At Eicma in November 2023 It was one of our biggest surprises: the new CFMoto 450MT. Why? Because it not only looks good, but also offers an interesting opportunity for adventurous beginners in the increasingly popular A2 class. But even if you, as a more experienced rider, want a lighter (and cheaper) adventure bike than the more power-travel enduro bikes out there, the ACT & Co has what you're looking for here.
First test options Happened in an unusual setting: in the Philippines, more precisely in El Nido, on the northern tip of the island of Palawan. CFMoto invited around 80 journalists from all over the world; We are the only Austrian and one of the three German-language media on the site.
There was a surprising amount of off-road driving here – A sign of how serious the Chinese are on this issue. A look around the bike shows:
• Tire dimensions At 21/18 inches they have an excellent off-road cut. Spoked wheels (with alloy rims) for tubeless tires are standard. Chinese CST is mounted on it and its profiles are similar to Pirelli Scorpion STR.
• Spring trip An impressive 200 millimeters front and rear; This increases the ground clearance to 220 millimeters. Seat height is surprisingly moderate at 820 millimeters and can be optionally adjusted to 800, 850 or 870 millimeters. By the way, the chassis components come from KYB (41 USD fork and compensation tank with shock absorber) and can be adjusted in several ways: completely front, front loader and back again.
• ABS and traction control (both supplied by Bosch) can be deactivated together at the touch of a button; ABS on rear wheel only.
• Component assembly Also suitable for the needs of off-road riders: the rubber inserts on the pegs can be easily removed, after which you stand on rough jagged metal pegs. The glasses can be closed easily.
• Handguards, a windshield adjustment And an oil pan protection is standard. If you want, you can order, among other things, massive engine and side protection bars, a main stand, high window, even more massive underrun protection, brake cylinder protection, luggage systems. And, for an even more authentic look, a raised enduro mudguard at the front.
Acts as a 450MT driver Two-cylinder that debuted on the 450SR last year. It will soon be used on the naked bike 450NK and the cruiser 450CL-C. However, unlike the SR and NK, the engine has been tuned to deliver more torque in the low and mid ranges. Ultimately 42 hp and 42 Newton meters are managed through a six-speed gearbox.
The frame is made of tubular steel, With this, the tubular trellis mesh is supplemented with screwed-on double beams for greater stability in terrain; The tubular steel rear frame is modified for easy repair or in the event of an accident. The swing here is made of aluminum.
In terms of electronics and assistance As is typical for the class, CFMoto operates: no quick shifter, cruise control or driving modes are offered here. A modern 5-inch TFT display can be supplemented with apps connectivity.
Now up to the CFMoto 450MT. The saddle looks comfortable, the seat height is moderate as described, the workmanship seems impeccable and the components are of the highest quality for this class: we find a butt handlebar and adjustable levers. Adjusting the windshield is frictionless and can therefore be done while driving.
First surprise: The engine woke up with a determined, not to say angry, sound. Even driving does not lose this strength. If you value more subtle background noise, it may bother you on longer journeys. However, if you like it sporty, you'll enjoy the sound. CFMoto has yet to give us an official value for static noise.
It can be sporty with this engine power Naturally unlikely, but a modern two-cylinder always ensures exciting progress. The torque curve is perfect and gear changes are quick and smooth thanks to the precise gearbox. Very Good: Clutch pull is buttery smooth; This allows one finger to operate without problems in the field.
But there is also a small dark side, That means not so successful integration of load transfer reactions. This is especially noticeable in low gears, where the throttle is applied too suddenly when opening the throttle slowly, closing too quickly when closing slowly, and the engine brake is suddenly effective. This feature is not very useful, especially off-road, when you often drive in second gear. Experienced drivers will adjust the clutch slip to smooth out shifts, but less experienced pilots will prefer more smoothness.
The same applies to the tuning of the chassis. It was so firm in our test vehicles that it unduly affects driving comfort. Unfortunately, we didn't have a chance to play with the various setup options during the test drive, and we also discovered that the mechanics increased the tire pressure to an astronomical 2.5 bar – which may have contributed to the stiffness of the chassis concrete. and asphalt roads in Palawan have contributed. Only an experiment in our latitudes can provide final clarity here.
While we're on the subject of criticism: The front brake could also use some fine-tuning. The 320 disc with 4-piston brake caliper from J.Juan is well sized, but has a reduction feel that is quite sluggish. The initial bite is clearly too weak and control needs to be improved.
What we liked the most: The bike can be turned easily and neutrally, and then remains compliant and stable in an inclined position. When making alternate curves, you notice the high gyroscopic forces of the 21mm front wheel, so you have to work a little more, but this extra effort is manageable.
About air pressure We can't make any statements about the touring qualities of the saddle as we don't have long trails at high speeds – we spent a lot of time on these test rides. However, we can point out that the low seat height – good for a secure stance – actually does little to touch riders above 1.75 meters (your tester is 1.80) on the bike. We'd pick more seats than the accessories range here.
Let's come to the site. In fact, it shows again how beneficial light weight can be: for sporty drivers and beginners. Unfortunately, we have yet to give an exact indication of comparable dead weight; CFMoto's indication: 175 kg, but dry. By the way, the tank holds a generous 17.5 liters. When asked, they initially said: 185 kg ready to drive, but it does not add up. Even with details like these, it's safe to say that CFMoto is just starting to establish itself in the Western market. Above all: the learning curve is steep.
Back to site: Good ergonomics help when standing, your knees have good contact with the tank, it's surprisingly wide at the front, and the height of the handlebars is just right.
Spring components Of course, they cannot achieve the sensitivity of the upper class – here you need to monitor the purchase price – but they do their job well. Of particular concern here are the engine's load change reactions and the performance of the tyres, which as a 450MT owner will soon switch to decent rubber from European brands.
That brings us to the price, The next surprise. In Germany, the CFMoto 450MT is under the psychological six-thousand threshold at 5,990 euros. In Austria it is a manageable 6790 euros. However, both markets have higher delivery flat rates, which can be in the region of 480 euros. In Austria, this is unusual, you have to add this for a better comparison, so we are around 7270 euros. Still good, especially considering what's on offer.
Our first summary: Although some questions remain unanswered due to the very good test drive, we see our assessment confirming that the CFMoto 450MT is a very interesting model – and unique on the market in this configuration.
Somewhat similar concepts are the new Honda NX500 (two-cylinder, but less off-road oriented) or the KTM 390 Adventure (off-road-oriented, but single-cylinder). The new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 (air-cooled single-cylinder) is comparable in terms of performance data, but will probably attract a classic fan base.
To support this remote diagnosis To clarify the last open questions, we have already planned a comparative test. After the first, dusty ride, we're looking forward to it.
First examples of the CFMoto 450MT Release to dealers in mid/late April, followed by a big wave of vehicles in June.
