KTM partnership
European tech, Chinese price
CFMOTO uses KTM-licensed 799cc parallel-twin under technical partnership. Same engine as the original KTM 790 Duke (which has since moved to 890). 95bhp, mature platform, made in China at much lower cost than European-built equivalents.
vs KTM 790 Duke (parent)
70% of the price
KTM 890 Duke ($10,099 UK, 105bhp): the official KTM. CFMOTO 800NK ($7,395, 95bhp same engine): Chinese-built equivalent at 73% of the price. KTM has the badge and dealer network advantage; CFMOTO has the bargain.
vs Honda CB1000 Hornet
Different displacement, different rider
CB1000 Hornet ($9,999, 1000cc 152bhp): bigger, more powerful. 800NK ($7,395, 800cc 95bhp): cheaper, lower power, lighter. Different riders — Hornet for those wanting a literbike, 800NK for those wanting a value middleweight.
vs Suzuki GSX-8S
Direct rival
GSX-8S ($8,499, 776cc 82bhp, 202kg): Japanese build, slightly less power. 800NK ($7,395, 95bhp, 186kg): Chinese build, more power, lighter, cheaper. Tough call — Suzuki wins on dealer network and resale, CFMOTO on price and performance.
Cheapest way in
$5,500 (used 2023)
A clean 2023 800NK is the cheapest entry to 800-class naked riding. $5.5-7k for a tidy one. Watch dealer support — coverage thinner than Japanese brands.
Rider aids count
Full modern stack
Cornering ABS, IMU/TC, 3 ride modes, 5" TFT, quickshifter on Sport trim, Brembo brakes. Equivalent to bikes $2-3k more expensive. The KTM-licence engine brings KTM-class electronics.
