CFMOTO 450 MT in the 1000PS Offroad Test 2024

With the CF Moto 450MT, we visited the largest enduro park in Europe, the Red Stag area in Rohr im Gebirge. This expansive terrain, located about an hour southwest of Vienna's city limits, offered a perfect testing environment with 15 kilometers of forest roads and 28 different off-road trails. There are plenty of opportunities for every riding level to have a full day of fun. With our large adventure bikes, we mostly stayed on the wider forest paths. However, we also incorporated some green trails (easy difficulty level) into the test schedule to really put the big and noble bikes through their paces.

Another Chinese contender in our test that counters the rather poor reputation of Chinese products. Visually, the MT immediately caught my attention. There's nothing to complain about in terms of craftsmanship either. The controls look good, and the bike gives a solid impression.

For our off-road use in the Red Stag terrain, the 42 horsepower is more than sufficient, and you rarely feel the need for more. The power delivery is nicely linear, and in slippery sections, the throttle can be well modulated.

If you're looking for points of criticism, you might find them in the Kayaba components. Because with too ambitious a riding style, the suspension reaches its limits. Overall, however, CF has done a good job with the MT, and that at a very attractive price.

The CFMOTO 450MT is intriguing for all those adventure riders who want a full-sized bike with a tall front, decent wind protection, and space for serious luggage systems, yet seek a manageable weight with minimal compromises on touring capability. The 450MT looks, even sounds, and mostly rides like one of the larger adventure bikes, except for the engine, which holds its own and doesn't really lack power in loose terrain. It still has a few small quirks, like the not clearly defined rev limiter or slight throttle response issues, but these are minor details. Overall, the CFMOTO 450MT is quite appealing for adventure riders who want to handle a relatively light yet comfortable enduro.

The intense off-road testing conditions were perfectly suited to also put our equipment to the test. In terms of helmets, the 1000PS crew unanimously relied on the new Tour-X5 from Arai. The helmet sits perfectly balanced on the head and behaves very neutrally in the wind, regardless of speed. The fit of the helmet is generally rated as comfortable. Throughout the entire head area, there is a solid contact feel. As is typical for Arai, the padding also pleasantly encloses the jawbone and does not create any uncomfortable pressure in the cheek area. The interior lining used in the Tour-X5 feels pleasant and high-quality on the skin even over a long, intense, and sweat-inducing day. With various ventilation openings in the forehead, chin, and top of the head area, you can ensure sufficient fresh air when needed. The craftsmanship is first-class - the helmets are not only elegant and beautiful to look at in their new condition, but they also remain absolutely top-notch even after several tough days off-road. Ventilation openings and visor locking can be perfectly operated even when dirty. A great, versatile helmet for all types of motorcycle adventures. We give it our highest recommendation!

During our adventure bike test, we consistently wore gear from the renowned manufacturer Leatt. Our editors were equipped with either the Flow Tour Suit or the Multi Tour Suit. LEATT, well-known for high-quality motocross and hard-enduro apparel, has recently started offering robust and versatile protective clothing for adventure bike riders in the new ADV Collection. The Flow Tour Jacket particularly impressed with its outstanding ventilation, providing pleasant cooling even in hot conditions up to 35 degrees. Thanks to the integrated hydration system, our testers stayed well-hydrated even on dusty trails. The generous, waterproof pockets offered ample storage space for personal items and allowed comfortable access while riding. The Multi Tour Suit, on the other hand, scored with its versatility and three-layer construction, offering optimal protection and adaptability to different weather conditions. Both models are equipped with CE-certified protectors at critical points, providing maximum protection without restricting freedom of movement. Even a LEATT Neck-Brace is compatible with the jackets. We particularly liked the split chest protector on both models, which not only ensures safety but also offers high wearing comfort when the zipper is open. LEATT's gear proved ideal for our intensive tests. Robust, safe, and providing the necessary comfort for long riding days under extreme conditions.