KTM 790 engine platform under licence
CFMOTO holds the manufacturing rights
When KTM updated their 790 to 890 in 2021, they licensed the original 790 engine to CFMOTO for production in China. The CFMOTO 800MT is the result — same fundamental architecture as a KTM 790 (799cc, parallel twin, 270° crank, DOHC), made in China by CFMOTO with their own ECU mapping.
$8,999 vs $12,499 KTM 890 Adventure
Same engine concept, half the cost of difference
CFMOTO 800MT ($8,999) shares the engine architecture of the KTM 890 Adventure ($12,499) — a $3,500 difference for essentially the same powerplant in different chassis. Both are 220-225kg ADVs, both 95-105bhp, both with IMU electronics. The CFMOTO undercuts on price; the KTM has stronger brand cachet, better resale, denser dealer network.
Bosch IMU + 6.5in TFT — class-leading tech
Apple CarPlay integration
The 800MT runs a 6-axis Bosch IMU (same supplier as BMW), full cornering ABS Pro, lean-sensitive traction control, 3 ride modes, optional quickshifter, optional electronic suspension preload (Touring spec). 6.5in TFT with Apple CarPlay support — bigger and more capable than the dashes on most $15k bikes.
Touring spec adds electronic rear preload
Adjusts on the fly for pillion / luggage
The 800MT Touring spec (+$1,500 over base) gets electronic rear preload adjustment — change the rear preload via a button on the bars to compensate for adding a passenger or panniers. Found on bikes 2x the price (BMW R 1300 GS, Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro). Massive value-add at this price point.
21in front wheel option
Same approach as KTM 890 Adventure R
Standard 800MT: 19in/17in cast aluminium wheels, road-biased. 800MT Touring (option): 21in/18in spoke wheels with tubeless tyres, properly capable off-road. Suspension travel increases too. Buyer chooses based on usage profile.
US launched 2022 — 4 years of refinement
Real-world reliability data emerging
CFMOTO 800MT has been on UK sale 4+ years. MCN long-term test (2023-2024) reported 'no major issues over 12,000 miles', service costs in line with Japanese rivals. Bennetts user reviews show similar pattern — early reliability was poor, current production has caught up. Resale data limited but stronger than expected.
