I’LL admit it upfront that I didn’t expect the CFMoto 450MT to look this sharp in the metal.
The design is modern and assertive without being over styled. I particularly like the angular LED headlight; it gives the bike a distinctive face while delivering excellent light on early morning climbs to Fraser’s Hill.
I find the design of the motorcycle is compact but not cramped, and the finish quality feels a step up from what many still assume about Chinese-built motorcycles.
The tank shape allows me to lock my knees in naturally, and the slim design makes slow-speed manoeuvring through city traffic effortless.
Ergonomically, I feel immediately at home.
The riding position puts me slightly forward without loading my wrists, and the wide handlebar gives me leverage when attacking corners or correcting slides on loose surfaces.
At my height, I can flat-foot comfortably, which adds confidence when stopping on uneven ground.
The 450MT’s single-cylinder engine is well suited to Malaysian roads, with predictable power delivery and responsive.
Low-and mid-range torque is where I spend most of my time, especially climbing Fraser’s Hill or riding through Kuala Kubu Baru’s backroads.
On the North-South Expressway, I find overtaking straight forward.
I twist the throttle and the bike responds cleanly, riding happily at cruising speeds with a tinge of vibration.
Throttle response feels refined, and I appreciate how the ride modes subtly tailor power delivery.
In wet conditions, switching to Rain mode genuinely helps smooth out inputs, especially on slippery and dirty surfaces.
The highway stability impresses me straight away.
At high speeds, the 450MT feels planted, even when I encounter crosswinds or uneven stretches.
It doesn’t feel nervous or under-damped, which immediately builds confidence.
On Fraser’s Hill, I pushed the bike harder.
The bike tips into corners willingly, holds the line well, and gives me enough front-end feedback to know exactly how much grip I have.
The suspension setup deserves credit.
The upside down (USD) forks absorb bumps without transmitting harshness through the bars, while the rear shock remains composed under acceleration out of corners.
This is where I’m genuinely surprised.
After a heavy rain, the backroads around Kuala Kubu Baru turns messy where sand, loose gravel, and wet mud get washed across the tarmac.
I deliberately ride the 450MT through it to see how it handles while holding my breath.
The front end remains stable even on rough ground, as the fork soaks up ruts and broken road.
The rear shock isn’t enduro-soft, but it holds the bike steady when the surface turns slippery.
I wouldn’t call this a thorough bred off-road bike, but I’m confident riding it where many naked middle-weights would feel out of their depth.
Balance and predictable handling make all the difference here.
I find the braking setup well judged.
Initial bite is firm but progressive, allowing me to trail brake into corners without unsettling the bike.
On loose or wet surfaces, the ABS intervenes smoothly, never abruptly cutting power when I still want control.
Descending Fraser’s Hill, repeated hard braking doesn’t produce fade, and on muddy backroads, I appreciate how predictable the rear brake feels when modulating speed.
The instrument display is clear and readable in all lighting conditions, and the switchgear feels solid.
I like that everything is intuitive where I don't have to go hunting through menus while riding.
Fuel range is sufficient for long stretches and the seat remains comfortable even after extended hours.
I also note that pillion accommodation is better than expected, with usable grab handles and a stable rear perch.
After riding the RM28,880 450MT on highways, hill roads, and unpredictable backroads, I come away genuinely impressed.
It’s not pretending to be something it isn’t.
Instead, it delivers balanced performance, confident handling, and real-world versatility.
I see this as a motorcycle perfect for riders who want one bike to do almost everything – daily commutes, weekend blasts, long highway runs, and occasional light off-road exploration.
SPECIFICATIONS
CFMoto 450MT
Engine: 449.5cc, two-cylinder, inline 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC,
Maximum power: 44hp at 8,500rpm
Maximum torque: 44Nm at 6,250rpm
Suspension: Front KYB 41mm upside down suspension, damping adjustable; rear KYB, multi-link rear suspension, preload, rebound adjustable
Brakes: Front 320mm single disc, four-piston calliper; rear 240mm single disc, single-piston calliper
Features: Riding Modes, Bosch dual channel switchable ABS, Bosch traction control system, CFMoto ride app connectivity
Fuel capacity: 17.5 litres
Wet weight: 175 kg
Price: From RM28,880 (without registration and insurance)
