Those who know me know that I have always had a soft spot for compact motorcycles. In fact, small machines are what first fuelled my passion. With the CFMOTO Papio CL, the manufacturer offers a modern take on the mini trail bike with an urban twist. Its styling, inspired by the mini bikes of the 1970s, simple mechanicals, and surprisingly lively character make it an appealing option. Let’s see what it has to offer.
Styling
It is impossible to talk about the CFMOTO Papio CL without mentioning its unique appearance. Less sporty than the SS version, it adopts a neo-retro look inspired by the mini trail bikes of the past. Think Honda CT or Suzuki RV. Its two round headlights, clean lines, and compact silhouette give it plenty of personality.
CFMOTO has succeeded in creating a motorcycle with a distinctive design that attracts attention while remaining approachable. Its simple but well-executed styling evokes the unpretentious pleasure of riding. It stands out just enough in a market where many models look alike. Once again, some riders may have to set aside their preconceptions about Chinese motorcycles to fully appreciate what is being offered.
Small Bike = Small Engine
For riders accustomed to increasingly powerful motorcycles, returning to the essentials can sometimes be refreshing. The CFMOTO Papio CL focuses first and foremost on simplicity and riding enjoyment rather than outright performance and power.
Under the bodywork is a 126 cc, air-cooled single-cylinder engine with Bosch electronic fuel injection. It produces 9.4 horsepower and 6.8 lb-ft of torque. The output is modest, but perfectly suited to its compact size.
The six-speed manual transmission makes the most of the engine and keeps the ride entertaining. As on the SS version, the sixth gear is a welcome advantage over some Japanese competitors. Another interesting point is that its 126 cc displacement legally allows it to travel on highways, unlike many models limited to 125 cc or less.
Suspension, Tires, and Brakes
The CFMOTO Papio CL features an inverted front fork and a rear monoshock. The setup favours comfort and versatility over sporty performance. For a small motorcycle intended primarily for urban riding and occasional off-road use, the result is convincing.
The 12-inch wheels contribute to its lively, agile character. They transmit more road imperfections to the rider, but they also make the motorcycle extremely manoeuvrable. This agility is a real advantage in urban traffic or on winding secondary roads. Be careful, however, if you are tempted to put it through a demanding off-road test. The small wheel diameter quickly limits your ambitions, and the tires sink fairly easily into ruts. Even so, it delivers pure enjoyment on both pavement and gravel.
The stock tires provide satisfactory grip on asphalt and just enough bite if you decide to explore a wooded trail. The braking system consists of a disc at each end, along with standard ABS. The setup inspires confidence and provides good control under harder braking.
Riding Impressions
As soon as you settle onto the CFMOTO Papio CL, you notice its relaxed riding position. The taller handlebar and natural posture enhance comfort, particularly in an urban setting.
It is immediately easy to ride. The engine has just enough character to make acceleration fun and encourage frequent gear changes. Although it is not fast, the Papio CL delivers plenty of enjoyment thanks to its low weight and ease of use.
It is particularly at home in the city and on secondary roads, where its compact dimensions become an advantage. Its ideal cruising speed is between 50 and 70 km/h, where the engine retains enough reserve for passing and accelerating. However, it is not designed to maintain 100 km/h over long distances. At that speed, you can feel the engine running out of breath, and a more suitable model would be worth considering. It can nevertheless reach that speed, but with little performance in reserve.
The Papio excels at weaving through traffic, exploring new neighbourhoods, or simply enjoying an uncomplicated ride. Its playful nature is unquestionably its greatest quality. When a trail appears in the woods, the CL version also lets you explore it with confidence.
A Neighbour’s Opinion – Marco Guay
“We had a lot of fun with the Papio CL! My wife and I had the opportunity to try this terrific little motorcycle, and it certainly gave us some memorable moments.
For getting around town, it performs very well, even with a passenger. Grab a backpack and off you go to run your errands!
If you plan to spend time on major highways, the power and speed are probably not sufficient… That is only my humble opinion, especially when I see teenagers riding 49 cc scooters on major roads.
It is comfortable, even for two people who are 5 ft 6 in tall, but a slightly taller seat would be welcome. I felt that my legs were bent quite sharply.
It also attracts a great deal of attention. On two occasions, someone stopped at a red light got out of their vehicle to admire it and ask us a few questions. It certainly gets people talking, and it is a genuine pleasure to ride!”
Strengths
- Particularly successful neo-retro styling inspired by the mini trail bikes of the 1970s.
- Natural and comfortable riding position thanks to the tall handlebar.
- Exceptional manoeuvrability in urban settings and even off-road.
- 126 cc engine that provides legal access to highways.
Areas for Improvement
- A price that may prompt some buyers to consider a motorcycle with a larger displacement.
- Potentially significant depreciation on the used market for a small-displacement motorcycle.
- Noticeable vibration at certain higher engine speeds.
- An engine that sometimes lacks smoothness and linearity as the revs rise.
Conclusion
In closing, the CFMOTO Papio CL is first and foremost about the simple pleasure of motorcycling. Its neo-retro styling, friendly riding position, and playful handling make it an endearing machine. This motorcycle prioritizes ease of use, comfort, and everyday versatility. It is intuitive to ride and not at all intimidating for a first experience. Even seasoned riders will find plenty to enjoy. This motorcycle is intended for urban transportation and relaxed outings. It is an original and particularly appealing proposition.
