CFMoto 450 NK Review: When Budget Meets Genuine Thrills

I used to think budget motorcycles meant compromise. Cheap plastics that rattle, engines that wheeze past 8,000 rpm, and the kind of character you’d expect from a food processor. Then I bought a 2023 CFMoto 450 NK, and it changed everything I thought I knew about affordable performance bikes.

What drew me to the 450 NK wasn’t the price tag, though at around ₱272,800, it’s hard to ignore. It was the promise of something different a 449cc parallel-twin with a 270-degree crankshaft that supposedly sounded like Yamaha’s R7 crossplane engine. A Chinese bike trying to sound like a high-revving Japanese screamer? I had to hear it for myself.

After two months of ownership on my 2023 model, I can tell you this: the CFMoto 450 NK is not perfect. The seat will test your relationship with your partner. The finish isn’t Honda-level. But when you twist that throttle and hear that engine roar to life, none of that matters. This bike has soul.

The Sound: Not What You’d Expect

A symphony of 270 degrees

The first time I fired up the 450 NK, I actually looked around to make sure the sound was coming from my bike. That 270-degree crankshaft isn’t marketing fluff it completely transforms the character of this parallel-twin engine. Instead of the typical buzzy, monotone drone you’d expect from a budget twin, the NK delivers a throaty, irregular beat that sounds remarkably similar to Yamaha’s crossplane R7.

The exhaust note has what I can only describe as “character.” It’s fruity, spicy, and demands to be revved. At low rpm, it rumbles like it means business. Past 5,000 rpm, it starts to sing. By the time you’re approaching the 9,500 rpm power peak, it’s screaming in a way that makes you forget you’re riding a budget bike.

The dual counterbalancers do their job brilliantly. Even when you’re wringing it out through the rev range, the bike remains surprisingly smooth and vibe-free. There’s none of that numbing vibration you get from cheaper parallel twins, no tingling hands after an hour of riding. It’s a refined experience wrapped in an aggressive soundtrack.

First Impressions: Light and Approachable

Perfect for shorter riders

At 5’3″, I’ve struggled with bike ergonomics my entire riding life. Sport bikes leave me on my tiptoes. Adventure bikes turn me into a circus performer at stoplights. The 450 NK? I can flat-foot both feet comfortably.

The 795mm (31.3-inch) seat height is genuinely low, and the narrow tank and footpeg position make the bike feel even more compact than the numbers suggest. At just 165 kg (364 lb) wet, the NK feels light and manageable from the moment you walk it out of the garage.

The low center of gravity means the bike doesn’t feel top-heavy at stoplights. You’re not fighting the weight; you’re working with it. For newer riders or anyone who’s been intimidated by taller bikes, this is a confidence builder from day one.

The ergonomics are spot-on for urban riding and spirited canyon runs. The upright bars give you a commanding view of the road ahead, the footpegs are positioned for all-day comfort, and the controls fall naturally to hand. Everything about the riding position says “relax and have fun.”

Build Quality: Better Than Expected

Opening the garage every morning, I’m reminded that CFMoto isn’t cutting corners where it counts. The trellis frame is exposed and painted in a matte black that’s held up well over two months. The aluminum swingarm looks like it belongs on a bike twice the price. The LED lights headlight, taillight, and turn signals are modern and bright.

Sure, there are tell-tale signs of budget engineering if you look closely. Some plastics aren’t quite as thick as Japanese equivalents, a few fasteners could be higher quality, and the paint finish isn’t showroom perfect. But I’m splitting hairs here. For the money, the build quality is more than acceptable.

The KYB 37mm inverted fork up front is non-adjustable but provides good damping for street riding. The multi-link rear suspension has preload adjustment, which is all most riders will need. I’ve ridden through potholes, speed bumps, and uneven pavement, and the suspension has never felt overwhelmed or cheap.

Engine Performance: More Than Just Sound

Acceleration that surprises

The 449cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin makes 50 horsepower at 9,500 rpm and 28.8 lb-ft of torque at 7,600 rpm. On paper, those numbers don’t sound particularly impressive. In practice? This engine is an absolute riot.

The 270-degree crank gives the engine a torquey, V-twin-like character throughout the rev range. Torque builds early and holds steady, providing strong midrange pull that makes city riding and overtaking effortless. You’re not constantly searching for the powerband; it’s always right there, ready to go.

The bike will sprint from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in about 4.9 to 6.1 seconds depending on conditions and rider weight. That’s quick enough to surprise unsuspecting riders at stoplights and more than adequate for highway merging and passing. Top speed sits around 178-180 km/h (110-112 mph), though I’ve never felt the need to explore those limits.

What impresses me most is how the engine delivers power. The Bosch EFI system provides crisp throttle response once you’re rolling, though there’s a bit of low-speed jerkiness when transitioning from closed to open throttle. The slip-assist clutch makes gear changes light and easy, and the 6-speed gearbox, while a touch clunky, gets the job done without drama.

Tech and Features: No Subscriptions, Just Riding

The digital command center

The 5-inch full-color TFT display is sharp, modern, and easy to read in all lighting conditions. It syncs to your smartphone via Bluetooth using CFMoto’s free RideSync app, which provides navigation, ride analytics, vehicle tracking, and a self-check diagnostic tool.

Here’s what sets CFMoto apart: there are no subscription fees, no hidden costs, no paywalls. You buy the bike, download the app, and you’re done. Navigation, ride data tracking, vehicle diagnostics it’s all included. Compare that to some manufacturers who charge monthly fees for basic connectivity, and the value becomes even clearer.

The RideSync app logs everything fuel level, mileage, top speeds, braking patterns so you can track your riding progress and plan maintenance. The vehicle tracking feature even helps you locate your bike if it’s stolen. For a budget bike, the tech package punches well above its weight class.

Standard safety features include dual-channel ABS and switchable traction control. The ABS is a generation behind the latest systems and can feel a bit abrupt, but it works. The traction control is more of a safety net than a performance tool, but it’s reassuring to have on wet roads.

The Seat: Where Dreams Go to Die

Let’s talk about comfort

For me as the rider, long rides become uncomfortable after about an hour. The padding is firm too firm and the seat shape puts pressure in all the wrong places. How do I put this delicately? It hurts in my eggs. After a two-hour ride, I’m standing on the pegs every chance I get just to give myself a break.

For my girlfriend on the back? She sums it up perfectly in three words: “Tiis ganda.” It’s a Filipino phrase that roughly translates to “endure the pain for beauty” or “suffer for style.” The pillion seat is small, firm, and angled in a way that makes long rides an exercise in patience. She’s a trooper, but after 30 minutes, she’s ready to get off.

CFMoto does offer a taller, more comfortable seat as an accessory, which I’m seriously considering. Until then, frequent stops are mandatory on longer rides. It’s the bike’s most glaring weakness, and one that’s hard to overlook if you do a lot of two-up riding.

Value Proposition: Unbeatable at This Price

What you get for ₱272,800

At around ₱272,800, the CFMoto 450 NK offers features and performance that would cost significantly more from established Japanese or European brands. You get a 449cc parallel-twin with 270-degree crank, a modern TFT display with full connectivity, LED lighting, dual-channel ABS, traction control, and a chassis that’s genuinely fun to ride.

Compare that to competitors in the same price range, and the value becomes clear. A Kawasaki Ninja 400 or Yamaha R3 will cost more and deliver less character. A KTM 390 Duke offers similar performance but commands a higher price and doesn’t include the same level of standard equipment.

The 2-year unlimited mileage warranty provides peace of mind, and CFMoto’s growing dealer network means parts and service are becoming more accessible. I haven’t had any major issues in two months of ownership just regular maintenance and one recall for a minor software update.

CFMoto 450 NK Specifications

Disclaimer: This review is based on the author’s personal experience with a 2023 model CFMoto 450 NK in the Philippines. Prices and specifications may vary by market and are current as of 2024.