This Dazzling Adventure Bike Boasts a Super-Rare Rider-Friendly Feature

As competition in an increasingly popular segment stiffens, the bike’s suspension is capable of doing the same.

Close-up of a black and silver motorcycle engine and frame with knobby tires on rocky ground.

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By Steve Mazzucchi

Published January 5, 2026

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Updated January 6, 2026

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Over the past few years, it has been fascinating to watch the borderline explosive growth of the adventure motorcycle category.

While many segments are struggling, the global ADV market is expected to double from $31.8 billion in 2022 to $64.5 billion in 2032.

Silver and black CFMOTO 800MT adventure motorcycle with aluminum panniers parked on rocky terrain near desert cliffs. — The 800MT ES will come in the two colorways shown on this page: Nebula White and Neptune Blue.

As what was once a pretty niche area continues to expand, brands must hustle to boost the appeal of their offerings.

Toward that end, CFMoto’s beautiful new 800MT ES offers a pretty unique, rider-friendly feature: suspension that adapts to the terrain in real time.

Shocking development

While the new model strongly resembles the extant 800MT touring bike, it stands out via electronically adjustable suspension, which presumably explains that ES acronym.

Developed in partnership with KYB, the shocks are capable of stiffening for a sporty, athletic ride on smooth surfaces.

Blue and black CFMOTO 800MT adventure motorcycle with rider in black gear on a road at sunset. — On flat and featureless highway surfaces, the semi-active suspension stays firm to lean into speed.

However, when the terrain gets rockier, the suspension relaxes a bit, easing the punishment on your body and increasing the odds you’ll stay upright.

To be clear, this bike is not the only one with what is called semi-active suspension, which also adapts to your riding style and the load.

Motorcyclist wearing a black and yellow helmet riding a white adventure motorcycle on a rocky dirt trail. — On less predictable terrain, the shocks get a bit more forgiving to help you maintain balance.

The Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS and a small number of superbikes boast similar tech.

However, it’s especially exciting to see it pop up on a bike that’s actually intended to tackle a variety of surfaces, where it arguably makes even more sense.

Superlative specs

As with the touring model, the suspension travel is 160mm (6.3 inches) in the forks and 150mm (5.9 inches) in the rear monoshock.

Together with 190mm (7.5 inches) of ground clearance, that sets the bike up for fairly rugged off-roading.

Rider in black gear on a blue and black CFMOTO 800MT adventure motorcycle with side and rear storage boxes on a desert road. — The integrated pannier mounts and rear rack enable you to load up on luggage for multi-day adventures.

At 32.5 inches, the seat height is relatively approachable for an ADV, while the running weight is an unsurprising 509 pounds.

Additional rider-friendly features include four riding modes, Bosch stability control and a six-axis IMU, plus an 8-inch TFT dash and all-over LED lighting.

Motorcyclist wearing black and white gear with yellow helmet riding a white adventure motorcycle on a rocky trail with mountains in the background. — Overall, generous suspension and clearance will help you surmount a range of off-road challenges.

Power comes courtesy of a 799cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine making a claimed 89.9 horsepower at 9,250rpm and 49.4 lb-ft of torque at 8,000rpm.

The J.Juan braking system, meanwhile, is complemented by Bosch cornering ABS and traction control — just a bit more shiny side up insurance.

Availability and pricing

No details have yet been released concerning when and for how much this bike will be available, but based purely on the year built into the name, I imagine we will see a rollout in the coming months. Only time will tell if US distribution is part of the plan.

Blue and black CFMOTO 800MT adventure motorcycle with luggage rack and windshield.

2026 CFMoto 800MT ES

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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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