CFMOTO 450MT (IBEX) Build Part 1 | Making the Ultimate Budget ADV Bike

[@Liberty4Ever]

The CF Moto 450 MT has great features out of the gate and these upgrades are all taking it to the next level. Nicely done! I'm grateful to Kove and CF Moto for finally listening to ADV riders and trying their best to give us the lightweight off road oriented ADV bike we want with enough power that it's not wound out when riding on the highway. For decades, the Big Moto cartel arrogantly ignored us and told us to buy their bloated mid size and full size ADV bikes, or more recently, told us to live with the slightly undersized engine and other deliberate shortcomings engineered into their small ADV bikes that relegated them to starter bikes, to avoid having them cut into the sales of their more expensive ADV bikes. With these new Chinese bikes, the Big Moto cartel is forced to respond. I'm eager to see the BMW F450GS later this year. Maybe the Japanese Big Four will be forced to respond as well, and no doubt the Chinese will continue to listen to customers and improve their offerings.

[@km4dy683]

I'm excited for the part two! I like how it has become visually. Tail tidy gave amazing visual improvement.

[@onthebackwheel]

I agree, looks way better

[@MustardBikes]

Thanks so much for the shout out and the great review of our tail tidy! We love seeing our gear out in the real world. Enjoy the MT, and great video. Keen to see how you progress with it.

[@onthebackwheel]

No worries, good to see and use high quality Aussie gear

[@watleygasoline236]

this video is really fascinating! I’m hooked, and I can’t wait to see more. Keep them coming!

[@onthebackwheel]

Cheers mate, plenty more to come

[@billcotton1551]

Tail tidy looks great! Can't wait to see where you go with this one, Curtis.

[@onthebackwheel]

Thanks Bill!

[@retiredwaterdoctor]

Let the build and fun begin.....It's what I find as much enjoyment in, is the building process. Garth

[@onthebackwheel]

💯 agree Garth, love tinkering on a bike

[@pinkiewerewolf]

I like the direction you’re taking on the 450 Curtis. I think it’s good to support your Aussie companies. 👍

[@onthebackwheel]

I think so too, keen to see how it goes

[@stevesane800]

Thanks crazy man Curtis! Mustard bikes make great stuff! Mods 1 look real good! Cheers🤙

[@JoeriQuiksilver]

I'm doing Ali/UncleWang stuff on mine because I'm cheap like that. Got Oxford heated grips because its cold as f in Europe, oem crash bars, nav mount, higher screen, rhinowalk bags, 15T sprocket because I don't do enduro stuff (mainly gravel), and will put new tires on when winter is done in a month or 3. Its an amazing bike, nothing can beat it in that pricerange.

[@onthebackwheel]

Nice mate, sounds like you've got it sorted. I strongly considered going the cheaper route

[@JoeriQuiksilver]

Gotta let that KZbin money work am I right lol

[@onthebackwheel]

@@JoeriQuiksilver it's dizzy at the top mate 😂 $$$

[@riskybiscuit3522]

Neat upgrades and very informative in the process.

[@onthebackwheel]

Cheers. Will be some kinks along the way but keeping it simple to start with

[@AgricUltra]

So exciting to see this developing.

[@seawench555]

Giday, absolutely love the Cfmoto 450mt what a magic bike, cant wait to get mine. Really enjoyed this episode, thanks for sharing 🇦🇺👍💯

[@onthebackwheel]

Thanks for watching!

[@leighhill9185]

Great vid mate and nice upgrades! Tail tidy looks 🔥

[@onthebackwheel]

Cheers. Love the tail tidy too 😁

[@EddyOtway]

The best mod is decent tyres 👌🏼

[@onthebackwheel]

Yep, first thing I ordered

[@MrKdr500]

original ones are great if you know how to ride a bike properly.

[@onthebackwheel]

@MrKdr500 they've served me well for running the bike in. Rode with dirt bikes the other day and had no issues. Can't push hard as I'd like and no good in the slop though

[@EddyOtway]

@@MrKdr500 🤣

[@outie555]

Thanks man, your video came just in time, my wife got me a set of bark busters for xmas! installing now, thanks to your help.

[@onthebackwheel]

Nice mate. Just make for the left is up a bit 😬

[@outie555]

@onthebackwheel yep, I also put electrical tape on them so they might not scratch the handle bars. Only time will tell.

[@outie555]

@@onthebackwheel Mine didn't touch the tank at all, but i have bar risers so that's probably why it cleared the tank.

[@onthebackwheel]

@@outie555 ah yep that explains it

[@stupitt85]

Luggage - kreiga 18s Use the ring straps off the dirtbike OS base plumb above pillion peg (have to unbolt the plastic thingo and wedge it out to wrap the strap around the frame) then just use the stock bag straps. Top through the ring one side and loops around pillion handle the other, bottom through pillion peg frame thingo. The bags sit vertical low and forward, I just pumped out 700ks and the setup worked a treat, dropped the bike 4 times and they copped it no worries. stoked to not have to wait for kreiga to make a base and be able to use all the shit i already had. You will definetly get skuffige on the pillion handle, but seriously who cares about skuffs on a dirtbike.

[@HShorro]

part 1 lets goooo

[@ThaRealSmurf]

Tail tidy looks good mate, would have been good if you had inserted a before after close up when the install was done but I just jumped back in the vid to compare

[@onthebackwheel]

I did think that after I made the video. Good suggestion for the future vids

[@podunkman2709]

Oryginal looks better

[@onthebackwheel]

@@podunkman2709 you serious?! 😳

[@BoogiemanMoto]

Just watched this morning. Nice first round of mods. Glad you decided to go with all Aussie products. Looking forward to the next round especially tires and more protection (that skid plate won’t last much longer the way you ride 😂) Can’t wait to see test ride video from this episode. When’s that coming?

[@onthebackwheel]

Cheers mate. This weekend, was a blast

[@BoogiemanMoto]

@ Awesome 🤘🏻👍🏻 I’ll keep an eye out for it.

[@toddwmac]

Great timing! Mine shows up sometime this month....hopefully. Looking forward to following your mods. Cheers!

[@alecu7777]

Same here, end of January they say.. can hardly wait-

[@onthebackwheel]

Getting close lads

[@glennmorrissey2529]

Hi mate, got mine yesterday in Sydney from Trooperlu's, Moorebank. Decided to give the off road riding a go again after many many years on road only. I got the dealer to fit factory upper and lower crash bars because I am going to crash in the dirt no doubt. B+B sump guard, front sprocket protector and rear sprocket protecter and radiator guard fitted as well. CF MOTO engine casing protection and larger side stand foot plus a CF Moto tall seat. Polisport hand guards. I don't think there is any need to mess with the front forks at all nor the rear really otherwise the bike is starting to get expensive, just my opinion, the KYB forks are pretty good. I've never understood the tail tidy as opposed to what comes with the bike, just your preference? It's not a bad bike at all for the price and some of my riding friends (KTM, HONDA, YAMAHA) were pretty impressed after taking it for a spin, it is a very smooth motor indeed.

[@onthebackwheel]

You've gone all out, nice. I'm going all b and b as well, just waiting on delivery. In terms of tail tidy, I much prefer the look. Plus I've had issues with the plastic on other bikes getting caught on the rear wheel and/or breaking and losing the number plate!

[@Dbonesk8]

If I was changing filters for a foam one I think I’d put some of that ‘no toil’ or some othe Le filter oil on it. Really good stuff, stops way more dust

[@onthebackwheel]

Maybe after I wash it next, she was well oiled up from new

[@Jgoldyadv]

My hand guards hit as well i just moved the bars forward a tiny bit stopped the hitting and raised the bars a bit

[@onthebackwheel]

Not a bad idea that, cheers

[@bug276]

👆this worked for me too, when I had the bark buster clearance issue.

[@mrlemonadesandwich]

The very first mod anyone should do to the bike before any other "bling" is fit decent offroad tyres. It is the best bang for your buck improvement.

[@onthebackwheel]

Yep, waiting for mine to arrive

[@pawelwolski1316]

We have 2 here in Poland. The number one issue for us is the terrible off idle on/off fueling. Slow, smooth ridind requires way too much clutch work. After some research, Uncle Wangs headers/ecu (all for $380) seems the most cost-effective solution. The short gearing for European 120-130 kmh gearing is the next big gripe. 15t helps some, but it's a compromise. I would strongly suggest that you put that snorkle back on. Last year, like a hero, i almost made it across that flooded creek...........but i didn't. Had the snorkle off, for 0.5 hp??????? Anyways, I'm looking forward to your build.

[@onthebackwheel]

I thought people who do more highway and longer trips would struggle on this bike. I think the Americans will really notice it. I don't think a snorkel will really change water crossing depth in a meaningful way, it's pretty low!

[@andrewm190E]

Another great video Curtis 👍 The Mustard tail tidy is great, but you lose your rear red reflector, which may affect the roadworthy status of the bike. I called into Repco and bought a couple of small red reflectors with adhesive tape backing and fitted them on either side of the numberplate light above the licence plate. I'm looking forward to your next video, especially regarding the suspension and tyres. Cheers 🍻

[@onthebackwheel]

I believe they sell a separate reflector? Good idea with the little ones! Mate I'm pumped for the suspension and tyres too

[@danielsims574]

Good stuff mate. Been watching your vids for a while. I am looking forward to your upcoming videos on this one.

[@onthebackwheel]

Cheers mate, going to be a lot of fun

[@bikespeak64]

That's why I use the Cycra handguards on my bike build, they fit perfectly and are far away from the tank.

[@onthebackwheel]

Yeah not massively happy with how close this one is

[@rationalityfirst]

When you get the new bash plate (which I suspect will be coming) don't forget to drill some holes on the bottom of those pipes to let the water out. Or pack them with some grease. Maybe both? Cheers! PS: Put some glue on the rubbers in the front of the seat that slide on the metal plates on the frame. They tend to fall off.

[@onthebackwheel]

Oh mate I've found that out already and lost one! I'll have to glue the ones for my new seat (if it ever arrives). Good idea with the holes, I've got to check that too

[@PaulMckernan-l2n]

Hey you need the grease on the intake side of the rubber around the filter Curtis, we don’t want to dust it.

[@onthebackwheel]

Cheers mate, I'll make sure to do that too

[@markhills3922]

Buying Aussie where you can...Good for you Curtis; Should and Ought be more of it; I had an MT450 ordered but changed my mind; Bought a Low use R1200GS instead; Not the same intended purpose as the MT but it gets the job done off raod while being much better on road; I'll wait for the 2nd generation MT when all the bugs are sorted out but this model appears to be holding up well; Everyone seems happy with it and haven't heard of any real complaints yet; I don't like the fact the bike has tracking; There's an Aussie tuner who deletes this and tunes the ECU for more ponies and less snappy throttle I'm looking forward to watching and learning about this build of yours; From what I have learned about the bike thus far, You're going to have a ripper of a Brand New bike for @ $12K...still a very cheap bike in today's market.

[@onthebackwheel]

1200gs is a top choice. The price is certainly hard to deny

[@markhills3922]

@@onthebackwheel I like the GS...I had an '04 but had to sell so when a cheapish '06 with low k's was offered for sale, I changed my mind on the MT; Mind you, I've had to address a few non-disclosed issues on the GS and did some upgrades on the way; It owes me close to $10K now; still have suspension, seat and soft luggage to go so what should have been a cheap bike aint so cheap now; 'Tis the price we pay for making a bike how we want it no matter what brand it is.

[@onthebackwheel]

@markhills3922 that's it, if you get a keeper sometimes you got to pay

[@markhills3922]

@@onthebackwheel Always got to pay; being a bigger bloke (6'2" 105kg) I always have to at least get suspension sorted, handle bars sorted and more often than not, seat modified so I have room to move; And that's just for starters.

[@onthebackwheel]

@markhills3922 haha yep, can't avoid it

[@jonwoodworker]

Nice start to the build. Get those passengers pegs off, I'm assuming the right side also hangs the exhaust though.

[@onthebackwheel]

Bingo. Got a hanger coming soon

[@cdilga]

My bike fell over in the parking lot, and that bark buster cut into the plastic on top of the tank, because they rotated after hitting the ground. I expect this to be an issue if you actually drop the bike properly too. I'd like to see some rounding on that surface

[@onthebackwheel]

I agree, some slight changes would be appreciated

[@fishercad]

i didn't take they bar inside weights out didn't know they where ther i just installed barkbusters straight on haven't noticed any differences

[@onthebackwheel]

They'll probably rattle around, that's about it!

[@fishercad]

are you getting b&b radiator guard im still waiting for a video for that 😂

[@Papanchasonline]

Cracking vid mate. The quadlock doesn’t do too good up on the tower, phone gets bashed all over the shop off road 🤣

[@onthebackwheel]

Hehe I noticed that first ride, bloody rough. Android auto unit is inbound thankfully so I don't have to worry about shaking it to death 😂

[@EddyOtway]

Mine does alright off-road

[@Papanchasonline]

@@EddyOtway mine flies around like a pogo stick 😂 luckily my iPhones old so I’m not overly bothered. The bars would be a safer bet with the quad lock.

[@Χαλιλρετζεπακης]

Nice work I order mine waiting can you please tell me where did you get the number plate holder in the back ? And if I can order it in Greece thank you

[@onthebackwheel]

The company is called Mustard Bikes. I am not sure if they ship to Greece. Check on their website or eBay. I actually got mine from their eBay store so they might

[@summervincent7312]

Finally Springwood C F moto got the DELAY orders in. (plus some) Just rode it home yesterday 1/2 km. Great content and timing to stumble across. New to this. Looks like u are in my back yard Cutis? or just north. S.E.Q ? At 58 I wonder if I could keep the pace on my T700 with u on the 450 through those tracks u did?

[@onthebackwheel]

Yes mate, North West Brisbane here 👊. I'm not any slower on this than a T7 so far, it fair gets along

[@MohammadAlilaghari]

May be bar raisers solve the problem of barkbusters touching the tank plastic

[@onthebackwheel]

Yeah I reckon they would. I took it for a good hit out the other day and it wasn't an issue thankfully

[@Aprival]

Great updates! Thanks for the video, really helpful. Quick one where did you find the front blue mud guard kit? Thanks!!!

[@onthebackwheel]

Hi, that's just how it came 😁

[@ShadowVonChadwick]

I have got some really high quality stuff through Allie, but some is so-so, other bits have been shit. But to play it safe, there are many great Australian producers. Silicone grease for plastic and/or rubber, my friend. Petroleum based grease is not good for the long term. Some general Purpose Lanolin spray is good to keep connectors safe from corrosion. At least the factory tyres are somewhat usable in the dirt. As apposed to what I'm unloading this weekend. (too old for this) 🥴 But I needed the practice. Bar risers or is it good ? Still want a test ride.

[@onthebackwheel]

Did not know that, will change it 🙏

[@ShadowVonChadwick]

@@onthebackwheel no rush, but if it's on a plastic to metal "bush" it will start binding after a few months.

[@markhills3922]

Rubber Grease for rubber parts or better yet, pure lanolin for everything other than bearings; Silicone anything will cause rust anywhere paint starts to wear like grommet holes Why oh why people keep supporting China on allie does my head in; When there a no Aussie manufacturers left at all and bike shops all gone, you'll all be the first to whinge. Support Aussies where ya can...or move to China.

[@onthebackwheel]

@@markhills3922 off to get some different grease today!

[@motahead7027]

Good vid, but you put the grease on the wrong side of the Air Filter, it should be on the engine side mating surface.

[@onthebackwheel]

Fixed already 😂 appreciate it though

[@75dt21]

Awesome mate, tail tidy looks awesome. Why do manufacturers put shit bark busters on in the first place, surely if they spend a few extra dollars they can make them better in the first place. I thought the first thing you would do is replace the stock tyres. Anyway thanks for the video, this series will be awesome & can’t wait for more.

[@onthebackwheel]

I think it's so they can sell more accessories TBH, can't think of any other reason. I've already ordered tyres, just can't get any over the holiday break is all. They'll be here in a week or 2

[@thehoelzels6316]

Uncle Wang Auxiliary Fuel tank?

[@onthebackwheel]

I don't do enough trips that need more range sadly

[@vaughndrew852]

What about oil on filter

[@onthebackwheel]

il?

[@2254mau]

Why would you put a shorter tail tidy if you are taking it off road? Just looks?

[@markhills3922]

Less chance of it breaking and less weight... if you're worried about getting dirty, best stay at home or get a road bike

[@ScubboNZ]

did you oil the air filter first? it's an oil based filter bro?

[@onthebackwheel]

Gday, it's pre oiled 🤘

[@johnrovere2286]

The accountant in me is asking what is the budget on this rebuild/modification?

[@onthebackwheel]

I'm a tight ass so I try to keep prices down. I got all these in the black Friday sales. Delivered prices were approx $80 for the filter, $150 for Barkbusters and $115 for the tail tidy

[@johnrovere2286]

@onthebackwheel I meant overall....total estimated modification cost....you may need an accountant haha

[@onthebackwheel]

@@johnrovere2286 I have a minister for war and finance, thats enough 🤣

[@johnrovere2286]

@@onthebackwheel 🤣

[@Ntmoffi]

Still have no idea why it's branded as the Ibex over here in the states.

[@onthebackwheel]

I think it's some copyright crap. Makes it annoying for naming my videos 😂

[@Raphael-zl5jb]

Great vid. Did you consider a himmy 450?

[@onthebackwheel]

Yes, i was close to getting one. I was able to get a press bike though and I think this will suit me more too

[@Raphael-zl5jb]

@ I just bought a Himmy. Mainly a decision based on styling than anything. Loving it so far.

[@onthebackwheel]

@@Raphael-zl5jb I really rate the 450, loved my time with it. Glad to hear you are enjoying it

[@nicopampi]

You have the link of #barkbusters?

[@onthebackwheel]

No sorry. I think they are on their website. I got mine from eBay

[@TheSar]

On ya Curtis. Loving my 450MT after selling the Big Pig DL1050XT. If not already, drill some relief holes on the bottom of the cradle frames each side to allow water to drain out. Also, 15T sprocket made a huge difference

[@onthebackwheel]

Good suggestion. I did here my release should have the holes but I'll check. I'm going to see how the taller profile rear goes before changing sprockets

[@daveo9844]

Had the same trouble with my LHS bark buster rubbing on the tank plastic. Raised the bars a little, but ended up removing some aluminium for clearance as I didn’t want the bars too high for me 🍻

[@onthebackwheel]

Good idea mate

[@bartketelbuters542]

Replacing the air filter by that pre-oiled one, nope. Less surface, oil dries, less power or more risk for dirt in the engine.

[@onthebackwheel]

Why do you say that? I would say less risk of dirt getting in and it's washable. Each time it gets washed I'll re oil it

[@markhills3922]

Obviously you have very little dirt bike experience; Once a paper filter gets wet, it's rooted; Once it gets dusty, it's useless; Foam filters are more efficient, provided better dust filtration and are washable; Stupid, Ignorant comment

[@punkrockdidi]

Glad you didn't do the " Ali express " thing, company's like that should be outlawed... Ecological disaster's

[@onthebackwheel]

It's definitely a tricky one. Trying my best to support local

[@markhills3922]

@@onthebackwheel Good on you for supporting small Aussie manufacturer and shops; Way too many Aussies are more worried about 'saving' a dollar or two than thinking what will happen when there is no local manufacture at all and all the bike shops are gone

[@Varskae]

tail tidy on this bike is a failure. the rest is money well thrown away :)

[@onthebackwheel]

Why?

[@Gimme_Stitches]

Are you allowed to tell us how much CFmoto is paying you? Or is there an NDA?

[@1young-geezer]

Is that a slight against Curtis? I've watched a lot of his content in the past and he's always been clear and objective, and most importantly get into what he personally likes and dislikes because he thinks you want to know. Give him a break.

[@Gimme_Stitches]

@ It’s not a slight. It’s a genuine question. A bunch of Moto influencers just happen to get the same bike to review around the same time. It’s happens with Japanese and EU bikes too. I don’t think other brands do it but I’m wondering if CF does. Absolutely nothing will convince me to by a full Chinese bike, I want to know if they’re being paid to push a product.

[@1young-geezer]

@@Gimme_Stitches Fair enough, thanks for the perspective.

[@MickH60]

He bought it outright .... Have you watched his other videos ? Your Chinese bias is just plain ridiculous... Throw away everything you own that has a connection to China and enjoy living in a cave naked.... What are you even doing here if you'll never buy one ? For your information Chinese companies build engines for Volvo, Audi, BMW, Nissan, Mercedes, GM, and Toyota, the also build engines for KTM, BMW {for over 20 years}, Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha and others, some of the Japanese manufacturers for well over a decade ...

[@onthebackwheel]

Not being paid, I bought it with my own cash after selling my 800de. I think you'll find people are riding and reviewing the 450MT because it's the new 'it' bike ATM. What generally happens is channels or magazines/websites will get press bikes as a loaner. Maybe the odd one is paid, but usually it's just free access to a bike. I get the odd loan bike from other companies, but I'm too small, new or opinionated (maybe all of these) so only some deal with me. CFMOTO wouldn't loan me one, so I bought one myself!

[@OnyabikeMike]

Great video Curtis, I've got the tail tidy but haven't installed it yet because you get a lot of mud flicking up already. You need bar risers to fix the bark buster problem. They are an easy bike to work on, I changed mine to the high front fender yesterday, so simple when you compare it to a T7, cheers 👍

[@onthebackwheel]

Oh much easier, everything (so far) is easy to get to. By raising the Barkbusters up that tiny bit I didn't have an issue on my ride, will keep an eye on it though!

[@markhills3922]

Worried about mud flicking up???? maybe you shouldn't ride dirt bikes.

[@MrKdr500]

need to oil foam filters.

[@onthebackwheel]

This one is pre oiled

[@markhills3922]

Every aftermarket filter I have purchased for the last 'forever' all come pre-oiled; Car or Bike; If they don't get pre-oiled before they go in the bag, the foam will deteriorate; Where have you been?

[@markhills3922]

@@onthebackwheel Man you get some ridiculous comments from 'people' who have no friggin clue what they are on about