CFMOTO 1000MT-X – built for the journey

I collected the motorcycle in Falkenberg during the opening round of the Swedish Road Racing Championship. When you first see the 1000MT-X, it is easy to think that this is a large motorcycle. And it is. But once you are behind the handlebars, it feels remarkably manageable.

Before setting off, I was given a quick introduction to the various functions, including how to activate the heated grips and heated seat. I nodded knowingly. Five minutes later, I had forgotten everything.

The rest of the journey home was therefore spent with cold hands and quietly wondering why I never learn to listen more carefully when someone explains new technology. It may not have been the most professional start to a motorcycle test, but it was certainly true to life.The ride home from Falkenberg took me through Svenljunga, Skene and Hindås. In other words, smaller paved roads, lovely bends and plenty of opportunities to let the engine work.

And the 1000MT-X really does want to work.

The first thing I noticed was how lively it felt. Twisting the throttle was genuinely enjoyable, as the response came immediately and without hesitation. The engine constantly gave the impression that it wanted more, but without making the motorcycle difficult to handle. On the contrary, just like the 450MT, I found it very easy to ride.

The quickshifter worked well, and the gear changes flowed smoothly without requiring much thought. I also managed to connect my phone to the motorcycle and mirror Google Maps, which made navigation clear and straightforward. Once the technology and I were finally on the same side, it worked exactly as it should.

A good feeling

The motorcycle I tested was fitted with the low seat. I am 172 centimetres tall and have slightly shorter legs in proportion to my upper body, so it is always interesting to see how a larger adventure motorcycle works in practice. Personally, I would probably have preferred to try the standard seat, but the lower version worked better than expected. I could put both feet down and had no difficulty handling the motorcycle when stopping or riding at low speed.

The brakes felt reassuring and predictable during normal riding. I never needed to brake particularly hard, but over the miles I covered, both the brakes and clutch made a good impression. The controls worked as they should, and the overall package felt well considered.

I stopped in Svenljunga, both to warm my hands and to refuel. I started talking to an older man who asked what I thought of the motorcycle. He had tried the 450MT himself and was curious about the larger model. It turned into one of those spontaneous conversations that so often arise around motorcycles.

From tarmac to gravel

When the road became more technical and demanding, it was of course noticeable that this is a larger motorcycle. It is capable of more than you might initially expect, but the roughest and most awkward forest sections are not where it feels most at home.

Nor is that where I believe most owners will use it.

An adventure tourer for long journeys

To me, the 1000MT-X is first and foremost an adventure tourer for riders who want to travel long distances and choose their route without having to think too much about the surface beneath them.v I can easily picture this motorcycle on a long journey through Europe. One moment it is travelling along beautiful, winding paved roads, and the next the route turns onto gravel.

There is no need to be afraid of leaving the tarmac. The CFMOTO 1000MT-X feels stable, reassuring and capable on gravel, while its lively engine makes both the connecting stretches and winding roads far more enjoyable than the phrase “connecting stretch” might suggest. Perhaps this is where the 1000MT-X finds its clearest identity. It carries you over long distances, takes luggage, handles changing surfaces and makes every detour tempting.

This is a motorcycle built for the kind of journey where the road itself becomes the destination.