The CFMoto Vandal 450 is the collaboration between two motorcycle titans. On the one hand we have CFMoto, a brand that needs no introduction, and that in recent years has been advancing to become one of the regulars among the big brands, thanks to the umbrella that the KTM group provides it in Europe. On the other hand, we have one of the most reputable preparers in the United States and also in the rest of the world: Roland Sands Design.
For a motorcycle to pass through the Californian workshop means that it will come out very transformed, and there is no doubt that if we see the CFMoto Vandal 450 already finished it may be difficult to recognize which series model we are talking about. And yes, although it may not seem like it, it is a CFMoto 450 MT, also known as CFMoto 450 Ibex in other markets such as the United States.
The CFMoto Vandal 450 completely forgets about its offroad aspect
The changes that the 450 MT faced to end up being the CFMoto Vandal 450 began with the wheels, which lost their size and off-road characteristics of 21 inches at the front and 18 at the rear, both with spokes, to mount two 17-inch wheels and alloy, which makes the motorcycle completely asphalt.
But the change from off-road to road continues with more modifications or, rather, getting rid of some elements that are necessary when you use the bike off-road. In that sense, the CFMoto Vandal 450 removes the low front fender to install a raised one and eliminates both the crankcase protector and the windscreen, the handguards and the luggage rack.
With this move Roland Sands Design would leave the bike practically ready for supermoto, but logically the thing does not stop there and they have changed some more plastics giving it a dirt track style touch with the side plates. The seat is also new and loses its space for the passenger, something confirmed by the fact that it does not have rear footpegs.
Speaking of footpegs, it incorporates new ones machined and adapted to that road use that we were talking about, something that is reinforced by the rear shock absorber and the placement of the gas tank. The brakes section has also been modified and lever covers have been incorporated. Of course, the twin-cylinder remains as it left the factory.
To finish off the preparation, which also includes a new exhaust system with a lower silencer outlet, we have the nineties-style decoration with graphics and color schemes that could perfectly be from the last decade of the last century.
That is the icing on the cake of the CFMoto Vandal 450, a motorcycle that, unfortunately, we know will not reach production, although CFMoto does not rule out using it as inspiration for future models. We will be attentive.
