CFMoto 450SR
2026 CFMoto 450SR: 47.5 hp A2 sports bike, 449 cc 270° twin, 179 kg, €6,499. Full specs, press reviews, maintenance and rivals.
At a glance
The CFMoto 450SR is a small fully faired sports bike powered by a 449 cc 270° twin making 47.5 hp, just under the A2 licence limit. Priced at €6,499, it matches the Japanese A2 sports bikes on price with richer equipment (Brembo brake, TFT screen, traction control). Reviewers praise its characterful engine, finish and stability, but criticise abrupt initial throttle response, unconvincing stock tyres and its 179 kg weight.
World press review
Meta-score
7 sources
Press ratings
270° twin with V-twin character, the most attractive in the 48 hp class, convincing finish, everyday sports-bike ergonomics; slightly high weight, jolt when picking up the throttle, test compromised by rain.
Attractive and very well finished, characterful 270° engine that is eager at high revs, sound chassis, convincing brakes; slightly soft shock without rebound adjustment, narrow screen, position not sporty enough on track.
Linear and eager engine, spot-on handling, fade-free brakes, high-quality finish and styling; CST tyres lacking grip when cold in the wet, poorly placed high-beam switch.
Test of the 450SS, the US version: responsive twin, very effective Brembo front brake, comfortable position for long stints; slightly abrupt initial throttle response, app could be better, no riding modes.
Test of the 450SR S (single-sided swingarm, not sold in France): lively, vocal engine, well-spaced gearbox, stable and precise chassis, successful design; rough throttle response, traction control and ABS in need of refinement, narrow handlebars.
Press synthesis
What the world’s press says
No review of the 2026 model year has been published: reviews cover the 2023 launch model, which had no traction control. The average score of 79/100 is calculated from the only two numeric scores, given to that 2023 model: 4/5 from MCN and 15.7/20 from Caradisiac. MOTORRAD, Le Repaire des Motards, MCNews and Rider Magazine (on the US 450SS) tested it without a numeric score; 1000PS tested the 450SR S, which is not sold in France.
What reviewers like: a characterful 270° twin that MOTORRAD rates the most attractive in its class, first-rate finish according to Caradisiac and MCN, great stability, convincing Brembo braking and polished styling. MCN considers it has “blown the competition out of the water”, MCNews that it can go toe to toe with the Japanese.
What they criticise: abrupt initial throttle response (MCN, MOTORRAD, Rider Magazine, 1000PS), unconvincing stock CST tyres (MCN, MCNews), a slightly soft shock and a narrow screen (Le Repaire des Motards), slightly high weight (MOTORRAD) and a tight fit for tall riders (Caradisiac). MCN also notes a price on a par with Japanese rivals.
Key quotes
"CFMoto 450SR has transcended to the next level. The Chinese manufacturer’s second attempt at an A2 sportsbike has pretty much blown the competition out of the water, by being classy, stylish and extremely refined."
"Let's stick our necks out: the most attractive 48 hp engine for young riders right now is probably the one in the CFMoto 450 SR."
"… the CFMoto 450SR shows that the MT-07's winning formula (270° twin included) can be adapted to other recipes while remaining hugely appealing."
"Fast and stylish, appealing on the move, the CFMoto 450 SR is a new celestial object worth studying closely. This glowing sporting star is not one to let slip away."
"Here’s their first bike that feels like it can genuinely go toe to toe with the Japanese competitors."
"The parallel-Twin is impressively responsive, the Brembo front brake provides much better braking, and the dimensions are more comfortable for longer stints in the saddle."
Pros
- Characterful 270° twin
- Polished finish and styling
- Convincing Brembo brake
- Great stability
- Rich equipment for the price (TFT, traction control, slipper clutch)
Cons
- Abrupt initial throttle response
- Unconvincing stock CST tyres
- 179 kg wet
- No riding modes or quickshifter
- Oil change every 5,000 km
- Only a 2-year warranty
Our review
Which 450SR in France, and at what price?
CFMOTO France sells a single version, the 450SR, at a list price of €6,499, in Nebula Black or Nebula White. A €500 discount brought it down to €5,999 from 1 August to 30 September 2026. The 450SR S, with a single-sided swingarm and an underbody exhaust, is not offered in France. In the United States the bike is called the 450SS; the 2027 450SS is announced there at $5,199.
Launched in Europe in 2023, the 450SR is the brand’s first twin-cylinder sports bike. Traction control is standard; according to the Benelux importer, it arrived with the 2025 model year.
How good is the engine?
The 449 cc parallel twin has a 270° crank, like the Yamaha MT-07’s, and twin balance shafts. It makes 47.5 hp (35 kW) at 10,000 rpm and 39 Nm at 7,600 rpm according to CFMOTO France, making it A2-compliant without restriction. The 2023-2024 owner’s manual gave 34.5 kW and 39.9 Nm at 7,750 rpm. Top speed is 180 km/h.
Reviewers see it as the bike’s main asset. MOTORRAD considers it the most attractive 48 hp engine for young riders, with V-twin character. MCNews finds it linear and eager, Le Repaire des Motards full of character at high revs. The throttle is cable-operated: MCN, MOTORRAD and Rider Magazine note an abrupt response or a jolt when picking up the throttle, and Caradisiac too much free play.
How does it ride?
The 450SR weighs 179 kg wet, with a 14-litre tank. MCN describes an 11 kg chromoly steel tube frame. The 37 mm upside-down fork is non-adjustable according to MCN, with 120 mm of travel; the preload-adjustable linkage shock offers 130 mm. The wheelbase is 1,365 mm and ground clearance 140 mm.
MCN praises a very stable and refined bike, MCNews spot-on handling. Le Repaire des Motards finds the shock a little soft. The brakes pair a 320 mm disc with a radial four-piston Brembo caliper, praised by MCN, MCNews, Rider Magazine and Le Repaire des Motards. The stock CST tyres are judged to offer little feedback by MCN and little grip when cold in the wet by MCNews.
What electronics?
Equipment includes ABS, not optimised for cornering according to the manual, traction control, a slipper clutch and a curved 5-inch TFT screen with navigation projection via the CFMOTO RIDE app. MCN reports switchable ABS; Caradisiac regrets that it cannot simply be switched off for the track. There are no riding modes, no quickshifter and no cruise control. The side winglets generate 2 kg of downforce at 120 km/h according to the Benelux importer. 1000PS, which tested the 450SR S, finds its traction control and ABS still in need of refinement.
Who is it for?
The 450SR targets A2 licence holders who want a real sports bike for everyday use. CFMOTO France quotes a 785 mm seat (795 mm as an option); the 2023-2024 manual and the global website give 795 mm as standard. MOTORRAD speaks of everyday sports-bike ergonomics, Rider Magazine of a position comfortable for long stints. Caradisiac finds it small for tall riders.
Fuel consumption and maintenance
CFMOTO quotes 4.5 L/100 km, giving a range of about 310 km. Rider Magazine recorded 63 US mpg (about 3.7 L/100 km) on the 450SS. The 2023-2024 manual calls for an oil change every 5,000 km or 6 months and a valve clearance check at 40,000 km. The French warranty is 2 years parts and labour.
Recalls
No recall is listed in France or the European Union. In the United States, some 2023 450SS were recalled (NHTSA 24V108000): the T-box telematics unit holder could fail and the unit fall onto the fork.
Specifications
| Displacement | 449 cc |
|---|---|
| Power | 47.5 hp (35 kW) @ 10,000 rpm |
| Torque | 39 Nm @ 7,600 rpm (the 2023-2024 manual gives 39.9 Nm at 7,750 rpm) |
| Weight | 179 kg (wet) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 3.77 |
| Seat height | 785 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 14 L |
| Fuel consumption | 4.5 L/100 km — 105 g/km CO2 (CFMOTO France figure) |
| Maintenance interval | Oil change every 5,000 km or 6 months — Valves: 40,000 km (CFMOTO 2023-2024 owner's manual) |
| Engine type | 270° parallel twin, twin balance shafts, 4-stroke, DOHC, 8 valves, liquid-cooled |
| Cooling | liquide |
| Transmission | 6-speed, chain drive, slipper clutch |
| License | A2 |
| MSRP | €6,499 |
Engine detail
| Bore x stroke | 72 x 55,2 mm |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 11,5:1 |
| Fuel system | Bosch electronic fuel injection, mechanical (cable) throttle |
| Valve train | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Max power RPM | 10000 units.rpm |
| Max torque RPM | 7600 units.rpm |
| Starter | Electric |
| Euro standard | Euro 5+ |
Chassis & running gear
| Frame type | Tubular steel frame (11 kg chromoly steel according to MCN) |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 1365 mm |
| Ground clearance | 140 mm |
| Front suspension | 37 mm upside-down fork (non-adjustable, 120 mm travel according to MCN) |
| Rear suspension | Linkage monoshock (preload-adjustable, 130 mm travel according to MCN) |
| Front brake | Single 320 mm disc, radial Brembo four-piston caliper |
| Rear brake | Single 220 mm disc, single-piston caliper |
| Front tire | 110/70 R17 |
| Rear tire | 150/60 R17 |
| ABS system | ABS (not optimised for cornering according to the owner's manual) |
Performance
| Top speed | 180 km/h |
|---|
Electronics & rider aids
| Traction control | Yes |
|---|---|
| Quickshifter | No |
| Cruise control | No |
| Dashboard | Curved 5-inch colour TFT |
| Connectivity | CFMOTO RIDE app (navigation projection); optional 4G T-box telematics unit depending on the market |
| Other features | Slipper clutch, Shift indicator, Full LED lighting, USB-A and USB-C sockets, Aerodynamic winglets (2 kg of downforce at 120 km/h according to CFMOTO Benelux), Reversible gear shift pattern |
Ergonomics & rider fit
| Riding position | Moderate sports position, suited to everyday use |
|---|---|
| Wind protection | Full fairing, smoked screen |
The 450SR has a moderate sports riding position, suited to everyday use according to MOTORRAD, and Rider Magazine finds it comfortable on long stints. CFMOTO France quotes a 785 mm standard seat and a 795 mm high seat as an option; the 2023-2024 manual and the global website give 795 mm as standard. The levers are span-adjustable. Le Repaire des Motards finds the screen narrow and the position not sporty enough on track, and Caradisiac finds the bike small for tall riders.
Ownership & maintenance
≈ 3.7 L/100 km (63 US mpg recorded by Rider Magazine on the 450SS, the US version)
L/100km
Real-world consumption
~~310 km (calculated from CFMOTO's figure: 14 L tank / 4.5 L/100 km)
km
Estimated range
| Oil change | every 5,000 km or every 6 months |
|---|---|
| Valve check | every 40,000 km |
| Coolant change | every 35,000 km |
| Spark plugs | every 10,000 km |
| Chain | Lubricate every 600 km; tension checked every 1,000 km; chain and sprocket wear checked every 10,000 km or 12 months |
Warranty
2 years
The only owner’s manual available is for the 2023-2024 450SR. It calls for an oil and filter change at 1,000 km, then every 5,000 km or 6 months, a short interval for the class. Spark plugs are replaced every 10,000 km, the air filter every 20,000 km or 24 months, coolant every 35,000 km or 24 months and brake fluid every 24 months. Valve clearance is checked at 40,000 km. The chain is lubricated every 600 km. Under severe use (track), the manual asks for intervals to be halved. CFMOTO France’s warranty is 2 years parts and labour.
Direct competitors
Compare →| Model | MSRP | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| CFMoto 450SR | €6,499 | 47.5 hp (35 kW) @ 10,000 rpm | 179 kg (wet) |
| Kawasaki Ninja 5002027 | €6,599 | 45 hp | 171 kg (wet) |
| Honda CBR500R2026 | €6,799 | 47.5 hp | 191 kg (kerb) |
| Yamaha R32026 | €6,999 | 42 hp | 169 kg (wet) |
| Aprilia RS 4572026 | €7,300 | 47.6 hp | 175 kg (kerb) |
Available colors
Manufacturer recalls
No known recalls for this model.