CF Moto’s 650NK has been around for years as a bargain alternative to Kawasaki’s ER6n but now its dowdy styling has been replaced with some sharp new looks.
A few years ago the firm did a deal with KISKA, the design firm best-known for its work with KTM over the years. In late 2014 CF Moto revealed the 150NK as its first KISKA-designed machine, and now the same styling approach has been taken on the new 650NK.
Under the skin, the 650NK remains familiar. The engine is still near-identical in design and specification to the parallel twin used by Kawasaki on the ER6 range, and should offer similar performance with around 70bhp on tap. The frame is also not unlike the design used on first-generation Kawasaki ER6 machines, complete with the highly-visible, direct-action rear shock that’s offset to the right hand side. A similar chassis design is still used by Kawasaki on the Versys.
The big change is on the surface. Previous 650NK models have been rather uncomfortably-styled, but the new version is positively sleek. It’s a particularly impressive transformation given that it appears the fuel tank has been carried over from the old model. A new headlight, side panels and tail, along with new wheels and a redesigned exhaust, are all it’s taken to revamp the bike.
In terms of weight, the 650NK is claimed to come in at 206kg fully fuelled.
The other big news is the addition of a smaller, less powerful version, the 400NK. As the name suggests, it’s got a sleeved-down, 400cc motor making 41bhp at 9500rpm. That neatly slides into the A2 licence class.
Its other specs, including its weight, are basically unchanged, with only its more gaudy paintwork and graphics making it stand out from the larger 650 version.
The bikes’ European launch is expected soon. In some markets, the bikes will go under the ‘WK Bikes’ brand instead of CF Moto, but will be otherwise identical.
