CFMOTO 800MT-ES: A closer look at the tech on CFMOTO’s most advanced adventure tourer
Meet the new CFMOTO 800MT-ES
Adventure touring motorcycles have evolved considerably over the last decade. Riders now expect more than strong performance and long-distance comfort. They want intelligent rider aids, premium technology and the ability to adapt effortlessly to changing roads, weather and riding conditions.
The new CFMOTO 800MT-ES has been developed with exactly these expectations in mind.
Building on the already well-equipped 800MT platform, the 800MT-ES introduces one of the most significant technological upgrades seen in the middleweight adventure sector: an Intelligent Suspension System (ISS) that continuously adjusts the motorcycle in real time. Combined with Bosch Motorcycle Stability Control, radar-assisted rider aids and an extensive suite of premium touring equipment, the result is an adventure motorcycle engineered to deliver confidence on every ride.
In this guide, we take a closer look at the engineering, technology and features that make the CFMOTO 800MT-ES one of the most advanced motorcycles in its class.
A proven 799cc parallel-twin engine
Powering the 800MT-ES is CFMOTO’s 799cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine.
Producing 67kW (91hp) at 9,250rpm and 75Nm of torque at 8,000rpm, the Euro 5+ compliant engine delivers strong performance across a broad range of riding conditions while maintaining the smooth characteristics expected from a modern adventure touring motorcycle.
The six-speed gearbox is paired with a slipper clutch and a bi-directional quickshifter, allowing seamless clutchless upshifts and downshifts. This helps maintain momentum during spirited riding while reducing rider fatigue during long-distance touring.
The engine has been developed to complement the motorcycle’s advanced electronics package, delivering predictable power that works in harmony with the rider assistance systems.
Intelligent Suspension System explained
The headline feature of the 800MT-ES is its new Intelligent Suspension System (ISS).
Unlike conventional suspension that requires manual adjustment using tools, the ISS electronically controls damping in real time. Sensors continually monitor the motorcycle’s movement, speed and riding conditions before sending data to the ECU, which adjusts the suspension almost instantly to suit the situation.
This allows the motorcycle to respond automatically to changing road surfaces, rider inputs and vehicle load, helping maintain stability, comfort and control throughout the journey.
The system represents a significant advancement over traditional suspension by allowing riders to change settings directly from the handlebar controls without stopping or making mechanical adjustments.
Four preload settings for different loads
Adventure touring often means riding in very different conditions from one journey to the next.
One day may involve a solo ride with minimal luggage, while another could see two riders travelling with fully loaded panniers.
The Intelligent Suspension System accommodates these changing requirements through four electronically adjustable preload settings:
- Solo rider
- Solo rider with luggage
- Rider and passenger
- Rider, passenger and luggage
Adjusting preload electronically maintains the correct ride height and chassis balance for each scenario, improving handling while also optimising comfort.
The system also alters seat height slightly as preload changes, helping the motorcycle remain balanced regardless of load.
Adaptive damping that thinks for you
Alongside electronic preload adjustment, the Intelligent Suspension System continuously adapts damping while riding.
Three damping modes are available:
- Comfort
- Standard
- Sport
Comfort prioritises ride quality over broken surfaces and longer journeys.
Standard provides a balanced setup suitable for everyday riding.
Sport increases damping response to deliver greater chassis control and sharper handling on faster roads.
Unlike fixed suspension settings, the system also uses speed-sensitive and road-adaptive damping. This means the suspension continually reacts to changes in speed and road surface, allowing the motorcycle to remain composed without requiring rider intervention.
The system also incorporates anti-wheelie and anti-recoil functions, helping to reduce unwanted front-end lift under acceleration while improving overall chassis stability.
Bosch Motorcycle Stability Control
The 800MT-ES features Bosch Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC), an advanced electronic rider assistance system built around a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU).
The IMU constantly monitors the motorcycle’s movement, lean angle and acceleration, allowing the electronics package to react intelligently as riding conditions change.
This enables several key safety systems, including:
- Cornering ABS
- Cornering traction control
- Drag Torque Control
- Wheelie control
By coordinating braking and engine management while the motorcycle is leaned over, Bosch MSC helps improve stability and rider confidence during cornering, particularly when road conditions become unpredictable.
Four riding modes for different conditions
The 800MT-ES includes four riding modes that alter the motorcycle’s behaviour to suit different environments.
Sport mode delivers the sharpest throttle response and full engine performance for more dynamic road riding.
Rain mode softens power delivery while increasing electronic intervention to maximise grip on wet or slippery surfaces.
Off-road mode adjusts the electronic rider aids to provide improved traction on loose terrain while maintaining predictable control.
All-terrain mode offers a versatile setup designed for routes that combine tarmac with gravel roads and uneven surfaces.
Each riding mode adjusts the balance between engine performance, ABS intervention, traction control and wheelie control, allowing the motorcycle to feel appropriately configured for changing conditions.
Premium touring technology
The CFMOTO 800MT-ES combines its advanced chassis technology with an impressive collection of touring-focused equipment.
At the centre of the cockpit sits an 8-inch smart TFT display, providing clear access to vehicle information and rider settings.
The motorcycle also incorporates a Radar Detection System (RDS), helping improve rider awareness by monitoring surrounding traffic during longer journeys.
A steering stabiliser enhances high-speed composure, while tyre pressure monitoring provides continuous updates to help riders maintain optimum tyre performance.
Cruise control reduces fatigue during motorway riding, while heated grips and a heated seat improve comfort throughout colder months and during early morning starts.
Together, these technologies create a motorcycle designed not simply for performance, but for covering long distances with greater confidence and reduced rider workload.
Chassis built for adventure touring
The 800MT-ES has been engineered to provide balanced handling across both paved roads and light off-road routes.
The aluminium swingarm works alongside fully adjustable electronic suspension, offering 160mm of front suspension travel and 150mm at the rear.
The motorcycle rides on a 19-inch Michelin front tyre and a 17-inch Michelin rear tyre, delivering a balance between road stability and adventure capability.
Stopping power comes from twin 320mm front discs with radial-mounted J.Juan calipers and a 260mm rear disc, supported by Bosch Cornering ABS for additional confidence under braking.
The result is a chassis package that complements the motorcycle’s electronic rider aids while maintaining the versatility expected from a modern adventure tourer.
Designed around the rider
One of the defining characteristics of the 800MT-ES is how its various systems work together.
The Intelligent Suspension System automatically adapts the chassis.
Bosch Motorcycle Stability Control continuously monitors vehicle dynamics.
The riding modes adjust engine behaviour and electronic intervention.
The radar system improves awareness of surrounding traffic.
Cruise control, heated equipment and tyre pressure monitoring reduce fatigue over long distances.
Rather than functioning as isolated technologies, these systems combine to create a motorcycle that adapts continuously throughout every journey, allowing riders to focus more on the road ahead.
The verdict
The CFMOTO 800MT-ES represents an important step forward in adventure touring technology.
Its Intelligent Suspension System introduces genuine real-time chassis adaptation, reducing the compromises traditionally associated with manually adjusted suspension. Combined with Bosch Motorcycle Stability Control, sophisticated rider electronics and premium touring equipment, the 800MT-ES delivers technology normally associated with significantly more expensive adventure motorcycles.
For riders seeking an adventure tourer that combines advanced engineering, intelligent rider assistance and long-distance comfort, the CFMOTO 800MT-ES demonstrates just how far modern adventure motorcycle technology has progressed.
Discover the CFMOTO 800MT-ES
Visit your nearest authorised CFMOTO dealer to learn more about the CFMOTO 800MT-ES, explore its advanced technology and experience its intelligent adventure touring capabilities for yourself.
