Looking for a small, stylish, and affordable motorcycle that’s a blast to ride? The CFMoto XO2 Papio Trail, also known as the Papio CL in some markets, is making waves. This mini moto packs retro looks into a tiny package. But is it all style, or does it have real substance for both city streets and light trail adventures? We got our hands on one of the first units in Singapore to find out.
Power and Performance
This little bike is powered by a 126cc air-cooled engine. It makes 9.4 horsepower and 9.2 Newton-meters of torque.
With an 80kg rider, top speeds reach about 95 km/h on flat ground. More often, you can expect a steady 85 km/h. The bike has a very narrow power band. You must keep the engine between 7,500 and 8,500 RPM for the best performance.
The six-speed transmission helps you stay in that sweet spot. First gear is very short to help get the bike moving. The jump from first to second gear is quite large. This feels familiar to riders of old two-stroke dirt bikes.
Handling, Brakes, and Fuel Economy
The Papio Trail uses 12-inch alloy wheels. It has an upside-down fork at the front. The suspension is set quite stiff from the factory. This makes the bike feel twitchy and incredibly nimble. It can out-turn almost any other vehicle on the road.
You will feel every small bump on the road, however. The trade-off is sharp handling.
Braking is very strong. It uses a 210mm front disc and a 190mm rear disc. The brakes are so good they can often out-grip the stock tires. The bike is so light that hard stops can make the tires squeal.
Fuel efficiency is impressive. In a test involving city riding, highway use, and aggressive throttle, the bike achieved about 27.5 km per liter. This was from a 7-liter fuel tank. The calculated total range is around 193 km.
Off-Road Capability
The Papio Trail shows some promise off the pavement. The distributor allowed a short off-road test.
It has 165mm of ground clearance. This is enough for shallow ruts and ditches. You must stay in first or second gear and keep your speed low. Going too fast over bumps can make the bike bounce.
The stock tires and low gearing are surprisingly good at climbing gentle slopes. For serious off-road use, you would want to find a set of off-road scooter tires. These can be hard to find.
Features and Controls
It is important to know that the rear rack and crash bars seen in images are optional extras. They do not come standard.
The bike comes with dual-channel ABS as standard. The ABS cannot be switched off. For most riders of this bike, that is not a problem.
Switchgear and Buttons
The button quality feels good for the price. The horn button placement is a minor issue. It is located above the turn signal switch. It is easy to accidentally hit the horn when trying to cancel a turn signal.
On the right side, the starter is integrated into the kill switch. This makes for a clean look. A dedicated hazard light switch is a nice added touch.
The Instrument Cluster
The round, retro-style gauge cluster is a highlight. It is simple and beautiful, avoiding a busy modern display.
The main feature is an analog tachometer. This is your best friend for keeping the engine in its narrow power band. A digital shift light activates around 6,000 RPM. Following this light will help fuel economy. For maximum power, shift closer to 8,500 RPM.
The digital display shows:
- A clock
- A gear position indicator
- A digital speedometer
- A fuel gauge
Two buttons on the cluster let you cycle through trip meters. You can also see a voltmeter and the cluster’s automatic backlight setting. The final setting is the total odometer.
A small annoyance is the fuel cap. It does not have a hinge. You must find a safe place to put it while refueling, like the handlebars or a rack.
Maintenance Access
For riders who like to do their own work, maintenance points are easy to reach.
The battery is under the left side panel. Removing two screws gives you access.
The main fuse box is under the fuel tank cover. You must remove the seat to route wires to it.
The oil filter is internal. The access hole is on the right side of the bike. An internal filter is less prone to leaks than a screw-on type.
Riding Position and Comfort
For a small bike, the riding position is roomy. A rider who is 177 cm tall found good space for their upper body. They could turn the bars without their elbows hitting their knees.
The seat is wide and comfortable. It has a nice shape that supports your lower back.
The issue is leg space. Taller riders have to curl their legs to stay on the pegs. This can become tiring on longer rides.
Standing up on the pegs is possible. The bar height is acceptable for a rider of that height if you rotate them. For off-road control, sitting felt more stable and comfortable.
The stock mirrors are good. They give a clear view behind you without showing too much of your own arms.
The entire bike is very compact. This makes filtering through tight city traffic very easy.
There is one safety concern. The riding position is quite low. When next to a large SUV or van, you can be in the driver’s blind spot.
Weight and Aesthetics
The XO2 Papio Trail weighs only 114 kg. It is very easy to pick up if it falls over. You can even spin it around on its kickstand. Pushing it on a slight incline is no problem.
The style blends elements of the Honda Grom and Honda Monkey. It has a retro-modern look. The seat stitching adds a classic touch. The bodywork has angular, modern lines.
The underslung exhaust is tucked away neatly. It fills the space between the engine and bodywork well. The stock exhaust note is one of the best in the 125cc category. It has a deep, bassy pop. At high RPMs, it can get quite loud.
The headlight and taillight are very large for the bike’s size. This gives it a cute, approachable look. It softens the bike’s outline for a wider market.
Price and Final Thoughts
Price is a major advantage. In Singapore, the Honda Grom costs about 15% more than the Papio Trail.
The CFMoto XO2 Papio Trail is a lifestyle product. It is an amazingly fun second bike for putting around the city.
It can also serve as a great trainer bike. It can build confidence for new riders off-road. It is also a good option for shorter riders, likely those under 160 cm.
Key Takeaways
- Retro style with modern features like ABS and a six-speed gearbox.
- Narrow power band requires mindful gear shifts for best performance.
- Extremely nimble in city traffic but has a stiff, bumpy ride.
- Good fuel economy with a range of nearly 200 km.
- Capable of light off-road use with careful riding.
- More affordable than key competitors like the Honda Grom.
What do you think of this mini motorcycle? Could the CFMoto XO2 Papio Trail be the fun, affordable bike you’ve been looking for?