Motorcycle specifications CFMOTO450 NK 2024 Objective first motorcycle

CF Moto continues its offensive in the A2 segment. After developing a base model for its 450 SR sports bike, the Chinese manufacturer is going to offer several models: custom, roadster and a more exclusive single-arm sports bike. Today, it's the roadster that interests us. It's aimed at a young clientele, and Europe is opening its arms to it.

NK: manga roadster

To design their motorcycle, the Chinese drew their inspiration from their big sister, the 800 NK. The 450 takes its cues from the NK, and the two bikes are immediately associated as siblings. But if you look at the same lines, you'll see that CF Moto hasn't reused anything from its big sister. Here, every part is unique: minimalist fork head with full LED light, fuel tank (14 L), rear shell, saddle - there's no question of cutting corners on a grand scale. The Chinese manufacturer has the means to make each bike original.

Once again, if you like style, it's harmonious, well-made and well-fitted. CF Moto is becoming accustomed to good quality assembly and finish. It's impossible to criticize the bike's appearance, which is anything but down-market. In fact, just take a look at the control panel: the 5-inch TFT color screen, with USB-A and C ports, rivals the Japanese stars such as the Kawasaki Z500 SE (which actually measures 450 cm3 like the 450 NK). For the time being, this display is not available in French, so you'll need to master English to read and understand all the functions on offer, such as the Bluetooth link with your smartphone.

Note that there is a 4-button control on the left-hand commodo of the handlebars to operate the display and interact with the functions offered. There are no engine maps for steering, but the 450 NK is equipped with traction control (disconnectable).

Chassis: up to market standards

CF Moto has chosen a tubular steel frame as the technical basis for the 450 NK. This solution is found on almost all A2 roadsters. The bike is rather compact, with a wheelbase of 1365 mm, which should give it a certain liveliness. Its claimed dry weight is 165 kg. Seat height is 795 mm, and ground clearance is a generous 192 mm.

Kayaba has been entrusted with the suspension around this frame. At the front, a 37 mm inverted fork provides the ground connection. This is backed up by a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear. The 17-inch wheels are fitted with CST tires (Chinese equipment manufacturers), 110 at the front and 150 at the rear. Braking is entrusted to J.Juan, with a single disc at the front, albeit a generous 320 mm. It's bitten by a 4-piston radial-mount caliper. The rear disc is 220 mm with a floating caliper. The whole system is controlled by an ABS unit.

Engine: energy to spare

The heart of this little roadster is not necessarily something to smile about, nor is it anything to be ashamed of in the face of the competition. The vertical twin-cylinder engine (270° stroke, like a certain Yamaha MT-07) delivers 47.5 hp (35 kW) at 10,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 39 N.m at 7,600 rpm. The engine also features a double balance beam to limit vibrations.

Powered in this way, the 450 NK is sure to be a thrill to ride. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The throttle is operated by a cable grip. The clutch is equipped with an anti-dribble device to reduce torque feedback to the gearbox and eliminate rear-wheel lock-up on downshifts. Bosch fuel injection takes care of engine combustion and fuel management. CF Moto claims an average approved fuel consumption of 4.5 L/100km.

The competition laughs yellow

Japanese models such as the Honda 500 CB Hornet and Kawasaki Z500-SE are in a state of panic. Except for the name, CF Moto's 450 NK has nothing to envy them. With its looks, power and equipment, this Chinese roadster is ready to shake things up like a bowling ball on the track.

To achieve this, the 450 NK can also count on a price of 5,790 euros (with 2-year warranty), which makes it one of the most affordable A2 roadsters in its class, when the competition is almost invariably priced at over 6,000 or even 6,500 euros.

The roadster is also available in 3 attractive colors. The hardest part will be choosing!
Price (excluding special offers) €5,790, 2-year warranty.
3 colors: zephyr blue (CF Moto's signature) / nebula white / nebula black
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Vincent Beaucousin - Manufacturer's photos