Motorcycle specifications CFMOTO450 CL-C 2025 Mini bobber, maxi pleasure?

The custom market for A2 license holders is rather dynamic (at least in its proposals), whereas manufacturers tend to shun it for larger-displacement models. It has to be said that when you've only got forty or so horsepower, cruising is just the thing ... So CF Moto is stepping into the breach, once again trying to shake up the established order. The Chinese manufacturer is clearly targeting benchmarks such as the Honda CMX 500 Rebel or the Kawasaki Eliminator 500.

custom: it's all in the mouth

The 450CL-C eschews the chrome-clad custom look for a more modern style. With its big 130/90 front and 150/80 rear tires (but small 16-inch wheels), this little custom apes the "Bobber" style, which I tend to describe as a bit of a joke. A custom, yes, but a fun custom. The frame, engine and inverted fork (37 mm in diameter) are all in black.

For the die-hard, the bike is also available with a black tank paint (12 L), but I find that the red/white biton version is the one that sublimates the bike's style. The front end stands out even more, especially the small LED headlight (like all the lighting). Behind this is a round, curved 3.6" TFT display. In addition to displaying traditional functions (speed, fuel, etc.), via the connectivity offered, it can also project navigation (so you can leave your phone in your pocket).

When it comes to connectivity, CF Moto goes one step further with its "T-box" technology, which enables OTA and MotoPlay updates. It also manages security and anti-theft functions, track recording and real-time display of motorcycle information via the CFMOTO RIDE application.

If you take a look around, you'll see that CF Moto has gone the extra mile when it comes to finishing touches: leather seat with red stitching (seat height 705 mm), engraved and polished fuel filler cap, polished engine fins, stylized crankcases, wheels with spokes - it's clean, it's beautiful, it's clearly not a cheap bike. No fewer than 36 parts are made of metal on this custom bike, including the front mudguard. This is reflected in the bike's weight, which stands at 183 kg (unladen).

to complete the styling, CF Moto offers a number of optional accessories, including a windshield, sissy bar, panniers and engine mount. A USB port comes as standard.

ABS, traction control, radial braking... modern custom

The engine powering this 450CL-C was originally designed for a sports bike, the 450 SR. Here, power has been slightly reduced by a few horsepower (-4 for a maximum power of 43.5 hp (32.5 kW) at 8,000 rpm) to obtain more torque. It offers 42 Nm at 6,250 rpm for greater engine availability, in keeping with the cruiser spirit. Engine filling is enhanced by the modern design of the parallel-twin engine with 270° crankshaft timing. The double balancer shaft eliminates vibrations.

the engine benefits from a number of driving aids, including traction control and a limited-slip clutch for the 6-speed gearbox. Approved fuel consumption is 4.5 l/100 km, enough for 200 km before the reserve.
In keeping with the custom spirit, the belt drive simplifies daily maintenance.

In the past, we used to think that a custom bike was more about its weight than its brakes, but that's not the case here. The front brakes are impressive, with a 320 mm disc bitten by a four-piston radial-mount caliper. To avoid slipping, the brakes are monitored by an ABS unit. Rear braking is via a single 220 mm disc.

Existence, the biggest challenge

Priced at 6,290 euros, this custom will have to rely on its attractiveness and the care given to its design and details to compete in a crowded A2 market. Indeed, while CF Moto is usually quite aggressive on price, here the 450CL-C is barely less expensive than the competition, even if its richer equipment sets it apart.

Vincent Beaucousin - Manufacturer's photos