If there’s one motorcycle brand that has been working double time to gain market share, it’s CFMoto. The Chinese brand started out making ATVs before branching out with small-displacement, expressway-legal bikes like the 400NK, but in recent years it has gained a solid reputation for making exciting and reliable bikes with plenty of value for money.

I first saw this growing credibility when I went to a track day hosted by Motostrada in 2022. As the distributor of MV Agusta and CFMoto, they’ve done a great job of making customers feel valued and appreciated. Even though the 450SR had just been launched, dozens of 300SR and 850MT owners joined in the fun, lapping to their heart’s content.

Since then, Motostrada has been tirelessly introducing new models that make industry stalwarts like Honda and Kawasaki look timid and complacent. The lineup currently includes the 300SR, the 450 CL-C cruiser, the 800NK, the 450NK, the 450MT, the 150SC, the 675SR-R, the 500SR Voom, and the 800MT-X.

That’s a bunch of parallel-twin big bikes, a small-displacement scooter, a triple-cylinder, and an in-line-four—all priced very competitively to appeal to the entry-level and the midrange markets. Their most expensive model, the 800MT-X, is just P676,900.

And at this year’s EICMA, they had even more tricks up their sleeves. They unveiled the 675NK, a naked version of the racy three-cylinder sports bike, and they also showed the CF-X electric motocross concept. With power equivalent to a 450cc ICE equivalent, adjustable WP suspension, and weighing just 125kg, the CF-X holds the advantage of near-silent operation when riding through trails as well as zero emissions.

With the electric MXGP set to debut in 2026 as a support class to the FIM Motocross World Championship, it looks like CFMoto is getting ready to flex its racing chops off-road, as it’s already competing in Moto2 and Moto3 (and doing quite well, actually).

And as if its new in-line four- and three-cylinder aren’t enough, they also announced the development of the V.04, a 90° V4 with a 997cc displacement, an 81mm bore and a 48.4mm stroke. With projected output of 209hp (14,500rpm) and maximum torque of 114Nm, this signals an intent to play in the superbike category as well.

Here in the Philippines, Motostrada has steadily expanded its network which now numbers over 200 dealers nationwide. For the 450MT adventure bike alone, they have sold more than 1,000 units since its launch this summer. That’s an average of 125 units in just eight months, a figure that any other big bike manufacturer would be envious of.

As I noted in my review of that bike, it hits the right spot for approachability, usable performance, and pricing. Owners whom I’ve talked to range from first-time big bike owners to riders who’ve added it to their stable alongside their Japanese and European bikes.

There are several other Chinese-made brands like Moto Morini (Italian but manufactured in China), Bristol, and QJMotor, but CFMoto ranks at the top right now for its diverse lineup, solid build, and reliable after-sales.

It used to be that buyers chose to go with a Chinese bike because it was the only bike they could afford. But with CFMoto, it’s not just about the pricing anymore. It also has genuine appeal that should serve notice to certain other brands that are seeing erstwhile customers go to Motostrada dealers instead.