Eastern adventurer

With an increasing interest in smaller capacity adventure bikes, the market expands with a new entry

- ADAM 'CHAD' CHILD

CFMOTO 450MT

Back in 1987, the Simpsons was aired for the first time, Disneyland Paris opened, and we were renting films like FULL METAL JACKET on VHS tape from Blockbusters. The thought of a Chinese motorcycle manufacturer back in the late 80s was almost laughable. But CFMOTO has come a long way in the 35 years since its formation. It now employs over 5500 staff, has 3000 dealers worldwide, and this season competes in both Moto2 and Moto3. A Chinese company successfully competing in MotoGP, we would have never guessed back in 1987 when Wayne Gardner became Australia's first-ever 500cc Champion.

The completely new CFMOTO 450MT (for Multi-function Touring) is the company's latest temptation: a 449.5cc adventure bike that is aimed primarily, but not exclusively, at the A2 licence market and sits alongside the well-regarded 650MT, 700MT and 800MT. As ever, the price is hugely competitive, at just £5699 undercutting its closest rival, the established Royal Enfield Himalayan. Furthermore, PCP prices start at just £49 a month with less than a £1000 deposit.

But despite the rock-bottom price, CFMOTO offers big-bike rally styling and a slim, 270-degree crank parallel twin, long-travel multi-adjustable KYB suspension, 220mm of ground clearance, and a dirt-focused 21-inch/18-inch front/rear wheel combination. There's also a 5-inch full-colour dash along with Bosch traction control, dual-channel ABS and an adjustable seat and rally-style screen. That's an impressive and tempting spec sheet considering the aggressive price.

MSL jetted to the small island of El Nido in the Philippines to see where CFMOTO has saved on cost, and if it can be considered a serious adventure bike. Yes, it was a tough job, riding bikes in the Philippines, but our man Chad was up for the challenge of testing mainly on dusty trails and in blistering heat. It turned out to a true adventure for both bike and rider.