KTM 790 Duke-based CFMoto 800NK Unveiled

The production version of the bike isn’t far off from the concept showcased last year

Chinese two-wheeler giant CFMoto has unveiled its new CFMoto 800NK ahead of the motorcycle’s global debut. This naked doesn’t come as a surprise, considering the recent shift in this segment with the debut of the Honda Hornet CB750 and the Suzuki GSX-8S.

Thanks to its alliance with KTM, CFMoto has used the Austrian marque’s LC8c powertrain for the 800NK. The 799cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin motor belts out 100.6PS at 9000rpm and 81Nm at 8000rpm, which is less than the 790 Duke’s 105PS and 87Nm. That said, it has a clear performance advantage over the Hornet and the GSX-8S.

Making the motorcycle further interesting is its kerb weight of 186kg, despite not skimping on premium hardware or electronics. The CFMoto 800NK gets adjustable USD fork and monoshock, with anchoring duties handled by J.Juan calipers. 

There’s also a vertically mounted TFT console (like on the TVS Apache RR 310), while the rider also has the provision to toggle through three preset riding modes: Rain, Street and Sport.

The styling of the 800NK is very distinctive and not too different from the concept showcased last year. It gets the same aggressive front end with a projector headlight flanked by horn-like DRLs. Its muscular fuel tank is very close to the 790 Duke’s unit and the tapering tail with the high-mounted exhaust adds to the visual drama of the motorcycle.

The CFMoto 800NK is unlikely to make it to our shores, but if you are looking for a middleweight naked in our market, the Kawasaki Z900 makes a strong case for itself.