CFMOTO 450MT Test: Will this be the Unicorn of Trail Motorcycles?
There are many who have been trying to find that for years. “unicorn” in the world of trail. They are looking for a machine that goes well on the road, that works on trips, that is suitable for short outings and that offers good off-road capabilities, all at the same time. In addition, it must be well equipped and not drain the bank account. However, asking for a unicorn is almost asking for the impossible.
Go ahead that I declare myself “anti-unicorn”since the ideal motorcycle for one might not be ideal for another, because of different colors. However, I understand that among the “unicornists” many have pointed out the CFMoto 450MT as a strong candidate, since it offers a much-sought balance.
It is a motorcycle that: is neither too big nor too small, with very good performance on mountain roads and with a certain capacity for long journeys; although the latter is clearly what requires the most commitments.
Its most notable feature is its very clear off-road guidance within the average displacement, being probably one of the most rugged among its competitors. It is seen in details such as the use of 21-inch wheels at the front and 18 at the rear or the quality of the suspensions, with whose choice field use has undoubtedly been taken into account.
I think that this bike, with its sensible equipment and a contained price of €6,495comes to fill a gap that seemed not to exist in the saturated trail market.
CFMOTO 450MT test: Engine and throttle on the CFMOTO 450 MT
The engine is a 449.5 cc inline twin cylinder and 270° crankshafta very fashionable configuration in the segment, but rarely used in displacements below 500 cc. This propellant delivers a power of 42 hp at 8500 rpm and a torque of 42 Nm at 6500 rpm (or 44 Nm at 6250 rpm, according to sources).
The engine, which uses BOSCH EFI injection, runs smoothly, progressively and very predictably. In addition, it has a slipper clutch CF-SC 6-speed, which is deliciously smooth.
However, a crucial point to comment on is how the motor is connected to the accelerator, which is mechanical (by cable). Although the power curve is well distributed, the acceleration is predictable and there are no notable vibrations even in the upper part, the first entry of gas (that first moment of coupling) can be a little abrupt. It is especially noticeable in low gears or when you want to drive slowly. This initial pull is a “feature” that I have experienced on many Chinese bikes, and the CFMOTO 450MT is not free from this sin.
It is a nuance that can be easily alleviated with good use of the excellent clutchwhich is very smooth, to help us deliver that power. Another solution, especially when riding on tracks, is to go in slightly higher gears: for example, using a fairly long third gear more often, which seems to be designed so that the motorcycle runs in the ideal speed for riding without getting overwhelmed. Although she is a sinner, I want to make it clear that it is a small sin (pecatta minuta).
CFMOTO 450MT test: CFMOTO 450MT cycle part
The chassis is designed to be light and stable, using a frame-type chassis developed by engineers with the same materials and techniques used in CFMOTO’s larger displacement adventure motorcycles. The wheels are spoked (tubeless) 21 inches front and 18 rear. This, together with a ground clearance of 220mmconfirms his country vocation.
The set of suspensions is signed by KYB. Both the front fork (with bars 41mm in diameter) and the rear shock absorber (with linkage system) offer 200mm travel. The fork is adjustable in compression and rebound (rebound), and the shock absorber is adjustable in preload and compression and rebound (three-way).
Honestly, I consider the cushioning to be one of the best assets of this bike. The configuration of the suspension is rather harshwhich I think suits him very well. The suspensions are well sized, they are not exaggerated, and the motorcycle offers good handling and poise on the road, without exaggerated pitching or sinking of the fork.
In the brakes section, we find components J.Juan. In front it has a single disc of 320mm with a four-piston caliper, and behind a disc 240mm with a single piston caliper. The braking is more than sufficient for the weight and use of the motorcycle. It has a pleasant and very manageable feel, with braking being more oriented to the countryside and without the forcefulness or strong bite that would be expected from a heavier trail focused on asphalt.
CFMOTO 450MT test: Ergonomics, weights and measurements CFMOTO 450 MT
The CFMOTO 450MT is a surprisingly light bike. The empty weight is very contained, only 175kg (without suitcases obviously). This lightness is very noticeable, especially in complicated situations such as mud-saturated terrain, where it facilitates handling and is also noticeable when picking it up when it falls to the ground.
The fuel tank is 17.5 litersand the declared consumption is 3.5 L/100km, which remains theoretical. The actual consumption during the test was slightly above 4 L/100km, which achieves real autonomy of 400 kmyes indeed.
The standard seat height is 820mma measure that I find very accessible for pilots of different sizes. This height can vary by descending 20mm through a simple adjustment on the shock absorber links, or by going up to 870mm switching to the Rally seat optionally.
The ergonomics of the CFMOTO 450 MT are very designed for standing. Even being a little taller than average (I’m 1.86m), I feel that the bike is very oriented towards off-road attack postures. It is true that taller people may find the handlebars still a little close, but as they are quite flat, you can turn them quite far forward without the tips rising too much. On the other hand, the shape of the seat and tank allows the knees to rest very well in the central part, which offers exceptional control of the motorcycle.
Seated, the bike is comfortable, and offers good aerodynamic protection thanks to a fairly wide tank and a windshield that fits with a very simple and effective system. In addition, the off-road footpeg rubbers are removable without tools, which is a detail that I personally appreciate a lot.
CFMOTO 450MT test: Electronics and equipment CFMOTO 450MT
The equipment of the CFMOTO 450 MT is neither the most sophisticated nor the most complete, but everything works well and nothing is missing. And the options included are very suitable for their purpose and that, aside from artifice, is the true sign of well-thought-out equipment.
It has a screen 5 inch TFT which looks very good thanks to its good luminosity and contrast. The menu is very intuitive and is easily manipulated with the buttons on the left pineapple. In terms of safety, the motorcycle includes ABS BOSCH Dual Channel and System Traction Control (TCS) BOSCH.
The great success of CFMOTO is that it has decided that the disconnection of the ABS on the rear wheel and the disconnection of the traction control are carried out with a single dedicated button and accessible in the left pineapple.
This single button allows you to switch to “off road mode” very quickly and easily, even when moving, at any time. The equipment is complemented with details that enhance its country touch, such as handle covers (simple, but useful), a skid plate basic, off-road footpegs with removable rubber, and folding components (brake pedal and selector) that minimize damage in the event of a fall.
The motorcycle is ready to take to the road without necessarily investing a single euro. Although whoever prefers it this way can always find options and accessories for it on the market, since it has become a very popular option in its short existence.
CFMOTO 450MT test: Dynamic behavior of the CFMOTO 450 MT
The CFMOTO 450MT is a machine ultra fun. It is a motorcycle that makes things easy for you on roads and tracks, with its low weight (175 kg) and the “creamy” smoothness of its clutch, while offering a lot of confidence on the road.
On the road, the bike has good poise. It has a taut chassis and very well sized suspensions that make it corner very well. However, to really get the juice out of it and enjoy it, you have to take it up, as the bike clearly wakes up in the third third of the tachometer.
In more technical and twisty sections, it is found that it has a good weight balance and does not present excessive pitching or sinking of the fork. It is more enjoyable, the slower and twistier the road is.
On the highway, it complies perfectly within the legal speeds, although the gear ratio makes it rev very high at highway speeds (above 6,000 laps). If the main use was asphalt, or long-distance travel, a sprocket change might suit you well.
Its greatest virtue is off-road performance and it is on roads and tracks where this CFMOTO 450 MT really shines. He balance between weight and power is perfect for the trailbecause it is not intimidating. The suspensions, which are on the reactive side and of good quality, combined with the 21 inchesthey absorb irregularities without problem and have more than enough travel and ground clearance for interesting terrain.
Of course, in the countryside, the “on/off” accelerator is even more dangerous than on the road, because it can unbalance us while standing if we are in Babia. Again, it’s something you have to get used to, but it doesn’t seem like a determining factor to me. It must be alleviated by upshifting or using the clutch and after a few kilometers, you will have internalized it.
In short, this bike is very happy to wear and is very capable. If you leave your ego at home, you’ll have a great time on tracks and roads, benefiting from top-notch suspensions, top-notch equipment, and outstanding handling.
