Affordable 2-Cylinder Naked Bike: CFMOTO 450 NK Test

When thinking about the CFMOTO 450 NK, one might assume it is an affordable alternative to the big names from Japan and Europe. And that would be correct, but not entirely. This bike surprises with a powerful parallel-twin engine that delivers 47 horsepower at 10,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 39.3 Nm at 7,750 rpm. This engine is not just numbers on paper but proves to be exceptionally revvy and smooth in practice. Especially at revs above 4,000 rpm, it plays to its strengths and puts a good amount of pull on the chain. The sound of this engine is grunty, perhaps even one of the best in its class, giving the bike an unexpected character. Adam Child praises the smoothness and sound, which makes the bike appear more voluminous. Marek, a self-confessed fan of Japanese bikes, was so surprised by the performance and riding pleasure that he could imagine buying this motorcycle. While it lacks the grunt of a larger machine, for the targeted audience and price range, the engine is more than sufficient.

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During the test, we rode a total of 10 motorcycles in a direct comparison. Although the motorcycles were in different displacement classes, we evaluated them using the same rating scheme. The categories in the test protocol include aspects such as engine comfort and modulation, engine revviness, pull-through, engine power, gearbox, quickshifter, clutch, traction control regulation, traction control adjustment options, quality of switches, and logic of controls. Additionally, aspects such as stability, handling, precision, suspension quality and adjustment range, brake modulation, and effectiveness were evaluated. Each test rider provided their individual rating, which was then averaged for each category and ultimately led to an overall rating. The best motorcycle in each category was rated "1", and the worst motorcycle in the category was rated "10". For our readers, these tables are interesting for two reasons. On the one hand, they can see in which areas individual motorcycles are above average and in which areas they are below average - always considering that the price and displacement classes are very different. On the other hand, you can click through all the reports and results here and directly compare your favorites - regardless of price and displacement class.

A precise and easily shiftable gearbox significantly contributes to riding pleasure, and here the CFMOTO 450 NK also scores points. The transmission works flawlessly, and the gears are sensibly graded. Marek and Martin Bauer praise the shift accuracy and the easy operation of the gearbox.

However, opinions are divided on the clutch. While some see the easy operation as an advantage, it might be too light for experienced riders who prefer more feel in the operation. Kurt Rubik found the clutch too light and noted that it results in less feel. The absence of a slipper clutch can lead to problems during aggressive riding or on wet roads, such as a locking rear wheel when downshifting, which Kurt experienced.

The CFMOTO 450 NK comes equipped with the basic necessary electronic assistance systems. It features a standard ABS without IMU and traction control, as expected in this price range. However, there are no advanced systems like lean-sensitive regulation or a quickshifter. Thus, the naked bike offers safety in challenging conditions, but the assistance systems are somewhat too defensive during spirited riding and intervene too early. The controls are functional, but Adam Child noted that they feel somewhat cheap. They resemble designs from the 80s and could certainly use some modernization. Nevertheless, they serve their purpose and contribute to the safe handling of the bike.

The ergonomics of the CFMOTO 450 NK are impressive. The seating position is described by most test riders as very comfortable. Zonko and Kurt Rubik found the seating position so comfortable that they could imagine riding for hours. Marek, with his 186 cm height, was surprised at how well the seating position suited tall riders despite the low saddle. However, not all riders were satisfied. You sit really deep in the bike, and the seating position doesn't feel particularly active.

The display of the CFMOTO 450 NK was praised as attractive and easy to read, better than some competing models. The intuitive arrangement of the controls makes operation easier, although the buttons and switches themselves give a cheaper impression.

The chassis of the CFMOTO 450 NK is rather on the soft side, which ensures comfort but can lead to some instability at higher speeds and dynamic riding. Martin Bauer noted that the fork twists under heavy braking, affecting stability. Zonko and Marek had similar impressions but found that the chassis overall offers a good compromise between comfort and handling. The handling of the CFMOTO 450 NK is influenced by the low seat height and high handlebars. Marek found that this makes the bike somewhat sluggish in steering, but this is not a major issue for less experienced riders. Overall, the handling is very accommodating to cautious riders. Newcomers will love the bike, while experienced riders may quickly reach its dynamic limits.

The brakes of the CFMOTO 450 NK are a double-edged sword. While Zonko found the front brake to be insensitive and wooden, Adam Child and Kurt Rubik criticized the overall weaker braking performance compared to competitor models like Honda and Kawasaki. Especially on wet roads and during spirited riding, the absence of a slipper clutch proved to be a disadvantage, leading to a locking rear wheel.

Motorcycling in the Bucklige Welt offers an exceptionally charming experience, highlighted by the picturesque landscape of this region in Lower Austria. Characterized by gentle hills, expansive meadows, and idyllic small villages, the Bucklige Welt provides the perfect terrain for motorcycle enthusiasts who wish to enjoy the beauty of nature while seeking the thrill of twisties. The varied routes lead through forested areas and past historical landmarks, making each tour a journey through the culture and history of the country. Riding is particularly delightful in the spring and autumn months when the landscape is bathed in a spectacular play of colors that invigorates the senses and leaves unforgettable impressions. This makes the Bucklige Welt a hidden gem for bikers who seek the authentic and original.

For this test, we were equipped by our clothing partner IXS with products from the current Sport Collection. Our 1000PS editorial team has trusted the Swiss brand for more than 10 years now. Besides the quality of workmanship, we appreciate IXS for always using high-quality materials and providing an excellent fit. Even editors who do not conform to standard body shapes find a well-fitting outfit thanks to the availability of long and short sizes. With advanced features like airbag systems and electronically controlled membranes, they strive to offer the highest level of safety and comfort. We really like that!

The HJC RPHA 71 Carbon kept us cool during this test. The helmet impressed the 1000PS crew with its pleasantly neutral aerodynamics, ensuring fatigue-free riding even on longer trips. Additionally, the effective ventilation and reliable heat dissipation on hot days are noteworthy. The carbon model not only looks incredibly classy but is also noticeably lighter than the base version of the RPHA 71. The visor mechanism with an additional sun visor works flawlessly. The fit is comfortable, and the shape covers a wide range within the 1000PS editorial team - all our editors felt comfortable! We highly recommend it.

The CFMOTO 450 NK surprises positively in many ways. It offers solid engine performance, a comfortable seat position, and good riding performance at an attractive price. However, CFMOTO faces tough competition. The Japanese manufacturers or, for example, Triumph also offer very good bikes at comparable prices in this displacement class. Thus, the CFMOTO is not really cheaper than the established players. Smaller riders or beginners, in particular, will appreciate the low seat height and easy handling. The CFMOTO 450 NK is certainly not perfect, but it proves that you can have a lot of fun for little money. The points rating in this test reveals the dilemma of the CFMOTO. It is a good bike, you get off with a good feeling! But if you compare it head-to-head with the established players, you will see that there are indeed deficits in direct comparison. And this has a double impact given the sometimes attractive prices of the other players. In the adventure bike class, for example, CFMOTO scores with a product that stands out against the competition in terms of price/performance, but this is not yet the case with the small naked bikes.

In the points table, CFMOTO couldn't hold its own against the established brands Honda with the CB500 Hornet, Kawasaki with the Z500 SE, and Triumph with the Speed 400. On average, the CFMOTO lagged behind the aforementioned competitors in the evaluation forms. It also fell behind the 390 Duke and the Vitpilen 401. Among the 21 test criteria, the following noteworthy details emerged: The 5 best-rated criteria of the CFMOTO were: engine performance, control logic, revvy engine, seat, and ergonomics. It was also the case that after the test ride with the CFMOTO, no one spoke ill of the bike. However, in a sober comparison with the other models, the other models were preferred in the ranking. The worst-rated criteria of the CFMOTO were: the lack of a quickshifter, the non-adjustable suspension, the traction control adjustment options, and the spongy pressure point of the brakes. Overall, the CFMOTO is an accessible and easy-to-ride bike with a lively sound and a good engine. It will satisfy beginners, but experienced riders will have even more fun with a Z 500 SE or a Hornet 500! That’s the conclusion of the 1000PS test crew.