CFMoto 450MT | First Dirt | Thoughts compared to Honda 300 rally
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ส.ค. 2024
- Taking the CFMoto 450 mt on its first dirt outing while I ramble about my thoughts in comparing to my previous bike, the Honda CRF300 Rally another first impressions.
Sound sample at the end.
All my comments in this video are mine at the time of recording.
Your thoughts may differ, and that's great.
Please don't be offended if your opinion differs to mine. It is also a new to me bike, so its my early impressions and the bike also isn't run in as yet.
Enjoy !
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![CF MOTO 450 MT vs Himalayan, Honda NX500 & Triumph 400X - Best Small Adventure Bike? [QuickTest#41]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/T85xMsOtlwo/mqdefault.jpg)
you guys probably don't see it anymore ... but those trails look amazing
I grew up on a 1981 Honda XL125. I wish big Red when they did the refresh on the new NX500 they would have given it the same treatment that CF MOTO gave the 450MT. They didn’t, so I will be getting the 450Ibex/MT when they arrive to the States.
@@bwlyon you are not alone in your thinking. It will be interesting to see if others try and copy. Everyone has been wanting something like this for a while.
I loved my Rally 250 [40k km on it no issues] and i love my NX500 5k on it--i set it up for road touring in Asia--phenomenal bike with Road ^ tires on it--will get a CF450 for Canada though with all the off road and gravel roads there..the two might be different purpose bikes-hard to beat Honda reliability but i am stoked CFMoto is doing what Honda will not and i suspect their bikes will last they are sticklers for detail
@@bwlyon I think a lot of people were hoping the same.
Great review and it seems more and more owners are just smitten with this bike and I can see why. There are so many of us older riders now wanting bikes in this category, reasonably lightweight and 40hp+ with the ability to do most things well enough without the need for huge power, wihich you don’t need off road. Final observation, which is definitely true for me, is that as you get older comfort is everything, from the seat height, seat itself, bar position and wind protection. What struck me immediately when I sat on this bike was just how perfect the seating position felt for me at 178cm plus I could flat foot it and the bars felt just right. I’m done with sitting ‘on’ bikes with uncomfortable seats and now want a bike I sit ‘in’ like this.
@@RichardS-qh8mi very true, well said.
it is without fault, some units like I have have been stalling intermittently when clutch in and downshifting from 3rd to 2nd or 2nd to 1st when rolling in traffic or going to a stop. i don't know if the latest firmware update will fix it as ours didn't come with a TBox needed for the "on the air" update. so yeah there's that and throttle jerkiness which I can live but definitely not the stalling issue that I'm having everytime I ride on it now, I was hoping it would go away after break-in but it gotten worse.
@@metalsadman interesting… I haven’t experienced this.
I had a look and my bike came with the latest updates already installed. Im guessing that's why I haven't experienced the problems you are facing
Thanks for for review, I have a 690, it’s great for road miles but physically too big and powerful for serious off roads situations. For a 58yr old anyway, I’ll certainly keep my eyes on how people find the mt as they put the miles on👌
Thanks for posting this video. I'm very interested in this bike, and it's nice to see an owners experience. Especially compared to the Honda. I cannot wait to try this bike when it get to the U.S.
@@cowcar87 it’s worth trying.
Cheers
I get mine either later this week or next week. The Kawasaki Versy 300 to me was gutless. Beautiful bike though. I'm hoping this bike is punchy fun off road! nice vid keep up the good work!
Good stuff! I also like the versys but the Mt is much more fun to ride with better acceleration in the low to mid revs. It is also much more off road capable. I will have a video out soon on my thoughts between the two so if you haven't already subscribed please do so to ensure you don't miss it.
Cheers
CFMoto just released an update that fixed the throttle issue, did the update last night on mine and is so good now.
Mines already done, cheers
Stock to stock bike I mostly agree with you. I do have fixed up Rally 300, suspension, full air track mod, ecu tune, exh, bars and it's absolutely an awesome dual purpose bike. It's 155 kgs!
I bought the MT450 as a dirt capable adv bike. At 195 kgs, I will not take it where I take my Rally.
My biggest issue with the MT450, again I purchased it as an adv bike, is the super short final gearing. At 125 km indicated, the engine spins at 7000 rpm, that's only 1500 under the red line. The engine has plenty of power for a much taller 6th gear.
First mod was 15t front sprocket, it helps a bit.
At 75 kg in street clothing, the front fork is too hard. Rear is spot on with bit of preload adjustment.
Actually, the initial models of the MT450 have a horrible off idle fueling. The recent CFMOTO update fixes that issue.
Rest of the bike is awesome.
Would you say it needs to be further long? +1 tooth in the front, plus a -2 teeth in the rear, or will it weaken it too much after that latter change?
Regarding the suspension, it's adjustable so just adjust it. No big deal or an issue.
@lefterisbampaidis5446 For that 120 ish more relaxed (still lower rpm) cruise, the final gearing should be even taller than the 15t sprocket provides. I am not willing to go taller gearing, even with the 15t, the bike looses little bit of low speed acceleration and the hooligan factor. Also with taller gearing, tight trails and such, now require lot more clutch use and abuse. So, shame that CFMOTO didn't install a much taller 6th gear.
@@pawelwolski1316
Thanks. So a 15 front and it stays that way.
@lefterisbampaidis5446 For me yes, so 110 is comfortable for me, 120 ok but that's about all. I plan to stay away from highways, but in Europe u need that highway at times........
Hi. How much cost the Honda 300 Rally with all these mods?
In France to the 7000€ of the bike you have to add some 2500€, so the true cost is 9500. For 10000€ you can get a 450 Kove Rally fully legal 42 HP for 145 kg dry, 300 mm suspensions, 30l tanks, big cooling system, oil cooling system etc etc. Can be tuned to 52 HP for 1200€.
So in France the 300 Rally is not worth the price as it needs to many costly mods.
Imo too heavy for 40hp (at 200kg, you're getting into T7 territory). It's 50 kg heavier than the L and 40kg heavier than the Rally. It'd like to see a real off-road test, not roads you can take any bike on. Btw, in the current market you can get a 2nd hand Honda, fully decked out (suspension, protection, exhaust, even performance ECU) for less than the MT. Resale value, parts availability, and engine reliability are Honda's strong points. The 250/300 engines are bullet proof and parts are everywhere. Wouldn't want to be stuck somewhere on a CFMoto. Also (personal opinion), the Honda wasn't hit with the ugly stick...
The problem is the Honda wont go down the highway any better than a much better off-road bike like a ktm 500.
Im not being disrespectful but If you are too heavy for 40hp then you are way too heavy for a rally. Yes you probably can get a fully spec'd Rally for less but the problem is you still have Rally.
The camera doesn't show it but there are plenty of bikes that shouldn't go down that trail. Mud, sand, ruts and erosion mounds limit that. I mean you could.... but why?
Parts etc yet to be seen and that's valid. FYI 2 people I know have had catastrophic engine failures on their CRF's
As for the ugly stick ...you are correct its personal opinion. Whilst I purchased one I still believe the Rally is about the ugliest bike I have seen. It's great we all have different opinions because otherwise we would all ride the same bike and have nothing to talk about.
Cheers
Correct and when you get to the trail you're on a Rally not a KTM500!
@michaelwaddell3209 thanks for your reply, and yes, it's good to have different opinions. The world would be a boring place if we all thought the same. No, I'm not too heavy for 40hp, the bike is 'in my opinion' (imo) 😉
@tigerrider6711 I would disagree. Being derived from a road based engine, the Honda has better road manners and is still more than capable off-road. Are you going to win Finke on it? No, but it's perfect for exploring dual and single track.
Other bloggers have said to tighten the throttle cables by a couple of mils and it takes out the slack and greatly reduces snatch.
Honda CRF 300 rally smallest capacity motorcycle I've bought in many decades. Hagon rear shock fitted £300 to buy, cool cover £70 fitted to all my bikes for last decade which is a must on any uncomfortable bike seat , takes away all the pressure points making an hour till uncomfortable to ride all day. Why pay hundreds for a upholstered seat. Biggest mod ECU rewrite £300 by Hilltop motorcycles in Hinkley UK . Had all my EU strangled bikes remapped from GS's KTM's to Tenere T7 and others. The little Honda now goes like it should . Said to Geoff the main man was it worth it on such a low capacity bike. He said it would make it a lot more perky and it certainly is. You have a noticeable difference remapping litre plus bikes. But madly the difference on just a little CRF is huge and it now averages 103mpg instead of high eighties and just goes loads better . The CF moto 450 looks a great bike its like a offspring of a mating betweenTenere T7 and Honda CRF 300.
Glad you got a good result from your crf upgrades. They are a great bike.
Your last sentence probably is the best I have read.
Cheers
It's terrible when someone is constantly comparing apples with oranges and doesn't dare to take a bite out of the performance to get a taste of it? This raises the question of why I am making such a comparison with something unequal-> the 300 and the 450? The NX 500 would be almost suitable for the comparison. Sorry, I don't understand that.
I understand where you are coming from. However, in Australia the rally is marketed as an adventure bike which is why Im comparing it to that. That's also what I had before. The nx500 is regarded as a road based tourer and with its specs I agree.
Everyones definition of an adventure bike differs and that's great, and not a debate for here. The MT450 's off road capabilities are far superior to the nx500 and I therefore believe would be a very unfair comparison. I appreciate your comments .
The NX with its 150mm suspension travel and 19-17 alloy wheels is a direct comparison to the MT...?
Serious question
I have the 450 NK and I absolutely love the motor and transmission so I completely agree with you and I’m supposed to be first on the list at my local dealer for the MT when it gets here to the states. My question is my Chevy express van has a rear door height of 48 inches I was reading the top of that front windscreen. It was like 52 or 54 or something so if you put a strap from the handlebars to the bottom of the front forks and compressed it how low can you suck down the front of the bike the same as if you were transporting it? How low will it go? Can you bring it down below 48 inches to roll in the back of the van?
probably not, that's a heck of a compress and Im not willing to try. My best measure is 52 inches with the windscreen removed!!
It may be possible but Im not willing to advise on that. Sorry
@@michaelwaddell3209
I appreciate it, when transporting they are in a front when chock and cinched down so in 54 years of riding I’ve compressed many. But thanks anyway I appreciate your videos.
Ha ha, I just come from a T7 to the Rally, no comparison off road when the going gets tough the Rally gets going. So light on the road in the twisties etc. And on the trail no comparison, shame the MT is so heavy. The tenere is flickable and doesnt feel like 200kg bike either, just don't get it bogged. 🤣
@@jethrowingnut13 I’ll try not to. 😁
Fantastic, I’ve been looking forward to the comparison. Can I ask your thoughts behind why the 450MT over the Himalayan 450? Looking at the 450MT the only thing I would want is maybe some crash protection but mainly a centre stand. Great that it has tubeless tyres. That’s a good reasoning on its own why it’s better than the Rally.
Crash bars and centre stand for the MT are quite cheap, the wait for them is another thing..... I rode the Himalayan and I think its a great bike but its a big single I prefer twin cylinders, they are so much smoother and easier at low revs. The MT also has better wind protection. It reminded me of a DR650, if you like them you'll like the Himalayan. I think both are great bikes, its a personal preference thing. I think one of the models of Himalayan is coming with tubeless tyres and yes that's a step up from the rally.
I wanted a Himalayan, part of me still does. I just gravitate back to the twins.
How do you like it compared to the Versys Michael? I rode the 450MT and decided to get the Versys. I loved the CF but the weight during slow going bothered me (Versys is exactly the same but I couldn't test ride one) and 20kgs more to lift. That said CF was bloody lovely to ride. Very impressed. And I'm wondering if I cocked up. 🤦 Versys is also lovely to ride.
I don't think you have cocked up. I still have the versys and probably will keep it. Have you been watching my other recent videos of my trip on the versys? Its a very capable bike, unfortunately people don't give it the recognition it deserves. Like a lot of other bikes they look at only specs on paper. There are so many other factors that add to the experience. I believe both the MT450 and the Versys 300 suffer a bit with that.
The dr650 I had was about the same weight as the versys 300. In real world using it the versys was lighter in every way.(obviously the dr was more off road capable but for 80% of dirt the versys was better.)
Enjoy the little Versys.
July 29, 2024. Looking at the CFMoto website, their are no 450MT Adventure bikes's show. Their's a 450NK street bike, but no 450MT's. They show two 800cc Adventure bikes, a 800T and an 800S, no 450MT's are show. Where are you buying these 450MT's?
@@jamesdumas6602 what country are you in?
I’m in Australia and they are on the Oz website.
My 2 cents… I got a 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adv R, and that bike is big and scary specially by yourself offroading, so I bought a 2022 KLX300 to improve my skills and that little shit is a toy of a bike, it will help me go thru stuff yea but it is so toyish that does not makes me a better rider, so I need something a little more substancial and I think the 400MT fits that bill, lets say 7K here in the usa, in a year of two you should be able to sell for 5k easy, so I lost 2K on a brand new bike that fits me! Who cares if made me smile, and i will love to look at, that 300 rally must be the ugliest bike I ever saw.
The Japanese appear to have got complacent. Increased prices, less equipment as standard, eye watering prices for both the bikes and the extras and, poor warranty compared to the Chinese. ( British bike industry 1960s comes to mind to a certain extent.) The Chinese offer so much value, but they still suffer from the "but it's Chinese" mind set of the motorcycle community.
@@jackn4853 absolutely
I have a Versys300 right now too, and have the Ibex450 on order, can't wait to get it. Besides the obvious things, how different is the ride between the 300 and the 450? I love how I can really throw around my 300 on the trails, does the 450 have some of that same agility? Thanks for the videos!
Both bikes are quite similar, besides the obvious. Yes the 450 has the same agility, but with better torque and power from lower down in the rev range. Both seating and standing position is quite similar. I think you will be happy.
@@michaelwaddell3209 that sounds great, can hardly wait, thanks for the reply!
A pity Kawasaki hasn’t released a 450/500 Versys!
Awesome bike and would consider one for myself but are possibly a bit heavy for me..I struggle now at times to pick up my rally when fully loaded. Are you going to get the raised front fender ? They make the bike look really good.
@@sausagesandwichSA I’m considering it, I’ll give it some time, but yes does look good.
As for weight… see for yourself sometime. I think the weight is lower other than the extra fuel it carries.
@@michaelwaddell3209I’ve picked mine up off the ground it was surprisingly easy, but no luggage 👍🏻
@@EddyOtway I can see that being the case. Thanks
One fella took it to wet mud with the low fender and it didn't pack at all.
did you test ride the himalayan 450? i rode a cfmoto mt 450 today and was very impressed - i did find the light throttle openings very jerky though - i have to go to newcastle to ride the himalayan
The RE dealer in Clyde has one for demo. I don't know where you are located.... Yes i did test ride it, it was good but reminded me of my DR650 that I had. If you like big singles the Himalayan is a great bike. I prefer twins however. It is my preference.
@@michaelwaddell3209 i'm on central coast - i rode the cf where you bought yours
I'm curious why you got the bike from Central Coast Motorcycles instead of a Sydney dealer?
They are equal distance and I rang Sydney dealer and left message that I wanted to buy one and they didn’t bother calling me back so figured they had enough business already.
Great color. Grey one is for girls
Cf moto have just updated new mapping for the snatchy throttle on the mt 450 just down load the app then link it to your bike sorted
I checked mine last night and it came with the update already done. I haven't had a problem with the throttle, i guess that's why
did you try the re 450 ? im interested in both these bikes the re has plusher suspension apparently pro cons hey
I did. If you like big singles the RE is great. I prefer twins and the MT also has better wind protection as well amongst other things. I think it comes down to personal preference on that one. I really like the RE brand and wanted to love the Himalayan, just preferred the MT.
Glad you like your new purchase but for me the Rally is so much more capable off road and that’s where most of my rides end up , suspension upgrades make the Rally a totally different experience, while the MT suspension is better stock it’s still need upgrading for me
Fair comments.
Yep just bought a Rally from a T7 (Still have the T7). 2 different weapons, the Rally is like a mountain bike compared to the T7 in true off road. Sure the T7 has no issues at all in the environment where this video was filmed.
Most adventure bikes won't have issues on this trail especially the T7.
I did say I was taking it easy as its new and no crash protection yet.
Yes the rally feels way lighter than a T7. In my opinion the Mt is like the Rally.
Cheers
@@michaelwaddell3209 I get it. I threw my leg over a Transalp at Honda, while my Rally was getting serviced the other day, and you can flat foot it and tilting side to side feels very light, probably the same deal. Apart from the ground clearance they get rated pretty well. Just be careful how much bling you put on the new bike. My T7 now weighs about 220 With fuel 23litre tank, Centerstand , OEM Crash bars , rear rack, bash plate, bark busters. And that's not counting tools, tubes etc. It pretty much has world raid capability now, except suspension. Enjoy your new ride, they do sound impressive. 👍
You should have done some more dirt / single track. How heavy are you?
@@TheKokanut it was first time on dirt, so just taking it easy. I’m 76kg.
Have you done the throttle map update through the CFMOTO app? Just updated mine but haven’t had a chance to ride it yet and see if there’s any difference 👍🏽
@@twowheelin7361 no I haven’t. What does it do?
I don’t have a problem at all with the throttle. It’s better than my rally I had.
interested to hear how that went ....
@@michaelwaddell3209 Just read about it on line...evidently smoothed out the throttle AND made it more responsive..noticeable difference! So getterdone!
@@michaelwaddell3209 it smoothens out the on - 0ff throttle and the low rpm fueling. It's an over the phone update. Give it a try.
@@lefterisbampaidis5446 after your first comment I had a look and mine had already had the update done. That’s why I didn’t have an issue.
Sounds amazing, why the hell would you (not you just a general question) spends thousands on an Akro?
@@MaverickAus I know right. No need for aftermarket on this one!
5k maintenance is a on go for an Adv bike
Most adv riders I know including myself change oil at around 5-6k anyway. A mate got his oil tested (with a different bike) at 5k, 10k, 15k and 20k and there was absolutely no degradation of the oil. That bike had a service interval of 6k. Now Im not advising you should, but if needed and assuming you are not riding it like you are racing it, I believe you can every now and then go longer.
Oil is cheaper than a new engine.
Air filter done basically after every ride anyway, even if it's one or two days.
How long are your rides that 5-6k services are an issue?
@@michaelwaddell3209 it depends. Usually 3-5 k kms during my vacation, but I ride my bikes in between also. What bothers me is, that you have to go to the dealership every 5k/6 months for 4 years, to keep the warranty. That is a big nope for me. 10k is the bare minimum for an adv bike.
175kg without fuel, weight and you will see, its almost the same as tenere 700 weight wise.
@@SatansBaby1 on paper yes, in reality it feels way lighter.
hahahahaha u plum ..... tis 206kg
@@michaelwaddell3209 When you need to pick it up, it feels like tenere.
@@martinharris7656 Yes, 10kg more, wow!
Crf Rally 300 is about 50kg less then 450mt.
cfmoto450mt wet weight is 195kg
I know it’s totally different, but how’s it compare to the Versys 300?
I’m tossing up between those
@@alexjohnson3696 it’s early to tell as I haven’t had the chance to give it a good highway run as yet. I’m thinking it will exceed the versys.
The versys does the highway very well. I assume the mt will be better but haven’t tried yet.
You’ll have to ask me again in a while.
There is a lot going for the mt .
I also think the mt is better off-road.
Depends on your criteria.
@@michaelwaddell3209 thanks for your generous response.
I’m looking forward to your further observations.
My main interest in the Versys is the light weight, low seat height and versatility.
I want to travel around the country, much like you have, and really want to make the best choice, or as close as possible
@@alexjohnson3696 whilst the jury is out atm on the mt, the versys will certainly work well for that. It’s great on the highway and great on general dirt roads.
Happy to help.
Cheers
@@alexjohnson3696 My 2 cents..you would be much happier with the MT. The more blacktop you ride, the 300X has to work pretty hard but it is a fine moto and it will chug along in second gear over some tough ground should you venture there.....excellent mileage also.
Question, how do you get to the air cleaner?
@@JM-dz4ii Cfmoto 450MT | Quick look |
th-cam.com/video/6_sv973jVfc/w-d-xo.html
One can go with a Honda Goldwing on your “Off-road Track” ! That really tells us nothing..
@@rogernam2092 well probably not a gold wing… but I did state at the start of the video it’s first time on dirt with the stock tyres. I certainly wasn’t trying to push it to its limits.
If you haven’t already, please subscribe and you’ll get to see more off road trips.
Thanks for your comment.
We will see at 10000kms , you shouldn’t be so gun ho. Promoting bike , other CF motors sell used for peanuts , because parts available/bility are leaving them without a bike for months .
Hope this model proves ok.
@@orionswitness yes I hope so too.