The CFMoto Papio SS is one of the prettiest 125s around at the moment, but it comes with a pretty big geographical catch.
The Papio SS (badged the Papio Racer in some markets) is not a totally unique-looking bike. Its neo-retro styling is quite typical of today’s nostalgic age and feeling, but it must be said that CFMoto’s execution of said style is quite exceptional in this case.
Rolling on 12-inch wheels and running with two side-by-side headlights, the Papio SS almost combines a Honda Grom with a Moto Guzzi V85, in a way. Then, with its half-faired bodywork, it even gives off vibes of the new Yamaha XSR900 GP in its unfaired form.
And, being a 125cc minibike, the Papio SS offers its adorable looks at a reasonable price point. In the US, where it landed at the beginning of 2024, it is being marketed at $3,299, which is around £2,600 in our money.
However, its price in the aforementioned low purchase cost is irrelevant, because CFMoto isn’t selling it here. Not only that, but it has no plans to, either. When Visordown enquired on the subject with a UK press representative for the brand, we were told there are “currently no plans for the Papio to come to the UK”. This one hit us pretty hard.
It means that CFMoto fans in the UK will have to continue to make do with the 800 MT and 800NK. The CFMoto 700CL-X Heritage is a little more eye-pleasing, but even that doesn’t cut it against the Papio.
As for fans of small bikes, there’s always the aforementioned Honda Grom and its siblings: the Dax, and the Monkey.
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