April will see CFMOTO’s learner legal 450SR land in Australian dealerships. Priced from a super competitive $7,990 ride away, it will be available in two liveries and backed by a 3-year warranty.
CFMOTO engineers were tasked with elevating the Sports Racing ‘SR’ moniker from being solely associated with fun-orientated, beginner-friendly commuters to encompass track-focussed performance suitable for novices, through to advanced track day riders.
Purposely designed to deliver the performance of a premium super sports motorcycle, the 450SR is set to redefine the segment with its fusion of golden engine displacement, wind tunnel-developed aesthetics, race-derived components, and advanced intelligence.
A completely new compact 450cc parallel-twin cylinder DOHC engine was developed in-house to achieve this. After testing multiple options, the engineers concluded that the 270-degree crankshaft angle offered exciting characteristics.
A double balance shaft for superior power delivery, rider connection and vibration suppression also features. Lightweight forged pistons and split connecting rods were employed to enhance the engine’s responsiveness and improve durability.
An FCC slipper clutch was added to provide a lighter clutch lever pull with a broad engagement range. The ‘slipper’ function aids in keeping the bike steady during sharp downshifts by reducing back-torque, keeping the rear tyre from hopping and locking up.
The 450SR’s exquisite styling was meticulously perfected through extensive aerodynamic wind tunnel testing, which saw more than twenty design optimisations assessed over thirty hours of aero simulations.
The signature split front face line cowling design was carefully sculpted with enlarged grooves to minimise drag losses and encloses a pair of flowing LED headlights with an exclusive lighting animation.
GP racing-derived aerodynamic winglets enhance stability by providing 1.6 times downforce at higher speeds. The front indicators have been integrated within the rear-view mirrors for a streamlined appearance too.
The mirrors also automatically retract upon impact, either by being hit or during a fall, to help avoid additional injury. A performance-orientated motorcycle to the core, it features a high-strength, lightweight chromium-molybdenum alloy steel frame.
Offering superior stability and comfort, with agile handling, it’s paired with a removable subframe, a lightweight swingarm and high-strength aluminium alloy wheels, with a unique 6-spoke design.
A sporty yet not too aggressive riding position allows the rider to efficiently ‘tuck in’ behind the fairing and screen, with their elbows and knees integrating with the fuel tank. The seat features a 45mm thick synthetic leather-wrapped cushion for enhanced comfort too.
The standard 795mm seat height, combined with the seat’s narrow profile, promotes confidence in reaching the ground. Alternative 785mm and 815mm seats are available as well.
Track day enthusiasts will appreciate the 450SR’s ability to change between the standard road-shift pattern and the reverse GP-Shift by simply changing the position of the linkage rod. GP-Shift allows for slightly quicker upshifts and slower, more controlled downshifts.
Both clutch and brake levers feature adjustable span dials, enabling the rider to optimise the distance between the levers and the handlebar for comfort and control. The sports-oriented front and rear suspension deliver exceptional stability and controllability.
Up front, it’s equipped with an inverted front fork that’s lighter and stronger, offering superior compression and rebound damping, and improved support (hold-up) under hard braking. Steering response and feedback to the rider is enhanced for extra confidence.
A rising-rate multi-link system (linkage) connects the rear shock instead of being bolted directly (non-link) to the swing arm providing improved bump absorption and greater control.
A four-piston radially mounted Brembo M40 monobloc calliper with Ø32mm pistons is matched with a single 320mm floating front brake disc, while rear braking duties are taken care of by a single-piston calliper paired with a 220mm disc.
The lightweight, one-piece BOSCH 9.1 Antilock Brake System (ABS) is the same unit found on the 800MT adventure tourer, featuring advanced settings for a more natural braking feel and secure activation.
A 5.0-inch TFT curved display has a wealth of information available at a glance via an easy-to-read layout, including a shift indicator. It’s equipped with CFMOTO’s advanced T-Box system that enables smartphone connection via Bluetooth and the CFMOTO RIDE App.
Through the app, the rider can access an array of features, including navigation; track lap times, ride history and statistics; remote vehicle status, including a fuel indicator; and the ability to conduct over-the-air software updates.
The app also engages with new security features, including movement sensors and vehicle location. You can even set up a virtual electric fence to alert you if the bike moves or is stolen.
Available in Nebula Black with Pearl White and Tosca Green accents or Zircon Black with Velocity Grey and Red accents, the 2023 CFMOTO 450SR can be pre-ordered from dealerships, or online at cfmoto450sr.com.au
A special launch offer will run until April 30, adding more than $650 worth of free genuine CFMOTO 450SR accessories to your motorcycle delivery if you put down a $500 deposit when you order your new bike.
