Right, stop what you are doing. Close the loan application for your next naked bike and read this first. CFMOTO's 675NK is hilarious fun; it's everything I got into motorcycling for. It is the company's first crack at a triple-cylinder streetfighter, and rather than dipping a toe in cautiously, CFMOTO has gone all in with a bike that is far better than its sub-$11k price tag suggests it should be.
Designed by CFMOTO's European Modena40 design centre, the same team responsible for the impressive 800NK, the 675NK shares its platform with the fully-faired 675SR-R but wears an aggressive, stripped-back naked aesthetic. The result is a compact, purposeful machine that looks every bit the modern urban brawler it's intended to be.
At the heart of the 675NK is a brand-new, in-house developed 675cc inline triple producing a claimed 94hp (70kW) at 11,000 rpm and 70Nm at 8,250 rpm. On paper those numbers place it firmly in the middleweight pack, but numbers alone don't tell the full story. This engine is loaded with character. It pulls cleanly from as low as 3,000rpm, builds strong mid-range drive, and then charges hard towards the top end with a proper triple-cylinder howl. The underslung exhaust adds a gruff, growly note that gives the bike a sense of attitude well beyond its price point.
Performance is more than adequate for real-world riding, the engine feels eager and engaging every time you crack the throttle. Fuelling at very small openings can be a little toey in traffic, and the up-only quickshifter can be abrupt during low-rpm 1-2 shift, but once you're riding with intent, both issues largely fade into the background and the sound of the triple when it's on the pipe is glorious - I'd love to hear one with an aftermarket can on it.
Chassis performance is where the 675NK really surprises. Built around an alloy steel tubular frame with a high-arch aluminium swingarm, the bike tips the scales at a claimed 189 kg wet. On the road it feels even lighter. Steering is exceptionally quick, allowing the bike to dive into corners with almost supermoto-like enthusiasm. It's agile, flickable and playful in a way that makes every ride entertaining, whether you're slicing through traffic or linking corners on a favourite back road.
Suspension is handled by fully adjustable KYB components, with 41 mm USD forks and a rear monoshock offering preload, compression and rebound adjustment. Out of the box, the setup is impressively well balanced, providing good support without harshness. Braking is equally strong, with J.Juan four-piston radial calipers and dual 300 mm floating discs delivering confident stopping power and good lever feel
Ergonomics are another pleasant surprise. With an 810 mm seat height and wide, raised handlebars, the 675NK offers a comfortable, slightly sit-in riding position that works well even for taller riders. At 186 cm, the bike feels roomy and relaxed without sacrificing control or connection to the front end.
The tech package is generous for the money. A 5-inch curved TFT display includes navigation projection via MotoPlay, while the standard T-Box provides 4G connectivity and tyre pressure monitoring. Traction control is adjustable across two levels, although the cable-operated throttle means there are no ride modes.
The 675NK is just hilarious fun. I'm genuinely stunned at how good it is considering its sub-$11k price tag. The engine is full of character, it stops hard, and it handles like a bike at this price point has no right to do. It's comfortable even for my 186 cm frame and generous proportions. After playing on the 675NK for a couple of months and already falling hard for the brands 800MT-X adventure rig, it's safe to say the Chinese invasion is very real. CFMOTO's bikes just keep getting better, and the 675NK is a proof that the company isn't afraid to do it differently.
