Francisco, there’s much to be said for traveling beyond the city limits. Exploring life on and off the pavement is especially appealing on an adventure bike like the IBEX 800 S or IBEX 800 T. The IBEX models are the cornerstone of the CFMOTO lineup, showcasing the manufacturer’s exceptional ability to deliver performance, capability, and innovation in a value-oriented package.
The IBEX 800 S and IBEX 800 T are undeniably siblings, both powered by a 799cc parallel-twin engine that produces 94 hp and 57 lb-ft of torque to power the 509-lb adventurers. The IBEX 800 S is what you’d call a base model, but it’s far from basic because it features cornering antilock brakes, an integrated CF-SC slipper clutch, and a fully adjustable KYB suspension that makes it easy to adjust the ride quality and handling when riding solo or two up. The IBEX 800 T adds everything imaginable to ensure you enjoy the ride, from cruise control and a heated seat to heated handgrips, a center stand, luggage racks, a seven-inch TFT display, and an up-and-down quick-shifter that give you the confidence to go the distance.
Choosing Your CFMOTO Ride
CFMOTO might be relatively new to the American motorcycle landscape, but it’s quickly proven to be an up-and-coming brand with a reputation for quality, performance, and value. Those characteristics are appealing to Redwood City riders of all skill levels, whether you’re looking for an entry-level bike like the 300NK to hone your skills or want to venture beyond the city limits on a powerhouse like the 800NK or the IBEX 800 T. The question is, what CFMOTO bike will fit your life in Redwood City?
