I love motorcycles. I currently own five bikes, and if it weren't for my modest pay check as a motorcycle journo, I’d probably have a few more. I’ve been itching to get an adventure bike again, but let’s be honest, justifying the cost of a KTM 890 Adventure R, Ténéré 700, or a BMW R 1300 GS is tough, especially with my finance minister (aka my wife) keeping a close watch. Enter the CFMOTO 450MT, a twin-cylinder adventure machine that might just find its way into my shed. The 450MT has become the buzz of 2024, flying off showroom floors so fast that dealers are struggling to keep up with demand. There’s been a ton of hype, with all the glowing reviews about how much bike you get for your buck. I missed the Australian launch (I was "stuck" riding a BMW through South Africa and Namibia—tough gig, I know), and I’ve been itching to ride one since its release. So, what’s the deal with the CFMOTO 450MT? It’s quickly become a standout in the entry-level adventure bike market. It’s packing a 449.5cc parallel-twin engine that cranks out 31kW (41.5hp) at 8500rpm and 42Nm of torque at 6500rpm. That might not sound like a ton, but it’s the perfect balance for riders who want something versatile enough for both road and off-road adventures.
The throttle response is a touch abrupt when first getting on the gas, but you do get used to it. The MT is certainly geared towards off-road duties in standard trim, and for long highway stretches, you might want to go up a tooth on the front sprocket to keep the revs down.
Off-road is where this bike really shines. The torquey donk is perfect for off-road work, and the linear power curve means traction when you need it, and once you turn the traction control off, fat skids when it’s time to get your hoon on. The MT runs a 17.5-litre fuel tank that’s good for around 350km, depending on your riding style.
The suspension on the 450MT is solid, too. You get 200mm of travel at both ends, 220mm of ground clearance, and the KYB suspension at both ends is adjustable, so there’s room to set it up for your style and pace to a point. Faster riders tackling more demanding terrain will find the limits of the suspension, but that’s nothing a visit to a suspension tech can’t sort out. It amazes me that so many people throw so much money at engines to go faster, all the while neglecting to get their suspension sorted. Want to be faster than your mates? Get your suspension dialled!
Braking is handled by a 320mm front disc with dual-channel Bosch ABS, and you can even switch off the rear ABS for better control off-road. Braking performance is great at both the front and the rear.
It’s hard not to compare this bike to the Royal Enfield Himalayan. Both are budget-friendly adventure options, but the CFMOTO’s sharper design, better power output, and more advanced tech give it an edge, in my opinion.
After taking it for a spin, I can safely say there’s a good chance the 450MT will be joining my stable soon. For under $10,000, it’s a no-brainer for anyone wanting a solid adventure bike without breaking the bank. Sure, it’s not perfect, but with a few smart upgrades, you’ll have a mid-capacity adventure machine that’s ready to take on anything. Where do I sign?
Watch the review on how the CFMOTO 450MT rides