Comparative Moto Morini Alltrhike 450 Vs CFMOTO 450MT: Introduction, positioning and rivals
There are motorcycles that come to the market at the right time, and the CFMOTO 450 MT did so in 2024, conquering a very specific profile of rider, the one who enjoys discovering a secondary road or dirt track more than accumulating horsepower or excessive weight.
Moto Morini Alltrhike 450 Vs CFMOTO 450MT(/caption)
Barely a year after the presentation of the CFMOTO, the newcomer Moto Morini Alltrihike is presented with very similar arguments and the intention of making things difficult for the successful Asian mount. Backed by the historical weight of a brand born in Italy in 1937, the Moto Morini Alltrhike 450 is committed to the same philosophy: an accessible twin-cylinder, easy to carry and designed to enjoy the trip without having to resort to large displacements or budgets.
Moto Morini Alltrhike 450 Vs CFMOTO 450MT(/caption)
In positioning and rivals and if we talk about medium displacement twin cylinders, both the CFMOTO 450MT and Moto Morini Alltrhike 450 have arrived to occupy a space that until recently was practically deserted: that of light, accessible and truly usable adventure motorcycles off the asphalt, without giving up comfort, low price and the possibility of being driven with the A2 license.
Its positioning is very clear. They are not intended to compete with medium-displacement trail bikes of 700 or 800 cc, but rather to offer a simpler, less intimidating and much more affordable alternative for those who prioritize driving experience and versatility over pure power.
In this scenario we live in a golden age, where the range of possibilities has grown considerably in a short time: The CFMOTO 450 MT (42 hp €5,995) and the Moto Morini Alltrhike 450 (45 hp €5,990) are joined by proposals as varied as the new Kawasaki KLE 500 (45.4 hp €6,565) and the recently arrived BMW F 450 GS (48 hp €7,390) the QJ Motor SRT 450 RX (47 hp €5,299) the Rieju Aventura 500 (47.5 hp €6,699) the Honda NX500 (47 hp €6,800) the Morbidelli T502X (47 hp €5,390) the Benelli TRK 502X (47.6 hp €5,990) the Macbor XR5 510 (46.95 hp €5,399) and the Voge 525DSX (47.6 hp €5,392)
Some are committed to tourism and comfort on the road, others instead seek a balance between asphalt and tracks, and a few, including the CFMOTO 450MT, Morini Alltrhike 450 and the new Kawasaki KLE 500, recover that spirit of light and accessible adventure that so many fans miss. Of course, in this article we put the first two face to face and break down all their qualities.
Comparative Motorcycle Morini Alltrhike 450 Vs CFMOTO 450MT: technical characteristics of both
We start with the engine: both use a 450 cc parallel twin, with double overhead camshafts, liquid cooling and Bosch injection. The difference is minimal on paper: the Moto Morini delivers 45 hp at 8,000 rpm and 42 Nm at 6,500 rpm, while the CFMOTO offers 43.5 hp and 44 Nm at 6,250 rpm. What does this translate into?
The Morini has a somewhat more cheerful character at the top of the rev counter, while the CFMOTO responds more forcefully at mid-range, something that is especially appreciated on mountain roads.
In the cycle part we also find many common points. Both have adjustable KYB suspensions, J.Juan brakes and 21” tubeless spoke wheels at the front and 18” at the rear. However, as far as suspension is concerned, the CFMOTO mounts a Ø41 mm inverted front fork, adjustable with a travel of 200 mm and a progressive rear monoshock with a 200 mm linkage system with a ground clearance of 220 mm.
On the other hand, the Alltrhike has an adjustable 41 mm inverted fork. with a travel of 210 mm and a progressive rear monoshock with a 190 mm link system with a ground clearance of 215 mm, which makes them slightly different in their dynamic behavior.
The Moto Morini, for its part, opts for a longer wheelbase, 1,525 mm compared to the 1,505 of the CFMOTO. This can translate into greater stability on long straights and loaded trips, although the 450MT promises somewhat more agile behavior in twisty areas.
In terms of weight, the two are very even. The Alltrhike declares 170 kg dry, while the CFMOTO announces 175 kg, these are really contained figures for motorcycles in this segment, and allow both to feel manageable both on the road and off the asphalt.
Where we do find an important difference is in ergonomics. The CFMOTO offers two seat heights, 800 and 820 mm, making it one of the most accessible twin-cylinder trail bikes for riders of any height. The Moto Morini goes up to 840 mm, a figure that the tallest will appreciate, but that can command more respect for those who do not reach the ground easily.
The deposit also makes a difference. The Morini wins slightly with its 18.5 liters compared to the 17.5 liters of the CFMOTO, although both promise excellent autonomy for long trips.
In equipment, the Alltrhike incorporates connectivity as standard through the Carbit Ride application (includes navigation) integrated into a 6” horizontal TFT screen, central stand, adjustable windshield, backlit pineapples and double USB-USB C socket.
The CFMOTO responds with a 5” horizontal TFT screen, Bluetooth connectivity, its own application, Full LED lighting, double USB-USB C socket, and a very practical system to quickly disconnect the rear ABS and traction control, something that off-road fans will greatly appreciate.
Moto Morini Alltrhike 450 Vs CFMOTO 450MT Comparison: Our opinion.
After a full day of road, track and the occasional broken section, both Jorge and I have come to the same conclusion: these two bikes share many things on paper, but they have completely different personalities.
The CFMOTO 450 MT and the Moto Morini Alltrhike use the same 449 cc twin-cylinder, share J.Juan brakes and a clearly adventurous philosophy, but each understands adventure in its own way.
Jorge was clear about it from the first kilometers of dirt. The CFMOTO has a more rogue point, more rally. The engine responds with more energy, the feel of the accelerator invites you to play and, when the terrain gets complicated, it conveys a lot of confidence. The wide footpegs, standing ergonomics and more intuitive electronics make it a motorcycle designed to be enjoyed 100% on both terrains. And it’s true, from the moment you stand on the footpegs you can tell that it is designed for the countryside. It has a more direct touch, a more rebellious point and a response to the accelerator that invites you to play.
For my part, the Moto Morini surprised me much more than I expected. Its aesthetics make it very different from the rest, at this point you can see the touch of Italian design, it has personality and catches the eye. On the road it is especially comfortable, the seat is very well made and pleasant to carry a passenger. On the other hand, if you want to make it uniform for more country use, it can be easily regulated and the engine delivery is smooth and pleasant. It is a motorcycle that invites you to ride kilometers without rushing, enjoying the landscape and knowing that, when a track arrives, it will also respond.
With my experience in the field, it is true that the CFMOTO has an extra point. Its geometry does not differ much, but in more technical areas is where that small difference is noticeable. In theory it weighs five kg more than the Morini, but the reality is that it feels lighter to steer, more reactive and with a clearly country-oriented orientation.
But the Morini defends itself really well, and, for a user who combines road and single tracks, it offers a very interesting balance. It would be unfair to detract from the Moto Morini, because it is very surprising for its nobility and the ease with which it allows you to tackle roads and tracks without demanding too much from the rider.
There are also small details that make a difference. The Moto Morini has an 18.5 liter tank, a very practical central stand to make life easier for the traveler along with some more features, such as the holders on the tank designed for a travel bag. The CFMOTO, on the other hand, is committed to a more adventurous concept, closer to the spirit of a small rally motorcycle.
In the end, neither Jorge nor I believe that there is an absolute winner. It all depends on the rider who rides them or what priorities the buyer has. The price doesn’t help here either since both compete with a minimal difference. Perhaps in the end the aesthetics of both will play an important role, we already know what the saying says, “to taste the colors”.
