San Diego is one of the best places in the country to ride a motorcycle. Mild weather most of the year, coastal roads, mountain twisties out past Julian and Alpine, and lane splitting is legal in California. If you’re thinking about your first bike, or stepping up from the one you have, CFMOTO’s street lineup gives you a lot of options at a price that leaves room for good gear.
The CFMOTO street lineup at a glance
- Papio SS, CL and XO (126cc): fun-size minis.
- 300SS and 300NK: lightweight sport and naked bikes.
- 450SS, 450NK and 450CL-C: twin-cylinder sport, naked and classic styles.
- 675SS: a triple-cylinder sportbike.
- 800NK: the big naked bike in the lineup.
SS means a sport bike with fairings and a sportier riding position. NK means naked: no full fairing, more upright, easier on your back in traffic. The CL-C is the classic-styled cruiser of the 450 family.
Picking a first bike
The best first bike is one you can handle confidently, flat-foot or close to it at a stop, and afford to drop once (most of us do). For most new riders, that points to the 300 or 450 range.
300SS or 300NK
Light, manageable and forgiving. A great place to learn clutch control, braking and cornering without being overwhelmed.
450SS, 450NK or 450CL-C
Twin-cylinder bikes with more room to grow. The 450SS is a favorite for riders who want sporty looks without a big-bore learning curve. The 450NK gives you the same family in an upright naked package. The 450CL-C is for riders who want relaxed, classic style.
A good rule: if you want sport looks and a tucked position, go SS. If you’ll commute on I-8 or the 15 and want comfort, go NK or CL-C.
Picking your next bike
Already riding and ready for more?
- The 675SS brings a triple-cylinder engine into the middle-weight sport segment. If you’ve outgrown a 300 or 450 and want more character and pull, it’s worth a test ride.
- The 800NK is the lineup’s big naked bike: upright, strong and comfortable enough for weekend runs up to Palomar or Mount Laguna.
- If you want to mix in dirt roads, look at the Ibex adventure bikes on our Ibex page.
Check the current spec sheet for seat height, weight and power on each model, or ask us and we’ll pull it up.
Papio minis
The 126cc Papio SS, CL and XO are small, light and a lot of fun around town. They’re a good pick for short city hops, a second bike for the garage, or riders who simply want something easy and playful. They’re street bikes, so you still need a motorcycle license.
California motorcycle license basics
To ride a motorcycle on the street in California, you need an M1 endorsement or license. In general terms, the process involves a written knowledge test and a vision test, then either a DMV riding skills test or completing a California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) training course. Younger riders generally must complete the course. A motorcycle permit comes with restrictions until you’re fully licensed.
Requirements change, so check the California DMV website for the current rules for your age before you buy. Even if it’s optional for you, the training course is one of the best investments a new rider can make.
Gear and budget
Budget for a DOT-approved helmet, jacket, gloves, boots and riding pants. Then look at the full take-home price on any bike in our motorcycle lineup: tax, DMV, doc fee, freight and setup all included. Financing runs through multiple lenders, and first-time buyers are welcome.
Ride it before you buy it
Seat height and riding position feel different in person. Sit on a 300, a 450 and an 800 back to back and you’ll know fast which one fits. Check the events page for demo days, or bring your license to 1062 N 2nd Street in El Cajon and ask about a test ride. Call (619) 486-6622.