Author Topic: CF Moto 650TK  (Read 14350 times)

Online STeveo

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CF Moto 650TK
« on: April 30, 2018, 08:28:09 AM »
Quick up date on my story so far.
Bought a lovely 1993 ST1100, had it for 4 years before a fuel leak caused a fire and destroyed it. Rode my Honda NX650 Dominator towing the one wheeled trailer for 2 years, went retro and bought a Royal Enfield classic chrome 500 and when it started to give trouble traded on a CF Moto 650TK in July 2017. I paid $7,500 on road as it was a 2016 model that had been in the shop for a while. The two years, 99,000 Km warranty started then and so far all that has been a problem was the TPS (throttle position sensor) that at about 3,800Km caused an intermittent miss/hicup. This was replaced with a factory upgraded one (should have been done before delivery but was not known to the shop) and it has not missed a beat since.
The bad; well not much really. No centre stand is a bummer, the panniers are not easily removeable (need Allen key), the windshield is low (put a higher piece on mine to suit my 6' height), chain need maintenance (more about that later), have to unbolt the side panel to adjust rear shock, seat is a little firm but wearing it in now, fuel tank could be bigger (only 300Km range), handlebars are non adjustable (like the 1300) but they suit me, no hand guards (but I have 'Elephant Ears' for winter), seat lock is in left pannier.
The good; EFI so always starts first go and runs smooth, no bad vibes from engine, usually get around 23 to 25 Km/l, handles better than I can ride (is 120Kg lighter than the 1100 helps too), brakes are strong with good feel, suspension is great from the factory and have not had to fiddle (other than spring adjust for heavy load), mine is derestricted now so full 70hp and is plenty for me, engine has good torque and doesn't really need six gears but I use them (overtaking in top (6th) gear is a snack), gears shift as good as a Honda now they are run in, the  non branded O ring chain had it's first adjustment at 10,000Km when I replaced the soft Continental tyre (I couldn't believe that a chain would go 10,000Km before needing adjustment, I spray a bit of lube on the rollers every day on the road), the original tyres are 'sticky' but the rear only lasted 10,000Km (replaced with dual compound Pirelli) and the front may see 15,000Km before replacement, plastics are well fitted and as good as any other brand, switch gear is good quality and cables too. Frame welds look to be done well and nothing has come loose in the 12,000Km so far.
I have fitted heated hand grips, alarm, brackets to hold my Hallmark frame for pack, extended leads for Anderson plug (for jumper leads), higher windscreen, voltmeter, extra pad on seat (found the 'dip' in seat would not allow me to move around on long rides so made an extra piece to 'flatten' the dip) and took it out and rode it. I got the local signwriter bloke to add some Hi-vis green stick on panels to help me be seen by the 'noddies' as the black could be a problem for them.
I picked it up on a Wednesday afternoon, did 200Km with my 'old retired guys' riding group on Thursday, fitted some extra bits on Friday and went to Queensland border and back on weekend, just ticking over 1,000Km before home. Monday first service and away again. Did a ten day tour of Tassie last year as well (unfortunatly the same time as the Nat Rally) and love it even more. I had one BMW rider ask me on the boat where it was made and 'snubbed' me when I told him (most (but not all) BMW riders are stuck up pr**ks anyway, wont wave to you on the road no mater what you ride, even BMW) but most people are impressed with the bike. I only have one person to impress and I am impressed.  :p
I run Castrol 4T that is changed at every 5,000Km and replaced the coolant with Liquid Intelligence waterless coolant. Valves are due to be checked at 40,000Km and every 40,000Km after that.
For the money and what you get I don't think I could have bought better for what I want. It suits me fine although I wouldn't suggest them as a two up tourer, but single and a heap of gear and it's great. A local bloke here has a 2013 model with nearly 100,000Km on it and he had to replace a HT coil at around 70,000Km has been his only trouble (and he rides hard and lives up a dirt road too) so I think this bike will see me out.
A tranquill setting in Tassie.
« Last Edit: June 17, 2018, 06:28:22 PM by STeveo »
 
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Offline Skip

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Re: CF Moto 650TK
« Reply #1 on: April 30, 2018, 09:24:02 AM »
That's pretty comprehensive. Thanks STeveo.
Getting wind in my hair while I still have some.
 
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Online Wild Rose

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Re: CF Moto 650TK
« Reply #2 on: April 30, 2018, 09:39:17 AM »
Good write up mate
Sounds like a nice bike
Thanks for sharing  ++
Leo (Wild Rose)
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Offline Sicman

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Re: CF Moto 650TK
« Reply #3 on: April 30, 2018, 11:33:10 AM »
Good info for others seeking info on replacement bikes if Honda doesn't get their arse into gear shortly  :thumb
Cheers
Tony
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Online STeveo

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Re: CF Moto 650TK
« Reply #4 on: April 30, 2018, 05:58:52 PM »
Thanks for the kind words.
I find it very like I remember the ST1100 in the way it rides and tips into corners, it also looks like the ST too. The weather protection around the knees is not as wide as the ST but still keeps most rain off. It is not up to the ST in the headlights, I very rarely ride at night these days, but the indicators and brake lights are very bright (LED's). Biggest advantage for me is the (lack of) weight. There is a chance I may be able to pick this one up if it fell over, couldn't with the ST.  :whistle
I have four CF Moto's, 500 quad, 150 Leader, 250 V5 scootercycle and 650TK and have had no major problems with any of them. It helps to have a really good dealer who will go out of his way to help.
These will not suit everybody (wont know until you ride one) but this one suits me.  :grin
 

Bodø Glimt

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Re: CF Moto 650TK
« Reply #5 on: April 30, 2018, 06:08:59 PM »
Do you have to lean forward a bit to reach the handlebars?  I looked to buy one before buying the kwaka and was quite happy with it other than not being able to sit in an upright position.  It was the only thing that put me off.  That was in early 2015.  I don't regret my decision but am always keen to hear other people's thoughts.
 

Online STeveo

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Re: CF Moto 650TK
« Reply #6 on: April 30, 2018, 06:21:12 PM »
Not much, but my back cannot tolerate a straight up position (driving in a car really hurts for more than an hour) and the slight lean forwards suits me.
 

Offline ST1100_GREG

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Re: CF Moto 650TK
« Reply #7 on: May 02, 2018, 01:19:52 AM »
What is the height like compared to the ST1100? I am less tall than you and struggle to move my ST in tight parking spots. And yes, an excellent write up.

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Online STeveo

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Re: CF Moto 650TK
« Reply #8 on: May 02, 2018, 06:49:51 AM »
Thanks Greg.
I don't have the measurements to hand, but it feels lower and narrower at the tank/seat joint than I remember the ST being.
Edit; ST1100 800mm, CFM 650TK 790mm. So not much in it really.
« Last Edit: May 02, 2018, 04:46:50 PM by STeveo »
 

Offline Pete

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Re: CF Moto 650TK
« Reply #9 on: May 02, 2018, 08:38:11 AM »
Fantastic report STeveo.
Very informative.

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« Last Edit: May 02, 2018, 08:41:53 AM by Pete »
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Online STeveo

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Re: CF Moto 650TK
« Reply #10 on: June 17, 2018, 06:44:35 PM »
Just clicked over 16,000Km on way home from Rylstone RTE. Had a couple of 'ooh' moments from the front tyre in the wet through the Bylong Valley road and although not completely gone I will be replacing it this week with a Pirelli Angel to match the back one. On one sweeping corner coming from Merriwa on Saturday I hit a sunken dip at around a $1.20, and bottomed both ends of the suspension and lifted me off the seat, but the bars just gave a small wiggle and the bike kept on line (gave it a pat on the tank for that) and carried on as if that was normal. Cannot fault the frame/suspension/handling and I don't ride hard enough for anything to scrape on corners (used to on ST). With the slower riding due to wet roads I got almost 300Km before the gauge showed empty (maybe the tailwind for some of the way helped) and just put $10.00 worth to get home.
 

Bodø Glimt

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Re: CF Moto 650TK
« Reply #11 on: June 17, 2018, 06:55:52 PM »
Tailwinds can make a big difference.
 

Online STeveo

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Re: CF Moto 650TK
« Reply #12 on: November 03, 2018, 05:16:27 PM »
Went for another ride to the Moto GP at the Island. 8 days on the road (went the long way) and 3,372Km and the TK didn't miss a beat. Will be up for another rear tyre soon as the Pirelli Angel is getting near to the end. Have a Michelin to go on when needed.
 

Online West Aussie Glen

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Re: CF Moto 650TK
« Reply #13 on: November 04, 2018, 10:43:44 AM »
Love your hi vis paint mods
Glen
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Online STeveo

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Re: CF Moto 650TK
« Reply #14 on: November 04, 2018, 04:27:55 PM »
It's not paint but stickers put on by local signwriter, hopefully I can be seen by the noddy's whilst they are driving.
 

Offline Piet

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Re: CF Moto 650TK
« Reply #15 on: November 16, 2018, 11:25:08 AM »
Thanks STeveo,  I have looked at the 650TK and thought it had a lot going for it.  One of my work mates was looking at a ride and  recommended it to him to consider.  It great having a report with some history behind it.  Greatly appreciated.
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Online STeveo

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Re: CF Moto 650TK
« Reply #16 on: June 02, 2019, 08:07:03 AM »
The ride to Balranald put another 2,800Km on the clock with the bike not missing a beat and starting first go even in the frost at Cobar. Even with the strong head wind I averaged 22Km/l sitting on a $1.20 most of the way.
I replaced the Pirelli angel GT on the back with a Michelin before the run to Balranald, but now the front Pirelli is about shot too. Will be looking to Michelin for a front to match the back. Bike came with Continentals, (rear 10,000 front 17,000) switched to Pirelli and got 13,000 rear and now 12,000 front. I run higher pressures than in the manual (32f 36r) with 35 f, 40 r and still got less Km than I thought I would although the bike doesn't seem to worry what tyres I have on.
 

Offline Skip

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Re: CF Moto 650TK
« Reply #17 on: June 02, 2019, 09:14:42 AM »
Thanks for continued feedback STeveo. I've started looking for sub-litre 'touring style' bike as an eventual replacement, but there is not much out there. It looks like the TK is no longer in CF Moto's line up, which seems to be a shame going by your experience.  I'm not necessarily looking for a 'serious' tourer, but just want comfort and a bit of wind protection. The Versys, V Strom and Tracer are on the radar but not much on offer from Mr Honda. It appears that they have stopped the VFR800x as an offering. 
Getting wind in my hair while I still have some.
 

Offline Biggles

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Re: CF Moto 650TK
« Reply #18 on: June 03, 2019, 08:26:22 PM »
not much on offer from Mr Honda. It appears that they have stopped the VFR800x as an offering. 

You can often get a very good low mileage second hand bike when they go out of production.  Works for me!
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Online StinkyPete

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Re: CF Moto 650TK
« Reply #19 on: June 04, 2019, 07:12:32 AM »
......  I've started looking for sub-litre 'touring style' bike as an eventual replacement, but there is not much out there..........

You might want to have a look at the BMW F800GT.   Touring style and 800cc, Screen, Fairing weather protection, and hard panniers.
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Offline Biggles

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Re: CF Moto 650TK
« Reply #20 on: June 04, 2019, 10:09:21 AM »
You might want to have a look at the BMW F800GT.   Touring style and 800cc, Screen, Fairing weather protection, and hard panniers.

And the used ones are cheaper than similar age ST1300s!  The reviews put it in the "sports-tourer" class, even though the target market is "tourer".  The 275km range from the 15 litre tank is a major drawback for me.  With a 12:1 compression ratio you'll have to buy premium fuel or carry octane booster. Finally, it's uncharacteristically belt drive.  While it doesn't need lube, it ain't a shaft.
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Online STeveo

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Re: CF Moto 650TK
« Reply #21 on: September 10, 2019, 06:02:47 PM »
Replaced both tyres with Pirelli Angel GT (due to good price) as the rear mitchelin was about down to the wear indicators and the front gone. No other problems and now at 30,870Km.
 

Offline Skip

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Re: CF Moto 650TK
« Reply #22 on: September 10, 2019, 06:20:08 PM »
 :thumb Thanks for the update STeveo.
Getting wind in my hair while I still have some.
 
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Online STeveo

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Re: CF Moto 650TK
« Reply #23 on: September 22, 2019, 08:02:12 AM »
After the Rylstone RTE I had a bit of a wander through Bathurst, Canowindra, Wellington, Lightening Ridge, Walgett, to Bourke and home through Narrabri. Wind gave me a hard time and glad to be back home. Another 2250Km added to speedo with no problems.
 
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Offline RubenCan

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Re: CF Moto 650TK
« Reply #24 on: September 22, 2019, 04:29:19 PM »
After the Rylstone RTE I had a bit of a wander through Bathurst, Canowindra, Wellington, Lightening Ridge, Walgett, to Bourke and home through Narrabri. Wind gave me a hard time and glad to be back home. Another 2250Km added to speedo with no problems.

Steve, I aspire to attain your stamina levels one day. Perhaps on retirement.
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