For a brand that has only been around 35 years, CFMoto is becoming a global player in the motorcycle market in every respect.
I’d go as far as to call CFMoto one of the dark horses of motorcycling, quietly disrupting the status quo with its range of affordable and tech-filled products that punch above its competitors. To add insult to injury to the establishment, CFMoto’s newest offering, the 450MT, puts them all to shame with what it brings to the sub-500cc adventure market.
CFMoto’s previous entry into the adventure motorcycle market - the 800MT - was one of the best bang-for-buck motorcycles I’ve ridden, even before the up-specced Explore version was released. Now it’s doubled-down on that same premise with the new 450MT.
Based on the 450cc parallel-twin engine found in the 450SR sport bike, the 450MT offers riders much of what they have long been begging for: a feature-packed and off-road focused sub-500cc adventure bike with a twin-cylinder engine. Honda has muddled about the edge of this with its CB500X, but that’s over $2000 more expensive and far more road-oriented.
The CFMoto’s 32.5kW and 44Nm is essentially the same output as sister-brand KTM’s 390 Adventure, but with the silky smooth delivery of a twin and a raucous soundtrack rather than the buzz of a single-cylinder engine. Seriously, no bike this affordable has any right to sound this good - it’s simply intoxicating to rev.
Gearing from the 6-speed gearbox is ideal for blasting around on gravel roads, but on tad on the short side for the highway, buzzing along at 6500rpm at 100km/h. Tested fuel economy was 4.6l/100km which would certianly benefit from taller gearing. Thankfully, CFMoto is part-owned by industry giant KTM, with which it shares multiple parts, so a sprocket change wouldn’t be too hard.
But a great engine is nothing without a well-thought-out overall design, and that is where CFMoto really makes a big impact. It’s like they engaged potential customers and asked them what makes a great adventure-class machine.
Suspension is adjustable out of the box and is quality KYB, with 200mm of travel to soak up the big bumps.
Ergonomically, despite its typically imposing adventure bike dimensions, the 450MT is incredibly approachable.
This is in part thanks to its narrow sub-frame which means even those short in inseam like me can get both feet firmly on the ground, despite the bike’s 820mm seat height. Ergonomically I found the 450MT spot-on for both sitting and standing, which goes a long way for rider confidence off tarmac.
Even touring comfort is well in hand with the adjustable windscreen being one of the best I’ve experienced and provides a bubble of clean air in which to hide from the elements at speed.
Wheel sizing is also well thought-out, with a 21-inch front wheel and an 18 at the back, allowing for a wide range of tyre choices from hard-core dirt options to mile-munching road rubber.
Nothing can slow you down like a flat tyre, and CFMoto also delivers in this department, opting for tubeless wheels rather than the more common tubed options usually found at this price point. That generally means much easier repairs unless you really do a number on both the wheel and tyre.
Tech wise delivers a lot for its price point. The 5-inch TFT is easy to read and intuitive to navigate while also offering Bluetooth connectivity through CFMoto’s own proprietary app.
Possibly one of my favourite party pieces from the 450MT is the ABS switch, which can toggle the ABS on or off on the go.
So, what is the CFMoto 450MT? It is certainly more than the sum of its parts.
You’ve got that sweet-sounding (and decently performing) engine with its 270-degree firing order taking care of not only the performance but the emotional side of the ride with its glorious sound, adventure-ready tubeless wheels in sizing for excellent tyre choice, good ground clearance, great ergonomics and all the tech you could reasonably expect.
When you get all that for under $10,000, it makes you wonder what the rest of the motorcycle market is playing at with their comparatively weak offerings as competition.
No wonder there’s a waiting list to get your hands on the 450MT in New Zealand. Join the queue.
BREAK IT DOWN
CFMoto 450MT
Price: $9990
Engine: 449cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin
Power: 32.5kW @ 8500rpm/44Nm @ 6250rpm
