Online bloggers have been pontificating on the need for a 450cc , or thereabouts , twin adventure bike with a 21 / 18-inch wheel set-up for the last several years . Of course , most major manufacturers have said ‘ No , don ’ t be silly , have this single thumper 19 / 17-inch set-up instead ....’ Well , let ’ s see what happens now , eh ? So , well done CFMOTO . Here ’ s a bike pitched clearly at those online Bloggers , at new adventurers wanting something well-priced and less threatening than the 700cc-plus offerings , experienced ( read , grey of hair ) adventurers wanting an easier ride and those of all ages just wanting to have a good , fun , do-anything

motorcycle - whether adventuring , commuting or weekend playing . First impressions are that the 450MT looks the part . Styling is on trend with obvious Rally inspiration and fit and finish and build quality looks top-level . Fire it up and you can ’ t help but be impressed by the wonderful burble created by the 270-degree crank set-up - you ’ d swear it was a 650 you ’ ve just started ! It ’ s a revvy little engine too , with just shy of 6k revs showing when travelling at 100km / h , but there ’ s no vibes and it ’ s certainly torquey – I ran it from 50-100km / h in 6th gear without any fuss or chain chatter . It sometimes felt like a 7th gear was needed , but you could investigate gearing it up a bit as 1st gear is quite low and I don ’ t think you ’ d effect low speed offroad riding too much . Speaking of 1st gear , my only quibble would be with the throttle sensitivity at low speed –

KIWI RIDER 51