- The CFMoto XO Papio Racer is a lightweight, fuel-injected mini bike that punches well above its size — and price tag.
- Its six-speed gearbox, ABS brakes, and sporty styling make it an ideal urban toy or commuter for new riders.
- At $4,490, it offers massive fun for minimal money, proving small bikes can deliver big smiles.
CFMoto are on a roll, with a seemingly endless run of new models hitting NZ shores. After riding the naked mid-capacity 800NK recently, we didn’t expect the XO Papio with a fraction of the horsepower to be this much fun!
I rode an electric commuter bike recently that not only hit a hard limiter at 50km/h but looked like it was built from cycle parts and had a pricetag of $12,000! Now, let’s put that in perspective compared to the XO Papio. For starters, the CFMoto is sitting in a dealer near you for $4,490, so you could almost get three of these for the price of the electric machine. And then there’s the fact the little fuel-injected 125cc single of the Papio is so full of character when using the six-speed gearbox that it instantly turns you into an inner-city grand prix racer (if there is such a thing), as you attempt to squeeze every last ounce of performance out of the red and white machine. It’s a blast, and it’s what motorcycling is all about, not simply twisting a throttle and hearing an electric motor whiz beneath you.
Famous Footsteps
The Papio follows in the footsteps of another legendary micro machine, Honda’s Grom, which has been encouraging grown men (and women) to ride a motorcycle which looks like it’s been shrunk in the wash. And those men (and women) usually do silly things on them, like ride around the country or take them on adventures. Well, if adventuring is your thing, you’ll be pleased to hear the Papio comes in another version, which features longer travel suspension and off-road tyres. Yep, who needs a big capacity adventure bike when you can have a really small capacity one? I, however, wasn’t game to go adventuring or touring with the Papio we had on loan from the CFMoto importer, instead sticking to the inner-city Hamilton boundaries where I discovered the little racer was a heap of fun.
Instant Hoonigan
I was a bit apprehensive the first time I joined the traffic on the 80km/h road near the BRM office, envisioning a ute or truck simply rolling over the top of me on the little machine. But the reality was that with me on top, the Papio wasn’t so little anymore. And as long as I rode with a purpose of keeping myself in the most visible position on the road, I never really had a problem.
Pulling out of intersections (especially if you need to make it a quick one) is a little tricky thanks to the short ratio of the first cog in the six-speed gearbox. Release the clutch, nail the throttle, and before you know it, the rev counter has almost rotated itself off the gauge and a small yellow light is imploring you to go for second. And once you do, the Papio suddenly gets into its stride. With first running out of puff before the small LCD speedo shows 20km/h, second is a longer ratio, allowing you to build up speed in a reasonable way. And before you know it, you find yourself needing to slow down to avoid running into the back of a car. The highest I saw on the speedo was 97km/h, although that slowly dropped as the road began to rise upwards. But the Papio is able to maintain a steady 80-90km/h, depending on how much of a windbreak you are, obviously. Even though the Racer has a fairing with a screen, the small size means that you’re really are hanging out in the breeze.
With such small wheels, it’s hardly surprising that the handling is lightning quick, and I actually turned in way too early and needed to readjust my line the first couple of times I headed onto a roundabout. But after a bit of recalibration, the little Papio suddenly becomes a load of fun to harness your inner hoon and tear around town while never really risking your licence.
I found the motor liked a decent amount of revs to really get going despite CFMoto claiming the 126cc single is tuned for more torque. And you really need the needle to be above 4,000rpm to make decent progress. I noted that there is a rear seat and pillion pegs, although I’m unsure how you’d actually fit anyone on there. And when you did, I can’t imagine the added weight doing anything great to the performance. Instead, I suggest keeping the Papio as a solo machine and make the most of trying to carry as much corner speed as possible while using the brake as little as possible. It’s epic fun and certainly teaches you a few things that can help when riding bigger bikes.
Despite the ‘Made in China’ tag, the Papio is a stylish little machine that looks like it’s well made. And despite being thrashed to within an inch of its life, there were no issues during our test. The brochure reckons the 7-litre fuel tank will produce a range of 350km, which I find doubtful. Firstly, I imagine everybody who rides one of these will thrash it from the moment they get on it, which will be detrimental to fuel efficiency. And I’m also not sure who would want to do 350km on the Papio, certainly not in one go! At only 114kg and with a low 760mm seat height, the XO Papio is easily accessible for pretty much anyone. And while I’m 182cm tall, I had no problem fitting on.
For the price, there’s nothing that comes close to putting the size of smile on your face as the XO Papio. For inner-city commuting or heading to the local café at the weekend, the CFMoto is a real blast. Undoubtedly, there’ll be some that will do crazy things like ride around the world or across the country on one, and I wish them all the best with their travels. For me, the Papio would be a bike I’d have sitting in the corner of the shed for when I want to blow the cobwebs out and put a massive grin on my face. And for that, it’s perfect.
What is the CFMoto XO Papio Racer?
The CFMoto XO Papio Racer is a 126cc mini ‘sportbike’ that blends retro racing style with modern urban practicality. Compact, lightweight, and full of personality, it’s designed for riders who want a fun, affordable bike for commuting, café runs, or inner-city playtime.
Is the CFMoto XO Papio suitable for learners or new riders?
Yes — the XO Papio is LAMS-approved and learner-friendly. With a low 760mm seat height, 114kg weight, and smooth EFI power delivery, it’s easy to handle for beginners but still entertaining for experienced riders. Its six-speed gearbox and ABS brakes make it more sophisticated than most small-capacity bikes.
How fast does the CFMoto XO Papio go?
The Papio’s 126cc single-cylinder engine produces 7.0kW (9.3Nm) and can reach close to 100km/h, depending on rider weight and conditions. While it’s not built for highway touring, it can maintain 80–90km/h comfortably — perfect for city streets and short open-road stints.
Is the XO Papio good for city riding?
Absolutely. With 12-inch wheels, tight turning capability, and agile steering, the Papio thrives in urban environments. It’s quick off the line, squeezes through traffic effortlessly, and makes even short rides engaging. The combination of light weight and short gearing makes it feel like a pocket-sized racer around town.
What features does the CFMoto XO Papio come with?
Despite its small size, the XO Papio is impressively equipped. Standard features include dual-channel ABS brakes, fuel injection, LED lighting, and a digital LCD display. The six-speed gearbox and electric start are rare in this class, giving the bike a big-bike feel in a compact package.
Why is it called the XO Papio?
CFMoto named the bike “XO” as a nod to gaming-controller buttons, symbolising youth, playfulness, and fun. It’s part of CFMoto’s effort to connect with a new generation of riders looking for accessible, affordable two-wheeled excitement.
What’s the price of the CFMoto XO Papio in New Zealand?
The XO Papio Racer is available in New Zealand for $4,490 + ORC, making it one of the most affordable street-legal motorcycles on the market. It’s a budget-friendly way to get a stylish, well-equipped small bike that delivers serious entertainment per dollar.
How does the CFMoto XO Papio compare to the Honda Grom?
The Papio follows the same “mini-bike” philosophy as the Honda Grom, but offers more gears (six versus five), a lower price, and a different design personality. The Papio leans toward café-racer styling, while the Grom retains its playful, upright shape. Both offer big smiles in small packages.
Is the XO Papio reliable?
During testing, the Papio proved robust and well-built, with no issues even after being ridden hard. Despite its “Made in China” origins, the finish quality is high, and CFMoto backs it with a two-year warranty.
Can the CFMoto XO Papio carry a passenger?
The Papio includes a small rear seat and footpegs for a pillion, but space is extremely limited. It’s best enjoyed as a solo rider’s bike, where the light weight and short wheelbase make it feel more playful and engaging.
How efficient is the CFMoto XO Papio?
CFMoto claims the Papio’s 7-litre tank offers up to 350km of range, though in real-world riding — especially when ridden enthusiastically — expect closer to 200–250km. Its efficiency still makes it one of the most economical petrol-powered bikes on the road.
Is the XO Papio good for long rides
While the Papio is happiest in the city, some riders have taken similar mini-bikes on cross-country trips. The small engine and seat mean long highway rides can be tiring, but its reliability and fun factor make it great for short adventures or backroad blasts.
What colours does the XO Papio come in?
The 2025 CFMoto XO Papio Racer is available in Fiery Red, with other international markets offering additional colours. Its small fairing and racing stripes give it the look of a miniature GP bike — compact, sporty, and eye-catching.
Why should I buy the CFMoto XO Papio?
If you want a bike that’s cheap to buy, easy to ride, and guaranteed to make you grin, the XO Papio is it. It’s a reminder of why we ride: fun, simplicity, and connection. Whether it’s your first bike or a toy for your collection, it delivers maximum enjoyment for minimal cost.
XO Papio Specifications
Price: $4,490 + ORC
Engine
Engine type: Single cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled
Capacity: 126cc
Bore & stroke: 57mm x 49.4mm
Compression ratio: 9.0 : 1
Fuel system: EFI
Maximum power: 7.0kW / 8,250rpm
Maximum torque: 9.3Nm / 6.500rpm
Transmission: 6-speed
Chassis
Front suspension: YUAN upside-down fork, 96mm travel
Rear suspension: YUAN single shock, 96mm travel
Front brake: HANGTE twin-piston caliper, Ø210mm disc
Rear brake: HANGTE single-piston caliper, Ø190mm disc
ABS: Dual-channel ABS braking system
Front tyre: 120/70-12
Rear tyre: 130/70-12
Length x width x height: 1750mm x 700mm x 975mm
Wheelbase: 1,214mm
Seat height: 760mm
Fuel capacity: 7.0L
Dry weight: 114kg
Other
Colours: Fiery Red
Warranty: Two years
Contact: www.cfmoto.co.nz
