Sanjay K Mohindroo

Good Old Bandit

Affordable adventure meets modern tech: CF Moto 450MT review covering specs, quirks, owner tales, and who it’s perfect for—all in one ride.

In this deep dive, we unpack the CF Moto 450MT’s heart and soul—its specs, pros and cons, real‑world owner feedback, and common service issues. You’ll see that this lightweight adventurer delivers exceptional value with its A2‑compliant 471 cc engine, modern electronics suite, and a generous four‑year warranty. But it’s not without quirks: highway rev limits, seat comfort niggles, and early throttle‑mapping gremlins remind you that nothing’s perfect. Owner reports praise its rock‑solid reliability once OTA updates land, while many riders supplement it with aftermarket seats or sprocket tweaks for longer journeys. Ultimately, the 450MT shines for budget‑minded explorers craving off‑road agility and tech features, though long‑haul highway warriors seeking higher top speed and plush touring comforts might look elsewhere.

Under the Hood

Specs That Punch Above Their Weight


The 450MT packs a 471 cc liquid‑cooled, single‑cylinder, four‑valve DOHC engine, tuned to deliver roughly 42 hp at 8,500 rpm and 40 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. A six‑speed transmission with a wet clutch keeps shifts smooth. Its steel‑tube frame rides on 43 mm inverted front forks and a preload‑adjustable rear mono‑shock, both offering around 125–140 mm of travel—enough for mild off‑road trails and street bumps. Braking comes courtesy of ByBre’s dual 300 mm front discs and a 240 mm rear disc, aided by switchable ABS (road/off‑road modes) for both grit and grip. At 175 kg dry and a 820 mm seat height, the 450MT stays nimble (#Lightweight) while remaining accessible for most riders. Its 12 L tank keeps overall weight low but limits its highway range, typically hovering around 200 km between fill‑ups (#FuelRange).

Pros and Cons

Why Riders Love It—and Where It Stumbles

Value Proposition:

At under £6,000 new, the 450MT undercuts nearly every competitor while loading in a TFT dash, traction control, and adjustable suspension. That #Value you crave.

Tech & Warranty:

Four‑year factory warranty and OTA firmware updates offer peace of mind. The low‑speed throttle jerk was tamed via a downloadable ECU patch, earning praise from owners (#TechSavvy).

Off‑Road Agility:

Light curb weight and torquey low‑end make it a joy on fire roads and gravel tracks. The 270° crank layout mimics a twin’s pulse, improving traction (#TrailTamer).

Highway Limitations:

Top speed caps near 130 km/h, revving past 5,000 rpm for 70 mph. You’ll feel like you’re in a hamster wheel at motorway pace, and some swap sprockets—trading low‑end grunt for lower revs at speed (#HighwayHurdle).

Seat Comfort:

The stock saddle grows harsh after an hour, prompting many to upgrade or add gel pads (#SeatSwap).

Dealer Network:

CF Moto’s European and North American dealer footprints are still expanding, so parts and service access can vary (#SupportScope).

Common Issues and Resolutions

Real‑World Gremlins and How They Get Sorted

Jerky Throttle Response:

Early owners flagged a snatchy, low RPM response. A quick OTA ECU firmware update smoothed the curve (#FirmwareFix).

Suspension Softening:

Some riders noticed front forks settling after the first service. Tweaking preload settings remedies bottoming out on trial drops (#SuspensionTweak).

Plastic Fitment Rattles:

A handful of users mentioned minor trim rattles. Tightening fasteners or applying thread‑locker usually silences them (#RattleRemedy).

Limited Top‑End Performance:

For those craving a bit more zip, altering the final drive sprocket reduces RPM at highway speeds, though you sacrifice some low‑end torque (#SprocketSwap).

Preemptive Upgrades:

Many riders’ fit aftermarket gel seats, skid plates, and handguards during their first service to boost comfort and protection (#ModItYourWay).

Ownership Experiences

Voices From Around the Globe


Across forums in Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America, owners report a largely positive ride. One long‑term rider clocked 10,000 km with nary a hiccup after the throttle map update, praising the 450MT’s engine character as “more like 60 hp than 42 hp” and its chassis confidence on dirt roads. On Reddit, seasoned explorers noted the advantage of its lightweight in technical sections, calling it “a serious contender” against heavier bikes like the KLR 650 and Himalayan 450. Australian Adventure Rider members caution that you’ll need patience to validate long‑term reliability, but early signs—including a 5/5 owners’ reliability score on MCN—look promising. Facebook group discussions echo similar sentiments: minor comfort tweaks aside, the 450MT “feels great” on 830 km trips, with suspension easily customized after the first service. Even skeptics admit that stripped of its CF Moto badges, the bike could pass for a leading Japanese model, thanks to its slick finish and Italian‑designed bodywork.

Who Should Buy—and Who Should Shy Away

Matching the 450MT to Your Riding Style
Ideal Rider:

·      Budget‑conscious adventurers craving #TechFeatures on a shoestring.

·      Off‑road newbies and weekend explorers who value low weight and torquey throttle response.

·      A2‑licensed riders in Europe seeking a legal ride without downgrading specs.

·      Tinkerers are ready to apply OTA updates and fit simple comfort mods.

Think Twice If You:

·      Log highway miles regularly and need a 160+ km/h cruise without constant buzz.

·      Demand plush touring comfort straight off the showroom floor—expect to spend extra on seats and luggage.

·      Require an extensive dealer network for peace of mind in remote regions.

·      Prefer high‑capacity adventure tourers (700 cc+) with strong top‑end power.

A Confident Contender with Room to Grow


The CF Moto 450MT punches well above its price class, offering a modern electronics suite, lightweight agility, and robust after‑sales support via OTA tuning and a four‑year warranty. Yes, the highway rev‑limit and stock saddle can test patience, but simple tweaks—sprocket changes, gel seats, suspension preload—transform it into a genuinely fun, capable #adventurebike. If you’re a forward‑thinking rider who values #Innovation and #Value over big‑bore bragging rights, the 450MT just might be your new best friend on two wheels.