How does the CF Moto 800 NK compare to the KTM 990 Duke ?

CF Moto may be relatively unknown on local shores. Still, the Chinese motorcycle company has been making huge inroads globally with the same precision and technology found in their partner, KTM 's machines. CF Moto may make the 790cc LC8 engine for KTM, but now they have their own version. How does it stack up? Let's find out!

Lawrence Minnie

26 May 2025 · 14:43Buying a Bike1 min read

1 / 4

Supernaked showdown

For those not in the know, Chinese motorcycle manufacturer CF Moto has been building engines and running small-displacement production for the Austrian giant KTM for several years. CF Moto builds the smaller 390cc machines and the larger 700cc and up engines for KTM and distributes KTM under the brand KTMR2R in China.

Related: CF Moto introduces its two-wheeled lineup

So when KTM discontinued the 790 Duke in favour of a larger 990cc version, CF Moto built its own version, the 800 NK. Sporting the same LC8 engine found in the outgoing machine, CF Moto has built a bike that is on par with the outgoing machine and one step down from the monstrous 990. But just how far is that gap? The answer may surprise you.

KTM 990 Duke (2024) Review

Specifications

	CF Moto 800 NK	KTM 990 Duke
Engine	799cc, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC	947cc, 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, parallel twin
Transmission	6-speed sequential with quick shifter	6-speed sequential with quickshifter
Power figures	74kW / 81Nm	90.5kW / 103Nm
Top speed	200km/h	201km/h
Frame	Chrome-molybdenum alloy, engine stressed member	Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel frame using the engine as stressed element, powder-coated
Suspension Front	KYB Upside down and adjustable	43mm WP Apex 140mm travel
Suspension Rear	KYB Mono suspension, adjustable	WP Apex Monoshock 150mm travel
Brakes Front	320mm double disc, 4 pot J.Juan callipers	2 x 300mm disc, radially mounted 4 piston calliper
Brakes Rear	260mm single disc, single pot J.Juan calliper	1 x 240mm Single-piston floating calliper, brake disc
Fuel Tank (litres)	15l	14.8l
Tech & Features	8.0-inch TFT screen, Keyless ride, Cruise control, ABS, Apple CarPlay+Android Auto	6-axis IMU and MTC (lean-angle sensitive, 3 modes, can be turned off + Track/Performance mode optional), Switchable ABS,
Fuel Consumption	4.2 L/100km	4.7 L/100km
Weight	189kg	179kg
Seat Height	795mm	825mm
Price	R 179 000	R 224 999
Warranty	4 Years	2 Years

Verdict

Considering the existing relationship between CF Moto and KTM, if you are looking for KTM performance at a bargain price, the CF Moto 800 NK is where you will get the most value. It's a cracking ride that may not be as polished as the KTM, but is engaging and well-engineered. CF Moto South Africa has a massive parts warehouse full to the rafters, so there is no need to worry about spares and service. If you have any concerns about build quality, you must check out that 4-year warranty.

Written by Lawrence Minnie

Lawrence has been involved with motorsports for almost 30 years. Whether it's two wheels or four, if it has an engine, he will try to race it. This love of motor vehicles has led him to ride, drive, film, photograph, and write about his passion. Freelance for a while but now a permanent fixture on the AutoTrader team for over 7 years, Lawrence contributes written, photographic, and video content for AutoTrader and AutoTrader Bikes.Read more