Until recently it had been left to the imagination as to how good the rumoured and ultimately cancelled KTM 490 Adventure could have been. Thankfully, while KTM dropped the project, their partner CFMOTO didn’t and we now see the realised potential of that platform. Check out the 450MT.
Sporting a 450cc parallel-twin engine (also found in the 450NK) CFMOTO might just be the closest to creating an ADV Unicorn for the masses. In 450MT trim the engine delivers 32.5kW (43.5hp) at 8500 rpm and 44 Nm at 6250 rpm, while dual balance shafts improve the smoothness of the 270-degree firing order.
Rolling stock comes in the form of a proper adventure-ready 21-inch front wheel paired with an 18-inch rear while suspension is a 41mm adjustable fork from KYB with 200mm of travel on offer. Ground clearance is at the pointy end of the small displacement adventure class at 230mm while the seat height is reasonably attainable at 820mm.
Weight, as always, is make or break for these bikes and the CFMOTO seems to be quite promising in this regard. With a claimed dry weight of 175kg, the 450MT should be significantly lighter than the soon-to-arrive Himalayan 450.
The CFMOTO 450MT is expected to be available at dealers across New Zealand during the second quarter of 2024. Pricing and final specifications will be confirmed closer to the bike’s local debut.
The MT-X concept also clearly leans on learnings CFMOTO has made through building KTM’s 790 platform.
CFMOTO has taken KTM’s low-slung fuel tanks and added it to their concept, which with the lightweight triple engine (just 55kg), 21-inch front wheel and dirt-oriented ergonomics should make for a highly competitive middleweight adventure bike.
Tech-wise the bike features a front end that resembles the 800MT with a full LED headlight, while the vertical 8-inch TFT dash is a touchscreen.
Suspension utilises a long-travel fork supplied by KYB, while the rear shock is from Öhlins. The braking system goes to premium Brembo brakes over the J. Juan units found on the current 800MT.
CFMOTO has a lot more in the works, with an all-new 675cc triple which puts down over 100hp at a screaming 12,300rpm also announced at the same time.
Watch this space to see if the Chinese manufacturer delivers on what looks to be a middleweight adventure unicorn! !