2021 · Retro Classic · Buyer's Guide
Budget Retro That Actually Handles
Retro isn't about old technology, it's about the feeling, and the 700 CL-X Heritage delivers that on a tight budget. Under the scrambler-flavored styling sits a liquid-cooled 693 cc parallel twin with 69 hp and 50 lb-ft, hung in a steel trellis frame and rolling on an 18-inch front wheel. ABS and ride modes are standard, and so are cruise control, a slipper clutch, a USB port and adjustable suspension at both ends. That's a long list for the money. More important: the bike feels more expensive than it is when you stand in front of it. In this class, that counts.
On the road it's a lively, friendly middleweight: easy to get along with from the first mile, light on its feet in town and settled once the speed rises. The twin saves its best for the upper half of the rev range, so it rewards you for working the 6-speed gearbox. At 49 mpg, running costs stay low. It's for the rider who wants classic looks and real fun in the curves, and who rides for the mood more than the numbers. The caveat: you can see where the money was saved, in the switchgear and in the suspension. And check the fuel tank recall before you buy. Seriously.
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 69 hp (52 kW) @ 8,500 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 50 lb-ft (68 Nm) |
| Displacement | 693 cc |
| Engine | Parallel twin |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Front tire | 110/80-18 |
| Rear tire | 180/55-17 |
| Seat height | 31.5 in (800 mm) |
| Wet weight | 432 lb (196 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 3.4 gal (13 L) |
| Fuel economy | 49 mpg (US) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Connectivity
Drivetrain
Safety
For years I've listened to what riders tell me: in the paddock, at club nights, in owner chats and in the emails and messages that land in my inbox. For the 700 CL-X Heritage the pattern is clear: owners feel they got more bike than they paid for, and their complaints are about low-speed manners and long days in the saddle.
Owners consistently point to the aluminum panels, the leather seat and the neat detailing, and say many components look like they came off a pricier machine. The equipment gets the same reaction: riders say you rarely find this much at this price in the retro segment. They call the twin lively, with a strong mid-range and more excitement than many budget rivals. Quick steering and stable cornering come up just as often. Praise on four fronts.
The most repeated gripe is the throttle at low revs: owners describe abrupt, surging fueling in Sport mode that makes smooth slow riding hard work. Some mention the 3.4 gal (13 L) tank, which they say is good for about 155 miles (250 km) in the real world and means more fuel stops on longer trips. A few report that the rear shock turns harsh after several hours in the saddle. That's the list.
Rare catastrophic transmission failure
An isolated report describes a loud CLUNK followed by loss of gear indication and drive. The cause is unknown, but the failure left the bike unable to shift.
Fuel tank weld defect (recall)
A manufacturing defect in the fuel tank welding can cause a fuel leak, posing a fire risk. Affects 2021 Heritage models (7 units). Owners should contact an authorized dealer for inspection and replacement.
Snatchy throttle and surging at 3,500 rpm
The fueling map causes abrupt power delivery and occasional cut‑out around 3,500 rpm, a known trait across CL‑X models. The issue is most noticeable in Sport mode and can make low‑speed riding jerky.
Difficult neutral selection
Several owners report that finding neutral can be tricky, often requiring multiple attempts or a gentle touch on the shifter.
Where this CFMOTO 700 CL-X Heritage pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the 700 CL-X Heritage is actually built for.
Of the three riders here, you're the best fit. It's light, forgiving and talks to you, so tight, technical curves become practice, not survival. Just smooth out your right hand around 3,500 rpm.
Made for Tail of the Dragon · Back of the Dragon · Blue Ridge Parkway
You get the classic look, an easy rhythm and low running costs. The fit is decent, not perfect: there's no factory luggage system, and the cost-cut switchgear shows when you look closely.
Made for Acadia National Park · Austin / Handbuilt Motorcycle Show · Blue Ridge Parkway
A solid match for sporty weekend loops: agile in the curves, stable on the fast stretches, and cruise control for the ride out. With a 3.4 gal (13 L) tank, you'll plan your fuel stops.
Made for Austin / Texas Hill Country · Texas Hill Country BDR-X · Twisted Sisters
If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
Any price note compares both bikes at the same age — the youngest age both have on the used market — against this CFMOTO 700 CL-X Heritage. “cheaper/pricier” is what that bike costs second-hand, not how worn it is.
Competitor · 2015–2021
Fun Chassis, Honest Soul
Roughly $2,200 pricier used than this bike at 5 yr
Competitor · 2018
Pure Sixties Style, Modern Bones
About the same used price as this bike at 5 yr
Same Platform · 2023–2025
Budget Parts, Real Handling
Similar Character · 2018–2024
Z1 Soul, Modern Muscle
Roughly $4,100 pricier used than this bike at 5 yr