CFMOTO 450MT 10,000KM Later | Would I buy It Again

CFMOTO 450MT After 10,000 km

Verdict: The owner would buy it again. After about 10,000 km—roughly 7,000–8,000 km off-road—the 450MT has proved to be a capable, dependable all-round adventure bike for his needs. It is not perfect or especially light, but its balance of road comfort, off-road ability, and usable power makes it a good fit for mixed riding.

Main Features and Riding Experience

• 449 cc parallel-twin: Rated at 44 hp and 44 Nm, with a 21-inch front wheel, 18-inch rear, tubeless-ready rims, long-travel suspension, switchable ABS and traction control, and enough fuel capacity for the owner’s trips.
• Engine: Has enough power to cruise on the highway and overtake, even when loaded. Its predictable, controllable delivery is particularly useful off-road.
• Gearing: The stock 14-tooth front sprocket felt too low-geared for highway riding, so the owner fitted a 15-tooth sprocket to reduce engine revs on longer road sections.
• Fuel use and throttle: Fuel use has been 3.8–4.1 L/100 km. The owner has not remapped the ECU because CFMOTO told him a remap would void the warranty. The throttle’s jerkiness does not bother him.
• Suspension: Works well as a road-and-dirt compromise, absorbing rough surfaces without feeling disconnected. The owner, who weighs about 75 kg in gear, adjusted preload and rebound to suit himself. The suspension reaches its limits when ridden harder.
• Clutch: Light and smooth, with no slipping even under heavy loads. The owner may eventually fit a heavier-duty clutch spring but sees no need yet.
• Brakes: Remain consistent after 10,000 km, with no significant fade. They are functional rather than exceptional.
• Comfort and ergonomics: The owner found the bike reasonably comfortable on long rides, especially when standing. He raised the handlebars by about 15 mm. Its ergonomics worked for him, though the stock low seat felt cramped, so he fitted CFMOTO’s high rally seat.
• Off-road ability: The 21-inch front wheel helps build confidence, and the bike carries its weight better than expected once moving. However, it remains a fairly large, heavy motorcycle, especially in tight terrain, at low speeds, when loaded, or when picking it up. The reviewer describes it as an adventure bike that is surprisingly capable off-road—not a lightweight dirt bike.
• Highway travel: The engine, overtaking ability, and stability at speed make highway travel manageable, though the 450MT is not a luxury tourer.

Reliability and Maintenance

• The main mechanical fault was a countershaft seal leak during the break-in period, repaired promptly under warranty.
• The stock battery began to fade after about a year.
• A right-side plastic panel cracked after a crash pushed an auxiliary light back into the fairing. A replacement panel cost about $120, and a replacement decal from AliExpress cost about $20.
• The owner reports no major engine or electrical problems and nothing that stranded him.
• No wheel-bearing issues were apparent at 10,000 km—there was no play or grinding. However, aware that some other owners had reported problems, he ordered replacement bearings as a precaution.
• With regular chain care, the original chain and sprockets were still in good condition. He estimated another 5,000–7,000 km before replacement.
• He is on his second front tire, with fronts lasting around 8,000 km, and his third rear tire, with rears lasting about 3,000–4,000 km. He uses Mitas Enduro Trail XT Plus tires and prefers their bias-belted version.

Changes Made to Suit His Riding

The owner replaced or changed several stock components, mainly to increase durability, protection, or comfort for demanding off-road use:

• ProTaper handlebars: The stock bars felt too flimsy.
• Barkbusters handguards: Preferred over the stock plastic guards for more substantial protection.
• B&B Off-Road Engineering radiator guard and bash plate: The stock plastic radiator guard and bash plate did not inspire enough confidence for rocky terrain.
• CFMOTO case savers: Added because the engine cases seemed exposed.
• Hepco & Becker crash bars: Chosen because the original bars’ upper mounting point rubbed against the owner’s knees while seated. This was a fitment issue, not a criticism of their strength or design.
• Short levers: Replaced the stock long brake and clutch levers, which interfered with his technique.
• Aftermarket gear-shift linkage: Fitted as a sturdier alternative to what he considered a potential weak point.
• Bike-mounted GPS mount: Replaced the stock mount, which attached to the windscreen mechanism and caused the screen to rattle under the GPS’s weight.
• Funnel Web foam filter and pre-filter: Preferred for dusty and sandy riding because they can be cleaned and reused.
• CFMOTO high rally seat: Replaced the stock low seat, which made the riding position feel cramped.

The owner sees the number of changes as evidence that the bike is built to a price point, but also feels CFMOTO spent money in the areas that matter most. He notes that many adventure-bike owners change components to suit their riding.

Comparisons and Overall Assessment

• The 450MT was bought as a possible replacement for the owner’s 20-year-old DRZ400E, with the aim of retaining some technical-track ability while adding highway comfort and multi-day touring practicality.
• It is not the fastest, biggest, lightest, or most powerful option, and the owner does not present it as a premium touring bike. His view is that it offers the motorcycle he needs rather than the most motorcycle he could buy.
• No numerical overall rating or score is given.

Speaker’s View

One owner/reviewer provides the assessment. His overall experience is strongly positive: despite a few faults, its weight, and several stock parts he chose to upgrade, the 450MT handled extensive dirt riding and continued to make him want to ride farther.