On the very same day of the international presentation, we got the chance to see the first CFMoto 450 MT to arrive in Portugal—live and in color!
Of course, we couldn’t resist and headed straight to the AIA (Autódromo Internacional do Algarve), where a stunning blue unit was on display!
But only when we got there were we told… there was no key to turn it on.
This CFMoto 450 MT first contact review was shot on the day of its international debut — and we were lucky enough to see the first unit to land in Portugal, right at the Algarve circuit. We couldn’t ride it (no key!), but we came away with some strong impressions.
The bike lives up to the expectations set since its EICMA debut, and I believe it won’t go unnoticed by riders looking for something a little less intimidating than a Big Trail for mixed use.
Maybe the simplest way to describe the CFMoto 450 MT is to recall everything we’ve been asking Honda to improve on their now rebranded NX500—formerly the CB500X—which got a couple of new headlights and a new name…
CFMoto didn’t mess around!
Not only did they fit the 450 MT with spoked wheels, but they stayed true to its off-road potential, opting for a proper 21” front and 18” rear setup. And as if that wasn’t enough to stand out from the crowd, they’re tubeless cross-spoke wheels, and it’ll hit the Portuguese market at a super competitive price!
It doesn’t take long to realize just how much CFMoto has evolved… and the closer I looked, the more impressed I became.
The adventure motorcycle market keeps growing, but most brands have completely neglected the true midweight segment, leaving a massive opportunity wide open.
After years of disappointing riders looking for something less intimidating than the current middleweights, it finally feels like our prayers are starting to be answered—and I’m really curious to see how this bike will shake things up.
43 hp and 44 Nm of torque from a 450cc parallel twin might sound underwhelming, especially when compared to the heavy-hitters marketing departments have been shoving at us for over a decade…
But I honestly believe a lot of people will feel right at home on a bike that offers nearly all the advantages of a Big Trail—without the price tag or the need for advanced riding skills (or steel nerves!).
That said… I still haven’t ridden the bike!
And the closest I got to hearing the purr of that 270º crankshaft engine was through a 450NK also on display—which didhave a key!
The 450 MT weighs in at 190 kg… and paired with what felt like a well-balanced center of gravity, it seems like a truly unique proposition in the current adventure bike scene.
With an empty tank, you WILL be blown away with the weight sensation of this bike, even when almost leaned all the way to the ground!!!
The proportions also caught my attention.
It’s a small-ish bike, but with surprisingly roomy ergonomics—even for someone not-so-petite like me, at 1.85m tall!
The suspension is tuned for comfort, but if you ride a bit more aggressively off-road, you might feel the need for an upgrade.
Still, that’s kind of par for the course with ADV bikes—we’ll have to wait and see what aftermarket options appear for those 41 mm forks, or whether a skilled tuner can work their magic.
CFMoto 450 MT First Contact Review – Specs & Takeaways
All in all, the 450 MT might just be one of the most versatile options out there for riders who want to travel in comfort and throw in a few spicy off-road sections along the way.
I could easily go on and on—there’s a lot more to say about the 450 MT—but let’s recap, add a few details, and keep it tidy:
Specs Recap:
- Engine: 449cc parallel twin, 270º crankshaft, slipper clutch
- Power/Torque: 43 hp @ 8,500 rpm / 44 Nm @ 6,250 rpm
- Weight: 175 kg dry / 193 kg fully fueled (allegedly?!)
- Fuel Tank: 17.5 L
- Chassis: Steel tube main frame with Trellis subframe
- Wheelbase: 1506 mm
- Suspension: 200 mm travel front & rear / 41 mm KYB forks + rear monoshock
- Seat height: 820 mm standard / 800 mm with low seat option
- Wheels & Tires: Tubeless / 21” front & 18” rear
- Brakes: J.Juan – 320 mm front disc with 4-piston caliper / 240 mm rear disc
- Electronics: Bosch traction control (On/Off) / Bosch ABS (rear On/Off)
- Extras: 5” TFT with MotoPlay, adjustable windshield, aluminum skid plate, rear rack
After this first contact, we’re even more curious to find out what life is like on board this exciting little adventure machine!
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For more info, check out CFMoto’s Official Page!
