It was 6:00 p.m. at 12:00 p.m.

At least according to the onboard display.

Apparently nobody had bothered to change the clock of the test machine, which was registered in the district of Munich and which already had around 4,000 kilometers on the clock.

What it showed was Beijing local time.

Walter Will

“Technology and Engine” editorial team

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Or Hangzhou, as the city is called, in which this pretty motorcycle is produced.

It's from CF Moto, and it says CF Moto on it, in a lot of places, all around.

This speaks of self-confidence and renunciation of camouflage, which distinguishes this Chinese manufacturer from many others who adorn themselves with brand names that suggest a completely different origin.

Benelli or Moto Morini, for example.

A China travel enduro was recently exhibited at the Intermot trade fair in Cologne, and the tank read: Zundapp.

The CF Moto logo is also emblazoned on the color screen on the handlebars.

To start the system after activating the ignition, a playful CF Moto animation runs on the display.

Unfortunately, there are only two options for choosing the language: Chinese or English.

That's mau.

However, if you are looking for other curiosities to gossip about, you will have a hard time.

China cracker?

no way.

The offer seems tempting

Zhejiang Chunfeng Power Co. – CF Moto for short – uses parts from suppliers that all the well-known manufacturers also order from: electronics from Bosch, ABS systems from Continental, brake components from J.Juan/Brembo, spring elements from KYB, tires from Maxxis or Metzeler/Pirelli.

With the 800 MT Touring, the company presents its first travel enduro.

It's a mid-range motorcycle of eye-catching build that doesn't look insignificant when parked next to a BMW 850, KTM 890, Suzuki V-Strom or Husqvarna Norden 901.

The Touring version of the 800 MT costs 12,500 euros plus exactly 202.30 euros for transport.

That doesn't sound like a super bargain at first, but the offer seems tempting considering the comprehensive equipment.

The standard equipment of the Touring we move includes, among other things, pretty gold-colored wire spoke wheels, a shift assistant for gear changes without using the clutch, steering damper, tire pressure monitoring system, center stand, engine protection, hand protectors, heated grips and a heated driver's seat.

Even light alloy cases and top cases are included.

The "Sport" version of the 800 MT is 2600 euros cheaper, which rolls on simple cast wheels and requires the omission of the above-mentioned equipment features.

After all, it also has cruise control, a 12 V and two USB connections in the cockpit, self-resetting indicators, auxiliary headlights, the aforementioned 7-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity and navigation via an app.

Respect.

With a 19-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel, tires with asphalt tread, not too long suspension travel of 160/150 mm, the 800 MT is not intended for off-road use, but for the road, and a curb weight of a good 230 kilos is quite a lot.

There is also no off-road setting for ABS and traction control, which thanks to Bosch six-axis sensors are able to adapt their control behavior to the lean angle.

The MT is powered by a 799cc two-cylinder engine originally from KTM.

The Austrian brand is linked through a joint venture with CF Moto, which manufactures and distributes KTM motorcycles in China.

The in-line two-cylinder with a rated power of 91 hp at 9250 rpm and 75 Nm at 8000 rpm is known as a bright, lively thing.

Typical for KTM, at low revs you can feel irritation with the request: let it rev higher!

A brilliantly balanced chassis

In the CF Moto, it surprises with occasional dropouts, with unusual jerks that occur when accelerating and a torque curve that sometimes feels wavy.

The bits and bytes in the engine control are apparently still in the discovery phase.

Apparently it still needs a few clicks of post-processing, because that does not meet the expected standard.

Now that might sound worse than it is in practice, but it's not good.

We recorded a consumption of 4.8 to 5.1 liters per 100 kilometers.

The engine's partner is a brilliantly balanced chassis with a superior braking system and hard-working suspension.

The 800 MT can be driven pleasantly stress-free through town and country, balanced handling, neutral when leaning, confidence-inspiring, comfortable and yet with a high degree of accuracy.

The seat height of 825 mm is moderate for an enduro, the sitting position is relaxed but not inactive.

The height-adjustable windshield provides excellent shielding without causing too much turbulence.

Indicator switch without a clear pressure point

Crisp, short shifting paths and low forces on the clutch lever make gear changes a pleasure and the use of the sometimes rough quickshifter is usually superfluous.

The turn signal switch without a clear pressure point lacks feedback, the automatic turn signal deactivation lacks in cleverness, because it seems to act strictly according to the formula, instead of reacting to the respective situation.

Switching the multi-stage heated grips and seats on and off requires a lengthy sequence of commands using two switches on the handlebars.

It can hardly be more complicated.

Nonetheless, the 800 MT looks impressive, in blue and silver with a touch of neon yellow it looks like a police motorcycle from the Far East.

In the course of almost two weeks, there wasn't a moment when we felt embarrassed to be on the road with a CF Moto.

But there were moments when we fundamentally asked ourselves whether privately buying a motorcycle from Mr. Xi's kingdom was an option.

We didn't change the clock, so we often didn't get home from work until midnight.

Beijing local time.