Why I bought the CFMoto 450MT

[Texas Pete]

Cheeky title but also is the video title

[XLsior]

I'm also tempted considerably by the CFMoto 450mt.


Seeing him pick it up from a side down and talking about his wife ok with pillion position. Makes me contemplate my first new bike acquisition and going into debt/payment plan for the opportunity. I don't have a wife but im not opposed to finding a girlfriend.



Im thankful for my XL185/cg250 restomod project and I would never sell it. But I think after the registration runs out next year I might have down payment saved up by then...

[Texas Pete]

[ProDigit]

This would have been an excellent all round bike, but if they could only make this bike between 33-50% lighter. I mean, nearly 400lbs is probably what most of these bikes will weigh, until the Chinese will start working with aluminum alloys and carbon fiber.

Sure, the bike may cost 30-50% more to make, however, the Chinese do pass those expenses on to the customer (unlike US factories which add a ton of money to the final sales price, just for the novelty).
I can't wait to see a 400cc engine in a 300lbs bike wet weight.

[Thumper]

Already here:

https://www.gpxmoto.com/fse450r

41hp 4 stroke, 100% Chinese made

Dry Weight: 261lbs (in the specifications section.

[XLsior]

if you want the light bike the KTM 500EXC exists.


If you want the off-road reliability a single cylinder is cheaper/lighter/easier



I don't mind the weight for freeway/highway use. I like the 270* parallel twin...I have no intention of doing single track enduro riding. So dropping the bike and picking it up every 10min isn't my intended use.



I cant afford a Yamaha T7 and my RE Australian motorcycle license wont cover anything over 650cc.


For me the 450MT is a heavy unicorn. But I am ok with making compromises in life...especially when its half the price...

[Bogmeister]

For your needs, check out bikes like the BMW G310GS or Kawasaki Versys-X 300. They're lighter, good on highways, and can handle light off-roading without breaking the bank.

[XLsior]

the GS is a single cylinder...and I don't want to deal with BMW or their spare parts.

The versys 300 has some merit, however it is only 300cc with a 180* twin engine. Probably a good used case argument. There is not much of a price difference new.

I don't believe either option comes with 21" front and 18" rear. Yes i am after highway capable distance eating I don't believe anything under 400cc will do it comfortably. but I'm also thinking about neglected back roads and rural potholes with the infrequent bush bash if required.

I think the +25kg wet on the 450MT gets you quite a lot over the Versys 300x.

I also think the 450MT looks better...

[Thumper]

I think they are top heavy and overweight. If you are really intending to be on the highway then get something made for it. RE Interceptor 650 makes sense.

If you are actually going to go off road now and then you will want the weight down lower and less weight overall. KTMs adventure 390 is light enough to survive some jaunts into the woods or trails. It will cost you a little more, but not that much.

But you can also get a dual sport and add a few key accessories for roadworthiness to save some money. This is where the GPX 450 fits in. Reshod with an aggressive dual sport tire, a small windshield, smartphone mount/12V power and a luggage rack, you are in business. The real benefits of this route is that you choose accessories and end up with a truly off road capable bike that won't let you down if you want to drift into the single track at any point, but still heavy enough to handle the wind and traffic.

The whole idea of adventure sport is kind of schizophrenic. Road and off road have such opposed needs that compromise is massive. If you want to be able to be off road at all, SO much has to be given up that makes a good road bike. Vice versa, trying to make a dirt bike road capable means adding lots of heavy gear that detracts from offroad performance! In my opinion, the only rational approach is to start with an off road capable design and add minimal features to make it roadable. Otherwise, just get a road bike.

[XLsior]

All Australian new owner ride reports and reviews seem to me to be overwhelmingly positive. The only people who are complaining about weight are more advanced riders with backgrounds in riding more advanced motorcycles. New riders are enjoying it immensely.



The waiting list on the CF Moto 450mt is getting longer...riders are buying this bike to the point its sold out.



The Interceptor 650 is an option It's also more expensive, its a different class and style. It does not have the same clearance, Smaller fuel capacity, Less user adjustment, less off road accessories.



I live rural for me the 450MT hits a nerve. If i lived in the city I would not even be looking at dualsports and ADV* motorcycles.


If you don't like it that's fine.


I have a 250 dualsport I'm not looking to replace it with another single cylinder or wrench on it to make it better...I'm interested in set and forget out of the box and a few catalogue embellishments...


"The whole idea of adventure sport is kind of schizophrenic." I'm diagnosed Schitzotypal...So I suppose I found my perfect motorcycle...

[Mikd]

The cfmoto 450 is one of the few new bikes I'm actually interested in. Everything said above is true, the compromises required are major and you really have to "want" this type of bike in order to enjoy it.

[Thumper]

Mcqueen216 recently rode his new KTM 890 Adventure S from Newport, Oregon (home of Rogue Brewery) to the East coast. He hasn't checked in for a while, but is presumably making his way back.

All road driving. He hasn't reported any issues, and the bike has been good. Like most people, he is not venturing off the pavement on his adventure tour bike. The risks are kind of high when out there on the road far from home. I think the trip would not be so easy on a smaller Adventure bike, but would have been easier and more comfortable on a touring bike like a Concours or other true tour bike. There are lots of amazingly comfortable used touring bikes out available in the $3500 to $4500 price range. These purpose built rigs may not look as cool as the adventure sport models, but they make more sense for road trips.

I had a VStrom DL1000 and took it on a trip to the Rockies including some wonderful high elevation 4 lane and 2 lane Twisties. It was heavy enough to be a good touring bike, but pretty Spartan compared to a bespoke touring bike. And I wouldn't have tried with anything smaller.

But if I could afford anything in the Adventure class, I would get one that can go off road and doesn't weigh more than the KTM 390 so I could go to the more primitive forest service roads and single track. Otherwise, I'd forget the off-road part and get a touring bike. Anything over 400 pounds is really unmanageable off pavement anyway.

If I had half as many years behind me, I would probably feel differently.

[Texas Pete]

The New Himalayan may be in for tough competition in the UK

[Texas Pete]

Aussies seem to be in love

https://www.mcnews.com.au/2024-cfmot...torcycle-test/