CFMoto 700 CL-X vs Yamaha XSR700: the Chinese neo-retro against a benchmark on its way out

This duel changed in 2025. The Yamaha XSR700, the neo-retro built on the MT-07's CP2 twin, did not get a Euro 5+ version: Yamaha withdrew it from the UK and Germany at the end of 2024, and in France only the last stock bikes and the used market remain. The CFMoto 700 CL-X, meanwhile, was updated: a Euro 5+ version with traction control and a third riding mode, still under €7,000 in France. So should you buy the Chinese bike new, or a used XSR700? For UK readers the question is even sharper: the used market is the only way to get an XSR700.

Specs side by side

Two readings. The CL-X is better equipped and has a lower seat; the XSR700 is 10 kg lighter, torquier and brakes on two discs. On warranty, the Chinese argument is neutralised in France: Yamaha France applies 5 years parts and labour on new bikes sold since 1 January 2025, which covers a stock XSR700 bought today (check the order form). UK warranty terms depend on the UK importers.

On the road: what the tests say

• CFMoto 700 CL-X: the French press praises a very successful look (some see hints of Ducati Scrambler and Diavel), equipment that's rare at this price — above all standard cruise control — and quality KYB suspension. The Euro 5+ update cost it torque: Motoplanete's review notes a bike "a little less lively when rolling on". The 13-litre tank limits range.
• Yamaha XSR700: the MT-07's CP2 is one of the most praised engines of the decade, torquey and full of character. The chassis is sound and light, but suspension is basic (non-adjustable fork) and the electronics minimal: no traction control or riding modes in the catalogue.

If you want the same engine family in modern form, the MT-07 against the QJMotor SRK 700 is the other duel to read, and the Japanese reference head-to-head is MT-07 vs Z650.

Servicing

Same logic as the other duels: valve checks are far apart on both, but the CFMoto needs twice as many oil changes. And since its 5-year French warranty depends on servicing in the GD France network, those oil changes are done at a dealer for five years. Conditions are detailed in CFMoto 800 MT: servicing and the 5-year warranty (same rules for the 693 cc engines).

Reliability: what's documented

• CFMoto 700 CL-X: a recall published on RappelConso on 27 June 2025 concerns the 700 CL-X Sport: the ABS control unit may be faulty and demand excessive braking effort, lengthening stopping distance. If you buy a used CL-X, ask for proof the recall was done (the dealer checks it with the VIN; in the UK, also run the DVSA recall check).
• Yamaha XSR700: no recall found in the RappelConso database for this model. The CP2 has a well-established reputation for toughness across the MT-07, Tracer 7 and Ténéré 700.

Value and resale: the clearest gap in the series

Dealer listings on the French site Motoplanete (2025-2026):

A 2022 CL-X with under 4,000 km is listed at 54% of its launch price; a 2022 XSR700 at 68 to 78% of its list price. It's the widest gap in our comparisons, and it makes sense: a niche model, a still-young brand image, and a new CL-X at €7,000 that caps the used market. The XSR700's end of production works the other way: with no direct replacement in Yamaha's range (nothing between the XSR125 and XSR900), a healthy XSR700 should stay sought after — even more so in the UK, where it's no longer sold new.

Practical consequence: buying a used CL-X is a great deal, selling one less so. A 2023 CL-X at €4,000 with the remaining 5-year warranty (if the dealer service record is complete and transferable) is one of the best equipment-for-money deals on the market. The general mechanics of depreciation are in how much a motorcycle loses per year, and the 4-year calculation in Chinese or Japanese motorcycle: the total cost.

Verdict by profile

• You buy new and keep it for years: the CFMoto 700 CL-X. At €7,000, cruise control, adjustable suspension and 5 years of warranty (in the network) — no new Japanese bike offers that in this style.
• You buy used with a €4,000 to €5,000 budget: a 2022-2023 CL-X with the recall done and a service record is a lot of bike for the money.
• You want the liveliest engine and easy resale: the XSR700, stock or used. The CP2 and the light weight make the difference at the bars, and the value holds.
• You change bikes every two or three years: the XSR700, or an MT-07 if neo-retro isn't a must.

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Selling your CL-X or XSR700? A niche model's value comes down to condition and service history: value your motorcycle with L'Atelier's tool before you list it.