CFMOTO 650MT (2017+) Maintenance Schedule and Service Intervals
This is the maintenance schedule and service intervals for the CFMOTO 650MT made from 2017 onward.
The 650MT is a middleweight adventure tourer, designed to compete with the likes of the Kawasaki Versys 650 or Suzuki V-Strom 650.
The CFMOTO 650MT is powered by a 649cc liquid-cooled parallel twin DOHC eight-valve engine with a 180-degree crank, the same as that in the naked CFMOTO 650NK. In the 650MT, the engine makes 52kW (70hp) at 8750 rpm, with peak torque coming in at 7000 rpm at 62 Nm (45 ft-lb).
There’s also a learner-friendly version for Australia and NZ markets. The engine is identical, but power is restricted to 41.5kW (55hp).
Originally published September 26, 2021, but considerably updated since.
This site has links for things like oil and spark plugs from which we earn a commission (which unfortunately nobody can save, not even us). If you appreciate this work, then please use those links. Thanks!
CFMOTO 650MT Service Intervals
The general maintenance for the CFMOTO 650MT is a minor service every 6000 km / 4000 mi, at which you change the oil and filter and do a once-over of the safety equipment (brakes, suspension, etc.).
The more major service is every 12000 km / 8000 mi, when you change the spark plugs, clean the air filter (or replace it), and do a more thorough once-over of the bike.
Valve service intervals are a separate service on the 650MT, 42000 km / 26000 mi apart.
Aside from that, replace fluids (brake fluid, coolant) and rubber parts periodically as they wear, and keep the motorcycle lubricated.
What you need to service the CFMOTO 650MT
Servicing your CFMOTO 650MT adventure motorcycle is just part of the adventure!
To service the CFMOTO 650MT, apart from general motorcycle maintenance tools, you also need the following consumables.
Part | CFMOTO 650MT spec |
---|---|
Engine oil | CFMOTO recommends SAE 15W-40 motorcycle oil that meets API SG or above — most motorcycle oils. Don’t use car oil as it won’t work with the wet clutch. |
Spark plug | NGK CR8EI is the standard spec. |
Coolant | Any 50% ethylene glycol-based coolant that has corrosion and rust inhibitors and that’s aluminium safe. Honda coolant is an affordable and high-quality option. |
Brake fluid | Use DOT 4 brake fluid only. |
Cable lube | Use engine oil or cable lubricant. Protect All Cable Life is a cheap and popular choice. |
Cable maintenance | Regularly clean and maintain your cable. A Motul chain care kit is a good choice. |
Maintenance schedule for the CFMOTO 650MT
Below is the maintenance schedule for the 650MT, adapted from the manual, but reordered and simplified for clarity, and combined into one table.
The original maintenance schedule separated engine, chassis, and “replacement” items, much like Kawasaki manuals.
Important notes
- Past the end of the maintenance schedule, keep following it in the order shown. Some items are infrequent, e.g. valve service or replacing some fluids.
- The break-in maintenance is omitted, as usually dealers do this (and it’s necessary to maintain the warranty)
- The manual recommends replacing engine oil and filter every six months even if the bike isn’t ridden. This is very aggressive and uncommon — use your own judgment.
km x 1000 | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 | 36 | 42 | 48 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mi x 1000 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 32 | Every |
Engine and fuelling | |||||||||
Engine oil | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | 6 months |
Oil filter | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | 6 months |
Spark plug | R | R | R | R | |||||
Air cleaner element – Clean or Replace | C | C | C | C | Replace every 2 years | ||||
Air suction system – inspect for damage | I | I | I | I | |||||
Throttle body | C | C | C | C | C | C | C | C | |
Valve clearances | Inspect every 42000 km / 26000 mi | ||||||||
Throttle control system – inspect for free play, smooth return Free play of 2-3mm | I | I | I | I | Inspect every year | ||||
Idle speed | I | I | I | I | |||||
Fuel hose and pipe – inspect for fuel leaks, damage, and correct installation | I | I | I | I | Inspect every year | ||||
Fuel hoses – replace | R | 4 years | |||||||
Fuel evaporation (‘vaporization’) system – inspect | I | Inspect once only | |||||||
Cooling system | |||||||||
Coolant (inspect level, system for leaks, or replace) | I | I | R | I | Replace every 2 years | ||||
Radiator hose – inspect for damage and correct installation | I | I | R | I | Inspect every year, Replace every 2 years | ||||
Brakes | |||||||||
Brake fluid level – Inspect or Replace | I | I | I | R | I | I | I | R | Inspect every 6 months Replace every 2 years |
Brake hose/pipe – inspect for leaks, hoses/pipe damage, and hose installation, replace periodically | I | I | I | I | I | I | I | R | Inspect every year Replace every 4 |
Rubber parts of master cylinder and caliper | R | Replace every 4 years | |||||||
Brake pad wear – inspect, replace as necessary Minimum thickness: 1mm | I | I | I | I | I | I | I | I | |
Brake operation (effectiveness, play, drag) – inspect | I | I | I | I | I | I | I | I | Inspect every year |
Brake light switch operation – inspect | I | I | I | I | I | I | I | I | |
Drivetrain | |||||||||
Clutch operation – inspect play, engagement, disengagement Clutch free play of 2-3mm | I | I | I | I | |||||
Drive chain – inspect condition, lubricate | 600 km (or when it gets wet/dirty) | ||||||||
Drive chain slack – inspect Should be 30-40mm of free movement | 1000 km | ||||||||
Drive chain wear – inspect | I | I | I | I | |||||
Drive chain guide wear – inspect | I | I | I | I | |||||
Sprocket bearing – inspect | I | I | I | I | |||||
Wheels and tyres | |||||||||
Tyre air pressure – inspect | I | I | I | I | Check every year | ||||
Wheels/tyre damage – inspect | I | I | I | I | |||||
Tyre tread wear, including abnormal wear – inspect | I | I | I | I | |||||
Wheel bearing damage – inspect | I | I | I | I | |||||
Steering and Suspension | |||||||||
Front forks/rear shock absorber operation (damping and smooth stroke) – inspect | I | I | I | I | |||||
Front forks / rear shock absorber oil leak – inspect | I | I | I | I | Check every year | ||||
Steering play – inspect | I | I | I | I | |||||
Steering stem bearings – lubricate | L | L | Lubricate every 2 years | ||||||
Damper, sprocket seat | R | R | R | R | |||||
Electrical system | |||||||||
Lights and switches operation – inspect | I | I | I | I | Check every year | ||||
Headlight aiming – inspect | I | I | I | I | Check every year | ||||
Alarm system – inspect | I | I | I | I | Check every year | ||||
Side stand switch operation – inspect | I | I | I | I | Check every year | ||||
Engine stop switch operation – inspect | I | I | I | I | Check every year | ||||
General lubrication and tightening | |||||||||
Brake pedal, gear shift pedals, and footrests – lubricate | L | L | L | L | |||||
Chassis parts – lubricate | I | I | I | I | Lubricate every year | ||||
Bolts and nuts tightness – inspect/adjust | I | I | I | I | Check every year |
More about the CFMOTO 650MT
The CFMOTO 650MT is a middleweight adventure bike competing against the Japanese offerings like the Suzuki V-Strom 650 and the Kawasaki Versys 650.
The 650MT is a high-quality and feature-rich middleweight adventure bike, but nevertheless as a Chinese-made motorcycle trying to make an entrance into a competitive international market, its primary selling point is that it’s a cheaper alternative to Japanese middleweight motorcycles.
The visual design comes from Kiska, the same design group that designs KTM’s motorcycles. So visually, the 650MT is unique in its class without standing out in any specific way, and attractive.
The engine in the 650MT is a capable one, having basically the same configuration as the Kawasaki middleweight parallel twins — a 649cc parallel twin with a 180-degree crankshaft, giving it a bit of bark, though not quite the same rasp as might be heard on the Yamaha parallel twin offerings.
The engine in the 650MT has all the things you’d expect from a modern engine design: dual overhead cams, eight valves (four per cylinder), liquid cooling, and fuel injection.
The 650MT comes in full power and learner-restricted forms. The full power version makes 52 kW (70 hp) at 8570 rpm, and the restricted one makes 42 kW (55 hp) at 9500 rpm. Either way, it’s enough to get you well over any speed limit, though you might find it won’t take you into “crazy” speeds, if that’s your jam (and if it is, this may not be the bike for you).
The riding gear on the 650MT is good, while not up to sportbike spec — it’s definitely what you’d call “adequate considering the low cost”. The front suspension is an upside down fork with 140mm of travel, and the rear is a monoshock with 145mm of travel.
The suspension is built by Chinese firm Yuan, rather than a European name brand of some kind or WP suspension like you find on KTM bikes. You can adjust the fork for damping only, and adjust the monoshock for preload and damping.
Front brakes are pretty simple — 2 x 300mm discs with twin piston callipers and standard ABS brakes.
Like other CFMOTO motorcycles, the 650MT comes with a lot of tech that are optional extras on other motorcycles in the same class, jacking up purchase prices even further. A few of these are the crash bars, pannier rack, and hand guards.
Wheel and tyre specs/pressures for the CFMOTO 650MT
The CFMOTO 650MT has tubeless tyres.
Wheel | Tyre size | Tyre pressure (cold) |
---|---|---|
Front | 120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W) | 36 psi / 250 kPa |
Rear | 160/60 ZR17 M/C (69W) | 41 psi / 280 kPa |
Manual for the CFMOTO 650MT
The above maintenance schedule and parts came from the CFMOTO 650MT manual and from parts diagrams.
You can get a digital copy of the manual by sending an enquiry to CFMOTO.