The 2026 CFMOTO 675NK is one of the most eagerly awaited new models in the mid-range naked bike category. It features a three-cylinder engine, minimalist and modern styling, and well-chosen components. All this at an aggressive price to take on the Japanese models that currently dominate the market. The 4Riders Magazine team had the pleasure of testing it and now shares its impressions and observations with you.
Urban “naked” style with an aggressive touch
From the first glance, you notice that the bike has an aggressive and minimalist look. The 2026 CFMOTO 675NK features LED lighting that is well established with the NK family. And at the rear, the beautiful distinctive LED line with built-in turn signals, like its sister, the 675SS.
Its compact and muscular silhouette gives it a modern presence that catches the eye. It even features aerodynamic elements, such as the air duct to cool the front brakes and around the passenger seat.
The design is bold and the build quality is surprising. The styling is impressive given the level of finish offered for such an aggressive price. Several aesthetic elements are reminiscent of the Japanese ”naked” bikes that dominate the market. The overall look is consistent and well-proportioned, while giving it its own unique identity.
The 5-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity adds a modern touch. The 675NK projects a polished image and stands out in the “naked” segment.
95-horsepower 3-cylinder engine on the menu
Powering the 2026 CFMOTO 675NK is a new inline 3-cylinder engine. This 675cc engine revs easily and develops 95 horsepower at 11,000 rpm. Maximum torque reaches 52 lb-ft (~70 Nm) at 8,250 rpm. In short, it’s an engine that likes to rev high, is well suited to this market segment, and rivals the competition.
The triple’s sound is very pleasant and reminiscent of more prestigious models, without naming them. The final architecture of the engine is strongly inspired by them, without being a complete copy. The power delivery is linear and perfectly controlled for the rider’s enjoyment.
The 6-speed transmission is well configured and very pleasant to use, allowing the engine’s potential to be fully exploited. The smooth clutch makes starting easy, and the quickshifter allows you to shift up without using the clutch. It works well, even if it doesn’t handle downshifts at the moment. We hope to get a bidirectional one in the near future.
This engine offers a nice balance between sportiness and flexibility. It’s fun to ride without being demanding in the city. We would have appreciated riding modes to adapt the throttle response to the context.
Let’s take a seat on the 675NK…
When you get on the 2026 CFMOTO 675NK, you notice a more upright position than its cousin, the 675SS. Your arms are relaxed and the footrests are better positioned in relation to your hips. The ergonomics offer a good compromise between sportiness and comfort. Personally, this position suits me well, as I prefer a motorcycle capable of covering 300 or 400 km in a day… All without inflicting the pain that a sports bike often imposes.
From the very first corners, the bike responds immediately. Cornering is intuitive and the handling is remarkably precise. You quickly sense that the machine is designed to be easy to handle. It allows for sporty but also relaxed riding, depending on the rider’s mood.
High-caliber chassis and suspension
After several turns, one thing becomes clear: the 675NK’s chassis does an excellent job. Its rigidity is as impressive as its precision. The bike feels light and easy to position in corners. Its weight of only 189 kg also contributes greatly to this.
The KYB inverted front fork is adjustable for preload, compression, and rebound. It provides very good feedback to the rider. The feel of the front end inspires confidence from the very first few miles, and you quickly want to push the limits. It’s also worth mentioning the presence of a steering damper on the steering column for maximum control.
The KYB rear shock absorber works well, even if its settings are more limited. On rough pavement, the suspension can feel firm. On smooth roads, the 675NK offers a sporty and stable experience. It excels at oscillating at high speed between curves. At times, you almost forget that you’re riding a naked bike. The KYB suspension contributes greatly to this feeling. The front end remains stable even during rapid angle changes or hard acceleration out of corners. Confidence quickly sets in and you feel in control of this bike.
Super powerful braking
Braking is one of this bike’s major strengths. At the front, two 300 mm discs are clamped by J. Juan 4-piston radial calipers. Important note: J. Juan is part of the Brembo company and therefore a guarantee of quality and performance.
Air ducts ensure better cooling at the front. In addition, the ABS is well calibrated and very discreet so as not to interfere too much with the rider’s feel. The braking power is remarkable and perfectly controllable. When entering a corner at speed, the bike remains stable and predictable. The fork dives little and the rear remains well planted for maximum traction. You gain a lot of confidence and are tempted to push the limits a little… within reason. Sometimes you have to remind yourself to stay in control to keep your license.
In summary, a few key words that characterize the 2026 CFMOTO 675NK: maneuverability, precise handling, fun engine, and riding pleasure.
For everyday use
The 675NK is more versatile than the sport version. Its more upright position makes it easier for everyday commuting. It’s still enjoyable for rides on winding roads. Its power remains usable without being intimidating. The triple offers a rich sound and a very pleasant revving.
Areas for improvement
Although the 675NK can do just about anything with flying colors, there are a few points worth mentioning.
- The reliability of the new 3-cylinder engine remains to be confirmed over time. It has only been around since 2025, and we cannot yet comment on its longevity.
- The ergonomics could intimidate some smaller riders with a seat height of 810 mm. At least the weight of only 189 kg helps to limit this effect.
- The quickshifter only works for upshifting. We are already looking forward to a bidirectional version.
- Comfort remains limited on rough roads due to the firm suspension and relatively thin seat.
- The passenger seat remains very minimalist, as on most naked bikes. It’s not far from being a punishment given its tiny size.
Final words
In conclusion, the 2026 CFMOTO 675NK offers a very compelling experience in the mid-range “naked” motorcycle category. It appeals with its modern styling, refined engine, and precise handling. It demonstrates a solid balance between sportiness and versatility. A great success to seriously consider if you’re looking for a dynamic motorcycle in this segment.
The 4Riders Magazine team would like to thank CFMOTO Canada for making this test ride possible.
Equipment worn during the test ride:
- Jacket: Oxford Montreal 4.0
- Helmet: LS2 Valiant II
- Boots: Falco Ranger
Photo credits: Karyne Plouffe, Création Souvenirs Mademoiselle K
