The 2026 CFMOTO 450MT has arrived at Exhaust Notes Australia. With us on a long term loan for extended testing, it turned up just a few weeks before we were due to head to the launch of the brand’s flagship 1000MT-X in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges.
This writer makes no secret of the fact he prefers tarmac over dirt, but is the first to admit every time he heads off the beaten track, he has a ball. That aside, the low to mid-spec adventure space is red hot at the moment.
The 450MT and Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 rule the roost thanks to sub-$10K pricing and their learner legal status. They provide an accessible entry point into adventure and touring riding for new and experienced riders alike.
They’re not alone though, with Kawasaki’s KLE500 and the soon to arrive F 450 GS from BMW ready for a fight. In the case of this CFMOTO, we’re going to take a good look at the bike itself, as well as some of what’s on offer in terms of adventure gear.
That includes our pants, jacket, boots and hydro pack from Leatt, our trusty Airoh Commander 2 helmet, some Five gloves and the Cardo Pactalk Pro. But first, let’s take a trip back in time to where we were first introduced to the CFMOTO 450MT.
It was mid-2024 when we took to the Victorian High Country in near freezing conditions to test its mettle at 450MT launch. A three day adventure, it took in a wide variety of terrain and varying conditions.
The standard features are pretty impressive and include a fully adjustable KYB front fork, and a rear shock that allows preload and rebound adjustability. In addition, there’s LED lighting, tubeless tyres, a 5.0-inch TFT display, and switchable traction control.
You’ll also find rear wheel ABS deactivation. We remember walking away from that launch being seriously impressed with how capable the 450MT was, alongside the bike’s durability (and the cost of parts after a few ended up on their sides).
A colour refresh at the start of 2026 is the only change from that machine, which essentially means our test mule is identical to the bike we punished at the launch. With that in mind, it was time to reacquaint ourselves with the 450MT.
And what better way to do that than meeting up with a few mates and exploring the foothills of the Blue Mountains in NSW. Living on the Central Coast, the freeway ride quickly reminded me of the character of the 449cc parallel twin.
It produces 32.5kW and 44Nm, which will have the 450MT cruising at highway speeds comfortably at around 6,500rpm mark. It’s the same powerplant that features in the brand’s other 450 offerings, and the exhaust exhales a pleasant thumpy note.
Power is delivered nicely across the rev range, with just a hint of hunting in the bottom end. The manually adjustable windscreen is easy to use on the fly and provides reasonable head protection.
Ergonomically, the 450MT feels good, and there is a nice, relaxed rider triangle. It doesn’t feel like a small to mid-capacity motorcycle either. Soon enough, we were in the dirt, and I was finding my way again.
The CFMOTO feels familiar, manageable and grows with you as your confidence increases. We tackled water crossings, fire trails, some rocky terrain and some steep inclines, and it stood up for itself on all of them.
The lack of a quick shifter would ensure my focus was on clutch control, but at no point did I ever feel overwhelmed or threatened by the 450MT. Although I had to work the motor and gearbox a little, it was easy to ride and navigate the terrain.
After a good day of off-road shenanigans, it was time to hit the freeway and head home, enjoying a couple of scenic twisty roads for good measure. Although wearing the standard knobby tyres, the 450MT still ate up the corners.
It’s a reminder of how capable it is as a mid-capacity touring bike too. We’re now mapping out the next leg of our journey with the 450MT. Our mission is to hit some tracks around our local area before we embark on a few upgrades for our long-term steed.
Stay tuned for more, obviously. For those interested, the 2026 CFMOTO 450MT is available in Zephyr Blue (as tested) and Nebula Black. Pricing starts from $9,990 ride away, and it’s backed by a 3-year factory warranty.
To find out more about the 2026 450MT, you can visit the CFMOTO Australia website, or talk to your local dealership.
Our test bike was provided by CFMOTO Australia for independent review purposes. Exhaust Notes Australia has not been paid to review this motorcycle.
