2022 CFMOTO Papio

CFMOTO’s Papio is a well-sorted entry into the mini-moto class. Features like a six-speed transmission and low sticker price help the bike stand out in a category that rewards a strong balance between style, performance, entertainment value, and price.

Important things to consider when looking at the Papio are the price advantage over bikes like the Honda Grom and Kawasaki Z125 Pro, but also the fewer aftermarket options available for this model. Customization is key in the mini-moto space, and there will be more aftermarket parts available for the Honda and Kawasaki.

If you’ve been even remotely active in the moto community over the last decade, you’ve likely noticed a peculiar emergence of small-displacement, inexpensive mini streetbikes from notable Japanese companies like Honda and Kawasaki. Well, Hangzhou, China-based CFMOTO noticed this as well, introducing to its 2022 seven-moto lineup its own 126cc mini streetbike: the Papio.

CFMOTO clearly studied the competition, as the Papio has a similar look and feel to Honda’s Grom and Kawasaki’s Z125 Pro. Behind the bold colors and traditional mini-moto styling, there’s a rather impressive list of features, including a six-speed transmission, full LED lighting, a digital display, and five-click adjustable rear suspension.

By not venturing too far from the prerequisites of style, fun, and affordable performance, CFMOTO has built a worthwhile contender for new riders, as well as experienced motorcyclists looking for affordable and fun around-town transportation.

There are no updates for the 2022 CFMOTO Papio as this is the bike’s first year in the CFMOTO lineup.

The Papio comes in at a modest $2,999, less than its Japanese competitors. Variations are limited to colors, with the 2022 Papio available in either yellow or Grey/Red Dragon.

Multiple manufacturers have followed Honda into the mini-moto category, creating an interesting list of options for those looking for small-displacement fun. The Honda Grom ($3,499) and Kawasaki Z125 Pro ($3,399) are the biggest hitters in the space, but there are more options, including the CSC City Slicker ($2,795), Benelli TNT135 ($3,199), Kymco K-Pipe 125 ($2,249), and the SSR Razkull 125 ($1,199).

Honda’s lineup also includes the Navi ($1,807), Super Cub C125 ($3,849), Trail 125 ($3,999), and Monkey ($4,249).

Unlike much of its ICE competitors, the Papio is equipped with a six-speed transmission.

Plopped into the chassis of the Papio is CFMOTO’s air-cooled 126cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine. While not fast by any stretch of the imagination, the engine puts out a claimed 9 hp and has plenty of get-up-and-go for around-town riding. A light clutch pull and smooth power delivery helps new riders feel comfortable in their first outings.

Power is routed through a six-speed transmission—the only one in its class—giving the Papio a significant edge over its competition. The big goal for CFMOTO is easy cruising at higher speeds.

Overall riding characteristics are light and zippy. If you can keep yourself from trying to do wheelies and stoppies every 30 seconds, all 9 hp and 6.1 lb.-ft. of torque can eventually get you moving to a top speed of 64 mph.

With mini motos, manufacturers are tasked with balancing production costs with solid components and CFMOTO manages that task seemingly well, outfitting the Papio with a backbone frame that uses specifically engineered rigidity and keeps durability in mind.

Rear swingarm suspension and an IFP (Internal Floating Piston) monoshock with five-click preload adjustability provide good performance out back, while lightweight, 12-inch alloy wheels keep the Papio in line with its main competition. These wheel sizes promote quick, nimble handling around town.

Thanks to the short 48-inch wheelbase, low 251-pound curb weight, and adjustable suspension, the Papio performs relatively well for its class.

The Papio sports a solid brake setup for its size, with a J.Juan 210mm disc and two-piston caliper up front and a 190mm disc and single-piston caliper out back. That front brake disc is smaller than the Grom (220mm), but larger than the Z125 Pro (200mm).

There is currently no fuel economy data for the CFMOTO Papio.

The Papio’s low, 30.5-inch seat height and standard handlebars make for a comfortable, upright seating position. Fuel capacity is up just slightly over the Grom (1.9 gallons versus 1.6 gallons), but slightly less than the Z125 Pro, which has a 2-gallon tank.

No cost cutting here. The Papio has a full LED light setup and a bright LCD display for gauge readouts and indicator lights.

The Papio receives CFMOTO’s shortest warranty in its new seven-bike lineup, one year.

Overall quality of the Papio is as impressive as CFMOTO’s other products, continuing to break down the negative stereotypes of Chinese motorcycles. The Papio features an excellent fit and finish, quality components, and rideability on par with any competitor in the mini streetbike class.