What’s the True Top Speed for the CFMoto 300NK Sportbike?

The CF Moto 300NK has gained a reputation as a swift, nimble, small-displacement machine. With sportbike-inspired styling wrapped around its 292cc single-cylinder engine, this motorcycle punches above its weight class when it comes to acceleration and top speed.

But exactly how fast can the 300NK really go when you twist the throttle and tuck in?

The CF Moto 300NK has a tested and verified top speed of about 87 mph (140km/h) under optimal conditions. While not likely to be setting any land speed records, this little 300 can comfortably cruise at highway speeds and has enough power in reserve to make quick passes.

In this detailed review, we’ll break down key factors that determine the 300NK’s maximum velocity, evaluate independent top speed test results, see how it stacks up against the competition, look at modifications that can add even more straight-line speed, highlight owner experiences, and help you determine if its performance capabilities match your riding needs.

CF Moto 300NK Key Specs and Overview

Before jumping into top speed, here’s a quick look at some key specs and features on the 300NK:

Category	Detail
Model Name	CF Moto 300NK
Colors	Galaxy Black, Nebula Blue
Price	Starts at $4,199 + freight and fees
Top Speed	87 mph (140 km/h)
0-60 km/h	3.19 seconds
Engine Type	Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke single cylinder DOHC 4 valve
Displacement	292cc
Bore x Stroke	76mm x 62mm
Compression Ratio	10.5:1
Fuel System	Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Ignition System	Full Transistorized Ignition
Starter System	Electric Start
Transmission	6-Speed Constant Mesh
Final Drive	Chain Drive
Front Suspension	37mm Upside Down Forks
Rear Suspension	Monoshock
Front Brake	Single 280mm disc with dual-piston caliper
Rear Brake	Single 220mm disc
Front Tire	110/70-17
Rear Tire	140/60-17
Wheelbase	1360mm (53.5 inches)
Seat Height	795mm (31.3 inches)
Wet Weight	151 kg (333 lbs)
Fuel Capacity	12.5 liters (3.3 gallons)
Power	29 hp @ 8750 rpm
Torque	18.7 lb-ft @ 7250 rpm

This lightweight 151 kg (333 lb) machine is built around a high-revving 292cc single-cylinder engine with nearly a 8750 RPM redline. While displacing just 292cc, matched with the 110/70R-17 front and 140/60R-17 rear tires, it generates enough power for a top speed of 87 mph and respectable acceleration. Precise electronic fuel injection delivers smooth, predictable power across the rev range.

The sportbike-derived steel trellis frame uses the engine as a stressed member for light weight and agility. With a 25 degree rake and 4.1 inches of trail, it provides quick steering. 37mm upside-down front forks and preload-adjustable rear monoshock, with 150mm (5.9 inches) of ground clearance, help it smoothly carve corners.

Slowing things down are dual-piston front calipers biting 280mm discs, along with a 220mm rear disc and ABS. Combined with the 795mm (31.3 inch) seat height and 1360mm (53.5 inch) wheelbase, it’s a nimble yet stable package.

Determining Factors in the 300NK’s Top Velocity

What enables the 300NK to reach freeway-capable velocities, despite its 292cc engine? Here are the key factors:

• High Specific Output – Producing 29 hp from the 76 x 62mm bore & stroke engine gives a specific output of over 99 HP/liter. Good acceleration from limited displacement.
• Low 151 kg (333 lb) Wet Weight – With just 151 kg (333 lbs) to haul around, the power-to-weight ratio is excellent. Less mass to get moving equals higher speeds.
• 6-Speed Transmission – Having 6 gears allows a low 1st for initial acceleration and a tall 6th to reduce RPMs at highway pace. Keeps engine in the powerband.
• Slipper Clutch – The wet multiplate slipper clutch prevents rear wheel hop during aggressive downshifts, enabling harder acceleration between corners.
• 110/70-17 and 140/60-17 Tires – The 110/70-17 front and 140/60-17 rear tires provide enough grip to put the power down effectively at lean angles.

The combination of these performance factors enable the CFMOTO 300NK to reach a maximum velocity of 87 mph – very respectable for a 292cc beginner bike.

Independent Top Speed Tests

While CF Moto claims a top velocity of 87 mph (140 km/h), independent tests show the 300NK reaching slightly higher speeds in real world conditions:

• CFMOTO 300NK 2023 Highway test, top speed 4k: This video shows the CFMOTO 300NK 2023 model on a highway test, reaching a top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph) according to the speedometer. The video also shows the acceleration, braking, and handling of the bike.
• CF Moto NK 300 | Velocidad final | Top Speed | GPS | CF Moto 300 NK: This video shows the CF Moto NK 300 on a speed test, reaching a top speed of 139 km/h (86 mph) according to the GPS device. The video also shows the sound, vibration, and stability of the bike.

Those measured results validate that this 300 can comfortably sustain highway pace with its 87 mph top speed, and likely has some extra capability in reserve. Helping it reach those velocities is the oversquare 78.0 x 61.2mm (56.5 x 49.5 incorrectly stated previously) engine design.

With a wider bore relative to stroke, this allows higher engine speeds than an equivalently sized undersquare layout. Spinning up to the 10,000 RPM redline enables keeping the powerband in its optimal range when cruising at 70+ mph in 6th gear.

Let’s look at how it stacks up to the competition when it comes to max speed.

Top Speed vs Rival 300cc Sportbikes

The CF Moto NK 300 is at the upper echelon of its class when it comes to top speed:

• KTM RC 390 – 112.5 mph (181 km/h)
• Kawasaki Ninja 300 – 106–119 mph (171–192 km/h)
• Yamaha YZF-R3 – 112 mph (180 km/h)
• TVS Apache RR 310 – 93 mph (150 kmph)
• CF Moto 300SR – 90 mph (145 kmph)

The KTM RC 390 and Kawasaki Ninja 300 300cc sportbikes have a faster maximum velocity of 112.5mph and 106-119 mph respectively. The Yamaha YZF-R3 also reaches 112 mph. By comparison, the TVS Apache RR 310 manages 93 mph while the CF Moto 300SR tops out at 90 mph.

Can the 300NK Go Even Faster?

Are there any modifications that can be made to add more top speed? Let’s look at a few potential upgrades and how much additional performance they might yield:

Exhaust System

Swapping the stock muffler for an aftermarket slip-on pipe like one from Two Brothers Racing or Yoshi could add 1-3 mph by reducing back pressure and allowing better rpm increases.

ECU Tuning

Having a fuel map optimized with a plug-and-play tuner like a Power Commander could tweak the fueling and timing to gain 2-5 mph on the top end once the intake and exhaust are less restrictive.

Gearing Change

Going up 1-2 teeth on the rear sprocket would lower the gear ratios and provide more pull off the line while still allowing enough rpm range to hit 100+ mph.

Weight Reduction

Shaving pounds with a lightweight battery, carbon bits and titanium header could allow a tiny gain under ideal conditions just by requiring slightly less horsepower to push the bike through the air.

While small incremental gains are possible, getting the 300NK much past 100 mph would require more extensive engine work. The stock internals are likely already spun to their limit at redline in 6th gear.

What 300NK Owners are Saying About Top Speed and Acceleration

With many happy owners logging miles on the CFMOTO 300NK, what have their real world experiences been with maximum velocity and pace?

“Once I got it above 8750 rpm it would absolutely scream! I saw an indicated 103 mph on the speedo one time with a tail wind and full tuck.”

While the analog speedometer may have optimistically read 103 mph, when combined with ideal conditions, owners report the 300NK has impressive top-end pace. However, instrumented testing shows a more modest 87 mph maximum.

“It feels just as fast as the Ninja 300 I used to have. Maybe it doesn’t quite have the top end for highway passing that my Kawasaki did but I haven’t noticed much difference.”

Owners praise the acceleration feeling on par with comparable 300cc rivals. While the Ninja 300 may reach slightly higher absolute speeds, real-world passing power and pace feels closely matched.

“Redline in top gear has it going plenty fast for me! It’s got more acceleration than you’d expect just from the displacement.”

Despite its 292cc engine, owners find the acceleration and velocity fully sufficient for real world use. The advanced engine enables punchy speed increases up to its 87 mph documented maximum.

So while the 300NK may not quite hit triple digit speeds, for a small entry level motorcycle, owners report excellent powerband depth and an entertaining top end.

Pros of the 300NK’s Speed Capabilities

• Excellent fuel efficiency – 60+ mpg means less trips to the gas station
• High quality components like upside down front forks, radial-mount brakes
• Slipper clutch aids performance, lowers chance of rear wheel lockup on downshifts
• Superb ergonomics for a wide range of rider sizes
• 5 color and graphic trim options for personalization and style
• Flexible engine can do low end torque for city riding or rev for track/spirited sprints
• Strong aftermarket support for add-ons like exhausts, windscreens, etc.

Cons To Consider

• Seat not very comfortable for long distances due to sportbike style
• No ABS option for additional braking confidence (only available on some trims)
• Lifespan of stock tires may be shorter due to power and hard acceleration
• Higher RPM engine requires frequent valve adjustments for peak operation
• Some owners wish for wider rear tire than stock 140 size for more grip
• Limited luggage and storage capacity compared to standard/naked bikes

Solid Alternatives with More Speed

If your riding regularly includes wide open straightaways where wringing out every last mph is important, there are alternatives in the CF Moto lineup and beyond worth considering:

KTM RC 390

The 2023 KTM RC 390 is a high-performance supersport motorcycle with an impressive technology package, race-derived styling, handling characteristics, and addictive power delivery. It features an all-new bionic wheel design, a lightweight frame, a 373 cc liquid-cooled engine, and a new Ride-by-Wire system with optional QUICKSHIFTER+ and TFT display.

Yamaha YZF-R3

The Yamaha YZF-R3 is a sport bike that has been in production since 2015. It is powered by a 321 cc liquid-cooled inline-twin engine that produces 42 hp and 29.6 Nm of torque. It has a steel diamond frame, an inverted front fork, and a single disc brake on both wheels. It also has a low-profile fuel tank, a compact handlebar position, and a windscreen inspired by the Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP bike.

While each of those models comes with a higher purchase price, their additional engine muscle gives them an edge at peak velocity that the 300NK can’t quite match.

Conclusion: Independent testing

While sub-300cc sportbikes were previously best suited for around-town riding, the CFMOTO 300NK has well-balanced performance to comfortably join freeway traffic and surprise larger bikes. Between its sharp handling and 292cc engine revving to 8750 RPM, its 87 mph top speed meets the company’s claims.

It may give up some maximum velocity to bigger displacement competition, but being able to sustain 80+ mph and still have acceleration in reserve makes the 300NK extremely versatile. Its agile nature and deceptive pace help explain why owners praise its abilities in both urban areas and on highways.

So if you want an entry level motorcycle with a dash of speed to enliven your commute or weekend ride, the 300NK delivers as a nimble bike that outpunches cubic centimeters. While “fast” is subjective, this 292cc CFMOTO has genuinely impressive pace that puts a grin on riders’ faces!