[cycleworld.com] - 2022 CFMOTO 300NK

[Ninjette Newsbot]

The CFMOTO 300NK offers surprising levels of quality and enjoyment, all for a price that significantly undercuts much of its competitors.

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The 300NK is marketed toward newer riders. A stylish design, affordable price tag, and premium features help increase the draw. (CFMOTO/)Ups

• Comfortable, upright ergonomics
• Reasonable price point
• 5-inch TFT display

Downs

• Smaller-displacement engine than some competitors

Verdict

CFMOTO’s entry-level naked sportbike, the 300NK, is an impressive machine marketed as a direct competitor to the small-displacement motorcycles from the Japanese Big Four and European companies. The 300NK features comparable specs, features, and performance at a lower cost, potentially swaying consumers to rethink their biases toward the long-standing contenders in this space.


The 300NK has some unique lines, but doesn’t veer too far from traditional naked-bike design, which keeps the bike from sticking out like a sore thumb in a competitive category. (CFMOTO/)Overview

Enthusiasts have long overlooked Chinese-manufactured motorcycles due to their reputation for mediocre quality, performance, and reliability, especially when compared to their Japanese and European counterparts. Until recently, few motorcycles hailing from the middle empire have been able to break into the US market; enter CFMOTO’s wide-ranging lineup of on-road motorcycles.

With a US headquarters based out of Plymouth, Minnesota, CFMOTO is doing its part to offer budget-friendly, well-optioned, high-quality bikes that’ll significantly undercut the current market. With a strong showing from the company’s all-new line of bikes, CFMOTO is posed to once and for all silence the negative stigmas associated with Chinese manufacturing.

The entry-level 300NK is a force to be reckoned with in the small-displacement naked-bike category. This model features a 292cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder DOHC engine pumping out 29 hp, modern tech, and convenience features that’ll surely trick you into thinking you’re riding a machine with a significantly higher price tag.

One thing to consider is engine displacement, as many of the options in this space have increased in size over the years and outclass the 300NK.


Upright, comfortable ergonomics are traditional naked bike. There’s of course no denying this is a small-bore bike, with dimensions that might not suit taller riders. (CFMOTO/)Updates for 2022

As this is CFMOTO’s first iteration of the 300NK, no updates can be found across the platform.

Pricing and Variants

The CFMOTO 300NK comes in at a reasonable $3,999 and is available in two colors: Athens Blue or Nebula Black.

CFMOTO also offers a similarly spec’d 300SS, a fully faired small-displacement sportbike featuring the same chassis and drivetrain.


Comfortable, upright ergonomics and nimble handling make the 300NK a great option for city riding. (CFMOTO/)Competition

The small-displacement sportbike category has grown rapidly over the past decade and now features a wide range of bikes from nearly every manufacturer. Naked bikes from Europe include the BMW G 310 R ($4,995), Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 ($5,399), and Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 ($5,399). Competition from Japan includes the Honda CB300R ($5,049), Kawasaki Z400 ($5,399), and Yamaha MT-03 ($4,999).


The 292cc single-cylinder engine might be outclassed by some of the larger-displacement competition, but does offer smooth, predictable power. (CFMOTO/)Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

While you can’t expect blistering speed from any entries in the small-displacement, entry-level category, the 292cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder DOHC engine stuffed into the 300NK’s trellis frame provides decent performance in nearly all riding conditions. One important consideration is that, aside from Honda’s 286cc CB300R, the 292cc 300NK is smaller in displacement compared to much of the competition.

As the bike only weighs a claimed 333 pounds, the 29 hp single-cylinder engine still has plenty of oomph to get the 300NK to a top speed of 87 mph, while a Bosch EFI system produces a smooth and linear powerband.

The engine transfers power through a six-speed transmission and slipper clutch that keeps things under control at corner entry. There’s plenty of gearing whether running around town or engaging in mildly spirited riding. Another nice feature is the counterbalance shaft, which helps quell vibrations while cruising down the highway.


The steel trellis frame looks good but also strikes a nice balance between weight, cost, and performance. (CFMOTO/)Chassis/Handling

The 300NK uses a steel trellis frame that looks relatively high-end but, more importantly, helps CFMOTO find a nice balance between weight, cost, and on-road performance. The fork uses a progressive-rate springs while the shock has five clicks of preload adjustment.

Thanks to a low curb weight and wide, one-piece handlebar that offers good leverage, the 300NK feels lightweight and fun regardless if you’re cutting through town or cruising down a tight section of canyon road. Steering is direct and easily controllable, and the suspension promotes a sporty, yet comfortable ride.

Lightweight, predictable handling is important in the world of entry-level bikes and the 300NK manages the task well.


Front brakes consist of a 300mm disc and four-piston caliper. (CFMOTO/)Brakes

Stopping is handled by a four-piston caliper biting on a single, 300mm brake disc. Said disc is bigger than what’s found on the Honda CB300R (296mm) and Yamaha MT-03 (298mm), but smaller than what’s found on the Kawasaki Z400 (310mm) and Husqvarna 401s (320mm). Dual-channel antilock brakes (ABS) are standard.

With such a light overall curb weight, the 300NK’s brakes are capable of slowing things down with relative ease. Brake feel is respectable, and while the initial pull isn’t aggressive, that’s a common trait among entry-level bikes.

Fuel Economy

There is no Cycle World recorded fuel economy data for the 300NK.

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

Compared to CFMOTO’s fully faired 300SS sportbike, the 300NK features a taller, 31.2-inch seat height and standard handlebar for a comfortable and upright seating position that lends itself to around-town riding.

The bike is comfortable for most riders, though remember that small-displacement machines are going to force taller riders to make some sacrifices in terms of comfort.


A 5-inch full-color TFT display on a bike costing under $4,000. Credit CFMOTO for finding ways to incorporate modern technology into an affordable package. (CFMOTO/)Electronics

Continuing with CFMOTO’s “bang-for-your-buck” mentality, the entry-level 300NK is equipped with a slew of electronics that rival similar entry-level bikes, including a 5-inch full-color TFT display and factory-equipped dual-channel ABS. Lighting is all LED too.

Warranty and Coverage

The 300NK comes with CFMOTO’s two-year factory warranty.


A closer look at the 300NK frame and bodywork highlights the relatively high fit and finish of CFMOTO’s bikes. (CFMOTO/)Quality

From what we can tell, the CFMOTO hit the nail on the head with its 300NK, offering a quality motorcycle for an affordable price. Welds on the trellis frame are clean and even, materials seem premium, coatings are robust and neatly applied, and everything functions precisely as intended. You’ll be hard-pressed to point out notable flaws, even with the low, $3,999 price tag.

2022 CFMOTO 300NK Claimed Specs

MSRP:$3,999Engine:292cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder; 4 valves/cyl.Bore x Stroke:78.0 x 61.2mmTransmission/Final Drive:6-speed/chainFuel Delivery:Bosch EFIClutch:Wet, multiplate slipper Frame:Steel trellis w/ aluminum alloy swingarmFront Suspension:Inverted forkRear Suspension:Monoshock, 5-click preload adjustableFront Brake:Radial-mounted 4-piston caliper, 300mm disc w/ ABSRear Brake:1-piston floating caliper, 245mm disc w/ ABSWheels, Front/Rear:Aluminum alloy; 17 x 3.5 in. / 17 x 4.5 in.Tires, Front/Rear:110/70R-17 / 140/60R-17Rake/Trail:25.0°/4.1 in.Wheelbase:53.5 in.Ground Clearance:5.9 in.Seat Height:31.2 in.Fuel Capacity:3.3 gal.Claimed Wet Weight:333 lb.