Motorcycle specifications CFMOTO450 SR 2023 War is declared!

CF Moto intends to exploit its MotoGP presence in the Moto3 class to develop a range of sports bikes. The first foray into this market was a magnificent concept presented at EICMA in 2021 in the form of the SR-C21. The 450 SR is the culmination of this project, with an A2 sportsbike that has established itself as the best price/performance ratio on the market, even before its release! What weapons does it have to destabilize the KTM RC 390 or the discreet CBR 500 R?

Bold design!

at CF Moto, we know how to design motorcycles. The Chinese manufacturer believes that recognition will come (in part) through this. The design office is given carte blanche every time to bring out a motorcycle that must be both beautiful and technological in appearance. The 450 SR bombshell has all the trappings of a great motorcycle, since its design was also dictated by aerodynamic needs, according to the brand's press release. No less than 30 hours of wind-tunnel testing sculpted the bike's lines. The front end is worthy of a fighter jet, with a highly tapered fork head plunging forward. The fairings seem to dance along the frame, culminating in a relatively minimalist seat shell. The seat height is 785 mm (although CF Moto offers a 795 mm version as an option). Moustaches and fairing spoilers are all present, and should convey the machine's sporty character. Here's a young licensee looking at this bike like a teenager opening his first Playboy. .

but there's more. The lighting plays the style card to the hilt. With full LED technology, CF Moto has given the bike a strong identity with its daytime running lights. Some might see them as headlight eyebrows, others as the horns of Beelzebub! In semi-darkness, the bike is spectacular. Once inside the bubble, the rider's eyes will discover a 5-inch TFT color display. It displays all the information you need: generous rev counter, easy-to-read speedometer in the middle, fuel gauge and engine temperature on the sides, plus a gear indicator. It also offers relative connectivity to your devices (GPS or phone) via a Bluetooth link and USB port. The screen's functions are controlled by a multi-directional pad on the left-hand commodo.

While we're on the subject of the cockpit, I'll let you admire the splendidly sculpted and hollowed-out upper fork crown in the photos. For those who are still laughing at Chinese bikes, take a look at the one on your Japanese bike... The half-handlebars are positioned below the fork crown, proof (if any were needed) that the 450 SR is built to fight. With the optional racing pack, the cockpit is further enhanced by the addition of adjustable articulated levers and beautifully crafted aluminum lever guards at the end of the handlebars.

Engine: a real firecracker

cF Moto hasn't done things by halves on the engine front either. The block is entirely new, with modern architecture (270° timing) and no fewer than 180 patents. CF Moto has spared no expense to offer you the best at this displacement level. This is reflected in the figures, with power of 47.5 hp (35 kW) at 10,000 rpm and torque of 39 Nm at 7,600 rpm. But it also translates technically. To achieve such values, the Chinese manufacturer has given its engine the best parts: split connecting rods (lightened) for racy revs, a double balancer (to limit vibrations), an aluminum cylinder block with ceramic treatment of the combustion chambers. These chambers are home to forged pistons. The engine's magnesium cylinder-head cover makes it look like a competition machine's datasheet. Needless to say, the 6-speed gearbox features an anti-dribble clutch?

cF Moto claims that its 450 accelerates from 0 to 100 in 4.8 seconds (values close to those of some 600 cm3 models) and that Vmax is close to 200 km/h. In reality, a fully powered Aprilia 660 RS does the same in 3.9 seconds. Not a ridiculous 450 SR, but not quite on the same planet. To channel the engine's fiery energy, the rider is equipped with traction control.

Ad-hoc chassis

The boiler is housed in a very compact tubular steel frame with a wheelbase of just 1,365 mm. The steering column angle is a tight 24.5°. The bike should therefore be lively when cornering. The swingarm is made of banana-type aluminum. Suspension is by Kayaba. The 37 mm fork offers 120 mm of travel, but is unadjustable. The preload-adjustable shock offers 130 mm of travel.

the brakes are Brembo, with a radial-mount 4-piston front caliper. The single front disc measures 320 mm in diameter, while the rear disc is 220 mm. A Bosch control unit monitors ABS interventions.

the 17" wheels are fitted with CST Adreno tires (Asian equipment manufacturer). More sporty, European references would have been appreciated on a machine dedicated to performance, but this is undoubtedly a choice to limit price inflation.

while we're on the subject of inflation, at 179 kg, the 450 SR is heavier than a Yamaha R3 or KTM RC 390 but lighter than a Honda CBR 500 R.

The cheapest on the market

despite values that none of its rivals can match in terms of power or torque, the 450 SR is on average 1,000 euros less expensive than the competition. Priced at 6,490 euros and available in two colors (black or white) with a 2-year warranty, young sport enthusiast drivers will have to take a closer look at the Chinese model before making their choice.

Vincent Beaucousin - Manufacturer's photos