Firstly turn the abs/tc off when off road - testing it with it on is not what it was designed for. The MOTO Morini is a 650 making 60hp at the crank, the MT 450 is making 44bhp. With a full system and filter plus tune the MT 450 would be making north of 50+. Also, this not just a beginner bike - there’s plenty of us experienced bikers wanting something much lighter and deliberately less powerful than our big bikes. Having fun is not always about power figures. Overall good review with some interesting observations.👍
Are you trolling me dude? The ABS was in 'Off-road' mode (Which I discussed). It does not switch off the front ABS, only the rear. I did not get the impression the front ABS was any different in, or out of 'off-road mode'. The Moto Morini I tested was a restricted version (as stated when I provided the hp and torque figures). I also specifically discussed the Motomorini's bigger motor and extra torque. I specifically discussed how more experienced riders want smaller bikes, so we are on the same page there. I imagine you skimed through and missed a few things. I really need to shorten my vids up, so apologies for the length. However, this review is based on my personal preferences, (from the point of view of looking for a modern bike to replace my Africa Twin) and I personally don't want a gutless bike. I like hp and even the 90+hp my Africa Twin has is lacking. You are more than entitled to enjoy slow, low-powered bikes. I'm not telling anyone what kind of bike they should ride. I would love one of these MT450s in my garage, but I wouldn't sell my Africa Twin to own one... because of the lack of hp. I hope that clarifies things. Thanks a lot for your thoughts :) BEST REGARDS CAM FROM NZ :)
@@actstuntcam yeah maybe I missed that part - of my three bikes two are well north of 100bhp, one 150+ my classic makes ‘only’ 80bhp. Two are like lumps of granite whilst the most powerful is still 400lbs +. Honestly think manufacturers have lost their way and are totally obsessed by power to the detriment of much too much weight. Something modestly powerful, in a relatively light and compact package has to be the answer for most peoples needs. I remember my old dt350 making about 20hp if lucky and that was a hoot on the road and lanes.
@@RichardS-qh8mi I couldn't agree more. My DRZ400 was definitely going in the right direction. Whilst most argued it was heavy by enduro standards, it was light enough and designed to do high mileage. I loved riding it. With a comfy seat, maybe a light/simple rally fairing and some more fuel capacity it could have been an incredible all-rounder. Suzuki could still build that bike... I personally am a hp junkie, but I don't understand why a little increase in engine capacity always has to be accompanied by massive weight hikes. They could put a 600 motor in this CFMOTO450MT and only add the extra few pounds of the heavier motor. Nothing else would need to be made heavier... 195kg bike punting out a tractable 65hp... yes please :) Cheers for your thoughts Richard :)
@@actstuntcam QJ Moto are making 550cc 270 crank twin for the Benelli 550 adv - it makes about 60bhp but the problem is it weighs 235kgs plus! Think the sweet spot for smaller advs is between 400 - 650cc + and there has to be a way of keeping their weight well below 200kgs. The other issue is EU regs are strangling these new engines evermore with insane targets that then mean they’re making much less power than they could if allowed to breath. Thankfully we can still ditch these heavy, horribly restricted, exhaust systems and replace them with something better.
@@RichardS-qh8mi Yeah, the 650 in the MotoMorini ain't bad, but same issue - The X-cape is 230kg. That means it weighs the same as my Africa Twin, but makes nearly half the HP. Doesn't make sense to me. Otherwise the X-cape is a good motorcycle.
Thanks for setting me straight on that Kelvin. I'm familiar with Chen Shin, I just missed that these were that brand and was ignorantly parroting other reviewers. They do make good budget-friendly tyres. I think they bought the tyre molds and rubber recipes from Yokohama (Who used to do motorcycle tyres) in the early 90s. I think they might make some good ADV tyres now.
It's Cheng Shin and been around for half a century, I was sponsored on them in the 1980's (though there certainly were better tyres around in those days but free is free). They are more widely known for the Maxxis brand.
Yeah I can see how 47hp on a 190kg bike would be a little underwhelming, but mate for that price what a bike! If these things turn out to be decently reliable they'll definitely be a golden ticket into the adventure riding scene for a lot of people. Cheers Cam great unbiased review as always 🤘
I'm a hp junkie, it is a key reason I haven't really looked into trying a T7. I'm pretty sure I'll be disappointed. Hp figures can be deceiving however, so perhaps the T7 would be good. I'm not convinced I should sell my Africa Twin. The more other bikes I ride, the more I love it, and the more convinced I become that it is an unbeatable recipe. As always, thanks heaps for your support. The 450MT is pretty great. Just need to find a fix for the ABS. CHEERS, CAM :)😀👍👍👍
@@actstuntcam hey did you happen to check out the air filter access? One thing the really sucks about the transalp (and the AT as I'm sure you would know hehe) but yeah mate the Africa Twin is a beast why change if you're happy 👌
Air filter is very easy to access, just take seat off then at rear of tank is a snorkel. Two hex bolts remove cover then filter slides out like a cassette. So easy.
Thanks for the video. I was looking for a great NEW beginner bike. Watched many videos on this and noone specified this was the case. You confirmed it for me. Thank you.........!!!!!!!!!
No sweat mate, glad I could help. I think this would be an awesome learner bike. I think there is so much scope to start on this and not get bored in a few months. It is wicked enjoyable to ride, will be an epic commuter, a great little tourer, fun on twisty roads, and a brilliant entry point into Adventure riding and the ABS will be great for a learner. There is a lot of hype around this bike, but I think it IS justified. I have an Africa Twin, and I have considered selling my AT and buying one of these because it would allow me to go places I just wouldn't have the confidence on my Africa Twin. I can see me owning one of these in the future. Let me know how you get on. BEST REGARDS, GOD BLESS, CAM FROM NZ :)
You are most welcome :) Sorry I didn't reply to your other comment. I saw it in my email, but it doesn't show your comment here... No idea why. KIA KAHA FROM NZ :)
@@actstuntcam Yeah sorry , I deleted that comment, it was pretty negative, basically putting down Chinese engineering and wondering how long before it fails . Anyway I deleted it after thinking about it more and considering the price of this motorcycle , well it's a good bike for learners to get into adventure motorcycle riding as you mentioned in your video.
Thanks Really So Much for this long Review ! long but so plently of useful comments and proofs.. and you, compliments, so entertaining Hence, from an old Ducati Multistrada Italian man, who even rode in NZ and Australia, a big once again Thank You!
Thank you! Great feedback :) I rode the original Multistrada (850?). Very fast steering and ok motor. I'm an HP junkie and was riding VERY fast bikes at the time, so the power was a little underwhelming. Also, I think it was one of the first 'long-travel' suspension set-ups Ducati had attempted and it was a bit of a mixed bag.
Hey Campbell, thanks for this! I will test it when I’m back in NZ to trade in my GW250. I have my eye on the Triumph 400x, so if you could review that too please, I’d love your opinion!
I'd love to review this bike... if I can get hold of one. Cycle Spot has one, but they are not happy with my Tuareg review, so I don't think I'll be getting anything from them soon 😐😵😵😵💫 If I can find a shop who has one I'll look into it. I think Cycle Spot might be the only Auckland dealer. Cheers for the support.
Brand new 60 yr old kiwi rider. Just past my learners on a borrowed 125. As a first bike would you recommend this or a 2nd hand cb500x. Will ride mainly commute and on road 300k road trips at least initially. Would like to learn off road too, but would be light stuff. Thanks
Great question. I haven't ridden the CB500X. However, looking at it on paper and from what I know about it: The engine is supposed to be great, better than what the specs on paper show; Honda reliability and it is a known quantity (The engines been around for a while now); Weight is only fractionally more at 199kg wet (although it depends what it feels like); 19" front rim - plenty good enough for gravel rds and riding 4WD tracks at sensible speeds; It will probably be more comfortable sitting than the CFMOTO. A new CB500X is only slightly dearer than the MT450 (Another $2,750nz). A low km, mint condition CB500X should be around $10,000nz, or less. Honestly, that looks like a pretty compelling case for the Honda for your suggested riding. However, the MT450 would be worth considering, if you want to make off-road and gravel fractionally easier and it would give you the confidence to go a bit further off-road. If that isn't something you are interested in, I'd go for the CB500X. Ultimately, ride both and see which makes you smile more. Bikes are super subjective. CHEERS CAM :)
nice review/video thanks m8. That gravel road looks like most of British main roads do and way better than any back roads. UK roads = potholes not much tarmac on them
Thanks for your review. I'm an older rider, my last two bikes were an F800GS and a KTM 690 Enduro R that I farkled. I wanted something light enough for dirt roads and the occasional technical bits and decent on road, but light enough to still pick up. I'm not trying to go fast, but do want to go far. Do you think this bike would be a good candidate (intermediate level rider).
I can't comment too much on either of your previous bikes, having not ridden the BMW (Although the original looked like a good bike and very light by all accounts.) The 690 Enduro, I've ridden, but it really wasn't my cup of tea (Way too much work to ride and really fatiguing). This bike would allow you to do a lot. It won't be as capable off-road as your 690, or as fast, or as light. It will be much lighter in feel than your BMW. If you are in NZ, It will be fine for long rides, as long as you go for the right seat for your height. It is worth a ride. Your best bet is to ride a test bike and see if you'll like it. However, if you like power, carry a passenger, or travel with a ton of luggage, I'd look elsewhere. HOPE THAT HELPS BEST REGARDS CAM FROM NZ :)
I think your underestimating the appeal to experienced riders. I'm not interested in 100hp weapons off road. I test road the 450mt and agree with most of your points - too lean with throttle cracked, and not enough bite in the brakes, but otherwise its a cracking little bike.
I'm not underestimating the appeal to experienced riders. I even said it will appeal to experienced riders, due to how easy it is to ride straight away - it's 'rightness' as it were. If you thought I wasn't personally impressed with its horsepower, you are correct. Would I like more hp? YES! But as I also said, this bike wasn't designed for me. It was designed for beginners. Will it appeal to experienced riders? 100%. Would I like this bike more if it made 50hp-60hp? YES! Would I like an Adventure bike that weighs under 200kg and makes 120bhp+???? Yes! Yes! Yes! Horsepower may not be everyone's holy grail, but it is mine :) Many thanks for your comment. BEST REGARDS CAM FROM NZ :)
Tempted with one of these do they go easy on the motorway? sm400 fastest isn’t for me easily on motorway Shoreboy too lol Always going my 16kw 50kg ebike for errands around the shore tho they pull me over if I try to cross the bridge tho
It is fine on the motorway - you could cruise at 100kph all day without effort. Overtaking in 6th up to 120kphish quickly and easily. I keep thinking I might buy one. Hopefully, a longer 'over-night' review coming soon :)
Great down to earth review, thanks. Emissions, ABS and weight are the banes of modern bikes. Have you tried the new Transalp? Not much heavier than the CF Moto and double the power! It feels much lighter than the Africa Twin and I'm absolutely loving mine.
I'd be staggered if it wasn't done during the PDI procedure. I'm really fussy about brakes and poor braking performance is something I criticise on almost every new bike. I think my Africa Twin could be better, but its braking performance would crush a lot of new bikes.
We'll see if this bike gets a good aftermarket, it doesn't look like other CF Moto bikes have much. Could get the weight down some and power up a bit. It's nice to have tubeless wheels, but I don't expect them to be very light. Lighter wheels can have positive impacts on acceleration and suspension.
Cant make my mind up between the 450 series. Currently stuck on the 450SRS OR the 450MT. MILDLY, KINDA NOT THOUGH, But kinda considering the 450nk and 450clc.
@@actstuntcam I'm finding it hard not being superficial. But My doomsday prepping mindset say the adventure bike is the more versatile ride for the end of days. Any logical reason you can pass on to me about why it's better.
@@yingyangorca4124 🤣🤣😂😂🤣🤣😅😝😝👍👍 Nah Adventure bike all the way. Long distances on roads that mostly survived the cataclysm and enough off-road chops to get over the tough stuff. If you want to really be safe after the apocalypse, I'd argue a DR650 with a big tank would be best. They're basically the motorcycle equivalents of cockroaches, reliable and easy to find parts in the rubble ;P
Looks like 9000rpm is the beginning of the redline and approx 10,000 is max, so 6/10ths of max throttle, and about 2/3rds of it's top speed as it were. I think this isn't something to worry about, unless you often ride for long periods at higher speeds. You could change the gearing a little...
It can't be lowered. There are just 2 seat options - the standard 'low' seat, which I rode, and an optional high seat. Also, take note that the rear shock can also be lowered via the linkage (probably the dog-bones. like on the DR650) and the forks can be raised through the clamps. With the standard seat and lowering it, you could get the seat down to 775mm-ish.
@@actstuntcam As I understand it lowering the rear shock, using the optional mounting point like the DR650, with the standard seat gives you 800mm. This can be done easily with dealers in Aus doing it for free. It does not use dog bones. I have been for a test ride and find the seat still too high even at 800mm (27" inseam really sucks). But, I agree with your test - one of the most balanced I have seen. In Aus it is not legal to disable the front ABS which also sucks. Try riding a road bike on gravel roads with no ability to switch off ABS. Interesting to say the least.
Actually, RPM is 5,800 at 100kph. Redline is 8,500RPM and MAX RPM is between 9,000-10,000RPM. This is a small engine with light internals. It is very smooth and designed to rev (Unlike the Himalayan 450). This means you are pulling around 70% of max revs at 100kph. This is approximately 2/3rds. That is pretty reasonable for a small-capacity bike and I imagine it'd pull these revs all day, every day, without a problem. At 100kph, it still has plenty for overtakes, without changing down.
Good idea. However, it isn't my bike and I didn't have it for long enough. Anything that improves grip, should help a bit. Ultimately, I wouldn't buy one until someone posts a solution to disable the front ABS.
I'm coming from a lot of miles on a 1200 Super Tenere. Great bike but a lump in the loose stuff! After 1000km on the 450MT, I'm not missing the horsepower and loving the light handling and good-enough mid-range power. It want to rev, but you don't need to. The version of this motor in the 450SS makes 50hp, which would be nicer but not at the cost of moving peak torque 2000rpm up the rev range. For me it's fast enough, will accelerate decently fast in 6th for passing, no need to chuck it down a couple of gears. It may be a little slow when fully loaded or two-up, but then you can't have everything. Great bike for the price. Hell, it would be a great bike even if 30% more expensive!
The joys of a smaller, lighter, bike with a punchy little motor seem to to be catching on more and more - yes, power is nice to have but how often do we really need that 100+ bhp? I know I’ll miss my bigger bikes when gone but I’ll soon learn to adapt back to how I road when on smaller bikes decades ago. Having to plan your overtakes is a skill I’ve never forgotten even though the bigger bikes can make you a bit lazy!
@@RichardS-qh8mi I got back into bikes after a 4+yr break (I stopped riding after a small accident weeks before my wedding). I considered buying a VStrom1000 (Which I could have purchased for $4000nz with all the bits), but thought it would be more sensible to go back to a smaller bike, after that break. With that in mind, I bought a DR650. After my third group ride, where my DR stayed in top gear at max revs for 2+ hours, I decided I needed a bigger bike. I think a bike like the MT450 would last about 6mnths of that kind of abuse... I'll stick with big horsepower and a motorcycle capable of over 140kph. A bike like the MT450 might be a consideration once I hit 60 maybe :) It'd be nice to be able to ride single track though, and the MT450 could be a good bike for that :)
@@actstuntcam Know what you mean - I’ve been riding over 40 years now and need a change to lighter weight and something that doesn’t pull your arms out. If the MT450 doesn’t pass the test then it’ll be a T700.
@@RichardS-qh8mi Yep, lowered T7 could be your answer, or if you don't mind modes/RBW etc, you should check out the Tuareg - a much better bike is my guess.
Best video yet on this bike. Today I am paying in full for this bike and in 2 weeks I will have. I live in Medellin Colombia. Huge city w tons of traffic and tons of motos on the road. I have a big Yamaha Bolt 950 that is loud and makes sure everyone knows I am there. Love it. But there is a big group of riders who go off road and my bike isnt for that. Ironically I had 2 solutions. 1. was to get and Africa Twin ironically enough. But then I would have to sell the Bolt. Or I could get the CFMoto 450 and keep the Bolt and use the Bolt for in city driving and 450 for all of the off road/ tarmac adventures with group. I chose option 2. I hope its right decision! If not I will sell both and buy a new AT as copmplete all around bike. Great video going to save for sure !!!
Congrats on your purchase. I'm betting you commute on your 450MT a couple of times and never ride your bolt again. Small bikes are wayyyyy faster in traffic. I travelled through rush hour regularly many years ago. The trip I did, took 1hr in my car, 40mins on my VStrom1000 and 30mins on a 125cc Scooter. Being on a small bike that lets you take small gaps and maneuver quickly is pretty awesome :) I love my Africa Twin and wouldn't swap it for an MT450. BUT in heavy traffic the MT450 would eat my AT for breakfast :)
58 years old, got my bike licence 12 months ago and a new Honda crf 300 rally. 19,000 klm in that 12 months and the Honda is at the dealership getting a top end rebuild , looking forward to getting the MT450
Interesting. I like your view. As i am a huge DRZ fan. I have over 54,000 miles on the 2011 DRZ. But am really looking at this bike very closely since KTM made the choice to nor build the KTM450 Adventure. This is the replacement, or closest to it so far. The reasons i am interested in it is the low seat hieght, the lighter weight...yeah its not light, but it is comparably light. Since i feel my DRZ400 has beeny most favorite bike i have ever owned, and keep in mind, i used to be a pro roadracer with many clubs andany race tracks up and down the west coast of USA. Been riding since I was 15 years old. Been ditching cops since I was 16 year old....yeah i dont do that anymore. I am now 54 years old. Only ride a highly modified DRZ400S(Adventure). As you know. Gearing can be changed as quick as changing a tire. So if you want higher top speend, swap.our sprockets. Just like the DRZ400. I have 3 set ups for it. I can cruise all day long on multi day rides at 80 mph without it even breaking a sweat. As long as i use 15/41 sorockets. And does this efforlessly. Smooth as butter. So im guessing if i feel its a bit buzzy at 80mph here in te states...that is the most common speed limit. So places still have no speed limit like areas in west Texas. So everyone like to say the same thing about this....its a great beginner bike. Well i am now whete in the relm of a new rider. I am short, 30inch inseam. 5'8" tall. So i need short....yeah i lowered the DRZ at 1200 miles. So i can at least tippy toe it. But i also have a bad back. I am basically looking for a more Adventurey more comfortable on my backside DRZ. Do i need power? No. Do I want to pay for more power? No. Can i fix anything people are complaining about on this bike? Yes. Super easy to fix brakes. Tires. Footpeg to seat height, suspeniom issues....all extremely basic fixes. I have never heard of someone thats truely into their bike, leave it stock. So for me, i love everything about this bike. 100% of anyones dislikes, are ungodly easy fixes and very common fixes. The entry price for me, $6500 USD is cheaper than the cost of a new DRZ400. My buddy 2 weeks ago bought a brand new 2023 DRZ for $7500 USD. So buying the 450MT(IBEX) at that price, spend a bit more to fix any flaws and set up suspension and tires. And for me, its perfect. If i am happy with my DRZ as an adventure bike for multi day abd multi week rides. This will be perfect for me. Also im lucky to have 3 dealers very very close to me that have been CFMoto dealers for 3 years already. For the USA, thats hard to find. Also two of the 3 dealers give me(our FB club) free new bikes to give away at our events. So good chance i will be picking this bike up for free or for their cost. So factor that in and damn, for what i am looking for(75% off road) its perfection....oh and thanks for the video. IMO, one of the best and most dead honest reviews out there. Just remember that great bikes for new riders can also be incredible bikes for us guys that have been riding for 40 years too.
Thanks for your thoughts. I too have a road racing background and have shown a fresh set of heals to our 'Radar Buddies'. I loved my DRZ400 (It was the first model with a tin tank - as per photo). It came straight out of the shop from new, and the mechanic had removed all the restrictions and re-jetted it for me. I always regretted selling it, but it just got thrashed on road. I only did one trip riding back roads on gravel and then just back to riding it on the tarseal again. It was an amazing bike on a twisty road and a perfect commuter bike. I sold mine and bought an ex-raced GSXR1000K2 with a full Yoshi kit. I hated it. It handled like a pig. It do do great 3rd gear wheelies though. You could clutch it up at 100kph (60mph) and ride it on the back wheel to 190kph... Anyway DRZ - great bike. AND DR650 is also legend (I've had 2). The fact the DR650 is still being made and still selling in numbers is partly testimony of how good it was/is, AND partly identifies how rubbish bikes are now. 30 years old and it is still the bike of choice. I'm a horse power junkie and still ride much faster than I should. I cannot afford multiple bikes and don't have a garage to park them (My Africa Twin is sitting in the rain as we speak). For me I need 1 bike that does it all. If I had a garage and money, I'd probably have a Yamaha WR450 (Or a DRZ400 with some work done to it), and maybe a 2010 Hayabusa, or 2010 CBR1000, or a ZX9B4, or a (2003) ZX636, maybe a touring bike like a GSX1200F... Anyway - a dirt bike, a sportsbike, a big adventure bike, and sportstourer... I guess I'll stick with the Africa Twin - because it does a lot of what those other bikes do. OH, and definitely check out the CFMOTO, you may well love it :) If you get one, let us know what you mod and how you solve the ABS issue:) I've ridden in the States. Some great roads there :) I rode the canyon roads around L.A. Rode up the cost to Monteray and went to the Superbikes at Laguna Seca and rode back to L.A again, via the Golden Gate and the big highway (An hour at 100mph), then back out to the coast again via back roads... blooming amazing trip. BEST REGARDS GOD BLESS RIDE FAST AND TAKE CHANCES CAM FROM NZ:)
This is the testing ground for the ktm adventure 450 - join the dots , CFmoto got the leap and KTM may or may not join in later depending how their partner CF does in this space
@@ogasi1798 Good idea, but not sure I agree. The two new KTM390s will be filling that niche (unless one or both of them is really a 490). If it is a test bed, I think the question has already been answered. The first lot of the 450MT are sold out globally (I believe).
LOL. I do know Chen Shin as a brand. Think I even had some of their Sports tyres in the late 80s. Never heard them called CSTs before. I just listened to the reviews and assumed from their comments they were an unknown brand. Should have checked. Good tyres. Apologies for getting that wrong. Cheers for your comment :)
Have you checked the service manual, oil and filter every 5000km. Clutch inspect and replace if needed every 5000km. If riding hard or off-road, manual says to halve these numbers
I'll have to check with the dealer... but that sounds like a typo or a poor translation. It is a small-capacity touring bike, not a Mx bike. I don't believe that'd be accurate. The oil changes I could believe at 5-6000kms. However, that wouldn't bother me. My Africa Twin states 12,000km for oil and 24,000km for filters, but I change both every 6-7000kms.
@@charliequach6399 Yep, but I'd still change it roughly every 6000kms because that's what I'm used to. - I don't think Honda had me in mind when they wrote the service manual.🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂😉
@actstuntcam I'm gonna hold off for another 6 months, waiting for Versys 500 to come out. At the end of the year, if Kwaka let us down again, then I'll probably get this or the 700MT. Currently, I take my 13 yo son on my Z900 and it's uncomfortable af. But you said this bike is a bit gutless then it's gonna be a power and safety issue with 2 up. I'd rather get something more powerful and comfortable for us.
Is that available in NZ yet? I have seen a bunch of videos and comments that say it solves, or improves throttle response, so it is definitely worth getting the firmware update. In regards to the throttle cable, I wasn't saying it caused the snatchy throttle response, I was suggesting it was exacerbating it. Removing throttle slack and 'driveline lash' improves bikes with snatchy throttles massively. Apologies, if you misunderstood. Cheers for the comment.
I'd love to. That'd be a great bike to test. Might see if I can get a spin on one, when I've got some time :) Enfield next, then maybe that Trumpy, then I still need to review my own bike :)
@@davmanlop333 The Triumph 400x is a just a scrambler with 150 mm suspensions and cast wheels 19 and 17 plus a small 13 liters gas tank. Not a ADV bike as the offroad abilities will be very poor. The 2 bikes are for very different programs. The 450 MT is a travel bike, a decent one on off road with the spoke 21-18 tubeless wheels and the 200 mm fully tunable suspensions. The 17 liters give largely more than 300 km even offroad. The Triumph is a scrambler, surely fun on tarmac, with just a bit on very good dirt roads, usable by an ordinary car, as the short 150 mm will make miserable if serious potholes and bumps. The life expectancy of cast wheels on hard terrain is close to zero, I've never seen one survive. The 13 liters tank may be a problem in some places with long distances between gas stations.
Don't see how this bike is usable in western United States w most highway speeds at @80mph to @86 in my area need to move over to allow faster traffic to pass. And blending on to the freeway are going to need @75+ mph minimum.. majority of American riders are 180-220 pounds..so would hope stock suspension can accommodate rider and small amount of gear..big singles are notorious for lack of road manners and for long open road sections..@80mph for a few hours, buzz out your soul and dental work
Glad you saw my point about that. I'm guessing you live there. I've visited a few times, and ridden a motorcycle on one of those trips. I rode back from San Fransisco - L.A on a chunk of the main highway (ZX636) and traveled at 100mph (Following another sar) for over an hour. Yep the little 450MT would need to live on the backroads, of which there are many excellent ones between LA and San Fran :)
Sure is value for money!🎉 . Has as much horsepower as my dr650 , a bit less tourqe !?. Maybe a bypass switch on the abs for the front brake ? Excellent review. Ride fast and take chances is the best advice ever on a bike site , thanks Cam🎉.
Yep, it is a great bike. Not quite the 'Unicorn', but getting close in my estimation. Disable the ABS, see what can be stripped off, to shed some lbs, get a full exhaust and a bit of a tune and it'd be closer... but then you are starting to spend good money on a cheap bike... so!!??? Anyway, thanks heaps for the comment. I'm probably going to keep that sign-off - seems a bit more like me... if ya know what I mean. CHEERS GOD BLESS RIDE FAST AND TAKE CHANCES :) CAM:)
@@actstuntcam "spend good money on a cheap bike"....you could always spend even more good money on a not-so-cheap to begin with bike if that's your preference; being an ex Enduro and MX racer i know all-too-well about chasing the perfect set-up on EVERY bike i have owned; decent air-filter, a pipe, (let it breathe young man) springs to suit weight, compression and rebound valving mods after new springs, bars, grips...i know in my heart of hearts i will easily spend another AU$2000 before i even walk out of the showroom no matter how 'good' or 'fantastic' a bike is supposed to be according to 'the testers'....then there are the 'free' mods we riders always do; airbox, emissions controls and tuning; to me, it sounds like this motor is choking on all of its (insert country) Road Compliance rules just as ALL engines are these days....there's probably a few ponies waiting to be untethered right there; IF Honda were to bring out a Light/Mid weight adventure/rally horse, i'd be right on it; XR's; great bikes but horrible on road; CRF300...no thanks; CRF450L....read comment about XR's; come on Honda; put the Air-Cooled, button start XR650 motor in a 'compromise' chassis with a bit of fairing work and a comfortable seat...you'd sell them by the truck load.
@@markhills3922 I see your point about modding bikes. I'm a tight bugger though, so it needs to be extremely close to what I want out of the gate. That XR sounds cool. I'm not a fan of singles, but the XR650 motor is pretty nice. A 'Rally' version would be ace. Honda will never build it though. IMHO, Honda stopped making exciting/interesting bikes years ago. Actually, most of the manufacturers have just waved a little white flag now. That's why I'm pinning my hopes on the Chinese... and maybe India.
@@actstuntcam i think we're all tight buggers these days....i know i am; any bike i buy needs to be a good bike before i start investing in it; no point in trying to make a silk purse from a pigs ear; the point i was trying to highlight is, it doesn't matter what bike or type of bike we buy, if you want it be the best it can be, then the 'compromises' and 'compliances' from the factory need to be dealt with; i would not be at all surprised if there are 'restrictors' in the exhaust somewhere (not muffler baffles) and a restrictor in the inlet tube(s) somewhere; a lot of manufactures have to do this to get noise down for 'compliance plates' so they can import them for road use; and yes, induction noise is still part of the compliance process; valuable ponies are lost in compliance; ECU's are also on the compliance side of tuning; i'm only guessing here but from what i have seen, there are more-than-likely more than a few free ponies hiding in this bike; as i said previously, it sounds choked like its trying to get more air; airfilter? airbox? dunno, i don't have one...yet. when i do get one (yes, i've made up my mind) i will be investigating these areas before i spend money elsewhere; a bit of time in the shed getting to know a new bike intimately can pay huge rewards...and it's free!
@@markhills3922 Awesome response Mark. I'd be super excited to hear about your journey with this bike and it'd be great for others to see what can be improved. There should be some Ali-express exhausts coming for it soon I imagine that'll reduce a little weight and help it breathe a bit better. Stay in touch and keep us all updated. HUGE THANX, CAM FROM NZ :)
Im betting that once a few are about, people will find where the restrictions are, under sized manifold tubes or intakes etc, then we'll see more performance. Well comming from a Grom owner, performance can be found simply, intake and exhaust for starters
If you can get another 10hp (Spread over the rev range) and strip it down by a few kg, I'll be considering buying one. I could definitely take this further off-pavement, with more confidence, than my awesome, but big, Africa Twin :)
Watched one go on the scales, fully fueled it was bang on 200kg. They carry the weight well considering. In comparison my xtx is 185kg full of dinosaur juice, and feels every damned kg haha.
XTX? Is that the 660? They looked good, but I was annoyed by the price and the fact they detuned the motor compared to earlier versions of it. I looked up the weight, and most of the big magazines were quoting 192-193kg wet, so I went with that. Thanks for your comment. Where'd you see it get weighed?
@@actstuntcam we were getting our bus weighed and the guy doing it had a few bikes lined up to do for some reason. Yeah, mine is the xt660x, all fire breathing 45 ish horsepower haha. Just kicked over 103000 KMs so reliability is definitely a strong point.
One of the best reviews I've come up to. I have a KLR650 2014 and have wanted to upgrade. I live in Argentina where roads may be eternally long. Would this 450MT be it? Thx!
For me yes. If I'd had a KLR650 and wanted a better handling bike, that felt lighter and was wayyyy more manageable off-road, this would be it. HOWEVER, the KLR is well loved, is a known quantity with lots of aftermarket parts, as well as second-hand bits. Also, the KLR is known for decent reliability. I, personally, am not a fan of the KLR and would take the 450MT all day, every day.
@@actstuntcam There are MANY KLR users like me waiting for an answer like yours and, even better, an exhaustive real life comparison with the 450 MT. Thank you!,
😅You drove a Honda Africa Twin and tested the MT450! Tell me what is better for both road and off-road use? I'm looking for something lighter?! What is your opinion ? Greetings😊
The MT450 feels 100% more manageable. For sensible on-road riding, it'd be fine. It'd be fun on a twisty road. Off-road, I think you could do a little more and feel less stressed doing it. Would I swap my Africa Twin for one? Not in a million years. Do you ride an AT too?
@@actstuntcam I ride a 2002 Suzuki V-Strom1000, for me it's still a brilliant and very universal motorcycle, but a bit too heavy for slightly more advanced terrain, hence my questions because I'm planning to buy an even more enduro motorcycle. However, I would still like to have the v-strom.
@@ghostman9414 I had a 2003 VStrom (From New). It was one of my favorite bikes ever. I commuted on it, toured on it, toured 2-up on it, gravel roaded it, and even rode it in the deep sand at Muriwai, I also road raced it at Pukekoe (Including in an Endurance race), as well as a superbike race in Taupo. I bought it after riding a KiwiRider test bike at the "Wellington Capital Coast Adventure Ride". If I was still 20-something, I'd happily ride it through the 42nd traverse. I did consider buying a VStrom650, before finally buying my Africa Twin. If you are thinking of getting a smaller bike to venture further off-road the MT450 could definitely be the go. Also, definitely check out the Himalayan 450, which I should be doing a test on soon :)
That's hard to say as it has been years since I owned my DRZ400 (Which was fairly stock). I do remember being relatively impressed with my DRZ and that was following a bike that made 140hp. My guess is a tuned DRZ400 would be faster, mostly because of the huge weight difference. It would be an interesting test though. Ultimately they are chalk and cheese though. One was an Enduro bike and the MT450 is a budget, small-capacity ADV/Tourer. GREAT QUESTION. CHEERS, CAM:)
@@craigguy5756 did the DRZ reach 150-160k's? did the DRZ still have it's off-road gearing? did you change the sprockets from 'compromise' to off-road on the 450? all things being equal, i very much doubt the 400 single would out-drag a 450 twin.
Like basically every bike made in the last 15years. I can't imagine anything will really tempt me away from my Africa Twin, especially considering the cost of new bikes. I could spend nearly $8K on improving my Africa Twin, and still come in less than a new bike. :)
@@actstuntcam yeah I get it mate , I've found happiness in a V-Strom 650 , the world's most boring bike 😂 but I love it , it's such an excellent touring bike
@@roadstrom It is a great bike - REALLY good. Have you tried a MOTOMORINI X-CAPE yet? A full hp version of one of those would be amazing. Plus the ergos are wayyyy more modern, especially if you have any interest in off-roading. :)
