2023 CFMOTO 450SS Announced For US Market
The 450cc sportbike wings its way Stateside
Today, CFMOTO unveiled its latest sporting entry into the U.S. motorcycle market. The CFMOTO 450SS comes equipped from the manufacturer with many features that belie its $5,499 MSRP. Although information is limited, here is what we know so far.
The 450SS is powered by an all-new 450cc parallel-Twin engine. The counterbalanced Twin features a compact layout, 270° crankshaft, and liquid-cooling. Although not mentioned in the release, we assume the DOHC operate four valves per cylinder. The bore and stroke is 77.0 mm x 55.3 mm, and the compression ratio is 11.5:1. Bosch provides the EFI, and the package produces a claimed crank horsepower of 50hp at 9,500 rpm. A claimed maximum torque of 28.8 lb-ft is available at 7,600 rpm. That power is transferred to the chain final drive via a multi-plate CF-SC slipper clutch and a six-speed transmission. One interesting feature is that the shifting pattern can easily be switched from street to race pattern to suit the rider’s desires.
The Twin is mounted to a chromium-molybdenum alloy steel frame which sports a 37 mm inverted fork and a multi-link rear suspension. With the 17-inch wheels in place, the wheelbase checks in at 53.5 in. With a rake of 24.5° and a trail of 3.74 in., steering should be pretty quick – just the way sport riders like it. The wheels receive 110/70 R17 and 150/60 R17 tires, front and rear.
A close look at the front brake might deliver a surprise in the form of a Brembo M40.32 radially-mounted caliper squeezing a 320 mm floating disk. The sensor ring tucked in the sensor hints at the dual-channel Continental ABS unit employed in the braking system. Rear braking is handled by a single-piston caliper and a 220 mm disc.
The styling is 100% on trend when it comes to sportbikes, with LED lighting all around. The split headlights feature winglets on either side that are said to provide 1.6 times the downforce at elevated speeds. The cockpit is highlighted by a 5-in. full-color TFT display which supports a Bluetooth phone connection. With the CFMOTO app installed on the phone, turn-by-turn directions can be displayed.
Although nothing more specific than Spring 2023 has been announced for the CFMOTO 450SS availability, the price starts at $5,499, and the color options are Nebula Black and Zircon Black. If you’re anxious to see them in person, a nationwide demo truck route, which includes stops at the COTA MotoGP, Americade, Laconia, Revzilla Get On! ADV Fest – Black Hills, Bike Fest Lake of the Ozarks, select MotoAmerica locations, and dealers nationwide.
2023 CFMOTO 450SS Specifications | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $5,499 |
| Engine Type | 450cc liquid-cooled parallel-Twin, DOHC, four valves per cylinder |
| Bore and Stroke | 77.0 mm x 55.2 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 |
| Rear Wheel Horsepower | 50.0 hp @ 9,500 rpm |
| Torque | 28.2 lb-ft @ 7,600 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| Front Suspension | 37 mm inverted fork |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link suspension |
| Front Brake | Brembo M40.32 four-piston, radial-mount caliper, 320 mm disc, Continental ABS |
| Rear Brake | Single-piston caliper 220mm disc |
| Front Tire | 110/70 R17 |
| Rear Tire | 150/60 R17 |
| Rake/Trail | 24.5° / 3.74 in. |
| Wheelbase | 53.5 in. |
| Seat Height | 31 in. |
| Curb Weight (Claimed) | 370 lbs. |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.8 gal. |
| Colors | Nebula Black, Zircon Black |
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Like most of the best happenings in his life, Evans stumbled into his motojournalism career. While on his way to a planned life in academia, he applied for a job at a motorcycle magazine, thinking he’d get the opportunity to write some freelance articles. Instead, he was offered a full-time job in which he discovered he could actually get paid to ride other people’s motorcycles – and he’s never looked back. Over the 25 years he’s been in the motorcycle industry, Evans has written two books, 101 Sportbike Performance Projects and How to Modify Your Metric Cruiser, and has ridden just about every production motorcycle manufactured. Evans has a deep love of motorcycles and believes they are a force for good in the world.
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