CF Moto 450 MT - UK Green Lane First Ride - The UNICORN?

[@nathanthepostman]

Just heard these are all sold out in the UK until 2025. Crazy.

[@WiltshireMan]

The review we have ALL been waiting for by the man with the Yellow helmet. A Good motorcycle doesn't need all the commercial hype to sell well, it will sell itself and that's exactly what this bike has done. On my wish list now!

[@colincrewther1798]

Great review, just what I need to know.

[@paulstokes393]

Nathan, for my money, you're THE best reviewer out there. If I were in the market for a new bike, I'd buy one on your recommendation alone 😁

[@alextrianta]

I guess now, seeing the success of the 450mt (here in Greece it hit many records in preorders and there is quite the waiting list for it) many of the known "respected" companies will start coming up with flavors of their own: KTM 390 Adv all new for 2025 (more off road capable) Kawasaki Versys-X 500 (rumored) Aprilia Tuareg 457 (wishful thinking) And who knows what else. Thankfully CFMoto has set the bar high in value. Let's see what the others will do... As always great insight Nathan, Keep up the good work! Cheers from Greece

[@BikesDrones]

Your smile at the end says it all Nathan.

[@MotoGuzziMoto]

You nailed it with "Where is Japan, where is Europe in building this?" Riders have been screaming for a lighter twin adventure bike for years. Well I am not a fan of China's history being copy cats and making truly mind numbing shit quality products. But this is different. Quality is as good as other brands. It's fully featured with surprises like tubeless wheels and flippy mirrors. But what really makes this special is they built something that riders really wanted.

[@metalsadman]

this is almost 100% original from them with inspirations from popular models like the T7 imho

[@MotoGuzziMoto]

@@metalsadman Yeah, I agree. I had meant to emphasize that point.

[@kepa504]

@@metalsadman We must not forget that CF Moto own 49% of KTM so we no its good technology and quality

[@MotoGuzziMoto]

@@kepa504 I wouldn't mention KTM and quality in the same sentence. That the engine resembles the CP2 in many ways and doesn't rattle like a bucket of bolts suggests there is not much KTM in this bike.

[@tribester07]

@@kepa504 It's India based Baja that owns 46.5% of KTM isn't it??, not CFMoto from China.

[@willyd-adv]

I've got nearly 5000km on mine now in New Zealand and have absolutely loved it. Previously on a T7 and a Toureg. I've done two big trips, 1 enduro race and many off road tracks. Only thing I've done to the bike is tyres, barkbusters and high seat (I'm 186cm). I love the low gearing but if I was riding back in the UK (or anywhere you can legally do over 100kph) would go a tooth bigger in the front for highway speeds. Snatchy throttle is resolved with an update. The abs and traction can be turned on and off on the move here. We get the unrestricted MT compared to EU Another thing is I can buy 2 MTs and a new helmet from the price of my old Toureg Oh and change the screen to the round rev cluster, it's way nicer and had more info on it

[@mandreachefai]

How does it compare to the T7, apart from the price difference? A point could be made that the T7 has a lot more power and weighs 'only' an extra 15kgs. I'd love to know if this bike carries its weight differently and how the handling feels different to the T7, in your opinion. I currently own a CRF300L, and I'm considering upgrading, but the weight puts me off a bit. Thanks!

[@BulletBeena]

This kind of bike makes me think of the hubris that the British bike industry had back in the sixties. The big manufacturers may want to take this kind of thing seriously, because history does have a tendency to repeat itself. Even in these comments you see people saying that they will only buy Japanese.....how long will that ring true though if bikes like these start becoming the norm? Look at how perceptions of Indian made bikes have changed in the past ten to fifteen years. Who would have thought that an Indian made bike would constantly be in the top ten best selling bikes in the UK (Interceptor)? I love hearing your thoughts on bikes Nathan - no bullshit as always. You don't see many KZbin reviewers giving their true honest opinions because they either don't want to piss off their supply of free bikes, or they don't want to admit that the bike they bought has flaws. Keep it up mate.

[@skaraborgcraft]

I recall people mocking Datsun and Toyota cars as "Jap crap".......... things evolve, often people take longer.

[@person.X.]

Yes the established manufacturers have become complacent and now they are going to be crucified by the Chinese who have the hunger and ambition to do what it takes to provide buyers with what they actually want at a sensible price.

[@kevinarmstrong478]

Yes I remember in the 70s sometime after the birds and the bees talk my dad told me about “Jap Crap” and how only the British make “real” motorbikes. Well he was right about the birds and the bees I guess!

[@jerzywoking1699]

The Chinese have been trying to gain a foothold in the EU market for at least 25 years. Enfield really made the effort in 2018 with the Himalayan, then the 650, and had two winning bikes. Then came the surge in sales with the 350's. They are going from strength to strength. CFMoto won't fail because of the company behind them. And don't forget their teams in Moto3 and Moto2-how much has that cost to get their name out there?

[@NickBurman]

People whine that they will only buy Japanese or European, forgetting that their precious "Japanese" or "European" bikes are in fact mostly Chinese these days, at least at component level.

[@michaelhayward7572]

I cannot believe this channel does not have 50, let alone100k subs. On another level compared to some of the other dross out there. Kudos Nathan !

[@markrobinson2648]

Nathan, you're the only person on you tube that would cause me to buy a bike based solely on your review/opinion without me even trying it.

[@planefrog]

Wow. So there it is, the unicorn. Explained in such a way that we know exactly what we're getting. Many thanks !

[@peakrider4886]

Classic Mr Millward! Brand new bike, virtually fresh out of the crate, first thing you do, bang it up the steepest, knarliest, rocky uphill trail you can find! And then through water filled gullies and overgrown single tracks. A modern day unicorn indeed, worthy of succeeding the likes of the DR650, DRZ400, Honda XR’s, KLR’s, and the Himalayan 411. This is the new baseline for the dual sport market. Time to step up Japan? Let’s hope so.

[@Bannister99]

Currently waiting for delivery…..Made the risky decision from all the positive reviews. So glad you like it considering you have all the bikes I was considering too 😀

[@gilbyseventy5]

So tempted to place a deposit for one. How long have you been waiting?

[@Bannister99]

@@gilbyseventy5 3 weeks

[@gilbyseventy5]

@@Bannister99 should have got in early. UK stock sold out. Next delivery apparently April next year.

[@metalsadman]

it has no fault once the update for the fuel map comes, which I hope soon.

[@Bannister99]

@@gilbyseventy5 apparently it’s due any day 😀

[@thanatos5209]

Really great video really love it praying for the 450 Mt to come to India cuz I've been waiting for this bike from 2023 November when it was introduced in EICMA ( first saw it in motobob's channel ) and fell in love with it I am really really hoping that the CFmoto will launch the 450 Mt and other 450 out here in India

[@stephengrylls]

Once again nice honest review - great.

[@90dfender]

Always concise and unbiased reviews.

[@guernseybozrah]

That’s the review I was expecting from you Nathan. Not surprised. Great job 👍

[@fredericooliveira-cc2mb]

Amazing reviews always on top of the game

[@oilyrag]

With two mounting positions on the shock it's an option for shorter riders too.

[@dankorolyk5917]

Very good review and definitely a bike to consider,thanks

[@pookiewookie7679]

Thanks for a great review 👍🏼👍🏼

[@dungbeetle.]

Well, that's high praise indeed, especially coming from this fella! Thanks, Nathan.

[@ExeterCenturion]

Love your reviews.

[@FairWeatherMotorcyclist]

A really concise and I feel honest review thank 👍

[@nazimzafri]

At last! Thanks for the Great review. Im getting one!

[@nevillegreg1]

Great review.

[@macciner9617]

The review I was looking for, new suscriber here

[@sawdog007]

Great review and hats off to you for finding the elephant in the room. Why can't the big manufacturers make this. This could have been that KTM 490 they scrapped a few years back or it also could have been a Tenere T5 that everybody would want. I hope they sell a million of these things and leave the big manufacturers eating crow.

[@MichaelShaw206]

Have no idea why this man doesn't have more subscribers. Thanks for the video! Looking forward to future videos on this machine.

[@DonHenderson]

Nice to see you happy Nathan, I am tempted but love the scram 411's engine too much with that torquey single, just makes me smile 😊

[@roysyntageros4191]

Awesome review! Glad I bought one! 😃👍

[@mattwagg1626]

Nice review Nathan,please keep them coming. Bike looks and sounds great,i need to get a ride on one.

[@TheMadmostin]

First vid I’ve watched and I’m really impressed. No nonsense. Really like the bike. Have too many as it is. 😮

[@westoncraig]

i knew that this would be the bike to get me back on a bike. Your review cements that

[@rwriddell]

Really helpful initial thoughts and insight Nathan. I'm going to have a serious think. I love my 310GS with Rally Raid level 2 upgrade.... But I'm on my tiptoes. Might pop down to yours this late summer for test comparison day. Have a good time in Iceland.

[@skaraborgcraft]

It deserves success if only because CF have listened to the "unicorn crowd" and given them all they asked for. It certainly sounds better than a CB500X twin. Send them a pie. Real world MPG will be good to know after these bikes have been broken in. Some of these Chinese bikes in the past have poor economy.....makes me wonder how they achieve their EU emission targets.

[@Stefan_trekkie]

Yes, the CB is a standard 180° twin, but the CF moto is a 270° .. Looks and feels a bit like smaller version of Yamaha T7 tenere ... + tubeless +adjustable suspention

[@jerzywoking1699]

Bennets also tested it, and mentioned the bad vibration at about 65 mph. Would this be because it is was an abused demo? Same as the Enfield 452. Mine has none, but then its just me that has ridden it from brand new.

[@skaraborgcraft]

@@jerzywoking1699 I do wonder what is considered "bad vibes" today. Im still riding a 40 year old Honda single, vibes are part of the package. I expect i might find that same bike buttery smooth, depends what it is being compared to? Looking to do some test rides when i get back in the UK.

[@metalsadman]

@@skaraborgcraft they're just nitpicking just to say something, it's far from viby me that has always driven singles for more than 2 decades.

[@MrTmax74]

And not all vibes affect people the same way. My smooth NC750x always makes my right hand numb. But my really buzzy DRZ 400 doesn't. A funky thing. b​@@skaraborgcraft

[@theenduropest]

This review hit it out of the park 👏

[@stuarthammond1009]

The unicorn at last, were do i send my money! Thanks Nathan keep us updated when back from Iceland.

[@Trev350]

Nathan speaks.... We ALL sit up straight and pay attention. Finest reviews on KZbin; no question about it. I hang on your every word, and trust your opinion completely. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. I want one.

[@ChrisJ-ru6ek]

Get a room 🤣

[@Trev350]

​@@ChrisJ-ru6ek😂

[@nathanthepostman]

He's my lover from another mother.​@@ChrisJ-ru6ek

[@paulcooper5610]

looks like cfmoto are on to a winner in this sector, great review as always.

[@antminihxr7577]

Super, merci 👍

[@davmanlop333]

Can't wait to get mine next week 👌🤙

[@NickyLong89]

You know it’s a good bike when Nathan really enjoys it! I’ve had my 800MT a month or so now and it’s brilliant. I want to do a bit more touring which is why I went for the 800MT but I can see why the 450MT is so popular, it looks cool as f*ck, especially in the white/pink/blue! You make a great point about other brands and countries keeping up, CF Moto seem to be leading the way in value for money. I test rode the transalp and preferred the 800MT touring, especially with the spec you get for the price. Hope customers enjoy the 450 as much as you did!

[@nikosstathatos5635]

Greetings from Athens. This is the most accurate review I've watched till now about this bike, Which (the cf 450 mt) I'm seriously considering of buying.

[@metalsadman]

test ride it when it's available you'll be surprised how good it is in person.

[@lalamotolady]

Thank you for this video! I'm eager to see this machine in the U.S.

[@FFA_PT]

It is a fantastic bike to ride. Mine is with 5000 miles already and it's the perfect bike for what I wanted. Great job with the review :)

[@everythingandanything6405]

Great review Nathan, can see a lot of crf's hitting the second hand market soon!

[@howardmann5634]

Been waiting for a bike like this for years off to order one

[@utuberagain18]

That exhaust sounds great.

[@steveinskip4897]

Thanks Nathan. I was wait for this review and I wasn’t disappointed……brilliant. Stock tyres are adequate on most bikes for roads, dry off-road and nothing super technical (wet chalk, mud, clay etc). Still a bit heavy but at that price you’re not going to get anything exotic and doing most things well is definitely a plus. If I was buying a do-all bike today, I’d very probably go with the CF. Might buy one anyway just for the hell of it. 😉😂

[@thebingleywheeler]

Great to see CF Moto going from strength to strength….watch out Japan and Europe!

[@pookiewookie7679]

Don't forget India

[@jerzywoking1699]

Their other models don't seem to have sold well. They need to get a range of bikes out and quickly. When the 411 Himalayan came out it was in addition to RE's range of bikes, not the sole model.

[@simonthomas5367]

First impressions- that sounds absolutely fantastic! It’s next on my list to test. Having waited a year and a half for the Himalayan, I tested it last month and was, incredibly, underwhelmed. I really thought I’d be putting my money down but found it to be too top heavy. Not a bad bike as a general all rounder but certainly not the wow factor that they’ve been building up to.

[@craighillsdon5574]

I just rode this at the ABR, on road as they were not doing off road test rides but I agree with everything you said. I also found the throttle a bit snatchy but that was my only gripe. Power, torque, handling, comfort... it is a fantastic bike to ride and I was gutted when the test ride was over, I just wanted to stay out on it. I'm really looking forward to your updates on this bike as you put more miles on it. I also think it looks bloody brilliant, great styling.

[@AndrewSmith-zm7vn]

You got the exact one I'm after! Ordered a few months ago... looking forward to the phone call!

[@kabir1327]

Your joy is infectious. Top man. RE will be sorry they didn’t build another retro themed Himalayan with a bigger version of the Classic reborn engine. They couldn’t even keep the perceived weight down on the new bike. All hail the unicorn!

[@alrhodes5011]

Agreed. That Himalayan is an abomination. The old one will start to rise in value, but RE are marketing the crap out of it at ABR.

[@mogden2803]

Hi Nathan, I bought the 450NK back in March, after a 40 odd year break from motorcycling. Throttle was really snatch to begin with and 1st gear mini roundabouts were a nightmare, kangaroo hopping around them. 😖 But as soon as I took all the free play out of the throttle it's like a different bike. 👍🏼 Absolutely love, and it sounds great.

[@jackt3603]

Thank you for yet another honest review Nathan! I love watching your videos as you are genuine and honest when sharing your opinion and I really appreciate that! I need a bike that I can daily and ride trails on the weekend. Maybe do an odd longer trip. Currently got a CRF 300 Rally and it is great, but I'd want more power. I was first leaning towards Kove 450 as it is soo much lighter but it's throttle is very snatchy to daily it, especially at low speeds. After seeing this I'm now considering the MT 450. Any thoughts anyone?

[@jurassic690]

Great review as always Nathan, thanks. I suspect that the biggest problem with this bike is going to be getting hold of one.

[@trevorsmith8487]

Another superb review Nathan. Sounds like you really need to start selling these 😉

[@vtrrookie1]

Thx Nathan

[@tribester07]

20k views in a day Nathan, way to go!

[@nicholasgoncalves5794]

Looks like a good package

[@1969tonksy]

Looks awesome.. a 4 year warranty, 24k valve clearance and you can always lose a few more kg off it if weight is an issue for you... I think we're on to a winner mebbe.... Great review as per Nath...... ✊ Bbrrraaaaaapp.....

[@mogden2803]

Don't forget 8 years breakdown recovery if you keep your bike serviced at a CFMOTO dealer. What's not to like. Saw the 450MT at the ABR festival yesterday. It has so many little touches on it that you don't notice initially. The screen can be adjusted on the move, with one hand. Shock can be lowered by 20mm for shorter riders. There is a plastic 'sprocket' piece on the swing arm. Several spocket teeth to hook the chain on when removing the rear wheel. It's a gorgeous bike. I like the grey and black, and will be putting a deposit down for the next batch to arrive in the UK, to sit alongside my 450NK.

[@kevinc8744]

I really like the motor. I rode the 450NK (same motor) and was very impressed with the motor.

[@metalsadman]

great bike always keeps a smile on my face and whenever it's parked it always make my head turn 😂. a lot of interest as well when I'm sitting on traffic. only glaring issue for me is the lean fuel mapping which causes some stalling, I hope the firmware update to fix it will be available globally soon.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I'll be extremely interested to see how reliable this bike turns out to be. The 4-year warranty suggests it will be. An acquaintance in Chiang Rai rode an early CFMoto from China to England with no issues, whatsoever. This MT certainly looks good. Cross-spoke wheels. Just noticed that. I like the adjustable screen. Suspension: my Buell XB12X came with foolproof instructions for setting for your weight, including bike clobber. Good video, Nathan. Nick

[@jerzywoking1699]

Depends what caveats they include in their warranty. Like insurance, you only know how good it is when you make a claim. Not just CFMoto, but all manafacturers

[@AccidentalEnduro]

Damn you Nathan! This review is gonna cost me 😂 Currently sitting on an old f650gs single which was all I could afford this year. Like you have said in the past, with uses bikes you buy someone else’s problems as well. But as a bike it is totally capable! So I’m gonna save up some money and take a really good look at this cfmoto 450, it might be the only thing I would want to replace my old pig with. 😄 For next year though (young kids also cost a lot of money) 💰 😅

[@neilcook8774]

I'm waiting for a bike to come into my local dealership. Looking forward to lightweight adventures and riding with my son. You went up that first lane quicker than i can on my enduro.

[@ianhughesroyalenfield]

Brilliant first thoughts review Nathan. As you know, I rate the Himi 450 on the road, and have no intention of doing the muddy stuff (tried that on a CRF250L, and buggered myself up, but I am old 🙄😂), as I have said previously elsewhere, my only concern is the dealer network, as in they are few and far between. We did have one in Lancaster (5 miles from here), but they ceased trading last year. The nearest dealer to me now, is over 50 miles away. I really would like to try one on the road myself though, there are some fine motorcycles coming out of China. I have reviewed a couple, there’s nothing wrong with them, other than the inevitable depreciation, 🫣, but that can also be said for RE’s too. I look forward to your longer term review (btw, thanks for commenting on mine, much appreciated).

[@rickmancr]

KTM have taken over as the UK importer. It looks like they are already expanding the dealer network by selling CFMoto through current KTM dealers such as Fowlers in Bristol.

[@ianhughesroyalenfield]

@@rickmancrI do hope so 🤞 Being North of Preston, we don’t have many KTM dealers either.

[@nomading_in]

The sound is a surprise. Sound a lot like the 790 Adventure, in a good way.

[@EddyOtway]

It is a great bike, lots of people whinging over here in Australia about the throttle, but I think it’s fine. The suspension is a bit harsh but after adjustment it rides heaps better 👍🏻 I love it, it’s going to be a big seller.

[@manugrend]

What can I say? Why waste hours watching other "reviews" when you can just wait for Nathan and you get all the info you need! As always, tops, tops tops! 💯👍

[@garrywhippe7140]

Like the look of this! Thinking of outing the ktm 390 for one?! Will get down and see you for a ride out 👍

[@tigerick7291]

Great review, I've got nothing against buying Chinese vehicles and with a 4 year warranty they must be very confident with the build quality.

[@spotthedogg]

The optional tall enduro style seat is perfect

[@jeffdavies688]

I was more or less sold on one of these before I saw your review......struggling to find any bad comments about it apart from the snatchy throttle.... I best go and see how long I have to wait for one now!

[@bcgraham3512]

It also looks good, stylish even. Aesthetics matter when it comes to ownership.

[@metalsadman]

it helps when they have their designers in italy.

[@jaegermeister1968]

The CF Moto is a great buy but the first gear is extremely short and at 130km you are close to the limiter. You should definitely swap the front 14 tooth sprocket for a 15 tooth sprocket. You don't lose any noticeable torque this way but you can reduce the rpm across all gears by around 7-8%.

[@CosmikDebriis]

The UK review many of us were waiting for. Not knocking the others but, so far, UK reviews have been very road biased. Will be interesting to see more on this bike on snotty, rutted UK "greenlanes". Not convinced at the term "unicorn" which seems to be so widely used in reference to this bike, I'd prefer "Jack of all trades (Master of none)" as whilst I'd accept this may well be the best compromise, but not the best in any individual department. I should imagine though, from what I've seen of your mixed uses, this could be the new bike of choice. The obvious comparison would be against the new RE450 though, personally, I'd like to hear your comparison with the Voge 300 Rally.

[@jonr3891]

I'm intrigued, but also disappointed to see that it weighs only a bit less much as my CB500X. Looks and sounds nice though. Really enjoy your content. ✌

[@davidedalceri369]

🎯MT450 eccellente 👌

[@roaming-aus]

An adjustment of the throttle cable helps. It’s set to slack from factory apparently

[@skylerhempsall2934]

Great review as always. I don't mind buying Chinese stuff at sub 4k, but above that I personally prefer to buy from Japan so it still has value in years to come. Can't help but think in 5 years time, it will just be worthless. Just my thoughts

[@sunshowerpainting1]

BRAVO CFMOTO..........

[@OwainapDewi]

Excited to see more of this, only thing that lets it down for me is the 3000 miles service intervals, that's 2 or 3 oil changes a year for someone who commutes on a bike like me.

[@rationalityfirst]

The service interval changed to 4500 miles, he put it on the screen.

[@mantarayal]

I love your running in period mate :)

[@sanatandharma4435]

Thanks Nathan. I sat on one the other day and felt excited and it was not even running. I asked for a test ride....September!! And I a have to put a 1000 euro deposit down..At least I thinks that's what he said! My Spanish is not as good as it needes to be.

[@DanDannyDanDan_]

It does look very tempting, I think my plan is to hold out until the new KTM 390 Adventure comes out next year. See how they stack up against each other and if any issues have appeared with the CF Moto by then.

[@slakk5093]

This is what I’m doing. I already have a bike so no need to rush

[@alrhodes5011]

There's a 6 month waiting list on this bike already...

[@DanDannyDanDan_]

@@alrhodes5011 is it officially launched over here yet? I didn't think there were more than a handful over here yet. I'm sure numbers will be much higher in a year's time, hopefully the price stays low though.

[@alrhodes5011]

@@DanDannyDanDan_ it was officially launched at the ABR festival this weekend. It's just what the sales guy (Dom?) said to me

[@DanDannyDanDan_]

@@alrhodes5011 makes sense, I asked a couple of local CFMoto stockists about it recently and they just said they didn't have any in yet. I'll keep checking back with them as I'm interested to give it a try, see how it feels for me.

[@BlazinBlades]

The seat is adjusted between 820-840mm There is a tall bench seat as well. It does seem as close to a Unicorn 🦄 as any other offering today.

[@Bannister99]

@@BlazinBlades also the suspension had a lowering link built in to drop it to 800mm

[@BlazinBlades]

@@Bannister99 That is just unbelievable! They are really killing it(the competition)

[@mraidymaddful]

All the other bikes you mentioned through this vid have proved themselves over time with function and reliability. This bike might have all the bells and whistles but I for one wouldn't ride off on a lengthy foreign trip on one of these bikes until they have proved they are reliable and self serviceable...............

[@rokhnroll]

Kawasaki was making a similar bike years ago in the KLE 500 all be it previous generations tech wise but its not going to be difficult for them to modernise the KLE500 with the same features found on the CFmoto 450 MT.

[@sportmuaythaiv1045]

Waiting for your comparison with the Himalayan 450.

[@BenMcghie]

Neat. I have reservations about the Chinese aspect, but time will tell on the reliability. You nailed it: where is honda on this?!

[@teneretraveller8980]

With your levels of experience on A2 type bikes that's high praise. Ride it I shall. Like it? Buy it I will. Ride safe 👍

[@mabsbry1318]

Excellent report. My concern is what the controls will be like in 12 months or so? Stretched cables, overly loose chain etc. I am sure all the metals used won’t be the best, which is typical of what Chinese manufacturers make, so also things like rust on bolts, too much play in bearings, steering head too loose….etc

[@bencatt6246]

Great initial review Nathan. Looks like the bike that many people have been wanting. If other manufacturers are sitting back and being complacent then this will wipe the market clean. Be interesting to see how many turn up at the ABR next year

[@nockianlifter661]

Yes, but what exactly is the market. In a nutshell, most of us here are relatively niche users. Out of thousands of Himalayans sold, most never see much more than a short gravel lane. The more experienced riders use more enduro focused machines. The riders who want to travel will choose larger capacity bikes - my last trip to Spain this year 90% of the bikes were BMW GS. Riders like itchy boots choose Honda CRF 300 which seem to do it all. I came across a guy riding to Portugal and doing the TET on an AJP 250 he bought for a few hundred quid and if you want to save cash and are handy with the tools, spending 6K on a travel bike would seem an unnecessary expense.

[@bencatt6246]

Yes, I see your point. The market I refer to is the smaller adventure bike market. KTM 390, BMW 310, Himalayan etc. I see this as a bike that would suit many. Riders who are wanting to downsize from a GS or Tenere for maybe weight reasons, or riders who want more comfort than the enduro market. I ride an old Honda XR400. But certainly see the attraction in this machine. Each to their own though.

[@nockianlifter661]

@@bencatt6246 and I ride a 2018 Yamaha Serrow 250. I would see no particular benefit in buying the CF - it’s still compromised on the road, it’s just not as compromised as some of its competitors. I have a road bike for longer trips where I’m not going off tarmac- or not deliberately 😆 KTM 390 fly off dealers floors because of performance and image; I imagine sales of 310s are almost none existent. Downsizing from gs to tenere is one step, but tenere to CF ? I’d think you’d just put an old XR 400 / Serrow CRF or enduro machine alongside it/

[@bencatt6246]

Completely understand what you’re saying. But isn’t this review about understanding the idea of a Unicorn bike. 1 bike to do a bit of everything?

[@nockianlifter661]

@@bencatt6246 Any bike is a unicorn bike to that extent. I’d say it’s largely price point for the performance that is being measured here, not outright ability. My unicorn would have the ability of a KTM 350 EXC, the performance of a V4 Tuono and the comfort of a big cruiser.

[@TerraMagnus]

This is really promising. I’m looking forward to seeing some Americans get their hands on these as well so we can get a better sense of how it does on our faster moving roads.

[@stevencote7951]

The one thing the RE has over the MT 450 for me is less plastic to break when dropped. As of now I'll stick to my DR650 that I picked up used with a large tank and after market seat and wait a couple of years to see how these two bikes hold up.

[@nathanthepostman]

Yes I'd agree, I think the Himalayan will definitely crash better!

[@paramarky]

Cracking report as ever Nathan - prefer you in gardening gloves however?!

[@garth62]

As you say in the video - this seems hit the sweet spot that the big manufacturers have completely missed by assuming the adventure market wants bigger, more powerful and heavier bikes, which lets face it, rarely venture very far from tarmac. I have been looking for a trail capable bike for years that can incorporate the smoothness of a twin cylinder motor, good road manners but light enough (whith the weigh in the right place) to be capable on trails without being an expert, but also not be too heavy to pick up. This is a huge market sector and this fills that gap. It should do well as long as dealer support, spares and accessories are also readilly available. Think my T700 may be getting moved on.