Remember those Japanese mini sports bikes from the ’80s that were pure fun to drive on the streets? Brought into the foray by Honda, the compact two-wheelers had their origins as amusement park rides, eventually turning into recreational rides or urban commuters popular among the young generation.
The small footprint and lightweight credentials gave those bikes an advantage in traffic for hyper maneuverability. They could even be carried in the boot of an MUV and serve as perfect companions for off-road excursions. Now, CFMOTO is bringing back the definitive charm of the mini sports bikes with a retro-modern twist and a whole load of driving fun that many will fancy.
Designer: CFMOTO
The 2026 Papio SS is a mini bike with the basic layout of a café racer and the inherent functions of an urban rider. This model is a smaller version of the existing 2024 model by the maker, designed to evoke the warmth of the classic era. That is apparent in the orange and beige colors for the skin, contrasted by the pixelated font branding on the sides. Up front, the headlights resemble a wide-eyed creature, while the taillights with the jagged lights give off the 80s bot vibes. The motorbike, weighing 251 pounds, sits somewhere in between the foldable form factor of a Motocompo and the aggressive power-laden personality of a café racer.
Under the hood, it is propelled by the 126cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine churning out 9.4 horsepower. The fun element comes from the zippy acceleration, and although the top speed is around 56 mph, it serves the purpose well. However, if you love the thrill of high-speed freeway driving, this bike won’t be the best fit. Coming back to the specifications, Papio SS gets a six-speed gearbox which delivers impressive acceleration from the standing start. The handling and comfort of the two-wheeler come courtesy the rear adjustable monoshock, upside-down forks, and dual-channel ABS. Normally, those additions are reserved for the bigger bikes, but CFMOTO needs to be complimented for adding them to this creation.
Loaded with modern divining dynamics like traction control, the user base should not be limited to young riders; rather, veterans will love to take the compact bike for a spin. Visually, the ride looks very balanced and sturdy, riding on the 12-inch wheels. That element is honed with full racing fairing, underbody fairing, and clip-on bars. Keeping the modernized theme going, the bike gets a digital display and LED pod lights for clear visibility in the darkest of hours. CFMOTO 2026 Papio SS mini bike is set for early 2026 release for a starting price of $3,299 in the US market.
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