CFMOTO USA has announced the newest addition to its 2023 lineup: the CFMOTO 450SS. The company says the light-midweight sportbike is “poised to be a flagship in one of the most popular and fast-growing modern motorcycle segments.”
Related: 2022 CFMOTO 700CL-X | Road Test Review
The 2023 CFMOTO 450SS is powered by a liquid-cooled DOHC 450cc parallel-Twin with a 270-degree crankshaft making a claimed 50 hp at 9,500 rpm and 28.8 lb-ft of torque at 7,600 rpm. The engine, which has an 11.5:1 compression ratio and Bosch EFI, is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slip/assist clutch.
CFMOTO says the 450SS is suited to city and canyon riding but is especially suited to the track as a result of several of the bike’s features. Optional reverse shifting is possible with a “quick change” in position of the connecting rod on the gear shifter. The “performance-tuned” suspension comes in the form of a nonadjustable 37mm inverted fork and a preload-adjustable multi-link rear shock. Stopping power comes from a single radially-mounted Brembo M40 4-piston caliper biting a single 320mm disc up front and a single-piston floating caliper pinching a 270mm disc in the rear, and Continental ABS is standard.
The 450SS rolls on 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels with 110/70-R17 front and 150/60-R17 tires.
Related: Chris Peterman, CFMOTO USA | Ep. 40 Rider Magazine Insider Podcast
As far as design, the 450SS was put through “extensive aerodynamic wind tunnel testing,” and GP racing-derived winglets enhance stability by providing a claimed 1.6 times downforce at higher speeds. A chromoly steel frame, aluminum alloy wheels, and 3.8-gal fuel tank contribute to a trim 370-lb wet weight. The bike has a 53.5-inch wheelbase and a 31-inch seat height.
The 450SS has full LED lighting and a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth and CFMOTO Ride App connectivity.
The 2023 CFMOTO 450SS comes in Nebula Black or Zircon Black starting at $5,499. For more information, visit the CFMOTO website.
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I like the Zircon black one!
Look forward to seeing what other permutations this engine is used in. Curious that for a moderate revving twin, the torque seems low. Fun to be had, but curious tuning.
They look OK but thousands of dollars, for a bike that might have little stuff you don’t like. I solved my problem with an old CBR600 at about $1200, then bought a new fairing and all the little stuff to make it just right for me, which came out to another $1500. For less than $3000 I have the bike I want, it has all the power and is a proven bike. New is nice but when you get over 70 years old, you want the thing that fits you and performs the way you want.
Rode all the CFMOTO bikes at Daytona Bike Week in March 2023. I was very impressed by the overall appearance of the motorcycles. However the demo rides convinced me that they are at least two generations behind the Japanese, American, and European manufacturers.
For instance; all the turn signal switches were loose broken or so vague it was a negative distraction.
The get up and go got up and went. These are some of the most sluggish and just plain underpowered, overweight motorcycles I have ridden. Since I live close to Daytona I have been at every demo event since 1971 and ridden all the bikes available from all the manufacturers. I have been riding for 53 years and currently have a 2006 Honda VTX 1300 retro, 2016 Suzuki GSX-S1000f and a2020 Yamaha Vmax 1700. Past bikes were: Harely 1200,Triumph Bonneville, Honda CB750, Honda 160, 350 and a550 four. Also a BSA Victor 441 dirt bike. Compared to a Honda motorcycle these CF Moto bikes are almost like an online Amazon level product. Pretty hard pass at present.