The CFMoto 800 MT is one of the most compelling mid-range adventure bikes available in 2026, offering a strong balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability at a competitive price point. One of the first things adventure riders want to know is what rubber comes fitted from the factory, and whether those tires are actually up to the job. Below, we answer the most common questions about CFMoto 800 MT tires, from factory specs to upgrade options and how your tire choice connects to overall suspension performance.
What tires come standard on the CFMoto 800 MT?
The CFMoto 800 MT comes standard with Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tires, a well-regarded adventure touring compound that leans toward road performance while offering reasonable grip on light off-road surfaces. The front tire is sized 110/80 R19 and the rear is 150/70 R17, both tubeless and fitted on spoke wheels.
Pirelli chose the Scorpion Trail II as a factory fitment for a reason: it suits the 800 MT’s character as a bike that spends the majority of its time on tarmac but is capable of handling gravel tracks, forest roads, and unpaved passes when the adventure calls for it. The compound offers good wet weather grip, predictable cornering behavior, and a reasonable lifespan for touring use. For riders who stick mainly to paved or lightly mixed terrain, the stock tires perform admirably straight from the dealership.
That said, the Scorpion Trail II is a road-biased tire. Its tread pattern prioritizes asphalt stability over aggressive off-road bite, which is an important consideration if your riding style leans more toward the dual-sport end of the spectrum.
What do the CFMoto 800 MT tire size numbers mean?
The tire size numbers on the CFMoto 800 MT describe the exact physical dimensions and construction of each tire. For the front tire, 110/80 R19 means: 110 mm wide, an aspect ratio of 80% (meaning the sidewall height is 80% of the tread width), radial construction, and a 19-inch rim diameter. The rear 150/70 R17 follows the same logic: 150 mm wide, 70% aspect ratio, radial, and a 17-inch rim.
Understanding these numbers matters when you are shopping for replacement or upgrade tires, because fitting the wrong size can affect handling, speedometer accuracy, and clearance within the swingarm or fender. Here is a quick breakdown of each element:
- First number (110 / 150): The tread width in millimeters. A wider rear tire provides a larger contact patch, which generally improves traction and stability under load.
- Second number (80 / 70): The aspect ratio as a percentage. A higher number means a taller sidewall, which absorbs more road imperfections but can feel less precise in sharp corners.
- R: Radial construction, meaning the internal cords run perpendicular to the direction of travel. Radial tires generally run cooler, last longer, and offer better high-speed stability than bias-ply alternatives.
- Final number (19 / 17): The rim diameter in inches. The 19-inch front wheel is a common adventure bike specification that allows for better obstacle clearance and off-road performance compared to a smaller 17-inch front.
When replacing tires, always match the rim diameter exactly. The width and aspect ratio can be adjusted slightly within manufacturer-approved ranges, but deviating significantly will affect how the bike handles and may void warranty coverage.
Are the stock CFMoto 800 MT tires good for off-road riding?
The stock Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tires on the CFMoto 800 MT are adequate for light off-road use but are not designed for serious trail riding, loose gravel, mud, or technical terrain. They perform well on packed dirt, gravel roads, and smooth unpaved surfaces, but their road-biased tread pattern loses grip quickly in softer or more technical conditions.
For adventure riders who predominantly explore tarmac routes with occasional unpaved detours, the factory tires are a sensible choice. The Scorpion Trail II offers good feedback on mixed surfaces and is predictable enough that most riders will feel confident on moderate gravel. However, if you regularly tackle:
- Rocky mountain trails
- Deep gravel or loose shale
- Muddy forest tracks
- Sandy or desert terrain
- Extended off-road touring with heavy luggage
…then the stock tires will feel out of their depth. You will notice reduced traction, less confident braking on loose surfaces, and a tendency for the front wheel to push or wash out in corners. In these conditions, upgrading to a more off-road capable compound becomes a genuine safety and performance consideration rather than just a preference.
What are the best tire upgrades for the CFMoto 800 MT?
The best tire upgrades for the CFMoto 800 MT depend on your riding split between road and off-road. The most popular choices fall into three categories: adventure touring tires for road-dominant riders, 50/50 tires for balanced mixed terrain use, and enduro-biased tires for riders who spend the majority of time off-road.
Adventure Touring (70% road / 30% off-road)
If you want to stay close to the factory setup but with improved performance, the Michelin Anakee Adventure and the Continental TKC 70 are both excellent choices. They offer better wet grip and longer tread life than the Scorpion Trail II while maintaining composed handling on tarmac. These are ideal for long-distance touring riders who occasionally venture onto unpaved roads.
50/50 Adventure Tires (even road and off-road split)
For riders who genuinely split their time between surfaces, the Mitas E-07+ and the Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR offer a meaningful step up in off-road grip without sacrificing too much road stability. The tread blocks are more aggressive, providing better bite in loose conditions, while the compound remains usable on wet asphalt.
Enduro-Biased Tires (70% off-road / 30% road)
Riders who push deep into off-road territory should consider the Pirelli Scorpion Rally or the Continental TKC 80. These tires feature open, knobby tread patterns that excel in mud, gravel, and technical terrain. Be aware that they are noisier on asphalt, wear faster on tarmac, and can feel less planted at motorway speeds.
Always verify that your chosen tire size is compatible with the 800 MT’s rim dimensions before purchasing. Sticking to the 110/80 R19 front and 150/70 R17 rear sizing ensures correct fitment and maintains the bike’s intended handling geometry.
How does tire choice affect the CFMoto 800 MT’s suspension performance?
Tire choice has a direct and significant impact on how the CFMoto 800 MT’s suspension performs. Tires are the first point of contact between the bike and the road, and their construction, profile, and compound determine how much of the road’s energy reaches the suspension components. A tire that does not match your riding conditions will undermine even a well-set suspension system.
Here is how specific tire characteristics interact with suspension behavior:
- Sidewall stiffness: A stiffer sidewall (common in road tires) transmits more vibration and impact directly to the suspension, requiring softer spring and damping settings to compensate. A more flexible sidewall (typical in off-road tires) absorbs small bumps before they reach the forks or shock, effectively acting as a secondary suspension element.
- Tire profile: A rounder profile promotes quicker steering and easier lean initiation, while a flatter profile adds straight-line stability. Changing tire profiles without adjusting suspension geometry or sag can alter how the bike steers and how the suspension loads through corners.
- Tire pressure: Running lower pressures off-road increases the contact patch and improves grip, but it also changes the effective spring rate of the tire. This means your suspension settings calibrated for road pressures may feel overly stiff when you drop pressure for trail riding.
- Load rating and construction: Heavier tires add unsprung weight, which makes the suspension work harder to keep the wheel in contact with the surface. This is particularly relevant when carrying full adventure touring luggage.
The practical takeaway is that when you change tire type or size, you should also revisit your suspension setup. Preload, compression damping, and rebound settings that worked perfectly with the stock Scorpion Trail II may need adjustment after fitting a more aggressive tire. This is especially true if you are moving from a road-biased to an off-road-biased compound, or if you are riding with significantly different load conditions than when the suspension was last set up.
How TFX Suspension Helps You Get the Most From Your CFMoto 800 MT
Changing tires on the CFMoto 800 MT is only half the equation. To truly unlock the bike’s potential, your suspension needs to be set up in harmony with your chosen rubber, your body weight, your luggage load, and the terrain you ride. That is exactly where we come in.
At TFX Suspension, we specialize in custom suspension solutions built around the individual rider, not generic settings copied from a spec sheet. Here is what we offer for CFMoto 800 MT riders:
- Custom suspension tuning tailored to your weight, riding style, and preferred terrain, ensuring your forks and rear shock work in sync with your tire choice
- High-performance replacement shocks and fork springs from our product range, including the Traveler, Freelexer, and Xtreme series designed for adventure and dual-sport applications
- Professional service and rebuild programs through our service department, keeping your suspension performing at its best over the long term
- Expert advice for riders who are upgrading tires and want to know exactly how their suspension settings should change as a result
Whether you are planning a long-distance adventure tour, switching to a more aggressive tire compound, or simply want to stop tolerating a suspension setup that was never designed for you, we are here to help. Visit the TFX Suspension blog for more riding and setup guides, explore our full range of suspension products, or get in touch with our team to discuss a custom solution for your CFMoto 800 MT. Do not settle for standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fit a wider rear tire on the CFMoto 800 MT without modifying the swingarm or fender?
Fitting a slightly wider rear tire, such as a 160/60 R17 instead of the stock 150/70 R17, is possible on the 800 MT but is not recommended without first checking clearance against the swingarm, chain, and rear fender. Even a small increase in width can cause rubbing under full suspension compression or when the tire is loaded. If you want to experiment with sizing, consult a qualified mechanic and always prioritize the manufacturer-approved size range to avoid handling issues or warranty complications.
How often should I replace the tires on my CFMoto 800 MT?
Tire replacement intervals depend heavily on your riding style, terrain, and mileage, but as a general rule, adventure touring tires like the stock Pirelli Scorpion Trail II typically last between 8,000 and 15,000 km under mixed road conditions. You should inspect your tires regularly for tread depth (replace at or before the wear indicators), sidewall cracking, uneven wear, or any visible damage from off-road use. Regardless of tread depth, most manufacturers recommend replacing motorcycle tires every five years due to rubber degradation, even if they appear visually sound.
What tire pressures should I run on the CFMoto 800 MT for road versus off-road riding?
For road riding, stick to the pressures specified in the CFMoto owner’s manual, which are typically around 36 psi (2.5 bar) front and 42 psi (2.9 bar) rear for solo riding, adjusting upward when carrying a pillion or heavy luggage. For off-road riding on gravel or dirt, many experienced adventure riders drop pressure to around 25–28 psi front and 28–32 psi rear to increase the contact patch and improve grip. Always reinflate to road pressures before returning to tarmac, as underinflated tires on asphalt generate excess heat, wear unevenly, and significantly reduce handling precision.
Do I need to re-balance my wheels after fitting new tires on the CFMoto 800 MT?
Yes, wheel balancing after every tire change is essential and should never be skipped. An unbalanced wheel causes vibration through the handlebars and footpegs, accelerates bearing and tire wear, and can make the bike feel unstable at motorway speeds. This applies regardless of whether you are fitting the same tire model or switching to a completely different compound, as even minor weight differences between tires affect balance. Any reputable tire fitting shop will balance the wheels as part of the fitting process.
If I switch to an off-road biased tire, what suspension adjustments should I make first?
When moving from a road-biased tire like the Scorpion Trail II to a more aggressive compound, the first adjustment to revisit is sag — both static and rider sag — since a taller or more flexible sidewall can effectively change the bike’s ride height and steering geometry. From there, you will likely want to reduce rebound damping slightly to allow the suspension to recover more quickly over broken terrain, and consider softening compression damping to work with the tire’s increased ability to absorb small impacts. If you are unsure where to start, getting a professional suspension setup from a specialist like TFX Suspension will save you significant trial-and-error time and ensure everything works together correctly.
Is the CFMoto 800 MT's stock suspension adequate for serious off-road riding, or does it need upgrading alongside the tires?
The stock suspension on the CFMoto 800 MT is competent for the bike’s intended use — primarily road touring with light off-road capability — but it uses generic factory settings that are not tailored to individual rider weight or riding style. For riders pushing into more demanding off-road terrain, the stock setup can feel vague or bottoming-prone under heavy braking or on rough trails, particularly when carrying luggage. Upgrading to aftermarket springs and a re-valved or replacement shock, ideally set up alongside your tire choice, makes a substantial difference in control, comfort, and confidence off-road.
What is the easiest way to tell if my CFMoto 800 MT tires are causing handling problems rather than the suspension?
A useful diagnostic approach is to check tire condition and pressure first, since both are common culprits that are often overlooked. If handling feels vague, the bike pushes wide in corners, or braking feels inconsistent, inspect the tires for uneven wear, low tread depth, or incorrect pressure before assuming the suspension is at fault. If tires and pressures are correct but the problem persists — particularly if it manifests as a bouncing or wallowing sensation rather than a grip issue — the suspension is more likely the cause and warrants a professional inspection or setup review.
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