25/07/2024
A review by our lead instructor and tourguide, Silas Dema Michael.
The first CFMOTO 450MTX to make it to Bario Highlands.
Picked up this bike on 13 July 2023. Had the first 1000km service done on 18 July, thanks to Fred Dion, who helped me perform the run in as I didn't have time to do so. Flew in to KK to ride the bike down to Miri on 22 July.
The bike setup is stock standard but Fred helped to stiffen the rear preload by one round and I stiffened the rear shock rebound by three clicks clockwise. All done by feel as I have yet to fully calculate the suspension adjustment settings.
Riding on the highway with fully loaded panniers and top box, the 450cc engine performed smoothly and the bike remained stable even at high speeds. I had a brief spell above 140kmh but felt that this bike cruised best between 100 - 120kmh. The 403km journey felt plush as the suspension soaked up the bumpy bits very very well and the seat cushioning is more comfortable than it looks. I must admit though, that at moments, I did miss my R1250GS seat. Nothing comes close to that level of comfort.
Then again, this "little" 450 shouldn't be compared to the mighty GS. For a light middleweight machine, it packs a lot of torque and throttle response is punchy if not a tad snatchy. The clutch lever action is super light, probably the easiest clutch to use after my GS and KTM Sixdays. The bike doesn't feel small at all and space is sufficient for my 174cm and 80kg mass.
Ok. Back to the ride.
On 23 July, I embarked on the off-road segment of this trip, leading my group to Bario to attend Pesta Nukenen. We took three days to cover 330km of the offroad route by enjoying overnight stays in Long Suling and Long Banga en route to our final destination.
With panniers removed, the 450 was now lighter and even more agile.
There was no lack of power and speed throughout the journey despite being in the midst of more powerful machines such as the BMW R1200GS and Aprilia Tuareg. (The only thing I missed about my GS was sheer, absolute power.)
With a 3-second press of the ABS button, the bike switches to OFF-ROAD mode which turns off traction control and rear wheel ABS. Front wheel ABS remains active. This allowed me freedom to spin and slide the rear wheel at will, both under power and brake. So so much fun.
The front shock compression may need some work, though. It felt a tad too stiff for comfort and probably was the reason for some of the handlebar wobbles. That being said, I would recommend adding a steering damper for riders who intend to ride off-road at higher speeds on the 450MTX.
The CST tyres were also the ones found standard on the showroom bikes. Surprisingly, they have performed decently well in all conditions thus far. Even on damp surfaces. The real test will probably be experienced if there should be rain during this journey.
At 4.5L/100km, fuel consumption is just a tad better than my BMW R1250GS but still, a very acceptable rate considering the amount of fun I had to date.
My current thought is that the CFMOTO 450MTX is a great light middleweight adventure machine. A superb option even for those with a higher budget. The price tag of RM30,888 (including panniers & papers) is startlingly value-for-money as the bike never gave me any of the stereotypical "made in China" sensations.
In fact, it feels like the one motorcycle that the top European and Japanese brands have failed to produce when a large number of motorcycling enthusiasts would have truly appreciated owning and riding it.
How long will this bike survive my test rides? That remains to be seen. However, at this price point, the CFMOTO 450MTX has to be one of the top picks for any adventure rider.
What is certain is that more units of the CFMOTO 450MTX be added to the fleet of training and travel motorcycles at DYRT - Dynamic Riding Team in due time.
Till my next long post about this bike, do find time to check it out at your nearest dealership.
DYRT is a premium motorsports training and adventure travel experience provider in Malaysian Borneo.
