Ten years ago, if someone mentioned a Chinese motorcycle, chances are it was followed by an eye-roll. They were known as cheap knockoffs. Affordable, sure, but often plagued with questionable build quality, outdated tech, and styling that ranged from forgettable to downright weird. Brands like CFMoto were rarely taken seriously, especially in Western markets.
But fast-forward to today, and it’s a different story entirely.
CFMoto, in particular, has pulled off one of the most impressive glow-ups in the industry. With solid partnerships—most notably with KTM (luckily long before the whole insolvency drama)—they’ve leveled up in engineering, design, and performance. In markets like Australia, the Philippines, and even parts of Europe, CFMoto bikes are now viewed as legit alternatives to Japanese and European offerings, offering competitive pricing without feeling like budget compromises.
Enter the 250CL-C. It’s not trying to win drag races or dominate twisty roads. What it’s going for is a vibe: classic cruiser looks, modern reliability, and a chilled-out ride that feels inviting rather than intimidating.
At the heart of the bike is a 249cc liquid-cooled, DOHC single-cylinder engine. It’s not a fire-breather, but with a claimed 25 horsepower at 9,800 rpm and 15.1 pound-feet of torque at 7,000 rpm, it delivers smooth, usable power that’s ideal for city traffic and the occasional open-road cruise. It redlines relatively high for a cruiser, but that’s part of the charm, as it’s got a bit of pep without being overwhelming.
The bike’s 364-pound wet weight is light enough for learners to manage confidently, and the 27-inch seat height means almost anyone can flat-foot it. That alone makes it super accessible, and when you factor in the relaxed ergonomics and upright bars, it becomes a stress-free ride for beginners or smaller riders like myself. You won’t find forward controls or a heavy clutch pull here; this thing was built to be easy.
What’s more impressive is the belt drive. Instead of the usual chain, CFMoto opted for a Gates carbon belt system. This setup is quieter, smoother, and requires way less maintenance. For a first-time owner who doesn’t want to fiddle with tensioning and lubing a chain, this is a pretty big win.
The suspension setup is basic but practical: a telescopic fork up front and twin shocks at the rear, tuned for comfort rather than aggressive performance. It rolls on 16-inch wheels wrapped in wide, cruiser-style rubber, giving it a squat, planted look without being bulky.
Braking duties are handled by discs front and rear, with dual-channel ABS as standard. Even more surprising is the inclusion of traction control—yes, on a 250cc cruiser. That’s almost unheard of in this category, and while you probably won’t need it often, it adds an extra layer of confidence for newer riders tackling sketchy weather or road surfaces.
The lighting is full LED, and the bike features a tidy round instrument cluster that blends a classic analog tach with a digital screen for speed, fuel, and trip data. It’s clean, easy to read, and doesn’t try too hard to be flashy.
So, who’s this bike really for? Urban commuters, style-conscious first-timers, and weekend leisure riders who want to dip a toe into cruiser life without jumping straight into a 600-pound beast. It's especially appealing in places where licensing laws favor smaller displacements—think Europe and Asia. In these markets, bikes like the Honda Rebel 300, Yamaha XV250, and even Royal Enfield’s Hunter 350 are likely competitors.
It probably won’t make waves in the US, where bigger is still better and entry-level cruisers are typically 500cc and up. But in the right markets, the 250CL-C fills a clear niche.
Source: CFMoto
