CFMOTO CLX 700 Sport Top Speed – Unleashing Its Power
Looking for a motorcycle that offers blistering top speed performance without breaking the bank? The CFMOTO CLX 700 Sport might just be the answer you’ve been searching for. This cafe racer-styled naked bike packs a serious punch, with a claimed top speed of 112 mph (180 km/h) and some reviews even reporting speeds over 125 mph. But raw numbers only tell part of the story – let’s dive deeper into what makes this motorcycle such a thrill machine.
Key Highlights of the CFMOTO CLX 700 Sport
The CLX 700 Sport isn’t just a speed demon – it’s a complete package that seamlessly blends vintage scrambler styling with modern performance and tech.
Vintage Looks, Modern Power: The bike’s retro-inspired design, with a flat seat, upright riding position, and scrambler cues, gives it an undeniably cool vintage vibe. But under the skin lies a thoroughly modern 693cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that pumps out a healthy 74 hp and 50.2 lb-ft of torque.
Premium Running Gear: Backing up that punchy engine is a slick 6-speed transmission with a slipper clutch for seamless shifting and prevented rear wheel hop under hard deceleration. The suspension duties are handled by adjustable KYB units front and rear, while stopping power comes from premium Brembo brakes.
Tech and Creature Comforts: Despite its old-school looks, the CLX 700 Sport is well-equipped with modern tech like an LCD instrument display, riding modes, cruise control, and connectivity to CFMOTO’s smartphone app. Practical touches like a USB charging port add to the overall user-friendly experience.
Top Speed Frenzy – How Fast Can It Go?
So what’s the straight truth about the CFMOTO CLX 700 Sport’s top speed? The manufacturer claims a lofty 112 mph (180 km/h) figure, which is already impressive for a middleweight naked bike. But some reviewers have managed to coax even higher speeds out of the parallel-twin engine, with a few reporting genuine top speeds in the 125 mph range.
Equally remarkable is the bike’s acceleration performance. While no official 0-60 mph times are provided, reviews suggest the CLX 700 can hit 60 mph from a standstill very quickly, with one source clocking a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint of just 4.7 seconds. Not too shabby for a bike in this class!
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | 693cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin |
| Power | 74 hp @ 8,500 rpm |
| Torque | 50.2 lb-ft @ 6,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed with slipper clutch |
| Front Suspension | 41mm Upside-down adjustable KYB fork |
| Rear Suspension | Adjustable link-mounted KYB monoshock |
| Front Brakes | Dual 300mm discs with Brembo 4-piston calipers |
| Curb Weight | 451 lbs (205 kg) |
Need for Speed – What Determines the Top Speed?
So what factors enable the CFMOTO CLX 700 Sport to achieve those eye-watering top speeds? A few key elements come into play:
Engine Power and Gearing: With 74 horses on tap from its punchy twin-cylinder engine, the CLX 700 has plenty of muscle. Combine that with a relatively tall top gear ratio, and you have a recipe for serious top-end velocity.
Weight and Aerodynamics: Despite its solid curb weight of 451 lbs, the CLX 700’s mass is well within the norms for a middleweight naked bike. Its compact dimensions and lack of excessive bodywork help minimize aerodynamic drag at higher speeds.
Tires and Suspension Setup: The bike’s premium tires provide good high-speed stability, while the adjustable suspension allows owners to dial in a firmer damping setup for more composed handling when cranking up the pace.
Electronic Aids: While no traction control or electronic aids are listed, the CLX 700 does feature an anti-lock braking system (ABS) that can help prevent speed-induced wobbles or instability under hard braking.
Owners Speak – The Highs and Lows
But what do real-world owners have to say about the CFMOTO CLX 700 Sport’s performance? Here are some highlights from reviews:
“The parallel-twin engine has way more grunt than you’d expect from the specs. It feels properly quick for a mid-sized naked bike.”
“At highway speeds, the bike feels rock-solid stable with very little vibration coming through the bars or pegs. You can cruise at an illicit pace all day long.”
“For the money, the level of kit and components is seriously impressive – adjustable suspension, Brembo brakes, that slick gearbox. Punches well above its weight.”
Of course, no bike is perfect, and some owners did note a few areas for improvement:
“The brakes could use a bit more initial bite and feedback when you’re trail-braking into corners. They’re still plenty powerful but feel a tad vague.”
“The rear suspension can get a little harsh and unsettled over really crummy road surfaces. You’ll want to go easy on the preload adjustment.”
“Service intervals are on the short side even for a budget brand – you’re looking at oil/filter changes every 3,000 miles or so.”
Keeping Up With the Joneses – Top Speed Compared
While outright acceleration and top speed figures are fun to brag about, it’s also worth considering how the CFMOTO CLX 700 Sport stacks up against other naked middleweight contenders in its class. Here’s a quick look at how its claimed top speed compares:
- Kawasaki Z650: 127 mph
- Yamaha MT-07: 124 mph
- Honda CB650R: 122 mph
- Suzuki SV650: 120 mph
- CFMOTO CLX 700 Sport: 112 mph (claimed)
As you can see, the CFMOTO’s top speed does trail some of the direct competition from the major Japanese manufacturers. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the CLX 700 significantly undercuts most of its rivals on price while still delivering very respectable performance.
Need For More Speed? Popular Mods
Of course, no performance-minded rider is ever truly satisfied, and many CLX 700 Sport owners have turned to the aftermarket scene to extract even more speed. Some of the most popular modifications include:
Power Commanders and Tuning: Aftermarket tuning modules from brands like Throttle Punks can remap the CLX 700’s ECU for more power – up to around 77 hp in some cases.
Exhaust Systems: A free-flowing slip-on exhaust from companies like GPR can reduce back-pressure and score a few extra ponies.
Air Filters and Intake Mods: Upgrading the airbox with a performance filter is a quick and easy way to improve airflow.
Gearing Changes: Swapping out the final drive sprockets can alter gearing for improved acceleration or higher top speed capability.
While mods can definitely unlock more performance, it’s important to keep in mind that altering a vehicle from stock may impact reliability, emissions, and warranty coverage.
Pros and Cons of the CFMOTO CLX 700 Sport
To help summarize the overall package, let’s take a look at some of the key pros and cons of the CFMOTO CLX 700 Sport:
Pros:
- Blistering top speed and acceleration for the class
- Retro scrambler styling with a modern twist
- Premium components like Brembo brakes and adjustable suspension
- Punchy liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine
- Loaded with tech like cruise control and phone connectivity
- Incredible value proposition compared to pricier European/Japanese rivals
Cons:
- Some cost-cutting evident in lower-grade plastics and switchgear
- Short service intervals can increase ownership costs
- Brake and suspension feedback could be improved for spirited riding
- Modest top speed still trails some competitors in the class
Worthy Alternatives to Consider
Is the CFMOTO CLX 700 Sport pushing all the right buttons for you? If not, here are some other compelling middleweight naked bikes worth a look:
- Kawasaki Z650: Buttery smooth inline-twin power, premium fit and finish. Starts around $7,749.
- Yamaha MT-07: Cult-classic parallel-twin with a thrilling ride. Priced from $7,899.
- Honda CB650R: Refined inline-four performance with Honda reliability. Expect to pay $9,299.
- Suzuki SV650: Budget-friendly V-twin classic with a cult following. From $7,849 for the ABS model.
- Triumph Trident 660: The elite British triple option, modern tech and premium feel. Priced at $8,395.
While the CFMOTO may not have the brand cachet of some of these bigger names, it does significantly undercut them on pricing while delivering very comparable performance.
The Finer Details
Pricing and Availability
The 2023 CFMOTO CLX 700 Sport starts at $7,199 MSRP before any dealer fees or applicable taxes. For 2024, pricing has increased slightly to $7,399. Availability can vary by region, but the bike is sold through CFMOTO’s growing North American dealer network.
Who Should/Shouldn’t Buy It?
The CLX 700 Sport makes a compelling case for riders who prioritize bang-for-buck performance and don’t mind deviating from mainstream brand loyalty. It’s an excellent option for those on a budget or looking to spend less and modify more.
However, if you place supreme importance on premium brand cache, uncompromised build quality, or frequent very high-speed riding, you may want to consider spending up for a motorcycle from the established European or Japanese manufacturers.
Don’t Ignore These Common Problems
While generally reliable, the CFMOTO CLX 700 Sport has been known to suffer from a few common issues that owners should be aware of:
ABS Module Failure: There have been some reported cases of the bike’s ABS control unit malfunctioning, which can significantly increase braking distances if the software setting is affected.
Fluid Leaks: As with any motorcycle, coolant and oil leaks can develop over time. Careful maintenance is key.
Electrical Gremlins: Issues with things like the cruise control system, instrument display, etc., have cropped up for some unlucky owners.
Missing Fasteners: Quality control issues mean some bikes have been delivered with loose screws, bolts, or other fasteners that need to be addressed.
The good news is that many of these problems are relatively minor and can often be addressed under CFMOTO’s factory warranty coverage if caught early.
FAQs on the CLX 700 Sport
What are the service intervals like?
Pretty frequent – you’re looking at oil/filter changes every 3,000 miles, new spark plugs at 12,000 miles, and a valve check plus air filter change at 24,000 miles.
Does it have traction control or other electronic aids?
No, there’s no selectable traction control system, just a basic ABS setup for the brake calipers.
How’s the fuel economy?
Quite good for a middleweight performance bike. Most owners report getting between 45-50 mpg depending on how aggressively they ride.
Can it be made into a track-only bike?
With some judicious mods like a re-mapped ECU, different gearing, stickier tires, etc., the CLX 700 Sport could potentially serve basic club racing or track day duties.
What about parts and service support?
While CFMOTO’s dealer network is still growing, they aim to provide comprehensive parts and service backing through official channels in the US market.
Final Thoughts
There’s no denying the visceral thrill and appeal of a motorcycle that can crack the triple-digit top speed barrier. And in the case of the CFMOTO CLX 700 Sport, that sense of exhilaration is made all the sweeter by the incredible performance-per-dollar value it represents.
With a claimed 112 mph top speed that some testers have even managed to surpass, this retro-styled naked delivers the kind of eyeball-flattening acceleration and velocity that used to be reserved for much more expensive European and Japanese machinery. And it does so while dressing the part of a vintage-inspired cafe racer rebel.
Of course, straight-line prowess is just one dimension of the CLX 700’s talents. With a punchy liquid-cooled twin, slick gearbox, and premium chassis components like adjustable suspension and Brembo brakes, it’s also a remarkably adept all-around backroad barnstormer that relishes being flung from apex to apex.
Are there a few rough edges and corners cut to meet that aggressive pricing? Sure – some cosmetic touch-points and service intervals could be improved. But what CFMOTO has crafted here is an undeniably thrilling and versatile motorcycle that democratizes top-tier performance in a way few other manufacturers can match.
So whether you’re looking to experience warp-speed thrills on a budget, assemble a durable and dependable middleweight track toy, or just indulge in a neo-retro motorcycle with genuine muscle, the CFMOTO CLX 700 Sport deserves to be on your radar. Just be sure to keep that throttle hand in check when the speed starts ramping up!
