For a brand that has only been around 35 years, CFMOTO is becoming a global player in the motorcycle market in every respect and the new 450MT is clear evidence of this fact.
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 their 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 undoubtedly one of the best bang-for-buck motorcycles I’ve ridden and that was before the up-specced Explore version was released. Now they’ve 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 is over $2,000 more expensive and far more road-oriented than many aspiring adventure riders crave.
Engine power from CFMOTO’s 450MT is a claimed 32.5kW/43.5hp at 8,500 rpm and this is backed by 44Nm of torque at 6250 rpm. Essentially, that’s 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 well suited for blasting around on gravel roads, however on the highway, I felt it was a tad on the low side with the bike revving at 6500rpm at 100kph. Tested fuel economy was 4.6L/100km which I think could be improved with slightly taller gearing. Thankfully, CFMOTO is part-owned by industry giant KTM and shares multiple parts with the infamous orange brand. That means swapping parts such as sprockets is about as easy as it gets.
But a great engine is nothing without a well-thought-out overall design, and that is where CFMOTO really makes a big impact. It is almost as if CFMOTO actually engaged potential customers and asked them what makes a great adventure-class machine.
The suspension system is adjustable out of the box and comes from KYB so you know it is of good quality. Better yet there is 200mm of travel to soak up the big bumps on adventures.
The mirrors not only do the basic job you'd expect of them, but CFMOTO has gone above and beyond by ensuring they are foldable from the factory. That means you can fold them in during harder off-roading and should you fall at any point, their ability to fold means they are less likely to break when you inevitably fall over while playing in the dirt.
Ergonomically, despite its typically imposing adventure bike dimensions the 450MT is incredibly approachable. I'd even go as far as saying this is the most approachable adventure-class machine currently on the market.
This is in part thanks to its narrow sub-frame which means even those short in inseam like myself (approx 30 inches or thereabouts) can get both feet firmly on the ground despite the bike’s 820mm seat height. Ergonomically I found the 450MT is 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 providing a bubble of clean air to hide from the elements while riding at highway speeds.
With a 21-inch front wheel and an 18 at the back, the wheel sizing of the 450MT means it can mount a wide range of tyre choices from hard-core dirt options to mile-munching road rubber.
Now, 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 the wheel and tyre.
Tech-wise, like its larger stablemate the 450MT 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 proprietary app.
One aspect of the electronics package of the 450MT that really makes life easier is the ABS. In fact, it's possibly one of my favourite party pieces from the 450MT. Unlike most bikes on the market, you can toggle the ABS on or off on the go meaning you don’t have to physically stop mid-ride to change it.
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 is a waiting list to get your hands on the 450MT in New Zealand.
