Holloway ratings
Four separate scores, not one blended number, so you can see what's actually driving it.
Beginner friendliness
5/5
Technical off-road capability
4/5
Green-lane suitability
4/5
Full specs
Price (new, OTR)£5,699
Engine449cc
Power42hp
Torque42Nm
Weight (wet)175kg
Seat height800mm
Fuel tank17.5L
Real-world range~275 mi
Economy~70 mpg
Wheels (f/r)21" / 18"
Ground clearance220mm
Suspension travel (f/r)200mm / 200mm
ABSYes
Traction controlYes
Ride modesYes
Service interval5,000 miles
Licence requiredA2
What we actually found
Owners report that the 450MT punches well above its price tag, with many calling it a mini-Ténéré. Riders praise the characterful 270-degree twin, spacious standing ergonomics, fully adjustable KYB suspension, and dedicated off-road switchgear. While owners love its trail manners and out-of-the-box protection, they note that at roughly 175-190kg wet (real sources vary), it is noticeably heavier to pick up than a 250/300 single.
Pros for green laning
- Trail-focused wheel sizes: 21-inch front and 18-inch rear tubeless cross-spoked wheels allow the use of proper enduro tyres and easy puncture plug repairs.
- Fully adjustable KYB suspension: offers 200mm of travel at both ends and 220mm of ground clearance, soaking up bumps and ruts effectively.
- Dedicated off-road switchgear: dedicated handlebar buttons enable immediate disabling of rear ABS and traction control on the fly without menu digging.
- Factory-fitted trail components: comes equipped with folding mirrors, wide off-road footpegs, wraparound handguards, and an aluminium bash plate out of the crate.
Cons and limitations
- Noticeable weight for a 450: at roughly 175kg wet, it is heavier than a dedicated 300cc single-cylinder dual-sport, though real sources vary 166-195kg depending on measurement standard.
- High centre of gravity: the 17.5-litre fuel tank sits high and wide, making the bike feel heavy when balancing at low walking speeds.
- Moderate highway punch: 42hp/42Nm output is sufficient for A-roads, but high-speed dual-carriageway cruising can feel buzzy when geared down for trails.
- OEM tyres require replacement: stock tyres are hard-pack oriented and clog rapidly in wet UK mud and clay.
Before taking it seriously off-road: A proper off-road tyre if you're planning genuinely technical terrain rather than gravel and hardpack, and it's worth finding a local dealer or specialist who already knows the bike before you need a service or a part in a hurry.
Sources: MCN 2024 CFMOTO 450MT review, Bike Rider Magazine (NZ) CFMoto 450MT review.
Remember: a rank here assumes reasonable stock tyres and a competent rider in decent conditions. The right tyres, or the wrong weather, can move a lane from easy to genuinely hard regardless of what bike you're on. Check a lane's own difficulty and hazards on the map before you go, don't rely on a bike score alone.
Find where to actually ride it
Browse legal green lanes and byways across England and Wales, filtered by difficulty, on Holloway's map.
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