CFMoto 450 CL-C

The 2024 CFMoto 450 CL-C looks handsome from all angles. It’s hugely inspired by British motorcycle design elements and has a striking resemblance to the Triumph Bonneville Bobber, particularly in the build. CFMoto seems to have hit all the rights spots while designing the bike. A low stance, beefy tyres, and a teardrop-style tank with knee indents, all add up to the classic cruiser look. The bike even looks a bit American to appeal to a wider audience. It’s topped by premium bits like the triple-tone livery, bar-end mirrors, and muscular-looking fork sleeves up top. A closer look reveals red stitching on the saddle and a belt drive to forge that authentic cruiser feel. The bike runs on 16-inch wheels at both ends with130/90 and 150/80 in the front and back respectively. The 2024 CFMoto 450 CL-C comes with a decent set of equipment. It gets all-round LED lights including the indicators, dual-channel antilock braking, and single-disc brakes on both wheels. The cockpit consists of a fully digital instrument cluster that comes with smartphone connectivity. The handlebar is wide, almost flat and has a striking resemblance to the Harley-Davidson Fat Bob. The bike’s footrests are forward-set, much like a proper long-distance cruiser. The rough headlight unit conforms to the cruiser look.

Like all cruiser bikes, the 2024 CFMoto C-LC has an upright riding position.  The seat is wide and comfortable and riding fatigue is minimum even while covering a long distance. The wide handlebars are easily reachable. With a weight of just 181kg, the CFMoto C-LC is quite a lightweight bike in its segment. The 690mm seat height and 160mm ground of clearance allow all riders to mount the bike without any difficulty. The suspension system is nicely tuned and pretty much absorbs all the road imperfections. While some of the worst bumps and potholes are felt, these never unsettle the driver. There’s some engine heat though, which isn’t entirely unexpected.

The 2024 CFMoto C-LC is equipped with liquid-cooled, two-cylinder, 450cc engine that produces 45 PS maximum power and 41 Nm peak torque. The motor is mated to a six-speed transmission. It’s not the same powertrain that hauls the popular CFMoto 450SS but a new bored-out unit borrowed from the 400NK. The 2024 CFMoto C-LC not only excels in design and power but impresses with handling as well. The two-wheeler comes with a rear monoshock absorber discreetly integrated behind the exhaust pipe and inverted front forks, ensuring a controlled and balanced ride every time. The 2024 CFMoto C-LC boasts specifications that place the motorcycle in the league of formidable contenders like the Kawasaki Eliminator 400 and the Honda Rebel 500.

The 2024 CFMoto 450 CL-C has disc brakes at both ends. But there’s a radial-mount four-piston calliper brake on the front, grabbing a single 300mm rotor. The wide tyres lend great traction, especially on slippery roads. Though it’s not a sports bike and unlikely to go high-speed, the brakes offer instant bite while the tyres hold the motorcycle firmly on the ground.

At a starting price of ₱289,700, the 2024 CFMoto 450 CL-C is one of the most affordable bikes in its class. It’s easy to handle and returns a nice mileage. There are of course doubts regarding its long-term usability as the company is fairly new compared to the Kawasakis and Hondas. But the CFMoto 450 CL-C will be an attractive option for those hunting for a budget-cruiser.