When you compare adventure riding in Australia to somewhere like Europe the riding conditions and unforeseen conditions can have a greater influence on what bike you choose. What I’m trying to say is that conditions in Australia can change dramatically and suddenly that 700cc plus bike becomes an anchor that is of no use to you.

Having experienced getting marooned alone in the Flinders Ranges when a freak rainstorm blasted through while sweeping a Ténéré Tragics ride I’ve looked for lightweight alternatives that did not exist. At the time I was on a 2016 Tenere XTZ660. I’d already built our WR250R rally inspired Ténéré but unfortunately it just doesn’t have the legs to comfortably pull long k’s on the tarmac. If only there was a midweight alternative with double the engine capacity.

Five years ago, I would not have given a Chinese bike the time of day but since the partnership between CF Moto and KTM perceptions of the Chinese brand has taken an about face. I liken it to the emergence of Japanese automobiles and motorcycle in the late sixties and early 70’s and this is just the beginning.

So, when CF Moto introduced the 450MT with a design that bucked the Indian agricultural design trend I was forced to take notice. The crunch came when Australian Adventure Bike Magazine Editor Andrew Clubb invited me to pilot the AABM long term 450MT on a 3000-kilometre odyssey from Sydney to Broken Hill up into Queensland to Thargomindah then east turning south and back to Sydney… who am I to say no?

What Is It?

Our CF Moto 450MT test bike was prepped fro an outback ride with a B&B bash plate, Barkbusters, Anarkee Wild knobby tyres and a Chigee AIO 5. Other than that the engine and suspension were dead standard. The core of the package is a 449cc parallel-twin engine, tubeless 21/18-inch spoked wheels, long-travel KYB suspension and a surprisingly comprehensive electronics package, including switchable ABS and the 450MT looks like it has been designed for proper adventure riding.

What Does It Cost?

One of the biggest attractions of the CFMOTO 450MT is its pricing. When the model was introduced to Australia, it carried a $9,990 ride-away recommended price after the initial $8,990 pre-order offer. The 2025 model represents excellent value in a category where adventure bikes can quickly become expensive.

For the money, you’re getting a reasonably well-equipped motorcycle with quality suspension, Bosch electronics and a proper adventure-bike wheel combination. That makes the 450MT particularly appealing to riders who want to spend their money exploring rather than paying for an expensive badge.

What Do You Get for Your Money?

The 450MT is powered by CFMOTO’s 449cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC parallel-twin engine featuring a 270-degree crankshaft. It’s a configuration that gives the engine a distinctive character and a pleasant exhaust note. Power output is a claimed 32.5kW at 8500rpm, with 44Nm of torque arriving at 6250rpm. It’s backed by a six-speed gearbox and slipper clutch.

The chassis package is where things get interesting for off-road riders. Suspension is handled by 41mm KYB upside-down forks and a KYB rear shock, both offering 200mm of travel. Both ends provide adjustment, allowing riders to tailor the suspension to their weight, riding style and terrain.

The braking package features a 320mm front disc with a four-piston caliper and a 240mm rear disc. Bosch dual-channel ABS is fitted, with the ability to disengage the rear ABS for off-road riding. Bosch traction control can also be switched off.

Other standard equipment includes:

– 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wire-spoked tubeless wheels.

– CST adventure tyres.

– Five-inch TFT colour instrument display.

– LED lighting.

– Adjustable windscreen.

– 17.5-litre fuel tank.

– 820mm seat height, with an optional lower 800mm position.

– 220mm ground clearance.

– Three-year factory warranty program, subject to its service conditions.

Claimed dry weight is 175kg, which puts it in a competitive position for a middleweight adventure motorcycle.

Who’s Buying It?

First up are newer adventure riders looking for something manageable that doesn’t come with the intimidation factor of a large-capacity adventure machine. I’ve always struggled with my T7’s in more technical conditions despite fitting lowering links so to have less weight and a lower seat height. Those two properties had me at hello. 

For newer punters its LAMS-approved engine, approachable power delivery and relatively compact dimensions make it an attractive option for riders stepping into the adventure category. Despite its smaller capacity I had no problems keeping up with the other lads on T7s.

So as an experienced adventure rider of a smaller stature I’ve always thought bigger isn’t necessarily better. Well for me anyway.

Not everyone wants to wrestle a 250kg-plus motorcycle through a tight bush track, particularly when travelling solo. A lighter, more manageable machine with enough performance for highway work makes a lot of sense.

I’d also suggest the 450MT will appeal to riders looking for a weekend escape machine. Something that can commute during the week, tackle a few hundred kilometres of back roads on Saturday and explore a forgotten forestry trail on Sunday.

Where Did We Ride It?

As I mentioned this was a proper test. 3000 plus kilometres from the Sydney suburbs to remote outback towns. Dry and dusty to wet and rainy and when the moisture hits that red clay even the most aggressive knobbies won’t save you. 

We rode across the centre of NSW to Broken Hill via Lake Cargelligo. From there to Tiboobura where we met up with Dakar legend Rodney Faggotter. Cameron Corner was a no go due to incoming weather so we headed up to Bulloo Downs to Thargominda running on vapours. East to Inglewood, St George, Murrurundie back to Sydney.

What’s There to Like?

The 449cc parallel twin engine is a real highlight. It delivers a useful spread of linear power without being intimidating, making it an easy engine to live with on a variety of terrain. The 270-degree crankshaft gives it plenty of character, while the 44Nm of torque provides enough grunt for general adventure riding and highway cruising. Bosch ABS and traction control are welcome additions, particularly for less experienced riders. Being able to disengage the rear ABS and traction control when heading off-road is equally important.

Having KYB suspension at both ends is a big plus. With 200mm of travel and adjustment available, the 450MT offers a level of suspension equipment that would have been impressive on a considerably more expensive motorcycle. I’d suggest that little bit of tuning for individual riders’ weight and luggage configuration would help.

The 21-inch front and 18-inch rear combination is exactly what adventure riders want to see. It gives the bike the geometry and wheel sizes required for proper off-road exploration rather than simply being a road bike wearing adventure clothing.

Perhaps the biggest attraction is the overall package. CFMOTO has managed to deliver a motorcycle with a respectable specification without asking riders to spend a fortune. It’s difficult to ignore that proposition.

What’s Not to Like?

The first consideration is weight. At a claimed 175kg dry, it’s not a lightweight enduro motorcycle. Add fuel, accessories and luggage, and you’ll soon appreciate that it’s still an adventure bike when the going gets difficult.

The stock rubber doesn’t cut it for this level of riding though for regular conditions they’re adequate. They’re a reasonable all-round compromise, but riders spending most of their time in mud, loose gravel or technical terrain may eventually want something more aggressive like the Michelin Anakee Wild tyres we fitted.

The 449cc engine also has its limitations. While it’s perfectly suited to the motorcycle’s intended purpose, riders regularly travelling long distances at highway speeds, particularly with luggage and a passenger, may find themselves wanting more capacity. For highway use the 450MT is geared a little low so it’s no surprise we fitted a 14-tooth countershaft sprocket for those long outback stretches.

Taller riders may find both the seat and adjustable screen a little low. This would explain why the OEM rally seat is popular. While the screen is adjustable it may not be high enough for a taller rider.

Finally, CFMOTO is still building its long-term reputation in the Australian adventure market. The specification is impressive, but long-term ownership experience, parts availability and dealer support are important considerations when choosing any motorcycle.

Verdict?

The 2025 CFMOTO 450MT has a characterful parallel-twin engine, quality KYB suspension, proper adventure-bike wheel sizes and useful electronics. KTM‘s DNA is evident and it offers a package that should appeal to both newcomers and experienced adventure riders.

CFMOTO has certainly shaken things up with this bike. It offers a genuine adventure motorcycle package at a price that puts pressure on some established manufacturers. If you’re looking for an affordable, well-equipped middleweight adventure motorcycle that offers genuine off-road potential, the CFMOTO 450MT deserves a serious look.So how much of an impression did the 450MT make? Well, some punters are calling it the Temu Ténéré and to be honest I sold my Ténéré T7 and bought a CF Moto 450MT. Let’s see if I made the right decision and what sort of a project bike we can create.