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This Super-Affordable, Approachable and Cool New Moto Could Be a Town-to-Trail Superstar

The forbidden fruit bike looks perfect for everything from zipping through traffic to exploring the backcountry.

Close-up of a motorcycle engine with "CFMOTO" branding, black frame, and knobby tires against a blue background.
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By Steve Mazzucchi

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As regular Gear Patrol readers know, I’m a big fan of small-displacement motorcycles, which offer tons of utility and economic viability, especially when gas prices are punishing.

While they may not light up the spec sheet, these bikes also deliver plenty of rider-friendliness, good looks and thrills, qualities the industry as a whole is integrating into more and more small wonders.

Green and white CF Moto off-road motorcycle with knobby tires in a dark studio.
From tip to tail, the 250 Dual (shown here in Lime Green) looks much better than many alternatives at this size.
CFMoto

These realities certainly amp my enthusiasm for CFMoto’s latest entry in the category, even if it’s not available in the US (yet).

While the company makes no shortage of heavier hitters, the new 250 Dual could in some ways be its compelling option yet.

Twinkle twinkle

If you’re prone to long-distance, highway-heavy adventures, this bike should not be your primary option, but as a daily city and off-road driver, it shines in many ways.

Dark gray dual-sport motorcycle with neon green wheel rims and black seat against a dark background.
Knobby tires and half a foot of front suspension travel set you up to capably jump from tarmac to trail.
CFMoto

The engine is a 249cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder making 24 horsepower at 8,000rpm and 16.6lb-ft (22.5Nm) of torque at 7,000rpm, with big boy shifting via a six-speed gearbox with a chain final drive.

Those numbers don’t jump off the page, but considering it weighs just 340 pounds wet, it should prove plenty zippy enough for darting through traffic and tackling light trails.

Black and gray dual-sport motorcycle with neon green rims and rear LED taillight in a dark setting.
This darkly dazzling Tundra Grey colorway may be the best of the bunch. (There’s also a Pearl White option for those who prefer the lighter side.)
CFMoto

The light weight combines with a seat height of 33 inches (fairly low for a dual sport) to make the bike temptingly approachable, even for newer riders.

The overall nimbleness is enhanced by an inverted fork offering 6.3 inches of front suspension, a rear monoshock and ground clearance of nearly 10 inches.

Black and gray CF Moto motorcycle with neon yellow wheel rims ridden on a brick street.
The bike’s light weight and respectable ground clearance ensure it is nimble enough for sharp twists and turns.
CFMoto

The 3.4-gallon tank and steel tube framed chassis ride on legit off-road sized wire-spoked wheels (21 inches front, 18 inches rear) wrapped in versatile knobby tires.

Rider-friendliness is boosted by single disc brakes supported by dual-channel ABS, plus a bit more tech than you might expect at the price point, including full LED lighting, a digital dash, a USB charging socket and a side stand safety switch.

Person wearing a black helmet riding a green and white CF Lite motorcycle on a road.
The peppy little engine provides just enough power and grunt to rip through city streets, while the slim profile ensures gridlock-beating maneuverability.
CFMoto

Rounding out the appeal are bona fide trail bikes aesthetics, highlighted by streamlined bodywork, high mudguards and a saddle you can really shift around on when the road gets bumpy. 

With all those factors in its favor, the only real question might be which of three head-turning paint schemes most strikes your fancy.

Availability and pricing

The CFMoto 250 Dual is currently available in Malaysia at a starting price of RM9,888, which roughly converts to $2,400 at current exchanges rates.

Considering CFMoto currently offers a dozen of its models stateside, it’s possible this one will make its way over, though most likely not at that irresistible price.

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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