CFMOTO XO PAPIO

July 24, 2024

If you’re finding that the latest adventure and sporty machines are getting a bit big, then the new XO Papio models – Trail & Racer – could be just what you’re looking for. And chances are they’re going to be a heap of fun!

To put it into context as to who the new models are targeted at, the XO at the beginning of the name is apparently inspired by gaming consoles’ X and O buttons. CFMoto say the XO PAPIO strives to be a motorcycle that connects riders and lifestyles, encouraging more users to find new ways to play. And if they manage to get new, younger riders into motorcycles, well, we reckon that’s a great thing.

Okay, it’s small and is essentially what we’d call a pit bike. But for hooning around town where speeds are low, then having a cool little machine like the XO Papio could be a load of fun, whether you’re into gaming or simply don’t want to drag your big bike out all the time.

Powering the XO Papio is a 126cc air-cooled 4-stroke featuring EFI and tuned to develop its maximum torque lower in the rev range. Although, with a maximum output of 9.5hp @ 8,250rpm and 9.3Nm at 6,500rpm, chances are the throttle is going to be on the stop most of the time.

The styling is funky and retro, with the twin round headlights not only full LED, but also displaying an X in one and an O in the other. Yeah, that’s kinda cool. And the Racer version of the XC Papio sports clip-on handlebars, a quarter fairing, a belly pan and bar-end mirrors. Or, if you’re more into an urban adventurer vibe, then the XO Papio also comes in a Trail version, which ditches the small fairing and instead features higher handlebars, a raised front mudguard and a retro style. Oh, and the tyres feature a slightly more aggressive tread pattern than the Racer. Could you take it off-road? Well, we don’t know, but we’re sure it could be a real giggle if you had a couple of them!

There’s a 3-inch, round LCD dash, and while a 7-litre fuel tank might sound small, the XO Papio reportedly covers 350km on it, although whether you’d want to do that all in one stint is debatable. What it does probably mean is that if you’re using it for commuting around town, you won’t be needing to visit gas stations all that much. And if you do go adventuring, you’ll be hard pressed to run it out of gas!

Chinese manufacturer YUAN supplies the suspension with upside-down forks at the front and a mono-shock at the rear, while dual-channel ABS is there to catch any over-zealous braking on slippery streets.

With a wet weight of only 114-kilos and a low 760mm seat height, the funky looks and small stature of the new CFMoto are going to make it a heap of fun for anyone who wants a bike like Honda’s venerable Monkey Bike. And with a retail price of $4,490 + ORC, we reckon you might spy a few Papios tearing around towns in NZ shortly after stock arrives in Spring this year.

For further info visit: www.cfmoto.co.nz/range/motorcycle