CFMoto 450SR Review: The Ultimate Dream Sportbike

Meet the deadliest mid-weight sportbike that effortlessly dominates both the town and the highway—and what makes it even more special is that it’s a CFMoto.

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CFMoto has steadily been gaining recognition in the motorcycle scene, and it’s all thanks to one standout model, the CFMoto 450SR. This bike has been turning heads locally and internationally for all the right reasons. 

From its stunning design to its impressive performance and budget-friendly price, the 450SR is proving to be a serious contender in the competitive 400cc mid-range segment.

CFMoto didn’t just deliver a basic sportbike, they’ve built something that senses premium, stylish, and well-engineered. Forget the misconception of “budget bikes”, the 450SR boasts high-end components like Brembo brakes and Bosch electronics, all housed in a sleek, stable chassis that screams quality and racing.

This model can be seen as designed to dominate the 400cc segment, particularly in China where sportbikes are widely popular, the 450SR has been a hit. Now, CFMoto is slowly tackling Europe with a slightly toned-down version of this model. 

In Malaysia, the 450SR faces a unique challenge, as many riders tend to prefer 250cc bikes or jump directly to the 500cc and above category with a B-full license. However, its introduction signals an increasing interest in mid-range bikes within the local market, with other brands also gearing up to release their 400cc models in the near future.

Well, let’s be clear—the 450SR isn’t just good for the price. It’s a legitimately impressive motorcycle that could draw in a whole new crowd of riders. So, before we dive into the road performance and full review, let’s take a closer look at what makes the 450SR tick all the boxes, starting with its specs. 

Engine & Power

The 450SR is powered by a 2-cylinder, 449.3cc parallel-twin engine, developed entirely in-house by CFMoto. Producing 50 hp and 39 Nm of torque, the engine offers smooth and refined power delivery, thanks to a 270-degree crankshaft and dual balancer shafts. 

It’s free-revving, responsive, and provides consistent performance across the rev range, with a friendly power delivery that shines both at low RPMs and near its redline.

The engine is paired with an FCC slipper clutch, ensuring smooth backshifting and an easy-to-use light clutch lever. While it lacks a factory-fitted quickshifter, the gear lever can be adjusted into a race shift pattern, appealing to riders with track ambitions. 

Chassis, Suspension, and Brakes

The 450SR’s chassis is built for stability and precision. Obtaining the famous frame type, trellis and using the chro-moly alloy steel for the frame material. Aside, it features a 37mm inverted hydraulic front fork and a centrally mounted rear shock, delivering a balance of comfort and agility.

The braking system is particularly impressive, with a 320mm single-disc Brembo M40 4-piston calliper up front, offering excellent stopping power with a responsive feel. The rear 220mm single-disc brake is adequate for its purpose, while the entire system is backed by Bosch ABS for added safety. The bike rolls on 17-inch wheels fitted with 110/70 front and 150/60 rear tyres.

Ergonomics & Comfort

With a seat height of 795mm and ground clearance of 140mm, the 450SR is reasonably accessible to most riders. Its sportier riding position, with clip-on handlebars and high footpegs, makes it great for track riding but it indeed feels less comfortable on longer journeys while maintaining cruising speed. 

With a wet weight of 192 kg and a 14-litre fuel tank, the bike offers a solid mix of practicality and ergonomic design. The 795mm seat height, paired with a thick and soft PVC synthetic leather cushion, ensures comfort, while the narrower seat design makes it easier for riders of all height to plant their feet on the ground, further enhancing the overall riding experience.

How It Performs on the Road

First off, this bike is no slouch. Even at lower RPMs, you can feel the punchy power right away. Twist the throttle just a little, and you’ll know this bike means business. Acceleration is smooth and linear, but it still manages to keep things exciting. It’s the kind of bike that gives you that adrenaline rush without being intimidating.

As for top speed, the 450SR is said to max out at 199 km/h. I personally managed to hit 189 km/h, and honestly, it felt fantastic. The best part? It wasn’t even intentional, I was just cruising along, opened the throttle a bit, and before I knew it, I was flying past 180 km/h. But here’s the thing: once you feel the torque and acceleration, you stop caring about the numbers. It’s all about the ride.

When it comes to handling, this bike is a gem. It’s super nimble and easy to manoeuvre, even in heavy traffic. It reminds me of something light like a Yamaha R15, it just glides through tight spaces effortlessly. I could easily see myself using this for daily commutes; it’s perfect for both city streets and highways.

I even took it out in the rain once. While I did notice the tyres feeling a bit slippery, it might’ve just been me being extra cautious. That said, the bike handled the wet conditions well, staying stable and predictable, which gave me a lot of confidence.

What about the sounds? The bike delivers pretty decent sound even with the stock exhaust, thanks to its 270-degree crank. While it doesn’t have the loud, banging roar of a 4-cylinder engine, who cares? It still produces a unique and satisfying growl that stands out on the road.

For Looks and Appearance, this bike is a real head-turner. I once stopped, and people immediately came over to talk about it. It’s not just a stunning machine; it’s a conversation starter that brings riders together. From my perspective, it’s more than a bike, it’s a connection point for enthusiasts.

Features That Stand Out

The tech on this bike is pretty slick. The 5-inch TFT curved display is a highlight, it’s sharp, easy to read, and even supports navigation projection. There’s a shift reminder, flameout reminder, and a T-Box system with built-in 4G and a 6D sensor. This lets you sync the bike with your phone to track its location and mileage, and even check when your next service is due. Handy stuff.

You also get two digital meter layouts: standard and track mode. Both look great, but the track mode adds a sporty vibe if you’re heading out for some aggressive riding.

Another cool feature is the aerodynamic design. The front wings and smooth fairing look good and improve stability by reducing wind turbulence. And let’s not forget the practical bits, built-in frame sliders and pop-off mirrors to minimize damage if the bike goes down. CFMoto thought of everything here.

The Bad Side

There aren’t many negatives to this model, and it’s not just because I’m a fan of the bike, though I did only start to really appreciate it after sending it to MForce. It’s definitely a game-changing bike that has made me want to ride it more and more.

One issue that still lingers for many is the scepticism around Chinese brands, largely due to long-standing stereotypes about the quality of Chinese-made products. However, I can confidently say that this bike is no-nonsense and proves those doubts wrong.

With their presence in the world-renowned MotoGP championship, CFMoto demonstrates its dedication to the motorsport world. The brand even claimed its first championship win at the opening round of the 2024 MotoGP season in Qatar, kicking off the year with a major victory. 

As for spare parts, that might be a concern for some, but not with this bike. Thanks to CFMoto being under MForce, and the recent opening of several flagship stores this year, finding parts is no problem. I’m confident that they’re easily accessible.

So, Is It Worth It?

Honestly, the 450SR is an exciting addition to the Malaysian motorcycle market. The 400cc sportbike segment here isn’t huge, but this bike feels like it’s carving out its own space. For new riders looking to step into the B-Full category or even seasoned riders who want something stylish, affordable, and fun, this bike ticks all the right boxes.

At RM28,888 (excluding road tax and other charges), it’s hard to find another bike that offers this much value. It’s available in two sleek colours, which are Nebula Black and Zircon Black, and looks every bit as good as it rides.

If you’re after a mid-range sportbike that’s versatile, packed with features, and a blast to ride, the CFMoto 450SR is definitely worth a look. It’s not just good “for the price”—it’s just plain good.