The 2025 CFMOTO 675SS is one of the most eagerly awaited models in this mid-range category. It features a new three-cylinder engine, bold styling, high-quality components, and a very competitive price. The 4 Riders Magazine team had the opportunity to test it over more than 1,500 km. Here are our impressions and observations.
Distinctive, sporty style
Aesthetically, the bike has an aggressive, well-designed look. The 2025 CFMOTO 675SS sports sublime fairings and its front end is marked by LED headlights with a distinctive signature. Its compact, forward-leaning stance, characteristic of sports bikes, gives it a lot of presence. Although one might think that it would be classified as a high-risk motorcycle, this is not the case for registration in Quebec at this time.
Its design is just bold enough and its build quality is excellent. The style is surprising compared to what you would normally expect from a motorcycle with such an aggressive price tag compared to the competition. There are also a few aerodynamic elements that add to the look. However, they don’t really contribute to downforce to increase grip at high speeds…
While not unique, the appearance works well and the finish is convincing. The integration of Bluetooth connectivity via a 5-inch TFT screen also adds a modern feel. This contributes to the impression that this is not an overly cheap entry-level model. In short, the 675SS stands out and is ready to seduce you visually.
Engine
At the heart of the 2025 CFMOTO 675SS is an all-new inline three-cylinder engine. This 675cc engine revs very high to reach 95 horsepower at 11,000 rpm. Its torque kicks in fairly quickly from mid-range revs, peaking at 52 lb-ft (~70 Nm) at 8,250 rpm. We must mention the very exciting sound that emanates from the exhaust located under the vehicle. The latter is perfectly integrated into the fairing and tickles our ears with every push. Power is delivered in a very civilized and linear manner. We can say that CFMOTO has taken the time to carefully calibrate its new engine.
The well-spaced 6-speed transmission allows us to easily exploit the bike in corners. Its clutch works extremely well to get the bike moving. Then, the “quickshifter” allows us to shift gears in a fraction of a second without the clutch. It works almost perfectly, but unfortunately it is only available for upshifting.
This engine offers a nice balance and fits well with the bike’s purpose. That is, just enough sportiness when pushing the revs to please the rider in you. On the other hand, the chassis can be relatively smooth for more moderate rides and prove to be docile. In this regard, we would have appreciated different riding modes. This would have allowed for more responsiveness during sporty riding and a smoother response for urban travel.
Frame and suspension
After taking the 2025 CFMOTO 675SS through a series of turns, we can say this: the chassis and suspension do an impeccable job. You can feel the rigidity of the frame as well as its lightness.
As for the shock absorbers, they are perfectly calibrated. You get a KYB inverted fork at the front, adjustable for preload, compression, and rebound. The feel of the ground and the precision of the handling are worthy of a high-caliber motorcycle.
The KYB rear shock absorber does a good job without being fully adjustable. Obviously, the sporty calibration of the shock absorbers does not help comfort, with some bouncing on rough pavement. On the other hand, for fast-paced curves on perfect asphalt, the suspension system performs very well.
Riding impression
When you sit on the 2025 CFMOTO 675SS, you immediately notice the very sporty riding position. Your whole body is leaning forward and your feet are positioned high up on the footrests. This is definitely a very sporty motorcycle, even though its current registration does not reflect this.
You start off and, from the very first corners, you quickly feel in control. When leaning into a curve, the bike feels like it responds immediately. Surgical precision and impeccable road holding. You can feel that the machine is made to be placed in the curve with ease. This maneuverability is a joy when you want to tackle winding roads at a moderate or even vigorous pace.
The KYB suspension components really make a difference. They keep the front end very stable, even when changing angles or accelerating hard out of corners. You feel in control at all times.
Impressive braking
Braking is truly one of this bike’s great strengths. At the front, there are two 300 mm discs with J.Juan 4-piston radial calipers. In addition, there is air duct cooling at the front for increased efficiency during aggressive riding. Of course, we also have an ABS system, which is our ally as it is well calibrated and very unobtrusive.
The whole system provides effective, powerful, and progressive braking. In practice, when you approach a corner at speed, the bike responds very well. The fork dives very little in a controlled movement, while the rear remains stable. The bite of the original tires is good, the braking feel is measured and inspires absolute confidence. You find yourself pushing the machine harder and harder, and the legal limits will very quickly force you to calm down… well before the limits of the machine. We can therefore say that this bike would be interesting to ride on a closed circuit to really see all its capabilities.
In summary, if we had to choose a few key words to describe the 675SS: excellent road holding, precise handling, an engine that begs for more, and all of this easily mastered from the outset.
For everyday use…
Beyond sporty riding, the 675SS can reveal a certain versatility. Although definitely sport-oriented, it remains suitable for everyday use. Or for rides on winding roads. Of course, you have to expect a slightly more committed riding position than on a sport touring bike.
The bike delivers impressive power with its triple cylinder engine. This gives it a pleasant sound and smooth, controllable acceleration. You feel confident riding it, knowing that the machine is not hypersensitive at every moment like a pure sports bike.
The opinion of my father-in-law, Richard Landry
During this test ride, I was able to share this bike with my father-in-law. Richard is a motorcyclist who cherishes memories of his youth from 40 years ago… Riding his shiny 1982 Suzuki Katana GS1100, he has many stories to share. Here’s what he had to say about the 2025 CFMOTO 675SS:
“When I got on the 675SS, I was delighted to find myself back in a sporty riding position. Apart from the leaning position, there’s no other comparison with my old Katana.”
”It’s an interesting-sized bike, very maneuverable and predictable. While very stiff, it’s easy to ride. You feel a certain lack of acceleration at low revs, but from 4000 rpm onwards, you get a very powerful bike. Another thing I really appreciated was the sound of the 3-cylinder engine. Wow!
Also, the quickshifter is great for shifting gears in a fraction of a second. To sum up, I really enjoyed riding this little speedster… I liked it so much that it might be my next purchase!“
Areas for improvement
Although it does many things very well, the 2025 CFMOTO 675SS is not without a few compromises or areas to watch out for.
- Wear and tear and reliability still to be confirmed. As with any new engine, only time will tell if it is reliable.
- Ergonomics for smaller riders. With a seat height of 810 mm, some riders of modest stature may be intimidated. In other words, it’s a bit tight to comfortably put both feet on the ground.
- The quickshifter only allows you to shift up. We would have really appreciated having a bidirectional one.
- Daily use brings certain limitations in terms of comfort. In particular, the fairly committed riding position, the more pronounced rebound, and the vibrations. This can make urban use or long journeys a little more demanding. You’ll have to accept this compromise if you choose this type of machine.
- The passenger seat is definitely extremely minimalist and designed for short trips with a passenger.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2025 CFMOTO 675SS is a very attractive proposition for those looking for a sporty machine at a reasonable price. It appeals with its sleek styling, modern three-cylinder engine, and precise handling. In short: a great success that deserves to be taken seriously in the mid-range sports bike category and at the edge of the standard category.
The 4 Riders Magazine team would like to thank CFMOTO Canada for lending us the test bike. For more information, please visit their website or your dealer.
Equipment worn during the test:
- Jacket: Oxford Montreal 4.0
- Helmet: LS2 Valiant II
- Boots: Falco Ranger
Photo credits: Dominic Boudreau
