I'm a 450MT owner and an off road novice/beginner and I'm loving it. I've only been riding 7 years and for the last 5 years I've had a Yamaha FJR so I think it's light. I don't like to stock tyres on wet or slippery dirt/clay but they are fine on the road and pretty good on hard packed gravel roads.
A mate of mine who had several bikes, including a BMW 1250 has downsized his stable, which now includes the Honda 300 Rally, same as you had, plus the CFMoto 450MT. He has insisted I try all his bikes, and I've gotta say the CFMoto 450 is definitely my pick. He kitted his with crash bars and a centre stand, and I didn't feel it was heavy!
@@davidmacdonald1283 CRF300 stock suspension sucks, same with the headlight. When you upgrade those 2 the total would be the same as the 450MT, at least here in my area.
Tip Top Test. As an owner I call that a very fair assessment. A couple of points on your excellent commentary: * CFMoto say the MT stands for 'Multi-Tourer'. Which your commentary describes perfectly IMO. * I get about 400kms from a tank. Riding as you describe. * The front forks and rear suspension are adjustable, which is a big bonus at this price. * I fitted bar risers, which also brought the bars back a bit, and find that really comfortable. * My experience is that the bike is quite nimble and easy when moving, but I do notice the weight when it comes to a full stop. * I found something odd about the polarising effect. Yeah, one pair of my sunnies does that, but if I pull the clear visor of my helmet down it cancels and the screen is clear again through the sunnies. Odd that. Another pair of sunnies with the gold reflect doesn't interfere at all. * Did you and your Mate lie the bike down so you could try picking it up? So, after watching your video I think I should buy one, - Oh wait. 🤣
My clear visor does exactly the same with my polarised sunnies and thankfully isn’t affected either with the secondary tinted visor in the helmet either.
Hey mate i have been following your channel for a while now and bought the rally like you had but sold it and bought the mt have got 6 thousand ks on it now anything from fire trails to sand trails the thing is a beast . Put the tall seat on it and better tyres it makes a huge difference goes anywhere .
@@semuuuu My up-grade from Rally to DRZ? If so, no regrets - love the power and light weight of the DRZ. Would like to own the CFMoto too. See how my funds go 🤞
@semuuuu loved the crf but no good on the highway were I'm living it's 2 hours of tar before i get to the bush . No regrets at all the mt loves the highway and is great in the dirt great all round bike for what i do
It's a contender for swiss army bike of the year...quality and price that will make the other brands sit up and take a serious look. Most, if not all this style of bike, at this price need suspension work first....this seems to be great. Fair test of it. Garth
I've been waiting 4 u to review this bike, uve been very sneaky Phil😆 All the things ur talking about can be changed, modified, already on the bike, except adding bar risers. I'm so glad u like it, it really suits u mate, I'm getting one in March for my Birthday. Then you'll see me on the tracks Eewhoo!!! U don't have to actually stop to turn on off Trac control ok, just pull back on the throttle
And Cicadas 🙃 I got into some slippery stuff (unmaintained logging Rd) on my Himmy heading to my bros bush property in the Knorrit Forest, and it was the factory tyres that let me down, it's 196kg + a full load of camp gear. Except for the tyres, it was great. Even so, I so wanted a smallish twin like the MT450, tempted to do a test ride. Or wait for the others to be released (KTM 390, BMW & others) before I even let myself wonder. Cheers from Brissy.
Been looking for something to ride and a couple of people have recommended the CFMoto, though still not sure as a 6ft & 120kgs I may need something with a little more beef. Thanks again for a great review
Hi Phil 🖐 nice review 👍 Gotta say Mate those Komine gloves Bloody Excellent 👌went with your review also the Jacket Bloody Excellent Fantastic Recommendation👌 just came back from a 1200km round trip from Sydney out West on black top and dirt on my DR650 and came back on my V Strom 650.
If I didn't have my T7 I may consider one of these, but get it bogged or have to turn it around on an awkward off camber trail, it's not gunna be much easier than the T7. I call the MT a Mini Tenere, the sound is bloody identical. Nice little mini review, very tempting for the price, if I didn't have the T7 for sure. Cheers for the Video.
I have a R1200GS , fantastic tourer , nbut im really not a great dirt road rider , she's a bit of a handful on the gravel IMO , I'd but 450MT in a heartbeat if I was in a better place financially and keep the GS for everything else , it way too good road bike to let go of .
I've done some longer trips on the 450MT, over on my channel (Shameless plug..) I'm really enjoying it! However I also enjoy bush bashing like towards the end of your video; so I'm always torn between a heavy adventure bike or a nimble dual sport 😀
Thank you for your review, honestly I was waiting for your opinion over this bike. I was wondering, what do you think about how it carries its weight? I am a solo traveler just like you. Also currently having a crf250L (not 300, due to regulations we recieve 250L with 24bhp approx). Despite my liking, in some situations I really require some more power for comfort and even stability in certain offroad sections. However, I am not sure about how 450mt will carry its weight and is it confident inspiring for a solo adventurer. Great review, keep up good work!
G'day mate. Two different worlds from the CRF 250 to the CFMoto 450. Would be noticeably heavier, harder to handle. Best bet is always jump on a bike and see if it suits you. Good luck with your choice 👍
I think your review is the best real world test of this bike , you should do more regular reviews of different bikes ? Only issue with this review is whilst you mentioned the weight , I think many new adventure riders don’t realise ,how heavy 195kg wet plus panniers ect is to lift in the bush ? I went from a 300 rally and sold my Versys and bought a Transalp 😮…I only ride it on bitumen , and smooth dirt roads and have RACQ ultimate care for Emergency towing ect , due to the 208kg wet weight . The transalp is one fast bike , but soft suspension just like rally . Wouldn’t buy the MT for off road because I know sooner or later I would drop it .😮 It’s ok sort of , if it doesn’t land on your leg , but if it does it’s a lot of weight to kick off your leg , on your lonesome. You should do a demonstration of lifting the bike when it’s kissing the dirt …the rally and the DRZ are realistically ok . Think this bike is for the pack rider adventure crowd , where there are extra hands on tap. Great video nonetheless.
@@SomewhereInside I have the MT and at 75yrs have the same concerns. It is only a problem when the bike becomes stationery. It fell when I stopped and put my foot in a hole at the side of a bitumen road (embarrassing). Yeah, heavy to pick up for me. I think it's fine if you're still strong. So I made myself a bike-lifter and carry it everywhere.
@@SomewhereInside Experimenting with designs. I have made three versions. The one I take with me works well, based on the tried ratchet strap design. I have a lighter version of that also, that could be strapped unobtrusively to the pillion peg arm. I am working on another type that is much simpler and a lot quicker to use. As quick to use as just lifting the bike manually. It is looking very promising.
IMHO, it seems like a close cousin to a Honda CB500X, without the proven reputation. Slightly lower seat height and a better sounding pipe note (compared to the CB500X) is a good thing.
[2:42] Not that this is a deal breaker, but this is a common problem for a lot of cheap EV bicycles. It's as if the designers don't go outside and actually ride the bike with shades on like a real person would.
I found it's only positives that it is nimble , sounds good and it's price. Rest is not to my liking i.e brakes , power delivery, throttle , switch gear quality , riding position. I walked away disappointed after so much hype and positive reviews. Strongly advise people take one for a ride and decide for themselves.
@lleelwanderers I liked the himis single thumper power delivery better for slow stuff . I ended up buying a heavier ADV bike anyway a Suzuki 800de vstrom to suit my needs more. The cfmoto is very capable for an ADV bike off road . I think I'd buy the new drz coming out as a second bike.
Power delivery is perfect for off road. Plenty of torque in reserve for 6gear pulls for an overtake at highway speeds. I think changing just the front brakes to Mabey a braided line will give a little more feel to the front. But stocks more than adequate. Switch gear feels light but certainly not Chinese cheap. The throttle off the bottom is fixed now with the update and is now buttery. I rode one and should have one in my garage this week can't wait. As a bang for buck it can't be beat. I plan on taking it through its paces on big trips up to karinjini and further from Perth.
My concerns are, reliability, wear and tear, parts availability and dealerships, the stuff that goes into owning a bike. That Kove 450 looked great, everyone man and his dog did a first ride video then nothing after, where are the long term tests and ownership reviews, anything else is a waste of my time from these unproven companies. Europe design great bikes, Japan makes great bikes.
I think the lack of people complaining about these bikes is their greatest testimony. But a year or two will see even more kays put on these machines 👍
CF Moto is not 50% owned by KTM. In fact, KTM is 50% owned by CF Moto which might be a factor in saving KTM from collapse. Does CF Moto take 3c in the dollar or bail/buy KTM out? I am guessing the second option seems both most desirable and most likely.
Time will tell I guess for KTM, but I feel they will still be around - though not sure who will own them / or bail them out. Fingers crossed the new 390 Adventure makes mass production.
Consider supporting the channel buymeacoffee.com/philbennettmca 😎👍
@@MidCoastAdventures How can I get one of those Bikes? 450MT
I'm a 450MT owner and an off road novice/beginner and I'm loving it. I've only been riding 7 years and for the last 5 years I've had a Yamaha FJR so I think it's light. I don't like to stock tyres on wet or slippery dirt/clay but they are fine on the road and pretty good on hard packed gravel roads.
Ordered mine ( high seat and front fender ) coming with next batch in March.... can't wait !
A mate of mine who had several bikes, including a BMW 1250 has downsized his stable, which now includes the Honda 300 Rally, same as you had, plus the CFMoto 450MT. He has insisted I try all his bikes, and I've gotta say the CFMoto 450 is definitely my pick. He kitted his with crash bars and a centre stand, and I didn't feel it was heavy!
@@douglipscomb3002 go the Honda rally
Cool, Doug. Very good compromise ADV bike - got touring legs and can do some tricky stuff without any issues 👍
It is heavy bike...
@@davidmacdonald1283 CRF300 stock suspension sucks, same with the headlight. When you upgrade those 2 the total would be the same as the 450MT, at least here in my area.
Had mine just over 6 months now to go with my Africa twin, excellent little bike.
how do you feel the compare / are different?
In January I can bring home my own 😊
I like the colour scheme & sounds pretty good.
Good looking bikes, Michelle 👍
Great vid Phil now all I gotta do is talk you into buying one😝
🤣 That won't be hard!
@ 😂
Tip Top Test. As an owner I call that a very fair assessment. A couple of points on your excellent commentary:
* CFMoto say the MT stands for 'Multi-Tourer'. Which your commentary describes perfectly IMO.
* I get about 400kms from a tank. Riding as you describe.
* The front forks and rear suspension are adjustable, which is a big bonus at this price.
* I fitted bar risers, which also brought the bars back a bit, and find that really comfortable.
* My experience is that the bike is quite nimble and easy when moving, but I do notice the weight when it comes to a full stop.
* I found something odd about the polarising effect. Yeah, one pair of my sunnies does that, but if I pull the clear visor of my helmet down it cancels and the screen is clear again through the sunnies. Odd that. Another pair of sunnies with the gold reflect doesn't interfere at all.
* Did you and your Mate lie the bike down so you could try picking it up?
So, after watching your video I think I should buy one, - Oh wait. 🤣
Cheers for the extra info, Laurie. It's good to hear from actual owners 😎👍 Great machines, hey. See if I can scrap the funds to buy one 😬🙏
My clear visor does exactly the same with my polarised sunnies and thankfully isn’t affected either with the secondary tinted visor in the helmet
either.
How does this compare to the Honda NX500? I need to downsize from a BMW 1200GS. Thanks
Hey mate i have been following your channel for a while now and bought the rally like you had but sold it and bought the mt have got 6 thousand ks on it now anything from fire trails to sand trails the thing is a beast . Put the tall seat on it and better tyres it makes a huge difference goes anywhere .
Cool Jason! Great machines from my little test run 😎👍
Overall what do you think about your upgrade? any regrets or opinions compared to crf?
@@semuuuu My up-grade from Rally to DRZ? If so, no regrets - love the power and light weight of the DRZ. Would like to own the CFMoto too. See how my funds go 🤞
@semuuuu loved the crf but no good on the highway were I'm living it's 2 hours of tar before i get to the bush . No regrets at all the mt loves the highway and is great in the dirt great all round bike for what i do
Great review mate👌gotta admit it’s a great looking bike and sounds bloody unreal! Would look good parked next to your tent by a river somewhere😎
Everyone's trying to make me spend $$$ 😂 But it is a pretty impressive machine, Sam 😎👍
It's a contender for swiss army bike of the year...quality and price that will make the other brands sit up and take a serious look. Most, if not all this style of bike, at this price need suspension work first....this seems to be great. Fair test of it. Garth
Thanks Garth. It's interesting how the Japanese companies are lagging so far behind.
23:00 it's a,,, 👋🤠👍 great content mate, just pulling ya leg a bit.
😂👍
Great review im buying one to ad to my collection thanks buddy
Enjoy Ashley 😎 👍
I've been waiting 4 u to review this bike, uve been very sneaky Phil😆 All the things ur talking about can be changed, modified, already on the bike, except adding bar risers. I'm so glad u like it, it really suits u mate, I'm getting one in March for my Birthday. Then you'll see me on the tracks Eewhoo!!! U don't have to actually stop to turn on off Trac control ok, just pull back on the throttle
That's a pretty cool birthday pressy! Well done - enjoy! 😎👍
And Cicadas 🙃 I got into some slippery stuff (unmaintained logging Rd) on my Himmy heading to my bros bush property in the Knorrit Forest, and it was the factory tyres that let me down, it's 196kg + a full load of camp gear. Except for the tyres, it was great. Even so, I so wanted a smallish twin like the MT450, tempted to do a test ride. Or wait for the others to be released (KTM 390, BMW & others) before I even let myself wonder. Cheers from Brissy.
perfect bike for where you ride just saying 😂 cheers Phil
Stop trying to make me spend money! 😅
Another fun to watch video Phil. Great review. 😎👍
Thanks Marc 😎🙏👍
Been looking for something to ride and a couple of people have recommended the CFMoto, though still not sure as a 6ft & 120kgs I may need something with a little more beef. Thanks again for a great review
Not sure if they would be too small for you. Go jump on one, best way to work it out 👍
Hi Phil 🖐
nice review 👍
Gotta say Mate those Komine gloves Bloody Excellent 👌went with your review also the Jacket Bloody Excellent Fantastic Recommendation👌
just came back from a 1200km round trip from Sydney out West on black top and dirt on my DR650 and came back on my V Strom 650.
Awesome Bugman! Top shelf, and comfortable gear hey 😎 Glad you got out for a moto escape 😎🍻
0:55 it's a good looking bike that.
Apparently the rally seat, which is an optional extra, sits up a fair bit higher than the standard seat.
If I didn't have my T7 I may consider one of these, but get it bogged or have to turn it around on an awkward off camber trail, it's not gunna be much easier than the T7. I call the MT a Mini Tenere, the sound is bloody identical. Nice little mini review, very tempting for the price, if I didn't have the T7 for sure. Cheers for the Video.
Fair call Jethro! Yep, very similar to T7 in many ways 👍
It’s the Temu Tenere 😂
@@MrDeepseadweller Ha ha , I like it. 🤣🤣🤣
I have a R1200GS , fantastic tourer , nbut im really not a great dirt road rider , she's a bit of a handful on the gravel IMO , I'd but 450MT in a heartbeat if I was in a better place financially and keep the GS for everything else , it way too good road bike to let go of .
My Next bike after I retire the KLR next year. 👌👌
I've done some longer trips on the 450MT, over on my channel (Shameless plug..)
I'm really enjoying it!
However I also enjoy bush bashing like towards the end of your video; so I'm always torn between a heavy adventure bike or a nimble dual sport 😀
They seem a good compromise to me. You chose well TwoWheelerSparky 👍
I’m in Dallas TX USA 🇺🇸
I want one ☝️
😎👍
I'd like to see one picked up in a deep sand rut...I'd go for one but that weight in this situation is my concern. Looks and sound are👌
Thank you for your review, honestly I was waiting for your opinion over this bike. I was wondering, what do you think about how it carries its weight? I am a solo traveler just like you. Also currently having a crf250L (not 300, due to regulations we recieve 250L with 24bhp approx). Despite my liking, in some situations I really require some more power for comfort and even stability in certain offroad sections. However, I am not sure about how 450mt will carry its weight and is it confident inspiring for a solo adventurer. Great review, keep up good work!
G'day mate. Two different worlds from the CRF 250 to the CFMoto 450. Would be noticeably heavier, harder to handle. Best bet is always jump on a bike and see if it suits you. Good luck with your choice 👍
Where is that place? The hill look beautiful!
It's my home town - South West Rocks, NSW 👍
The wind screen is hilariously small though. Very nice sounding bike.
If you want a lounge chair, then this bike maybe for you.
17:00its a good looking bike that.
Definitely, Cliff 😎
Got one on order, can't wait. You can turn the ABS/traction control off while moving, you don't need to stop completely like on the T7 👍🍻
10:00 it's a good looking bike that.
APO will get a visit Monday I think. BTW you can tum off the abs / tc while moving.
I'd buy one too, but want to keep the DRZ 🤔😫
I think your review is the best real world test of this bike , you should do more regular reviews of different bikes ?
Only issue with this review is whilst you mentioned the weight , I think many new adventure riders don’t realise ,how heavy 195kg wet plus panniers ect is to lift in the bush ?
I went from a 300 rally and sold my Versys and bought a Transalp 😮…I only ride it on bitumen , and smooth dirt roads and have RACQ ultimate care for Emergency towing ect , due to the 208kg wet weight .
The transalp is one fast bike , but soft suspension just like rally .
Wouldn’t buy the MT for off road because I know sooner or later I would drop it .😮
It’s ok sort of , if it doesn’t land on your leg , but if it does it’s a lot of weight to kick off your leg , on your lonesome.
You should do a demonstration of lifting the bike when it’s kissing the dirt …the rally and the DRZ are realistically ok .
Think this bike is for the pack rider adventure crowd , where there are extra hands on tap.
Great video nonetheless.
@@SomewhereInside I have the MT and at 75yrs have the same concerns. It is only a problem when the bike becomes stationery. It fell when I stopped and put my foot in a hole at the side of a bitumen road (embarrassing). Yeah, heavy to pick up for me. I think it's fine if you're still strong. So I made myself a bike-lifter and carry it everywhere.
@ That sounds interesting , a bike lifter ….that would sell.
@@SomewhereInside Experimenting with designs. I have made three versions. The one I take with me works well, based on the tried ratchet strap design. I have a lighter version of that also, that could be strapped unobtrusively to the pillion peg arm. I am working on another type that is much simpler and a lot quicker to use. As quick to use as just lifting the bike manually. It is looking very promising.
I have heard the electronic is not a DIY job, so it off to the dealers for everything.
IMHO, it seems like a close cousin to a Honda CB500X, without the proven reputation.
Slightly lower seat height and a better sounding pipe note (compared to the CB500X) is a good thing.
I'm yet to ride the newCB500, so you may be right. Cheers 🍻
For the money it's a do it all bike.
this might be my next bike
[2:42] Not that this is a deal breaker, but this is a common problem for a lot of cheap EV bicycles. It's as if the designers don't go outside and actually ride the bike with shades on like a real person would.
How did ride on one of those
Look out dr 400 phil is swapping you for the cf moto watch this space!
@@davidmacdonald1283 Once he heard that exhaust note, he was subconsciously getting his wallet out..
🤣
I still think the DR650 is the best all around.
I found it's only positives that it is nimble , sounds good and it's price. Rest is not to my liking i.e brakes , power delivery, throttle , switch gear quality , riding position. I walked away disappointed after so much hype and positive reviews. Strongly advise people take one for a ride and decide for themselves.
Its not made for everyone. You sound like you like the one made in india
@lleelwanderers I liked the himis single thumper power delivery better for slow stuff . I ended up buying a heavier ADV bike anyway a Suzuki 800de vstrom to suit my needs more. The cfmoto is very capable for an ADV bike off road . I think I'd buy the new drz coming out as a second bike.
@@jaspreetbains2776 you only test rode the cfmoto, so i assume you havent tried it on slow tech stuff
Power delivery is perfect for off road. Plenty of torque in reserve for 6gear pulls for an overtake at highway speeds. I think changing just the front brakes to Mabey a braided line will give a little more feel to the front. But stocks more than adequate. Switch gear feels light but certainly not Chinese cheap. The throttle off the bottom is fixed now with the update and is now buttery. I rode one and should have one in my garage this week can't wait. As a bang for buck it can't be beat. I plan on taking it through its paces on big trips up to karinjini and further from Perth.
My concerns are, reliability, wear and tear, parts availability and dealerships, the stuff that goes into owning a bike. That Kove 450 looked great, everyone man and his dog did a first ride video then nothing after, where are the long term tests and ownership reviews, anything else is a waste of my time from these unproven companies. Europe design great bikes, Japan makes great bikes.
I think the lack of people complaining about these bikes is their greatest testimony. But a year or two will see even more kays put on these machines 👍
I bet nearly everything uv got at home is made in China, u seem to forget, Ktm, Yamaha and cfmoto put this bike and the 800 together.
CF Moto is not 50% owned by KTM. In fact, KTM is 50% owned by CF Moto which might be a factor in saving KTM from collapse. Does CF Moto take 3c in the dollar or bail/buy KTM out? I am guessing the second option seems both most desirable and most likely.
Time will tell I guess for KTM, but I feel they will still be around - though not sure who will own them / or bail them out. Fingers crossed the new 390 Adventure makes mass production.
Well might send KTM broke , not looking good for them
KTM is already broke. Not looking good.
take that engine and put it into something bit more off road humm
5:00 it's a good looking bike that.