Riding the CFMoto 450 MT: Our Weapon of Choice
Why we chose the CFMoto 450 MT as the exclusive workhorse for our South African adventure touring fleet.
When we started Akiiki Moto Tours, the biggest decision we had to make was choosing the right motorcycle for our fleet. South Africa throws everything at a rider: buttery smooth coastal tarmac, deep sandy tracks, corrugated gravel highways, and rocky, technical mountain passes.
We needed a unicorn. A bike light enough to pick up easily when dropped in the sand, but powerful enough to cruise comfortably at 120 km/h on the highway.
Enter the CFMoto 450 MT.
The Perfect Middleweight
For years, the adventure bike market was dominated by massive, 1200cc+ behemoths. While incredible machines, taking a 250kg motorcycle fully loaded with luggage through a technical rocky pass like the Ouberg is exhausting, intimidating, and often dangerous for intermediate riders.
The 450 MT flips that script. Weighing in significantly lighter, it feels like a large dirt bike rather than a touring barge.
Power Delivery
The 449cc parallel-twin engine with its 270-degree crank provides incredibly tractable power down low. This is exactly what you need when navigating loose, rocky inclines in the Cederberg. It chugs up hills like a tractor, refusing to stall, but still has enough top-end punch to make the sweeping curves of Chapman’s Peak an absolute joy.
Built for the Dirt
What really sold us were the standard features:
- True Off-Road Wheels: A 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel setup means it rolls over obstacles effortlessly and gives us access to the best off-road tires on the market.
- Switchable ABS: A dedicated button on the handlebars allows you to instantly turn off the rear ABS for proper off-road braking control.
- Adjustable Suspension: KYB suspension that actually handles the harsh washboard roads of the Tankwa without bottoming out.
It is, quite simply, the perfect tool for exploring South Africa. It flatters novice off-road riders and provides endless entertainment for experienced veterans. We couldn’t be happier with our choice.