Since 2021, CFMOTO has treated American bikers to affordable zip and stylish pip from their growing motorcycle lineup. As an authorized CFMOTO dealer in San Francisco, SF Moto has a CFMOTO for sale that will let you explore Union Square, cruise down I-280, or do anything else you imagine on two wheels.
CFMOTO now has riders who want fun, thrills, and freedom in a pocket-sized covered, too. In 2022, this global motorcycle manufacturer introduced the Papio mini-moto to US audiences. Based on the mini-bikes that Americans first fell in love with in the 1950s — bikes that were built in people’s garages using lawnmower engines and random spare parts — the Papio offers a modern take on these vintage motorcycles in street-legal form. Their name comes from the scientific genus we call the baboon, and these bikes are certainly bringing some rowdiness to the miniature bike world.
Already, the Papio has caught on, and there are now three versions of the CFMOTO Papio minibike available to San Francisco riders. Are you considering a minibike to jaunt around San Fran or head to the nearest off-road park? Let’s meet the CFMOTO Papio minibike and its siblings to see what they offer Bay-area riders.
The Papio: The Original CFMOTO Mini-Moto
This is the bike that started the new wave of CFMOTO minibikes. Known as the Papio XO-1 in other global markets, it’s designed to be an affordable and efficient urban commuter minibike that is also enjoyable, and it delivers on all counts. The bike weighs a mere 251 lbs, meaning a 126cc air-cooled engine is all that’s needed to get you rolling. The 9.4 hp is comparable to other mini bikes as well as a typical riding mower, but you won’t feel like cutting any grass when rolling through Eureka Valley or Mission Bay. Depending on rider weight, you’re looking at a top speed of around 70-75 mph, which is plenty for downtown cruising and some limited highway travel.
A big advantage the Papio has over competitors like the Honda Grom and Kawasaki Z125 Pro is a six-speed transmission. This gives you more control over the power delivery so you can accelerate smoothly whether you’re cresting a hill or stuck in stop-and-go traffic. It also enables a higher top speed, which is important when power alone won’t get you there. With the stiff and responsive frame, telescoping front fork, swingarm, preload adjustable rear mono-shock, wide tires, and disc brakes, you’re looking at a smooth-handling minibike for those tight city blocks.
The OG CFMOTO Papio also turns heads with its Euro styling. Remarkable details such as the sculpted bodywork and red or black alloy wheels will turn up the heat. LED lighting lets you enjoy riding after the sun sets and looks cool, too. You get all this with an MSRP starting at just $2,999, making the CFMOTO Papio one of the most affordable ways to get started in the motorcycle world.[a] Note that supplies of the original Papio are limited, but you may still be able to find one, and it’s also a great entry to the minibike world on the used market.
The Papio SS: A Racer’s Edge in the Urban Jungle
Do you want a minibike that brings fond memories of retro racing bikes to mind? Then the new Papio SS may be more your speed. (It’s known throughout most of the world as the XO Papio Racer.) This update to the original Papio keeps the horsepower the same but boosts torque from 6.1 to 6.8 lb-ft. A 0.7 lb-ft margin may not seem like much, but in this case, it’s an increase of more than 11%, a noticeable difference when rolling down Market Street or Route 101 in the wee hours.
The Papio SS also keeps the original's six-speed transmission, central mono shock, disc brakes, and 1.9-gallon fuel tank. Beyond this, though, there are some significant changes. The belly pan, quarter-height fairing, and clip-on dropped handlebars are all vintage styling elements, while an under-seat exhaust and anti-lock brakes offer modern performance. CFMOTO has inverted the front fork to make the suspension more responsive, giving riders instant feedback. The seat height drops from 30.5 to 29.9 inches for a little more stability at higher speeds while still getting good lean in corners.
Style-wise, CFMOTO replaces the single LED front headlight with dual-pod lamps that offer fantastic visibility and a look straight out of the 1980s. They have also added a digital gauge and a trio of stunning two-tone paint jobs. In short, the CFMOTO Papio SS is where classic racer style and modern engineering meet in a package shrunk down for eco-friendliness in the city.
The Papio CL: Scrambler-Inspired Adventure
The “CL” designation is what CFMOTO uses to identify scrambler motorcycles. Once you know that, the aim of the CFMOTO Papio CL becomes clear. Codenamed the XO-2 and based on the XO Papio Trail sold in China, the Papio CL tweaks the Papio SS for more of a mini adventure bike vibe.
The CL and SS share a great deal, including the powertrain, suspension design, curb weight, lighting, exhaust, and price tag ($3,299 MSRP).[a] So what are the differences? The tires have a different tread pattern for all-terrain use. The front fender is much higher, so off-road debris isn’t wedged between them and the tires. The seat height is further reduced to 29.1 inches, making it a better bike for shorter riders and giving you a lower center of gravity for riding on dirt and other low-grip surfaces. The belly pan and the quarter-fairing have been removed, though the windscreen remains in place. The handlebars are taller and not clip-on like the retro sportbike. The bike has lower footrests, a single-piece seat, and is sold in different color schemes than the SS.
All these changes were made to allow the Papio CL to be taken off-road on beginner and intermediate trails. It will be just as at home rolling through Golden Gate National Recreation Area as it is in Pacific Heights. This is the CFMOTO minibike for people who want to take their pocket rocket to the edge of civilization and back.
Find Your New CFMOTO Papio at SF Moto
Minibikes have made a huge comeback in recent years thanks to advances that have made them true “mini motorcycles” in both cost and performance. The CFMOTO Papio minibike family takes the next step with high-quality mini-motos that offer comparable or better performance than their premium rivals at a much lower price. Whether you prefer the original all-around urban joys of the Papio, the ‘80s racer styles of the Papio SS, or the any-road-and-trail attitude of the Papio CL, there’s no denying that CFMOTO is putting the fun back in motorcycles. They’re also taking eco-friendliness to the next level, with some riders reporting more than 70 MPG fuel efficiency.
Visit us if you want a CFMOTO Papio for sale in the Bay area. We’re an authorized CFMOTO dealer with a long history in minibikes, scooters, and other pint-sized urban motorcycles that offer undeniable charm. Located conveniently on 8th Street in downtown San Francisco, we’ve been helping riders find new bikes since 1995. Stop by Monday through Saturday to talk to our team about the CFMOTO Papio or take a test ride.
