A few months ago, CFMoto shook up the world with its flamboyant NK-22 streetfighter concept. It boasted over-the-top parts, indluing forged carbon fiber brake ducts, three-piece carbon wheels, and SC-Project race exhaust, and was destined to birth CFMoto’s new middleweight naked, the 800NK. Now, the 800NK has been leaked via Chinese type-approval documents, revealing a capable naked that can wage war on the new Honda CB750 Hornet.

RELATED: CFMoto Launches Seven New Motorcycles In The USA (Including A Honda Grom Rival)

CFMoto and KTM's partnership has now been well established. The Chinese company handles KTM motorcycle production for Asian markets, and it’s even responsible for the global production of the 2023 790 Adventure. In turn, CFMoto has the right to use KTM engines in its products, and the new 800NK does exactly that. It employs a 799cc, twin-cylinder mill, same as the 2023 KTM 790 Duke. The power has dropped to 99 horsepower here, but it’s still nine horsepower more than the Honda CB750 Hornet and good enough for a 220kmph top speed. Meanwhile, you also get a 10mm shorter wheelbase than the KTM.

Cycle World Magazine

Understandably, the 800NK has a number of notable differences from the loaded NK-22 concept. The most notable ones are in the underpinnings as there’s no single-sided swingarm, carbon wheels, or Pirelli Supercorsa rubber. Instead, you get a conventional swingarm, 10-spoke alloys, and Maxxis rubber - same as the 790 Duke. Elsewhere, the excessive forged carbon fiber components have been replaced by plastic parts and the J.Juan front brakes no longer wear air ducts - all of which is aimed at keeping production costs in check.

RELATED: CFMoto's New Electric Motorcycle Could Uproot The Honda Grom In America

Besides all this, the CFMoto 800NK still looks dazzling. This is because even after the tone-down, the design hasn’t changed much. You get a striking, alien-like V-shaped LED headlight up top complemented by a unique front fender and brawny tank extensions. The opposite end is equally edgy too, courtesy of the minimalist, MV Agusta Brutale-like tail. Even the rearview mirrors look sharp, an aspect that most manufacturers don’t usually pay much attention to.

Finally, the type-approval documents also reveal another variant of the motorcycle. The higher-spec 800NK has a bigger TFT instrument cluster, probably loaded with identical rider aids to the 790 Duke. It also has a different livery with black bodywork accentuated by bronze accents and wheels.

So when will the 800NK debut? Well, now that it’s been type-approved, CFMoto will probably launch it in China soon, followed by a European and British debut. Post this, we can expect it will reach American dealerships as a 2024 model. Plus, it will likely undercut its arch-rivals like the Honda CB750 Hornet, Suzuki GSX-8S, and KTM 790 Duke in all markets.