CFMOTO's versatile adventure-touring creation, the 450MT, was unveiled in late 2023 under the light and glare of the EICMA show in Milan, Italy, and entered the enthusiastic hands of more than 150 media, guests and distributors this week for the motorbike's global presentation on the island of El Nido in the Philippines.
The picturesque Philippine island provided the ideal setting for roads and gravel paths to discover the 450MT's merits and strengths as a motorbike that transcends the limits of touring. Just like what Neil Yang (CFMOTO Sales Director) said in the opening speech, although the motorbike had initially appeared in front of the huge crowds that had flocked to EICMA as its first debut, it is still exciting that in El Nido, the throttles were opened for the first time and the many features and benefits of the 450MT were explained.
Markus Ferch (CFMOTO VP of Sales Europe) and Carles Solsona (CFMOTO Design Director) both led the presentation of the 450MT, answering questions on how the motorbike will redefine performance and expectations in the medium-duty adventure segment of the market. They also talked about CFMOTO's thriving international profile.
"We are one of the fastest growing powersports brands," said Mr Ferch. "Our business performance has improved dramatically and our determination for our vision deserves the most credit. All these years, we have been committed to becoming a top-tier global powersports brand. We are following a clear strategy of globalisation, electrification and connectivity to achieve this."
"MT, short for 'multi-function touring', is our adventure bike product line," Mr Solsona noted. "The 450MT is our first mid-size adventure bike with strong off-road handling. Light, robust and inviting; this motorbike is a seamless combination of fresh design with advanced technology. Since the launch of the 650MT, our first MT bike in 2016, the MT line-up has been well received by the market, so we will continue to expand this line-up and create more adventures for our users worldwide."
For the 100-km ride the next day, CFMOTO was keen to reveal how the 450MT offers smooth power delivery and confidence while offering an unbeatable balance between weight and agility. At the heart of the bike is a high standard of functionality that means every journey does not end when the road ends.
Participants were let loose on a fleet of 450MTs around El Nido, with about half of the route being off tarmac and in the element of the motorbike: mangrove trails, mountain passes, lots of unpaved surfaces and tricky terrain plus lots of elevation changes. The group passed through popular spots like Duli Beach and the northern tip of Ligad Island, and also traversed the CFMOTO PARK field test area (the E-Bahay Nature Adventure Park) with curves and dusty trails to test the 450MT's off-road prowess and verify that the model can handle a wide range of conditions with relentless capabilities.
The 450MT occupies a position as the perfect 'entry-level' model for motorcyclists who want more from a regular motorbike. The model is right at the start of CFMOTO's extensive MT adventure touring line with options for 650, 700 and 800 (and derivatives) displacement. Whether customers want to ride off-road for the first time and need a light, snappy, complete and affordable package to do so or experienced adventurers prefer a more nimble, fun and manageable 'steed', the 450MT's versatility will satisfy many demands.
The 449cc engine is a parallel, liquid-cooled DOHC twin with 270° crankshaft and delivers 44 hp and 44 Nm of torque at 8500 rpm, tailored to the demands of off-road riding. The punchy power feel is especially useful at mid-range speeds and has been achieved through adjustments to the camshaft, ignition angle and intake/exhaust system, while being controlled by BOSCH EFI. The dual balance shaft ensures minimal vibration through this responsive and raspy engine.
A good adventure tourer should be at home in the specific environments but also be able to transform into a competent all-rounder in no time. The trellis-style frame has the ideal construction, stiffness and geometry to do this trick. The slim chassis dimensions help with a dry weight of 175 kg. The adjustable KYB suspension (41mm forks, multilink rear shock, both with 200mm suspension travel) is a reliable part of the technical platform for all conditions.
The 450MT can ride for days on the tarmac, but the bike should offer a rounded riding experience when the rider needs to stand and make use of the 220 mm ground clearance. First of all, the one-piece seat height of 820 mm can be adjusted to 800 mm (also with an accessory seat option for 850/870 mm). The cross-spoke alloy tubeless wheels (21" front and 18" rear) can take a beating and keep rolling. The footpegs are mounted high and ready to be punished if needed: they are part of a universal ergonomics that combines convenience with the feeling of firm front-end control and contact with the 17.5-litre fuel tank and protective bodywork. The rally-style adjustable windscreen protects the rider and the curved TFT display that shows whether the BOSCH dual-channel ABS system is engaged or not (disengage the system at the rear for slides and plenty of drift fun). The BOSCH traction control system is another advanced tool for when conditions require a more bespoke approach at the wheel. Large spotlights, folding mirrors and generously sized hand guards are other nods to the bike's off-road character.
The design aspect of the 450 MT does not stop at the elegant colours and graphic finishes. Every panel and every inch has been shaped to accentuate the riding experience and contact surface. The 450MT will not let you down under any circumstances. The engine itself is modern and prepared for the rigours of riding. Smart connectivity is provided by the free CFMOTO RIDE app that provides anytime, anywhere system analysis (mileage, acceleration, cornering. Reminders, OTA updates and much more is possible with just a few finger movements.
After the tour of El Nido, the international media particularly praised the 450MT's handling and settings; the way it manoeuvred over rocky terrain and even through small water crossings! The ergonomics were praised for the compromise between comfort and acute control when things got rough.
The launch of the 450MT on El Nido was an apt location for a motorbike that is unparalleled and has all kinds of capabilities. Whether riders want to cruise, explore or roam, CFMOTO has delivered a motorbike that masters its surroundings and, more importantly, a motorbike that evokes emotions.
About CFMOTO
CFMOTO, now 35 years old, is one of the world's leading manufacturers in the two- and four-wheeled ATV industry (the best-selling ORV brand in Europe) with more than 3,000 dealers around the world in more than 100 countries. CFMOTO employs more than 5,500 staff and specialists with offices in Thailand, the US, Europe and Mexico and more than 1 million users across the continents. CFMOTO's motorbike portfolio has grown significantly over the past decade with machines in various sectors. The company has a production capacity of more than 240,000 motorbikes and four-wheelers per year respectively, as well as more than 100,000 electric vehicles through sub-brand ZEEHO.
