unstressed with an 11.5:1 compression ratio . Nobody has mentioned an engine tie-up with KTM , but the engine has an undeniable look to it . Considering CFMOTO makes some engines for KTM , it would seem this could be the 450 engine KTM was slated to be bringing out a few years ago , but shelved for whatever reason . Service intervals for the 450 are every 5000km for engine oil and filter , and 5000km for the air filter ( although if used in dusty off-road conditions - typical of our gravel roads - that interval is halved to 2500km ). CFMOTO NZ said they were hoping to source washable foam filters to supply owners at point of sale - if that happens it ’ ll be a great upgrade for anyone who ’ s planning on touring our gravel road network with friends .
RIDING First impressions are of a comfy seat and low seat height that makes it easy to flat-foot . There ’ s an optional lower seat available , but the seat can be dropped further by undoing the lower suspension linkage / shock bolt and putting it through the next hole - you don ’ t even need to buy a lowering linkage – as many riders do on taller adventure machines . There ’ s a decent bar bend , sturdy lever / barend protection and span-adjustable clutch and front brake levers , something not seen on some bikes above this price point , let along at this price point . The mirrors can be folded inwards for riding in bush conditions and the screen is manually adjustable by 60mm , just by turning a dial on the dash . I preferred it set in the highest position , whereas Ray Heron ( our video and socials guru ) preferred it set in the lowest . We were both wearing the same Arai Tour-X5 helmets , showing that it really is personal preference when it comes to this kind of thing . The riding position feels familiar and ‘ easy ’. Just mucking around in carpark I could feel the bike ’ s weight is low and exceptionally balanced . It wasn ’ t long before I could do full-lock turns and figure of eights , while we waited to head off . The clutch action is very light , which helps low speed control , although it ’ s almost on the verge
of being too light for feeling the clutch bite / engagement point . The engine has a very linear power delivery , pushing out 32.5kW ( 44hp ) of power , peaking at 8250rpm , just before the 8500rpm redline . There ’ s no particular ‘ oomph ’ at any point , just a pickup in go at around 4000rpm , revving through peak torque at 6250rpm and leisurely on to the redline . It ’ s an engine to ride in the low and mid-range . In top gear at 40km / h , it ’ ll pull away – from around 2500rpm - reasonably happily . Sure , it ’ s not a stump-puller , but it ’ ll do it and seems well geared for New Zealand conditions rather than high-speed Euro roads . Traction control works ok once rolling , but , until the TC has counted enough teeth on the ABS rotor , it ’ s easy for the rear to spin sideways when accelerating briskly from a standstill on gravel . It caught me out a couple of times when turning
46 KIWI RIDER