CFMoto 700 CL-X ADV soft-roader completes middleweight triumvirate

CFMoto has unveiled the production version of the third and final spin-off from its middleweight 700 CL-X range with the launch of the ADV.

Joining the neo-retro styled Heritage and contemporary Sport versions, the CFMoto 700 CL-X ADV is pitched as a more rugged alternative to its siblings and enters the range almost three years after it was first presented as a concept model at the 2019 EICMA show.

While not a serious off-roader as the title suggests, at least compared with its more adventure orientated 800MT stablemate, the 700 CL-X ADV instead wears its intrepid aspirations on the surface with a handful of cosmetic upgrades over the standard Heritage.

Resembling something akin to a Scrambler, the 700 CL-X ADV has a larger 19-inch front wheel, dual-sport tyres, wire-spoke wheels and a raised beaked front nose, but otherwise retains the same handsome signatures - such as the X-pattern front headlight and chunky bodywork - of its siblings.

The ADV also comes with panels to fit panniers to pitch it as a more practical 700 CL-X option.

Beyond the external tweaks, while the 700 CL-X ADV comes with ‘off-road’ riding mode for those moments you do want to tackle some light off-road work, it is otherwise mechanically identical to its siblings.

That means the Kawasaki-sourced 693cc two-cylinder engine remains, producing 74bhp at 8,500 rpm and 50Ib-ft torque at 6,500rpm.

UK prices are yet to be announced but the ADV should command a small premium over the Heritage and Sport, which are competitively priced at £6,599 and £7,099 respectively.

The launch of the ADV in Europe comes as CFMoto begins a push into the US market for the first time, led by the 700 CL-X range. The company is considered the leading force among the wave of Chinese manufacturers looking to make an impression in western markets.