By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Sport Tourer vs Retro Classic
CFMOTO 650MT (MY2021) vs 700 CL-X Heritage (MY2021)
CFMOTO 650MT vs 700 CL-X Heritage: where they split, and which one to buy.
Deep into a long run, the CFMOTO 650MT's twin doesn't fuss and just keeps running trouble-free. Crack the throttle on the CFMOTO 700 CL-X Heritage and it's quick to wake through the midrange. It pulls on to the top with a rorty bark.
So which one do you buy?
The 700 CL-X Heritage has the edge if…
Keeping running costs low
Inches ahead: 700 CL-X Heritage
The 700 CL-X Heritage should be a little cheaper to keep on the road. It's a small gap.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Slight edge: 700 CL-X Heritage
The 700 CL-X Heritage nudges ahead once the pavement starts to wiggle. The reason: stronger brakes. Don't expect a night-and-day difference.
Daily commuting & city riding
Nose ahead: 700 CL-X Heritage
For the Monday-to-Friday grind, the 700 CL-X Heritage pulls a nose in front. The difference is easier maneuvering in tight spots. Your own commute could easily flip it.
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Narrow edge: 700 CL-X Heritage
Learning the ropes leans slightly toward the 700 CL-X Heritage. Your own comfort on it should come first.
What makes each one tick
650MT
Hours in the saddle don't grind on the 650MT, since its bars sit upright and its seat's padded thick. Even on a basic fork and shock, there's an eager front end that turns the bike into a corner. The bars swing through tight U-turns. At highway speed, the chassis stays nailed to the lane.
700 CL-X Heritage
At 432 lb (196 kg), it doesn't hesitate coming off the brake lever and tipping toward the apex. Chunky front rubber holds the line.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The 700 CL-X Heritage has the lower seat: 31.5 in (800 mm) vs 33.1 in (840 mm).
- The 700 CL-X Heritage has the lower wet weight: 432 lb (196 kg) vs 481 lb (218 kg).
- The 700 CL-X Heritage makes more peak power: 69 hp (52 kW) vs 56 hp (42 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Not built for it: 700 CL-X Heritage
Mile-munching sits outside what the 700 CL-X Heritage is for, so it sits out.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
650MT
What owners say
Strengths
- Outstanding value for money
- Comfortable all-day riding position
- Solid engine reliability
- Sporty and stable handling
700 CL-X Heritage
What owners say
Strengths
- Agile and confident handling
- High equipment level for the price
- Lively, perky engine performance
- Premium design and build quality
Known problems to check before you buy
650MT
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
700 CL-X Heritage
- 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.
What they share
- Engine
- Parallel twin
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
Where the spec sheets split
| 650MT | 700 CL-X Heritage | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 33.1 in (840 mm) | 31.5 in (800 mm) |
| Wet weight | 481 lb (218 kg) | 432 lb (196 kg) |
| 650MT | 700 CL-X Heritage | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 649 cc | 693 cc |
| Power | 56 hp (42 kW) | 69 hp (52 kW) |
| Torque | 46 lb-ft (62 Nm) | 50 lb-ft (68 Nm) |
| 650MT | 700 CL-X Heritage | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 42 mpg (US) / 5.64 L/100 km | 49 mpg (US) / 4.8 L/100 km |
| Fuel capacity | 4.8 US gal (18 L) | 3.4 US gal (13 L) |
| 650MT | 700 CL-X Heritage | |
|---|---|---|
| Front tire | 120/70-17 | 110/80-18 |
| Rear tire | 160/60-17 | 180/55-17 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| 650MT | 700 CL-X Heritage | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise Control | Not offered | Standard |
| Slipper Clutch | Not offered | Standard |
| TFT Display | Standard | Not offered |
| Navigation | Option | Not offered |
| USB Charging Port | Not offered | Standard |
| Heated Grips | Option | Not offered |
| Luggage System | Option | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
