CFMoto 800 MT vs Suzuki V-Strom 800DE: a KTM engine and 5 years against 10 years of warranty

The CFMoto 800 MT is the bike that turned the Chinese brand from a curiosity into a real competitor, thanks to its twin derived from KTM's LC8c. In 2025 CFMoto added the 800 MT-X, an off-road version with a 21-inch wheel: that's the one that goes head-to-head with the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE, Suzuki's "Dual Explorer" adventure bike, also on a 21-inch front. The road-going 800 MT Sport, Touring and Explore (19-inch) face the V-Strom 800SE (€10,299 in France). We focus here on the two off-road versions, and bring in the road 800 MT where useful. Prices are French; check UK availability and prices with the UK importers.

Specs side by side

On paper the CFMoto dominates: more power, more torque, 10 kg lighter, more travel, a bigger tank and fuller equipment (cruise control and tyre pressure sensors on top), for €1,300 less. The Suzuki answers with a warranty twice as long and a denser network.

For the road 800 MT (Sport, Touring, Explore), count on 95 hp, 75 Nm, 19 litres and 19/17-inch wheels; the Explore was listed at €9,790 at its 2022 launch. All versions are detailed in CFMoto 800 MT: servicing and key points.

On the road and off it: what the tests say

• CFMoto 800 MT-X: Bikesales' (Australia) launch test praises a "smooth and predictable" engine, IMU-based Bosch electronics that are "polished and faultless", and above all suspension that keeps the bike "settled and under control" on rocky climbs and in sand. The J.Juan brakes are "hard to fault", without a premium feel. The reservations: a sometimes notchy quickshifter, no standard heated grips, and long-term reliability and resale still to be proven.
• Suzuki V-Strom 800DE: the French site Le Repaire des Motards' test notes the balanced chassis, the quality of the suspension, its manners on gravel, the standard quickshifter and the riding position; on the downside, an engine that's "effective but not charismatic", high weight and a stock screen that offers little protection. Recorded fuel use: 6.1 l/100 km.

In short: off-road, both are among the most capable mid-size adventure bikes on the market. The CFMoto has the engine and equipment edge, the Suzuki a consistency and track record the Chinese bike doesn't have yet.

Servicing

Both columns show the same trap: published schedules differ by market. Your own service book is what counts, and it's what conditions the warranty in both cases. If you ride loaded, in hot weather or a lot in town, an extra oil change costs only a few tens of euros in consumables: see our oil change guide.

The warranty: 5 years vs 10 years, same conditions

• CFMoto: since 31 August 2023, the French importer GD France covers 799 cc models for 5 years, provided they're serviced in the network, with cover narrowing after two years (engine, gearbox, frame). Details in our 800 MT article. UK terms are set by the UK importer.
• Suzuki: since 15 March 2026, Suzuki France's warranty rises to 10 years with unlimited mileage for new bikes sold since 1 January 2026, provided the annual service is done in the network. A customer who left the network can rejoin after a fault-code check at a dealer, at their own cost if anything needs repairing. Check whether the UK programme matches.

In both cases, doing your own oil changes loses the extension. The principle is in manufacturer warranty and doing your own servicing.

Reliability: documented recalls

• CFMoto 800 MT: no 800 MT recall in the French RappelConso database at the time of writing, but two recalls in Australia (horn wiring on 2021-2022 bikes, engine mounting bolts on 2023 Touring models) and a US recall on the 800 MT sold there as the Ibex 800 (throttle cable, 2023). Have campaigns checked against the VIN — in the UK, also via the DVSA recall lookup.
• Suzuki V-Strom 800DE: a recall published on RappelConso on 27 September 2024 concerns the original rear tyre, a Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour (150/70R17), which may show cracks or tread deformation. On a used 2023-2024 bike, ask for proof of replacement.

Value and resale

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

A one-to-two-year-old 800 MT is listed at 70 to 85% of its new price; a three-year-old V-Strom 800DE at 69 to 87%, and an 800DE with 26,000 km stays close to €9,000. At equal age the Suzuki holds up better, and the purchase gap comes back largely at resale. Two arguments do favour the CFMoto: a transferable 5-year warranty (a well-kept 2024 800 MT stays covered until 2029) and new stock bikes that were sold off cheaply, which lowered prices without the bike itself being at fault.

Over 4 years, on our assumptions (10,000 km a year, dealer servicing), the Suzuki works out about €550 cheaper thanks to lower depreciation; if the CFMoto holds 60% of its price, the gap becomes token. The full calculation is in Chinese or Japanese motorcycle: the total cost.

Verdict by profile

• You want the most bike for your money, ride a lot of gravel and accept staying in the network: the CFMoto 800 MT-X. More powerful, lighter, better equipped and €1,300 cheaper, it has the best spec sheet in the class.
• You travel far, keep your bike for years and want peace of mind: the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE. Ten years of warranty and a dense network is an argument nobody matches today.
• You'll sell in three or four years: the Suzuki, for its resale value.
• You're buying used: a 2024-2025 800 MT with remaining warranty and a full service book is a very good deal. Check the recalls, and read parts, warranty and dealer network for Chinese motorcycles before you sign.

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Does your 800 MT or V-Strom still have warranty and a full service book? That adds value: value your motorcycle with L'Atelier's tool before you set your price.