New 450 cc twin cylinder Adv bike from CF Moto
 

According to Advrider the chinese brand of CF Moto is about to launch a new 450 cc twin cylinder Adv-bike. CF Moto already have a twin cylindered 450 cc engine used in a sportsbike that came earlier this year.

https://www.advrider.com/coming-soon...e-from-cfmoto/

The Chinese are certainly making determined progress to break into the top range bike market, and I don't think it'll be long before their offerings are as good as anything from Europe or Japan (who are increasingly manufacturing in China anyway).

I don't intend to be an early adopter - I'll let others take that risk - but I'll certainly keep an eye on them. It would be foolish to write them off in the same way as our parents wrote off "Jap crap".

We have just started to stock cfmoto as they are part of the ktm family . The 800 adventure version is a really good looking bike , huge spec back lit switch gear ( are u listening bmw ) cruise etc etc . Gets new software after 1st service which sorts out throttle response . For the money it's a steal ...... on pcp its a giveaway . Dash is a bit busy mind but for the price u could fit a sat nav and ride off on a trip . Given that they build the engines for ktm I think that they are def worth a look . H

What’s the weight of those 800s Chris, and CoG?
I’m sure FC Moto bikes have decent build quality but I’m not sure that I’d put up KTM build quality as an advertisement
Haha bier

OK kerb weight (wet) 231 kg fir the spoke model . The guys who have ridden it don't describe as top heavy at all .
I know what u mean about ktm.....generally it's sensors that cause the issues Or owners whi don't read the manual?c?

231kg? Wow.

Edit: so that's the same as the wet weight of the Rieju 500 ... when it's full of it's 39 liters of fuel ...

I'm more interested to find if Cove 800X ADV listed curb weight 185kg with the 20L tank is the Real McCoy.

Tbh sitting on it , it doesn't feel a heavy bike . But then I ride a Gsa so it's all relative. Generally the reviews from Australia and South Africa are pretty favourable . I think of it as a more powerful Benelli 502 X.......but not as good looking . Again I refer to my bike as a reference :mchappy:

Thanks Chris.

Not wishing to sound like an advert they lob in luggage too . Not bad quality.......about as roomy as most of cases tbh . OK for short to mid size trips but I'd prob go bigger if it was for a very long jaunt .

And dry weight is said to be 175 kilograms. Then I reckon wet weight will be around 190 inclusive fuel, engine oil, coolant etc. I guess we had hoped for something a tad ligther…?
42 HP and 42 NM torque is as expected I guess?
270 degree crank on the paralell twin engine is a good thing though I guess…

https://youtu.be/iG8E7LQXPjw?si=x6-4f7zGAoKgAEh2

Just seen the blurb af work re the new 450.....not sure when it will arrive but if its anything like the 800 they will throw the kitchen sink at it re electronics etc . Will see what the techs think when they build one for the showroom .

My main concern would be the actual wet weight in ready to travel form and "pick-ability". And of cause the price and reliability.

From what the other ECMA reviewers say it will be in the same range as CB500x, maybe a couple pounds less.

That all sounds pretty good to me and similar to other bikes in this class. The big advantage will be the twin cyl engine - should provide better fuel economy and less vibration - the 411 Himmie was an excellent bike for a long trip but gave my wife bad trigger finger, something that has disappeared now she’s back on her 1200gs.

I can’t think of a better time for choice of motorcycles since I started riding in 1981 :mchappy:bier

That is true, especially now the 400s are coming (back).

Low seat; TL tyres; 500km range; same weight at a new 450 Him: looks like a contender to me.

My speculative PoV of the 450MT here (updated April 2024).

https://adventuremotorcyclinghandboo.../12/cfmt1.jpeg

It looks the part ! so when are the big Japanese going to get on the new style of adventure bike ?
It took ( i think ) 3/4 years to make a t700 ( fantastic bike ) so dont hold out for a new 450 from them.
Honda have " updated " there cb500 x , but missed the boat !
Honda could have had it all to them selves with the 450 crf but got it wrong !
K:scooter::scooter: ( 455 scooter !! )

While we eagerly wait for the bike to arrive at dealers and a testride will be possible - not everybody agrees that a 270 crank is the best…..

https://youtu.be/Qn9JrN1JERI?si=Qc_wTQ48paBoTu0U

@snakeboy: Thanks for the link, fascinating watching. I hadn't realised the modern move back to twins was largely due to emission controls.

To summarise, Ryan agrees that the modern 270º is better for engine balance than the older British 360º machines or later Japanese 180º, but the reality is that the optimum is actually 284.5º, as envisaged sixty years ago by Phil Irving.

Most manufacturers don't implement this due to the expense of a twisting stage after forging the crankshaft, so go with 270º. Ryan reckons the only manufacturer to build 285º is KTM.

I had been eagerly looking forward to the 490 parallel twin that KTM said it was building, so was disappointed to hear it was cancelled. CFMoto has a long-standing relationship with KTM and I'm interested to note Chris's comment in his link above that the CFMoto 450 might effectively be the KTM 490 in different colours.

Which is great because I am really fed up with orange. ;) #anycolourotherthanorangeplease

'Fortnine is Wrong'
 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0PBlc1b0vo

Not actually watched it yet, but would probably not understand the finer points, anyway.

Ha-ha quite eloborating that video…:thumbup1:

270 vs 285 degree cranks? Really? It's tomate-o / tomato for all practical purposes. Ride the bikes down an average British potholed road and you'll hard put to tell there's any sort of crankshaft in there.

CF moto is based on cancelled KTM 490 platform with 285deg crank. As for 270 vs 285, here's an alternative view:
https://youtu.be/w0PBlc1b0vo

Chris Scott posted that link above 3 days ago…

Opps - double posting…

Apparently Ibex 450 is coming to the states this fall, with an introductory price of $6499:
https://youtu.be/Pg1zxFRZS68


https://www.cyclenews.com/2024/02/ar...ecs-and-price/

Should have a demo 450 by April . Pretty much all the staff want a ride of it Inc me . But apparently I'll be fighting Chris Scott for the keys :mchappy: . First bike for a while that has got people seriously interested.............if its as well equipped as the 800 then it's going to fly out the showroom .

Yes, that'll be me. I'll be keeping a careful eye on this one. Mind you a few other similar offerings in the past have proved to have feet of clay when they actually get into clay (CCM GP450 anyone, or some of the previous Chinese ADV 250's whose names now escape me), so paper specs and publicity pics are only a starting point. It does look interesting though in a way that the Himmy never did (for me anyway).

Cf moto do some very interesting bikes . I really like the 800 but the leg room is a bit tight for me tbh and the free pannier kit could have a little more capacity tbh .

https://redlinemc.co.uk/cfmoto-800mt-explore-2023/

At nearly £12K, 19” front wheel and lower specs than an African Twin at just £1.3K more, I know where my money would be if I was in the market.
I suspect a very nice, low mileage AT could be had for £11,990.

The 450 will be in a sector on it’s own so fingers crossed :mchappy:

The AT would make a good second hand buy , providing you can home service it . Major service cost will make u cry.......literally . I can get a minor and major service on my gsa at a main dealer for about the cost of a major AT one . Something to bear in mind if u aren't mechanically inclined . Plus the switchgear is a joke on the AT , I moan about the Gsa being unlit......lord only knows how u use the Honda ones at night in winter gloves doh . If I had to swap now i would b putting my money into the suzuki 800de........its super roomy , very comfy , OK it doesn't have cruise but I'll live with that for the 7 year warranty !! R u listening Bmw :offtopic:

Interesting stuff Chris. I won’t be in the market for an AT (even more now ????), I’ll stick with GSs.
I think your right, in that, the CF Moto 800 will be up against the 800DE, 790 KTM and Transalp - all of which, get great reviews, and it’s more expensive!!

Getting back on topic, my wife is beginning to think of scaling down to a lighter bike than her 1200gs LC. Whilst all these middle weights are lighter the GS has such a low COG that it’s easier to handle at low speeds and moving around - even the CB500x felt heavier wheeling it around. Perhaps the KTM but she doesn’t like the look of it (who does? ????). My point is that the difference/advantages aren’t great enough to loose money when she changes.
If the 450 is significantly lighter, it could be the one.

PS. She doesn’t want a single.

You could well be right ........ have to say if it rides nicely I may jump ship and bank the difference . It'll have to b the grey / yellow paint though :innocent:

Ok so this new CFMoto 450 is said to be 175 kilos dry, and then add fuel, engine oil, coolant etc we will end up at above 190 kilos. Add 10-15 kilos and we are at the weight of bikes such as the T7, new Transalp, KTM790/890 etc. Bikes that hawe twice the power of this CFMoto. It will of course be much cheaper - but still….

True, but all those bikes listed might need the same 10-15 kg added.
And even then, it appears handguards, tail rack, adjustable screen and proper? bashplate are all stock on the MT.

As said, it will be much cheaper (partly why the Him was so popular, despite its limitations).
It appears to be tubeless as stock – a huge complication / expense to the above listed bikes.
Loads of dicking about to convert my 300L to TL.
The seat is low and heck, even the mirrors angle in!

Above all, I've long believed that in the real world, hp in the 40s is all you need to do anything up to 120kph in any weather/elevation, especially if it's delivered by a fruity 270-285° crank, unlike the bland 500X.
That, and the 450cc ought to result in great economy/greater range.
People like loads more as motos are now mostly leisure/lifestyle accessories and it's fun to annihilate traffic at will.
But for actual, real world gravel travel, 40-50hp / ~30kpl / < 200kilos / 200 mil travel / low seat is my ballpark.

I just rode a couple of full-on weeks with a mate on an 890R (see my recent twitters) - a great bike that weighed and consumed 50% more than my 300L. At no point on Moroccan backroads or trails was even half of that 100? hp used or needed.
I've ridden one myself for a couple of weeks; the best thing about it is it's not as uncomfortable at my 300L (or any similar trail bike). And it doesn't wilt on headwind climbs at 2500m.

A bit more poke and comfort with as little extra weight are needed.
If the suspension is decent, then the 450MT ought to be ready to go out of the crate.
But even if it isn't, the low price may compensate for this – or there are loads of other great bikes out there.
But right now there is nothing quite like the 450MT for its price which is why we're excited by it.

Amusing video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k96goyqe3uU

Big Rock Moto just did a show review of the 450 . Described it as the one everybody is interested in . 6500 dollars . Our sales staff are convinced its going to sell by the crate load . Once I beat Chris off with a stick I'll give u an honest opinion when I ride it . I could sell the
Gs and bank circa 12k ...... makes u think .

I get what you mean and I doesnt disagree very much. But I got to think about my first big bike back in the 90’s - it was a Honda Transalp 600. If I remember correctly it had a wet weight of ~190-195 kilos. 50 HP, 17,5 liter petroltank. Didnt quite get 30 kml, maybe around 23-24 or thereabouts. But it was a Honda, quality build and dealers and spare parts readily available in most parts of the world. I dont think CFMoto ever will get a quality and a dealership worldwide like Honda. And the Transalp 600 is +30 years….

I still dont quite get the novelty about this CFMoto….

Price in the US 6499 USD…https://www.advpulse.com/adv-news/cf...for-us-market/

There was a global (Asian-Pacific?) launch of the 450MT in the Philippines the other week and a couple of Youtubers have since uploaded their impressions.
I've updated my preview and this is one of the better vids from Adv Life in Ozzie.
Short version: it will be a hit.

Yep the launch of the CF Moto 450 was in the Philippines of all places. Actually quite cool to have the launch in such a faraway place. Philippines is on my «to do» list as I missed the country on my RTW trip.

On to the many reviews of the bike that are posted nowadays. The review in Motorcycle.com seems quite thorough….

The reviewer didnt quite like the front brake and the clutch feel: «The front brake basically has all of the feel of a Novocain-dosed lab rat. There is power there, enough to chirp the front tire and get into the ABS, but there is absolutely no feel. I’m almost impressed. Unfortunately, the feedback from the clutch actuation is similar in feel. The clutch pull is very light and easily done with a single finger, but the engagement is difficult to ascertain»

The reviewer says this about the engine: «The engine? Let's just say I wasn’t impressed – initially. Spending most of our time in the morning at slow speeds as we made our way to less densely populated areas, the engine’s lack of low-end torque and sloppy fueling was aggravating. The low rpm slop and short gearing is something I’ve noticed on every CFMOTO I’ve ridden. It’s unfortunate because it turns what is otherwise a good engine into a fairly glaring nuisance at speeds you generally find in the city. Once I learned to just keep the bike in the meat of its mid-range power, I actually really enjoyed the P-Twin’s smooth power output. Oh, and it sounds great. Like a tiny Ténéré»

He didnt quite like the seat height and seating position either. But the reviewer still thinks it is a lot of bike for the money.

https://www.motorcycle.com/bikes/man...-ride-44600017

brand new 500cc twin adventure bike
 

Brand new 500 twin adventure bike .................................ok............... ....you have to use your imagination for this one !
bullet proof engine . not to heavy , world wide dealers . 300 mile tank range . 100miles to a gallon. low seat height. long service intervals . very nice looking ! . easy to ride and maintain .................................................. .....................................
Honda nx 500 !!!!
Keith

On paper yes but, as we all know, things aren’t that simple.
Tried a Rally Raid and normal CB500x, wanted to love it, but was disappointed.
Just felt clumsy and top heavy to me. Easier to wheel around my 1200gs.
Obviously everyone is different and, for many, it’s a great bike.

In general I find YouTube bike reviews pretty worthless for me, Big Rock being the exception. They’re either blokey blokes riding down the road spouting, the same old, specs and sound bites or ex enduro racers tearing around an MX track to loud music.
I’ve just seen an excellent review, for real world gravel travel, on the MT450 but I can’t find it again to post a link doh - if it pops up I’ll post it.

Chris (Gale), a couple of questions, if I may, when will the bike be available in the UK for test rides? And, are there any dealers around the East Midlands / South Yorkshire area - seems difficult to find this information, or is it just me!

Many thanks

I'll ask the sales guys when I'm next in

Tbh I think it might be you re the dealer search...I've just tried having put CFMOTO dealer search into Google and there is an jnteractive map with all the locations on . Looks like there are around 5 dealers in ur general area :thumbup1:
That said my first attempt led me to farm machinery dealerships doh
.

Thanks Chris, I’ll try again bier

I see the problem, didn’t realise CF Moto made quads so all agricultural sales coming up - put in CF Moto Motorcycle dealers and hey presto :mchappy:
Chesterfield is near enough bier

Spoke to sales guys......June . But don't hold them to it . Lit of interest and enquiries . Personally I think the initial allocation will go immediately , then it will be Sept I think

Thanks bier

It's now in Bike magazine.......Pcp being just shy of a 900 pound deposit , then 45 quid a month for three years......looks like the engine bars maybe an extra . Will soon see how correct they are......but the monthly payment sounds about right

I was talking today with Mark, one of the directors of KTM Centre in Hemel Hempstead, about the CF Moto 450 and he says they are taking on a dealership for the CFMoto marque, with "bikes on their way."

(KTM's relationship with CFMoto dates back to 2013, and in January 2023 KTM took over the distribution of CFMoto bikes in UK and Ireland.)

Local dealer here in Estonia is advertising them for €6490 - over half a grand less than an NX500 - but no demo or in-stock bikes quite yet. At half the price of a Tuareg, it's pretty compelling...

Saw one at one at my LBS - looks great if a bit more bulky than what I'm used to (like a 300 Rally vs a 300L).
Also, I know it's from a shop and reads like AI, but this review/comparison may be worth a read (actually, not really).

https://adventure-motorcycling.com/w.../07/mtshp1.jpg

Picked mine up yesterday - came in a month early ;-)
A story here.
More in the website shortly.

https://sahara-overland.com/wp-conte.../polio-13.jpeg

https://sahara-overland.com/wp-conte.../polio-14.jpeg

I have thoroughly watched and read first impressions and reviews about the CF Moto450 MT. And what strikes me first is thats its not the Unicorn many of us wanted. Its wet weight is around 195 kilos and thus only approx 10 kilos lighter than the T7, Transalp, Tuareg etc. And it has half the power. Fuelling is not great a low rpms, brakes are a bit flimpsy, fuel milage seems to be 4 liters pr 100 kms or 70 mpg imperial, 58 mpg US or 25 kms pr liter - which seems like a lot for a 450 cc efi bike. The new Himalayan is said to get around 30
kms to the liter or 20 % more.

How the reliability will be is still to be discovered, but that it will be as reliable as a Honda is difficult to belive. And what about second hand value? Still uncertain - but probably not the best.

The good points are first of all the price. Its very cheap compared to similar bikes. And it comes with a lot of accesories such as a skid plate, adjustable shocks and forks, center stand, adjustable windshield (something many brands could have learned from!) foldable mirrors (which do break quite easily - ask me how I know…) double 12 volt socket etc etc.

Still no dealers in the country I live in so might not ever see it here though….

195kg wet weight is still on the heavy side for me.

Looking forward to your in-depth review!

:thumbup1::scooter:

I agree on paper not a unicorn which anyway will vary from person to person, but it's a lot of bike for the money.
Him 450 with TL wheels (also on my list): 10% more £, but looks like an easier to manage trail bike due to less in your face surfaces which can appear like 'weight'.
Yes only 10kg less than T7 but a lot lower and wider seat, and CoG overall (due to tall CP2 motor), which for me is important.
One go on a T7 put me off, though I ran an XScrambleR 700.

I do believe there is
A. Weight impression once on the move which so many huge bikes manage to mask well, right up to GS13 etc.
B. Weight picking it up upside down out of a ditch which is when 195kg = at least 195kg, but for risk-averse me occurs rarely. Young bulletproof matey below laughed off his USD AT. With my back, I would have been less sanguine.
C. Weight in the mind: 'OMG this thing is nearly 200 kilos tanked up, I dare not go up there in case I have to deal with B because I exceeded A.

C influences me heavily which is why I enjoyed exploring with my CRF/WR/KLX etc. But not the crippling road miles which are also part of travelling.

https://sahara-overland.com/wp-conte...24/08/dman.jpg

Fyi: no centre stand on mine and screen adjustment is minimal. May need an MRA lip.

We'll see about resale values, but things have come a long way from the WK400 ;-). The stigma of Chinese crap has been well-earned, but come up to it blind and it looks as well made and finished as anything else out there.

Him 450 could be more unicorny to some (not tried one - they say 'feels' heavier). looks like a huge improvement on my 400 which I enjoyed once there.
For me MT is a more interesting experiment this year when I have less of a need for a trail bike.

IMO, the bike to compare with is the 'NX500' (old CB-X):
A bit heavier wet
Same tank vol
Seat a bit higher?
TL cast and now 19 FR
74 mpg av (on mine)
1000 quid more, but loads used I bet.

A huge amount of the MT appeal is the 270 motor; it's how a proper motorbike should sound and respond. It's why many ride. Weights & specs and online chatter all fall by the wayside. There are many other 270s, but none like the MT. Can't recall owning any Honda like that since my CB350K4.

Hi Chris.......460 Mt has arrived in crates but I think they are all sold best give Gary a ring . If ur tall like me then the hi seat will b on ur shopping list.........they look good tbh :scooter:

Many wise thoughts and considerations there Chris and I agree for the most part.
First of all I thought I read it came with a centerstand - but apparently not. My bad and appologises…

There is as you say no unisone agreement about what a unicorn overland motorbike is or what specifications it should have. But still - I dont think 195 kilos is the weight most overlanders would like their bike to be.

Then again you have a good point in that there is also a consideration in how the CoG is and how the bike bear its weight - your B-point.
Well known Youtuber BigRockMoto has an interesting test where he drops all bikes he tests and then (try to) lift them back up again. The T7 didnt fare well in that test. (Although its a very subjective test…)

No the new 450 Himalayan is not a unicorn either as it also is close to 200 kilos.

But I dont agree that the most natural comparison is the NX500 (CB500X) That is a road bike with 19/17 cast wheels with some offroad capability. One cannot compare that to a 21/18 wheeled bike with much more ground clearance.
The new Himalayan is the only (almost) direct comparison. Almost same cc size engine, almost same weight, almost same petrol tank size, almost same price etc etc.

I agree that a 270 degree crank paralell twin engine is a great sounding engine although I have only a very modest experience with such engines (half a day on the new Transalp and 30 minutes on a T7) But will this new 270 crank razzmatazz last? Time will show. Maybe a different type of engine will evolve in the near future?

Again - havent seen any CF Moto importer where I live, so dont know I will be able to try one in the nearest future. But would really like to have a go on one….

Well the exhaust sounds fantastic.....no need for a can. Techs are impressed with the general build quality given the price . Def needs a hi seat if u r tall mind . Clutch is seriously light in its action . Will need something on the tank to protect the paint.....like most bikes tbh . After my Gsa it weighs nothing lol . Our allocation is sold and there is a waiting list for the next lot . The T7 has shown that a basic spec bike at a good price can sell by the crate load, this will too..........

Have seen people worried about residuals.....r u serious......have u seen the trade values for a 2 Yr old Gsa with 20k miles on it........u could buy 2 Mt s for that . Buy one keep it for the warranty period and then sell it u will prob lose 4k...........the Gs loses that in a year and I own one .

Once again a heavy bike with a big tank high above the engine *sigh*

Well that's what most manufacturers do tbh.........economies of scale. Personally if I was going to do a very big trip I'd take a T7...... or a Honda 500 if I was in S America . It might not hit all the right notes for some of our community but it is totally reliable and that's got to b a major plus . Time will tell with the Mt.......I'll keep everyone updated as the new owners start to put miles on them and they come in for service .Going to guess there is a software upgrade at 1st service time......all the others get one .
..

Good vid below about suspension.
Barely done 100 miles on mine, but broadly speaking I'd agree with his conclusions.
Forks good (3-way adjustment); shock less so (2-way adjustment).
For what it cost, I don't mind splashing out on a plusher shock.

MT definitely reminds me of my old CB-X - though mine was an early Rally Raid which brought it closer to an MT - or an NX500 for that matter.
IMO on dirtbike it counts but on a 200-kilo moto the whole 18/21 vs 17/19 is bogus

Everything else getting better by the mile.
Read my initial impressions.

https://adventure-motorcycling.com/w...8/mt1-stat.jpg

Nathan reports a fuel milage of 75 mpg on the MT versus 93 on the new Himalayan. Otherwise he seems quite happy with the MT:

https://youtu.be/d45nccVElEM?si=-pYjfdQZzu5MJv9c

75 verified was my first fill up too; read-out said 74.6 which is close enough.
93 is amazing for a 40-hp 450. My 300L averaged 85 over 6000 miles.

Good review here from MAD; he likes the suspension but rides harder, like the bloke in Pt noted. Slower wants softer.




"And the CFMoto 450MT is our winner..."

its the same old problem ...... is this an adventure bike ? or an off road bike ?
i would say say its more off road , but would you go around the world on it . or choose say a honda nx 500 ?:scooter::scooter:

Long range video review
 

Did a test-ride of the CFmoto 450MT last night. Some spirited asphalt riding and a mild dirt section with a few shaded spots with mud puddles (not deep, but slippery).

Was kind of surprised that the dealer had a demo bike available - talked to the salesman later and he said he had two of each color left in his allocation for this season, otherwise they'd been getting lots of test-rides and a lot of those converted into sales.

The good:
* It feels quite light on its feet, definitely a whole different experience from the NX500 I rode earlier this year. 175kg dry may not be a particularly low number, but the feel of it is very confidence-inspiring.
* The engine pulls nicely from below and I thought it was actually matched pretty well to the gearbox. I've heard people say 1st gear is too low, but for a mediocre offroader like me, the way it acts essentially as a crawl gear as I tippy-toe my way through a mud puddle worked very well. Nor did it feel underpowered with my fat ass on it - sure, it doesn't have the unlimited power reserve of my VFR, but for the money and engine size it's perfectly fine.
* Engine note is a lot nicer than the NX500, I would say. No buzz in the handlebars.
* I like that the windscreen is not just adjustable, but adjustable easily with one hand while on the move. A very simple and cheap mechanical system that is as good in real life as any Goldwing or BMW electric adjust.
* The LED strip on the front is a nice touch.
* Handlebar controls are not overloaded, despite it having a fair amount of stuff to do inside the dash.
* Gear indicator on the dash and a factory USB plug are table stakes for modern new bikes, but it's still something I appreciate compared to my ten-year-old one!
* Suspension is good, maybe a tiny bit harsh - but I'm not a featherweight, and by the time I'd add crash bars and luggage, there would be a lot of weight to control. Still very confident on pavement.
* The ergonomics are mostly great: arm position is good, easy to stand up on the pegs.
* Got it up to just over 140km/h indicated, and it felt like it could easily do long liaisons at 130 on the highway.
* The random Chinese tires felt perfectly adequate. Probably wouldn't feel the need to fit anything better until the original set is naturally worn down.

The odd (not enough to qualify as bad):
* Stock windscreen is too small for me even at the highest setting - but easy to replace, just four easily accessible bolts.
* Filler cap is positioned so that it won't easily accept a direct tankring fitment. I've seen that people use the offset ring bracket to mount a tankbag further back and at an angle - not sure what that would do to my seating position though.
* For some reason the mirrors, levers, brake fluid reservoir all have non-standard bolt patterns - generic accessories meant for clutch and brake reservoir mounts won't match up.
* The tank is slippery, no grip for the knees - but again, easy fix with some aftermarket grip stickers.

The ugly:
* Haven't seen anyone say this in other reviews but... at 180cm, my knees end up in exactly the wrong spot! The fairing wings on the sides of the tank are exactly where the sides of my knees are, and they're kind of sharp, making it almost impossible to grip the bike with my knees properly. Is that something ADV riders don't do? Is the bike just meant for shorter people? (I remember that on a 401 Svartpilen the similar fairing flares locked my knees in exactly perfectly!) It was noticeable enough on a 1,5-hour test ride; living with the bike every day, it would drive me mad. Basically, looking at the side of the bike, the point where the rearward bolt is on the outer layer is where it should start scooping inwards, instead it goes back beyond that for a good few centimeters.

You're obviously well ahead of the game in the Baltic as there's not even a sniff of the 450's in my local KTM / CF Moto UK dealer. Or at least there wasn't when I was there two weeks ago. A nice review though and much appreciated as it's a bike I would be seriously looking at - if there were any to look at round here.

Only thing I would say is that I hope it is a bike for shorter riders. It would make a change from the 'I'm 6' 4" and the bike fits me perfectly' new models we've had over the last few decades. Unless they come with a factory fitted step ladder I'm not really interested these days. I got all enthusiastic about the Yamaha T7 a while back, until on seeing one realised I'd need binoculars to even see the seat, never mind climb on it.

Gas Gas 450MT
 

I read somewhere there's talk of Gas Gas ('KTM') using the 450MT motor next year. You'd imagine it's bound to be lighter.

Nathan still likes the bike. Positive sides are weight distribution - he says the bikes weighs 200 kilos but feels like 180, good and firm suspension. Gearing is a bit low but he thinks its good for offroadriding but a little negative for highway riding. He says the bike uses a bit more fuel than expected for a 450 cc and that it could use a tad more power…. But he overall likes the bike.

https://youtu.be/uwX8qYoQorI?si=r76YpTRNyJDsP1lb

My impressions after 7000km:
https://adventure-motorcycling.com/2...5000km-review/

Like
• CST Ambro tyres do it all @ 30 psi
• Grunty engine so easy to manage and fun to hear
• Suspension soaks it all up (stock settings, full load)
• Seat is fine for up to 600-km road days
• Standing just about sustainable with 25mm risers on stock pegs
• Lights good at night
• Tubeless spoke rims holding up well: no leaks; spokes taut
• Suspension responded well to 5 mins of adjustment

Like less
• Wet weight a bit high when laden – fine unladen
• Fuel consumption. best 78mpg so far

https://adventure-motorcycling.com/w...mtnit-1-1.jpeg
https://adventure-motorcycling.com/w...8/mtmol-1.jpeg

I’ve yet to ride either bike but, based only on YouTube reviews, I’m erring towards the Himmie against this bike for a long distance trip.
1 - Smoother fuelling for slow speed would suit my off road riding better.
2 - Better fuel economy.
3 - The, reported, spurt of acceleration at the top of the rev range; good for overtakes.

All my favourite bloggers have said that there’s really nothing to choose between them. Have you had a decent amount of time on the Himmie chris - appreciate your thoughts.

I have not tried the 450 Him but I'm sure I'd like the better mpg and less mass.
But I'd miss the lovely MT engine. Just pulls in any old gear where a big single would judder. Alrady have a buyer for my MT; may get a Him next year.

Thanks for the reply.
The Himmie engine gets a lot of positive comments - I’m keen to try both.
I’m sure you’ll get some decent time on one soon.

Testride on the CFMoto 450MT
 

https://youtu.be/9KcgJlGOhuY

It is in Dutch with English subtitles

I had an opportunity to see firsthand the CFMoto 450MT when I brought my Xmax for it's first service.

I was impressed with the light weight of the bike and the price of USD$7,200 and comes with top box and panniers.

I do most of my long distance touring overseas on rental bikes and that's why I have a xmax 250 scooter at home now after selling the trusty Triumph Tiger 800.

:scooter:

Just saw this in the UK Bike mag (UK).
Not read it yet but the title probably says enough.

It's quite a funny article , the bike gets ridden into a wall , various ditches and dropped loads of times and still keeps going.......unlike the rider who throws the towl in .

We used to sell them before our company went belly up I'd buy one without hesitation. I'd need the hi seat mind and I'd change the front sprocket to drop the revs at cruising speed other then that there isn't much needs doing .

Sounds like a normal week of my riding :mchappy:

Nathan postman has taken both the CFMoto450 and the 450 Himalayan on a real offroad-test. And one of the bikes was much better offroad than the other according to Nathan….

https://youtu.be/tOFrBfitzRU?si=BuDpd5L7FyRpg-XK

Thanks for posting. Though I've never ridden one, for what he's riding I'd sooner be on a less bulky Him – or indeed something lighter still.
Loads better mpg than the MT too, afaik, though I'd miss the low-rpm pick up of a twin.

Just sold my 450 – went in hours. No regrets, but looking forward to trying a rental Him down in Morocco.
Read Bike mag about a TMT Moroccan trip I did with Desert X Rally and 1250GS.
https://www.bikemagazine.co.uk/magaz...oroccan-trail/

Besides the forthcoming 390 KTM trail bike, I also wonder when Triumph will spin-off a trail or Adv bike from their 400 motor. Especially now they've signed Sam Sunderland as an ambassador.

https://transmoroccotrail.org/wp-con...cat-tan-2.jpeg

Wow - that CFMoto didnt have a long life in your ownership….?

I had a short testride in busy Chiang Mai traffic on the Hima450 - and I have to say I liked it. Well except from how it looks. It rode great and had fair amount of power and felt relatively light for what it is. I dont like the way it looks though….

I agree that a lighter bike would have been better up that gnarly trail - but its a real life test. Once in a while on a long trip you can face such roads - and if youre on a bike thats not up to the task - you have to turn back.

About the Triumph 400 cc engine - oh yeas a more travel oriented bike would be great. With some fairings and wind protection and a 20 liter petrol tank!

The Yanks have finally got the CFMoto450 (called Ibex over the pond)
And Ian at Big RockMoto is quite exited about it….

https://youtu.be/NQKvOWEn1fQ?si=RyBU4yao64R951Hb

I suspect they're selling every Scrambler 400 they can manufacture...

Yes the Him 450 is relatively hideous compared to the 410 which was a lovely plodder on the trail – not so much for getting there.
450 possibly better in plain colours with no naff graphics – but those ones are tubed afaik. Going for just £5k now. A set of OEM TL wheels from India £410 on eBay + tax.

Unfortunately Triumph wasted the 'Adventurer' name on some goofy mock-chop cruiser 30 years ago, but there was also the cooler TR5T Adventurer from the Seventies. So I think 3rd time out with Adventurer 400 would work for me.

Funnily enough the woman who bought my 450 sold a Scrambler 400 as she wanted something more off-roady.

I've moved the recent spate of posts about the Suzuki DRZ400 to a thread of its own as it was becoming too much of an off-topic diversion in a thread about the CRF 450.

The posts can be found at https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hu...-drz400-106044