I own Papio SS and a monkey, also had a Grom. I can tell you the stock Grom / Monkey is quicker with more torque. However, surprisingly 5th and 6th gear on the Papio has lots of top end. I can get it to 64mph on flat ground. Down hill 68mph. Once there are really good aftermarket parts and power upgrades, the Papio will be a real contender. But for now, if performance is your main interest, go Honda.
We can always count on TFLbike for a detailed breakdown. Question: What exactly was "a bit scary" while on the freeway? Was it just the lack of power, bike size, wheel size or did it feel unstable? I agree, it's the coolest looking mini compared to all the competition. I think the reception to the Papio SS, was the impetus behind the 500sr Voom. I love the dual headlights and the LED running lights on the 500sr Voom.
@@salskars6637 I mean I fully enjoy my mini-moto (Grom). I ride it all across town sometimes up to 100 miles per day. I just would never dream of taking on an interstate where a gust of wind or a car passing me doing 85 would push me out of my lane. My heart drops into my stomach every time I come across an unexpected pot hole. No wrecks yet knock on wood, but ive hit a couple that shake my handlebars, which is pretty spooky.
I wanted to get one of those until I notice it's a 126cc. We have weird motorcycle plates over here and a 126cc fall into the 400cc class, which cost $500/year. Meanwhile the grom and all the other honda are in the 50-125cc class
I noticed the piston position is different than a Grom. I don't think either has any reliability issues but just curious about the theatrical mechanics aspect. The Grom piston is basically horizontal towards the front wheel. The Papio's have them like 60 degree canted. Does that make any difference? Also air flow wise, the Grom's piston section is more directly in the wind-ish, and the lower scoop further gets flow going towards it. The Papio look way better braced. Does it feel smoother? The bottom scoop is mostly sending airflow in the other components. Is there a trade off design wise?
great to hear that it is such a good bike. I wonder how reliability will be with CF Moto in the long run. I hope it is good. Great to have more choices when shopping for a bike and if CF Moto can deliver a good reliable product at a fair price , it's place of manufacture should not matter.
@@rebellucy6200that's great and way to add in a brag, but we aren't talking about 50 years of reliability. They mean in the short term of the next 5 to 10 years. Most people aren't owning a bike for 50 years or want to own something for that long or that old
@@rebellucy6200 You're comparing the reliability of modern day Honda with the Honda of old. The modern day variant of all big brands are just shells of their former selves. I have my fathers 1980 CX500, when my friend and I went to get it from him in 2022 we got it to pop off with a portable jump pack and some 2-stroke mix down the cylinders. The bike has been sitting since 2004. Not even a modern day Honda will beat the reliability of a vintage Honda. There is far too much computer garbage and safety features on modern bikes that'll just go bad from sitting.
Can’t use them on the highways in Ct. I got a great deal on a z125pro with a whopping 24 miles on it. Serves its purpose. I like the look of this a lot but I may add a new grom in blue I’m liking the 2025 model but before I do I need to ride this
Before anything, I think you'd need to compare insurance, availability/parts availability/repairability/aftermarket-availability... oh it's $3300, i'd just go Japanese/real bike capable of highway trips. Guess it'll come down to whether 18yos think it's cooler than a Grom & bandwagon. I doubt it; my guess is it'll be Sega niche & resale value will plummet in comparison to a Grom & early-adopters will be taught a lesson.
6.8 lbs-ft versus 7.7 lbs-ft of torque on the Grom. that's not "a tiny tiny tiny bit down on power". nearly 12% less power is huge. at this size, the hp isn't going to be as noticeable as the huge difference in torque. not to mention, it's also about 25 lbs heavier than the Grom. so 11.7% less torque, and 11.1% heavier. not a good combination. they literally HAD to put a 6 speed on it to make up for that disparity. however, i'm not buying a 125cc minibike for the speed. this thing is so damn good looking, if i was in the market i would definitely get the Papio SS or even the CL over the Grom. even with the 2025 redesign, which is significantly better than last year, it still ain't got nothing on the Papio. not even close.
I have been doing UA-cam research for a while. The monkey is about $1000 more than the grom. But I discovered the popio. It's about $600 cheaper in my area. I've made my decision. I'm going to purchase the ss model in green. The only 2024 ss they have. Im picking it up tomorrow morning.
Just reminds me of the difference between a 57 Chevy compared to the 58 Chevy. The extra headlights just look terrible. The Triumph Speed Triple RR would just look stupid with dual headlights.
Always funny how they talk about manouvreble an flickeble when there are only straight and enormesly boring roads. If you put square tires on it you don't feel the difference
Where it is manufactured doesn't matter at all, do you know anything about motorcycles? Honda is infinitely superior to any Chinese brand in every way, your comment is ridiculous
I bet you were getting a lot of requests to review CF Moto bikes. China has more AI bots than any other country. Having an extra gear doesn’t do anything without the power to push that gear.
I would never promote a Chinese product. The Japanese are our best friends even though there has been a history of betrayal, but essentially we are friendly with them. America does not hold the sales records for motorcycles, so it would be better to push Honda as the brand of choice rather than feed the Chinese economy which is not our friend. Yeah, I get it, price and don't get into the politics of it all. You need principles to acknowledge this.
@@rabbit789mate I’m Chinese and the CCP are horrible. It’s not being ‘bigoted’ it’s the truth. He said he liked the bike, he just can’t support a company that’s funded by the CCP.
Same here man, I’m with you on that one. I was about to drop $12k on a new CFMOTO bike, and overlook the whole CCP thing. But, I found out about user issues and reconsidered and that video that found you can’t power wheelie. Now I’ve got my eyes on a INDIAN FTR S 👌
And the US is completely innocent with how they have acted around the world…? What bike will you buy then? Most, if not all including Harley(one of the most unreliable!), have components made in China! I’ll enjoy reliable riding, whilst getting more for my $$, while I still live. Whilst politically, calling out ALL Governments. 😉
Definitely cool. They should do a full sized version with a mid to large parallel twin and the same style. That would be killer!
Look at their new 500 SR Voom. Retro styling with a 500CC inline 4. I hope we get it in the states.
I own Papio SS and a monkey, also had a Grom. I can tell you the stock Grom / Monkey is quicker with more torque. However, surprisingly 5th and 6th gear on the Papio has lots of top end. I can get it to 64mph on flat ground. Down hill 68mph. Once there are really good aftermarket parts and power upgrades, the Papio will be a real contender. But for now, if performance is your main interest, go Honda.
Changing the rear sprocket would help Papio gain early torque I guess?
I've had my grom up to 68mph on flat ground, according to the grom's speedo, and 77mph going down hill.
Not joking my grom hit 78 with an exhaust, 2023, but it has 5 speed
How's the z125 pro compare to the grom?
The Grom is manufactured in Thailand. Build quality is similar to CFMoto. All these lower priced models have an off the shelf feeling.
Apparently CFmoto is made in China, Thailand and Mexico since 2023
We can always count on TFLbike for a detailed breakdown. Question: What exactly was "a bit scary" while on the freeway?
Was it just the lack of power, bike size, wheel size or did it feel unstable?
I agree, it's the coolest looking mini compared to all the competition. I think the reception to the Papio SS, was the impetus behind the 500sr Voom.
I love the dual headlights and the LED running lights on the 500sr Voom.
All of the above. They barely do 65, weigh half what a sportbike does, and 12" wheels are twitchy at any speed.
@@LeeGHThomas - TY. The 12" wheels are the scariest to me, yet scooter riders have managed for decades.
@@salskars6637 I mean I fully enjoy my mini-moto (Grom). I ride it all across town sometimes up to 100 miles per day. I just would never dream of taking on an interstate where a gust of wind or a car passing me doing 85 would push me out of my lane. My heart drops into my stomach every time I come across an unexpected pot hole. No wrecks yet knock on wood, but ive hit a couple that shake my handlebars, which is pretty spooky.
@@LeeGHThomas - Appreciate the experiential anecdotal info. I still love the mini-motos but these are considerations.
Keep up the great work.
I wanted to get one of those until I notice it's a 126cc. We have weird motorcycle plates over here and a 126cc fall into the 400cc class, which cost $500/year. Meanwhile the grom and all the other honda are in the 50-125cc class
Sounds like q-bek.
00:01 you need to race against the stock Grom similar weight riders 👍
Definitely reminds me of the twin headlight sport bikes from the 80s and 90s.
I noticed the piston position is different than a Grom. I don't think either has any reliability issues but just curious about the theatrical mechanics aspect. The Grom piston is basically horizontal towards the front wheel. The Papio's have them like 60 degree canted. Does that make any difference? Also air flow wise, the Grom's piston section is more directly in the wind-ish, and the lower scoop further gets flow going towards it. The Papio look way better braced. Does it feel smoother? The bottom scoop is mostly sending airflow in the other components. Is there a trade off design wise?
Looks like a Yamaha TDM from the 90's.
Glad to see a video on this bike, very interested in one and to me its a really nice looking bike.
im getting this reminds me of my ysr 50 i once had.
great to hear that it is such a good bike. I wonder how reliability will be with CF Moto in the long run. I hope it is good. Great to have more choices when shopping for a bike and if CF Moto can deliver a good reliable product at a fair price , it's place of manufacture should not matter.
Long term reliabilty Honda wins. I have a couple of 50 year old Honda Monkeys that run like a baby.
@@rebellucy6200that's great and way to add in a brag, but we aren't talking about 50 years of reliability. They mean in the short term of the next 5 to 10 years. Most people aren't owning a bike for 50 years or want to own something for that long or that old
@@tylerfitzgerald266 no brag. Just my personal experience. Honda's are well known for quality.
@@rebellucy6200 You're comparing the reliability of modern day Honda with the Honda of old. The modern day variant of all big brands are just shells of their former selves. I have my fathers 1980 CX500, when my friend and I went to get it from him in 2022 we got it to pop off with a portable jump pack and some 2-stroke mix down the cylinders. The bike has been sitting since 2004. Not even a modern day Honda will beat the reliability of a vintage Honda. There is far too much computer garbage and safety features on modern bikes that'll just go bad from sitting.
If they make engines for KTM I would say not reliable at all
What a nice and helpful review! Super thanks!^^❤👍🍀
been waiting for this review
CFMOTO’s are awesome. I have a 2023 CFMOTO CForce 500 and it’s an awesome machine.
Should try out the 700 cl-x and 800nk next :3
plot twist,there's a full fledge sportbike with this design. CFMoto 500SR VOOM
I'll take one with a 300cc engine
A Papio SS around the size of the 300 SS would be pretty cool.
there's a new one coming but a bit bigger than 300cc, CFMoto 500SR Voom. same retro style
@@Slane583 CFMoto 500SR Voom comes close
@@donderstorm1845 I saw what limited videos there are of the 500SR Voom. I sure hope CF Moto brings it here to the US in the future. :)
I'll take a Grom with a CR-250 motor, otherwise I'd get a Monkey to explore new trails.
I take my 23 grom on US41 daily! Can get her up to 73mph if the wind is going with me!
Can’t use them on the highways in Ct. I got a great deal on a z125pro with a whopping 24 miles on it. Serves its purpose. I like the look of this a lot but I may add a new grom in blue I’m liking the 2025 model but before I do I need to ride this
That is a cool bike. Will you be able to do a ride on the scrambler bike in the future
Styling is cafe racer X mild Apex Legends aesthetic
It works for me. :/
The papio outside the USA looks so much better due to inductor design and digital dash
If you are 6 foot 3 and 190lbs... a doable ride for the city?
Cf moto need more aftermarket support, maybe to see if the jug can be machine and come with a big bore kit .
The only reason I would consider cf moto is because you get a 5 year warranty in Canada and there's a dealer close by
I like it too! Can’t wait to see it. Cool bike.
It reminds me of a 80's Suzuki gsxr or Kawasaki ZXR...It would be cool to add a lower faring and paint.
Before anything, I think you'd need to compare insurance, availability/parts availability/repairability/aftermarket-availability...
oh it's $3300, i'd just go Japanese/real bike capable of highway trips. Guess it'll come down to whether 18yos think it's cooler than a Grom & bandwagon. I doubt it; my guess is it'll be Sega niche & resale value will plummet in comparison to a Grom & early-adopters will be taught a lesson.
6.8 lbs-ft versus 7.7 lbs-ft of torque on the Grom. that's not "a tiny tiny tiny bit down on power". nearly 12% less power is huge. at this size, the hp isn't going to be as noticeable as the huge difference in torque. not to mention, it's also about 25 lbs heavier than the Grom. so 11.7% less torque, and 11.1% heavier. not a good combination. they literally HAD to put a 6 speed on it to make up for that disparity.
however, i'm not buying a 125cc minibike for the speed. this thing is so damn good looking, if i was in the market i would definitely get the Papio SS or even the CL over the Grom. even with the 2025 redesign, which is significantly better than last year, it still ain't got nothing on the Papio. not even close.
Would love to see kase' room mates ct70 clone engine race against this.
They definitely nailed the styling remind me of an 80s gixer
build quality is hands down better than the Grom. it was kinda surprising to see tbh
I have been doing UA-cam research for a while. The monkey is about $1000 more than the grom. But I discovered the popio. It's about $600 cheaper in my area. I've made my decision. I'm going to purchase the ss model in green. The only 2024 ss they have. Im picking it up tomorrow morning.
The lights and fairings scream Honda CBR900 Urban Tiger 1998
4:33 it looks almost exactly like a 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750. search youtube for that exact name and check out the video motorcyclenews just put out.
Imagine bringing this bike to go kart track
This is significantly more expensive than the miniMoto competition like the Grom and stuff in Canada. So this isn't really a competitior
I never have liked the look of dual headlights and this is no different.
Have you checked for professional help for disliking dual lights 😂
Just reminds me of the difference between a 57 Chevy compared to the 58 Chevy. The extra headlights just look terrible. The Triumph Speed Triple RR would just look stupid with dual headlights.
Dual headlights looked good on 80s and 90s bikes. They look goofy on this bike, jutting out like it has an overbite.
Looks like something bikes and beards bought on amazon
Do a Honda Grom clone review
Always funny how they talk about manouvreble an flickeble when there are only straight and enormesly boring roads.
If you put square tires on it you don't feel the difference
Seat looks well padded, I need that fer my biig butt!😅
i dont need it but i would not mind buying one if its like just over $2k OTD
Honda grom from build from Thailand quality is ok from few feet away 😅
Where it is manufactured doesn't matter at all, do you know anything about motorcycles? Honda is infinitely superior to any Chinese brand in every way, your comment is ridiculous
I bet you were getting a lot of requests to review CF Moto bikes. China has more AI bots than any other country. Having an extra gear doesn’t do anything without the power to push that gear.
Wow, please share your data sources. What's next, China and Russia infiltrating the US via bike sales?
I would never promote a Chinese product. The Japanese are our best friends even though there has been a history of betrayal, but essentially we are friendly with them. America does not hold the sales records for motorcycles, so it would be better to push Honda as the brand of choice rather than feed the Chinese economy which is not our friend. Yeah, I get it, price and don't get into the politics of it all. You need principles to acknowledge this.
Honda Navi in red ftw
no thanks!
I’ll stick with Honda!
I know they last!
Inverted fork* it only has one fork.
Needs a tail tidy.
I stopped watching the instance I saw you loading the bike into a Cyber Truck
😂
🔥🔥🔥
it cant be a better grom
Cool bike but I hate any support of the Chinese government. And that's what you are doing by purchasing any CF Moto products
You're supporting China with almost every product you buy. They make everything.
Why do bigoted ? Didn't you hear they make engines for KTM; do you allow KTM or should they be banned too ?
@@rabbit789mate I’m Chinese and the CCP are horrible. It’s not being ‘bigoted’ it’s the truth. He said he liked the bike, he just can’t support a company that’s funded by the CCP.
Same here man, I’m with you on that one. I was about to drop $12k on a new CFMOTO bike, and overlook the whole CCP thing. But, I found out about user issues and reconsidered and that video that found you can’t power wheelie. Now I’ve got my eyes on a INDIAN FTR S 👌
And the US is completely innocent with how they have acted around the world…? What bike will you buy then? Most, if not all including Harley(one of the most unreliable!), have components made in China! I’ll enjoy reliable riding, whilst getting more for my $$, while I still live. Whilst politically, calling out ALL Governments. 😉
Ugh. Cybertruck. Opinion… disregarded