Throttle Punks - CFMOTO450 - Custom show

Overview

This is a walkaround / custom-show overview of a CFMOTO MT450 (CFMOTO 450) built and tuned by Martin and the Trottle Punks / CF Moto service crew. The build turns the MT450 into a usable dual‑sport / light enduro focused on accessible travel, luggage carrying and enjoyable off‑road riding — not a race bike for championship competition.

Key features & modifications

Purpose

• Tuned as a practical dual‑sport / light enduro: aimed at accessibility, luggage carrying and enjoyable off‑road use rather than outright racing.

Chassis & suspension (major focus)

• Tomy Suspension kit tailored for the MT450:
  • Re‑cartridged forks (internal cartridge).
  • Central shock rebuilt/lengthened (original shock rebuilt, with new flow valve).
  • Wider adjustment range and improvements to bottom‑rebound valve.
• Result: much more adjustability — can be set soft for easy rocking or progressively stiffened for higher speed/traction, improving agility and rider confidence.

Engine & powertrain

• Akrapovič exhaust fitted.
• Custom airbox built by Trottle Punks and an ECU remap (refined Euro‑5+ map).
• Outcome: smoother power delivery, increased midrange torque and more peak power than stock, but not an extreme race tune.

Wheels & tires

• Aggressive motocross knobby pattern (not standard road rubber).
• Inner tubes used for off‑road reliability; mousse inserts used for race events with no road travel.

Ergonomics & controls

• Taller plexi (windshield) with crossbar and power socket; adjustable mirrors standard.
• Metal Astra handguards, poly‑titanium grips, aftermarket levers.
• CF Moto footpegs used; wider peg plates recommended to improve rider‑bike contact.
• Luggage options: soft bags preferred for off‑road use; aluminium cases for road trips but less forgiving in a fall.

Protection & accessories

• Radiator/cooler protector and engine cover (some CFKO branded parts used).
• Crash protector / crash bar discussion: described as helpful for rider comfort/cosmetics but controversial for protective effectiveness.
  • Quote from the video: crash bars referred to as “parachutes” (debated usefulness).
• Cosmetic items: brake‑caliper cover (styling only), custom sticker/wrap (sourced externally).

Warranty & service

• Trottle Punks will warranty items they install and take responsibility for suction/airbox work done in‑shop.
• Installing aftermarket parts elsewhere may affect warranty claims.

Pros

• Significantly improved chassis and suspension adjustability → more comfortable, safer and more confidence‑inspiring off‑road.
• Engine mods (airbox + remap + Akrapovič) produce smoother torque and noticeable gains without harsh delivery.
• Approachable, lightweight platform for riders who want a capable dual‑sport without the expense/weight of larger enduros.
• Practical accessory choices (inner tubes, mousses for racing, luggage options) increase versatility.
• Shop support/warranty if work is performed by the builder.

Cons / caveats

• Not a competition enduro — cannot match larger or purpose‑built race bikes (e.g., KTM 800/890 or 1‑liter adventure machines) in outright performance.
• Some accessories are primarily cosmetic (e.g., caliper cover) and do not improve function.
• Knobby tires are noisy and less pleasant on road; tire choice is a compromise for mixed use.
• Crash bars/heavy protection are controversial — can give false confidence and are not a panacea.
• Certain protection parts (engine covers, guards) are not offered by the official importer and have mixed utility.

User experience & riding impressions

• Pleasant and fun for brisk trail riding and club events; usable in non‑competitive races but not championship‑focused.
• Chassis tuning transformed handling — riders can fine‑tune feel from soft to stiff to match skill level and terrain.
• Wider footpeg plates greatly improve rider feedback and control.
• Ergonomics are balanced; some riders prefer higher bars when standing, and personal adjustments are common.
• The ECU remap emphasizes smoother, more useful midrange torque rather than chasing peak horsepower.

Comparisons

• Frequently compared to KTM machines (KTM 450 class and broader KTM 800/890 or 1‑liter classes).
  • The tuned CFMOTO better suits entry/medium enduro/adventure riders but cannot match the performance and weight advantages of larger, purpose‑built bikes.
• Emphasized point: rider skill and a lighter, well‑tuned mid‑size bike can be more enjoyable for many riders than raw horsepower alone.

Ratings & technical notes

• No explicit numeric scores were provided.
• Technical: bike is Euro‑5+ and the ECU mapping was refined to meet that standard.
• References to performance classes: “8ka” (implying KTM 890 class) and “a liter” (1000cc class) used in comparisons.

Verdict / recommendation

• The Trottle Punks / CF Moto MT450 is a well‑executed, practical dual‑sport build — ideal for riders who want an affordable, tunable, fun off‑road / travel bike rather than a race‑bred machine.
• Biggest gains come from the Tomy‑tuned chassis and the airbox + ECU remap for smoother torque and better usability.
• Recommended if you value dealer/shop support and a capable, lightweight, enjoyable enduro/touring experience. Not recommended if your goal is top‑level racing or beating KTM 800/1000‑class machines on outright performance.

Quick list of unique points

• Tomy Suspension kit: re‑cartridged forks and rebuilt/lengthened shock with a larger adjustment range.
• Central shock rebuilt (new flow valve, more adjustability).
• Akrapovič exhaust + custom airbox + ECU remap (Euro‑5+ tuning) → smoother, stronger torque curve.
• Inner tubes for off‑road reliability; mousses for race use.
• Wide footpeg plates and CF Moto pegs to improve rider feedback.
• Knobby motocross tires (noisy on road).
• Cosmetic parts: brake caliper cover, external custom sticker/wrap.
• Radiator and engine protection: aftermarket covers used; importer does not include some covers.
• Crash bars/protectors debated; useful for deformation but controversial for overall protection.
• Cockpit: metal handguards, poly grips, aftermarket levers, plexi with crossbar and power socket, adjustable mirrors.
• Trottle Punks provide warranty/shop support for installations done in their workshop.

Who contributed what

• Martin (bike builder / owner, Trottle Punks): tuning goals, suspension choices, airbox/ECU work, and overall functionality emphasis.
• Tomy / Tomy Suspension: supplier/developer of the chassis kit and fork cartridges; involved in testing and iterative development.
• Pepík and other workshop colleagues: contributed opinions on chassis setup, riding position and race/use experience.
• Hosts / narrator: raised ergonomics, tire and protection debates and performed comparisons to KTM and larger bikes.