Prepping the CF Moto 450 MT for Italian Alps

[@TheSar]

Got my 450MT out here in Australia back in May. Cracker little bike. Sold my big V-Strom 1050XT and haven't looked back. Small bikes for the win!

[@ogasi1798]

for all you paint lovers out there who wish to protect your bike paint job - get the standard window film for cars, it applies easily and comes off easily - it is a thin plastic and sticky, you can get it in clear or shades of clear as we know and it costs bugger all - you can pay a fortune for so called specific coatings but don't bother

[@David-m7f3g]

Very good idea. Do you have a link for example?

[@Peter-Old-Dog]

I agree with your comment about the extra weight of all the protection. I have gone from spending a lot of money on crash bars and the like to keeping it simple. And I have taken your advice from previous videos on keeping stock equipment on the bike and only replacing it if it breaks. Saving me a lot of money. I would also add the comment that a set of replacement plastics is probably no more expensive than the protection which doesn’t guarantee not damaging stuff if you drop the bike. And there is always the option of repairing any damage yourself which I think you did on your CRF300. I wish I was able to go on some of your trips they sound fantastic but unfortunately being on the other side of the Planet it’s probably not possible. Have a great trip

[@teneretraveller8980]

Just couldn't wait so now running in a Himmy. Interestingly the quoted weight for the Himmy includes mainstand, tank bars and rack, 2 of which you have to add to most bikes. And the service intervals are now 6000, which is a decent interval. Together with the 3yr borderless warranty with roadside assistance to go with it, all these things add up. But whatever people choose I'm mire convinced than ever lighter is better, especially as i get older. Enjoy your trip, and ride safe 👍

[@nathanthepostman]

Yes I think they'll pick up a few good Himi sales from people fed up waiting. Good point about the standard equipment on the Himilayan. Probably adds a good 10 kilos on by the time I've added the centre stand. I do find the weight balance lower down on the CF Moto though so I do find it easier to manhandle. But loads of plus points for the Himi. Hope you get some good miles on it over Autumn.

[@iangriffiths9930]

Another great thing about the Himmy is parts availability! You know with royal Enfield you will get good support and also good aftermarket suport.

[@teneretraveller8980]

@@iangriffiths9930 yes. Good point. My dealer was actually excellent throughout, and this is an important part of the buying/owning process for me. Ride safe 👍

[@peakrider4886]

I heard they are changing the side stand as they’ve realised they overcompensated on the 452, and they will be a mapping update for the fly-by-wire throttle to smooth it out. That worldwide warranty is fantastic from RE, and the roadside assist is a definite positive.

[@teneretraveller8980]

@@peakrider4886 the fuelling seems fine to me but I can see why they change the sidestand. Some people might struggle getting it upright, especially when loaded.👍

[@retrogazele]

I was looking at the cfmoto and you videos and just realised I knew you from somewhere.. a few year back I saw your postie bike adventure from Australia. Man watching that video of you just wandering off on a small bike to escape from depression.. has definitely helped alot of people find the adventure they want.

[@nathanthepostman]

Ha. Yeah small world! Thanks retro. Glad you enjoyed the old video. A lifetime ago

[@biker_dale]

I did love the CFMoto when I came down to try it, thanks for a great day Nathan. It's a bike I just can't get out of my head. It did everything I wanted and did it well. I wish I was coming with you to Italy, have a great ride and looking forward to your review of it when you get back.

[@BiglumpADV]

Another vote for Elbow Grease, I get it from my local B&M and it's brilliant for cleaning bikes. Takes chain lube off plastics with ease and doesn't damage anything

[@timothyangus954]

Just back from our trip to Italy on my V Strom. Great roads there. Looking forward to getting my 450MT. I did get a puncture and was grateful for tubeless tyres, plus I had a good repair kit and a compressor.

[@iangriffiths9930]

I tested this bike at the ABR, I really liked it and tried to buy one but was told that I had to wait till next March so ended up buying a T7. Shame really as it would have saved me some money but on the other had the T7 is bloody awesome 👍

[@MichaelShaw206]

Always enjoy seeing one of your new videos pop up. Will look forward to seeing how your trip turns out. Wish you safe trip and a grand adventure! I always try to leave a comment to impress the KZbin algorithm because you deserve more subscribers so sorry for the blather.

[@nathanthepostman]

Thanks Michael. Appreciate that

[@CannyDanny]

Do you have any trips around the Alps planned for next year? I'm interested in getting out there for a decent trip next year sometime.

[@guyonacub4335]

I'm not really feeling the love for the cf moto I still think the 411 himmy is a better bike all round Very surprised that there is still limited supply and if there not careful, people will lose interest as it seems every month there is something else to buy Hope the trip goes well Nathan Did you sort out the ccm 450 with its MOT What are the plans for the ccm and when can you deliver it to me 😅😅😅

[@garethtravis1786]

@nathanthepostman have you seen the vids popping up of the cfmoto getting water building up in the subframe? Relatively easy fix but good to know to prevent rust long term 🤔

[@mikeshacklock6208]

Hi quick Q- which of Uncle Wangs crash bars did you fit as he now has so many different sets on his site? Could you link please 🙏🏻 so I can compare

[@WildCogs]

Loved the CF, but found the snappy throttle a real bugbear, would be interested to know if it gets fixed?

[@skaraborgcraft]

Safe and enjoyable trip Sgt. Bentos and the detatchment.

[@nathanthepostman]

I've packed some spaghetti hoops on this one

[@skaraborgcraft]

@@nathanthepostman Living the dream! What next, spam fritters? Oh how the other half live!

[@g-man6333]

Nice! Ride safe and have fun! Hopefully you will have good weather 🤘

[@ogasi1798]

they're losing cash on a large scale and they are not building near enough, the paltry number they are sending next year is pointless especially considering the other bikes that are available and have a ready to go parts supply- enjoy the Trip Nathan - look forward to seeing how the 450 manages it which i expect will be a joy

[@RandomPunter-xo9tx]

Sounds like it will be a great trip. Just prepping my 450MT for a long weekend in northern France next weekend. I haven't done any TET solo before so it's a shakedown for hopefully a bigger trip next year. I'm wary of damaging stuff on the bike with no replacement parts available but I will have to risk it. bashplate hasn't arrived either but Dave Darcy from MADTV seemed to think the standard one isn't terrible. I don't like crash bars for the reasons you mention so will do without those. Tyres and sprocket standard too.

[@bikenavbm1229]

as usual proper practical info, warranty - an open question what is CF Moto's attitude do you have to go to a main dealer for servicing to keep it up, any VAT registered workshop, or home serviced with proof receipts etc? thanks.

[@thaynamite]

Any thoughts about checking out the Beta Alp 4.0 (old or new modell ) ?! Its a nice lil bike. greetings 😁

[@raedin4190]

Looking forward to your trip on this bike. So far it ticks all the boxes for me. I’ll wait until your on/off road feedback before putting a deposit on one 😊 Hope you enjoy and safe travels.

[@fenner-g6088]

Looking forward to your updates during this trip, fingers crossed you still regard it as highly when you get back as it's a very interesting bike. I'm 10k miles in on a considerably "upgraded" CRF300L, after selling my T7 which was just too much for me off road, and think this actually could be the perfect "middle ground" between the two !

[@arcboutant]

Hi,what is the make of the tank bag on your 450MT?

[@bobbluesbarker]

I'd be interested to hear what sort of tank range the 450 MT will return? What's the fuel consumption like, compared to the other bikes in your fleet Nathan?

[@adaptableadventurerider]

How do you know you have the right bike? When you look at it an wanna ride it :) Sounds interesting Nathan an that you've found something that suits which is epic, It's got a cool look to it that's for sure, you are super right about weight in my humble opinion, when we had the T7 I was really surprised at the manageability as ours on the trails didn't have crash bars so didn't exasperate the top heaviness everyone mentions although it was very focused towards green laning, now with the NX500 is even lighter again wildly different feel with us not needing the trail focus of the 300 Rally that I used to have, it's interesting fine margins and small changes make a huge difference. I self service the 1150GSA an even did my rocker end floats valves etc the other week few hours an done (advantage of screw an locknut have done shims on some race bikes though) reminds me how much easier the boxers are than having to remove so much stuff on the Japanese bikes T7 was a pain to get to the plugs NX looks like it's gonna be better, been playing about with suspension setup an weight distribution of my camera gear always good to get it a bit more inboard. Biggest pain now adays is the companies not selling service manuals as there's alot of us that are more than capable, I think there's a portal for the honda manuals where you can pay for up to date access for a day, month or life etc called marris that's not a bad way I think least you know you are getting the latest amended one then, otherwise it's like the 1967 Norton 650ss manual that still has a miss print about the rocker spindle oil way direction, something that's just passed down word of mouth few of the older 1920s-80s manuals are like that.

[@SIvonja2]

What accessories do you recommend. Is it necessary to buy radiator protection, oil reservoir protection, frond brake caliper protection and better engine cover. I think higher windshield is must have for the road. Is the wind problem for you, I am 185. Also what panniers for Uncle did you get, tuble-like as the original, or the plate-like.

[@4kadrian]

I’m curious how those Rhino bags will fit over the muffler, if you need rack for it or not necessarily. I’m going for a test ride in two weeks, and I’m planning to buy one for next season. Currently on F4, my first bike, 4th year

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

An incredible trip, beaut scenery, the Moto in it's element. Jealous of you mate! It's good to see the buzz & excitement surrounding the 450 segment at the moment. Will the Japanese respond? I think they will.

[@adegill9468]

Yes you sound like you really love the CF moto... will be interested to see how it manages the miles....must pay you a visit when you get back as im only a short distance away....still undersided on what bike to get?? enjoy the trip.

[@BeanieBiker_AutisticRider]

don't have mine yet, but have the barkbusters already sitting in my garage, I am just putting on a decent bash plate, the rally front fender and the barkbusters, I would be interested to know how this will do for you on your trip with the extra weight

[@maxflight777]

Best wishes ! Is there a link Nathan , where we can buy your tours ? That 450 will be a playful bike on the trails … Well done for “adopting it “

[@craiglagden3608]

Here in Australia, you can fix the throttle snap Ness in the app when you download it

[@CosmikDebriis]

Not over here in the UK (unfortunately). I'd guess it has something to do with EU regulations. I'm mostly used to it know and does seem to have diminished a bit as the bike has a few miles on it (That or I'm just getting used to it).

[@garrywhippe7140]

intrested how the trip goes on the mt. one of them hundred bikes is mine,so hoping no gremlins arise. could you possibly take the 15 tooth sprocket and fit it for the return journey to compair? enjoy the trip to all that are going(i know how good Nathan's tours are👍) have fun.

[@nathanthepostman]

Cheers gaz. I've got a 15 tooth sprocket you can probably have as I won't bother changing it once down there. No point creating potential dramas mid trip. And for around Devon stock works nice. Hope you get it soon!

[@garrywhippe7140]

@@nathanthepostman thanks mate, can you hold on to it until February 🤣🤣🤣

[@lucke1022]

It's look like you have the higher seat on? How it is now?

[@neilcollinson6540]

Just leaving today back to UK, rode col de Sommeiller, fort Jafferau, assietta 1&2,then down to bottom loop, Vale Dale sale and all the others, the bottom loop is miles better than the susa Valley loop in my opinion, the landslide on col de Sommeiller is passable so summit is accessible 👍🇮🇹, don't forget fort Jafferau is only open on Saturday and Wednesdays 👍

[@nathanthepostman]

Cheers Neil. Hope you had a great trip. I'm not familiar with that vale dale sale trail. Do you have a link to the route by any chance?

[@GodspeedChris]

Was trail riding down there in May, just as Monte jafferau opened, took my Honda Innova 125, rode down and back, based myself in bardonecchia. Wonderful trip. Enjoy 👍 1635 miles to Bardonecchia, riding the trails on a Honda Innova 125 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpWxeml7i5ppoLM

[@nathanthepostman]

Haha. You mad man

[@gnarlybadger690]

If bikes are in short supply I wonder what the time frame is for parts. Went to what I think is meant to be a main Kove dealership in Oxfordshire on Saturday. The bike salesman (singular) wasn't there so spoke to a car salesman as the bikes are being sold out of a car dealership. He was as helpful as possible. The bike was pretty impressive (Kove 800) and I was offered a test ride. They only had 4 bikes in total 3 800's in different build processes so I think only one available to ride they had a 510 I do believe again available for a test ride. So although I was really impressed with the 800 at £8,500 3 years warranty the dealership was lacking and not very confidenice inspiring and of course the issue with the KTM LC8 engine which the Kove and the CF Moto use does give me a little anxiety. I know a little off subject but just trying to add to the context of the dealership situation of these pretty exciting Chinese manufacturers

[@nathanthepostman]

I think with cf moto hooking up with KTM for dealership and supply chain then I'd expect parts supply to be as good/bad as KTM. I think kove is probably a few steps behind in that regards, but as you say, a lot of bike for the money!

[@Dorrzy123]

The availability of this is really holding cf Moto back

[@tomcooper4051]

col de sommeiller had loads of snow on top part in the middle of july. Could not get to the top. Guess the last few days probably added to it. Also Jeffau was not passable from the ski lift side.. coming from the west side going east.

[@nathanthepostman]

Yeah it's not looking like it's had the best season. Assiette all looks clear so we'll just have to play it by ear. Nature of the beast really. Glad you had a good trip

[@tomcooper4051]

@@nathanthepostman it was pretty damn amazing i have to say.... good luck with yours!

[@peakrider4886]

CF Moto is the hot ticket item now, but with all the new bike shows coming up, I wonder what other options will be showcased over the next 6 months, and the demand for the bike might drop. If you have the cash, I suppose it would be easy enough to sell at RRP or even slightly higher.

[@peakrider4886]

If the parts and prices of replacement body panels was reasonable, I would probably go without crash bars. I’m about to install some on mine simply because these parts are no longer available and if I broke a side panel it would be 1. very difficult to source it, and 2. it would be expensive. I’d rather have the peace of mind of knowing the crash bars are there to prevent it.

[@marklee519]

Speaking of putting motorcycles in vans or indeed towing motorcycles across Europe . I have heard is not so straightforward on the continent as it is here . Especially when crossing borders . Is there something you've ever done Nathan can you shed any light on it for me please please ? ..... Keep up the good stuff mate .. regards Mark

[@RocketMan_Moto]

MT450 would be my choice, too. Anything but the Himalayan! Have a great trip😊👍

[@davidz8]

And no gloves 😀

[@hamsterclamper]

@@davidz8😂

[@murrayhyde4902]

😂 nasty... I love my little royal enfield 411 off road😊😊

[@nevillegreg1]

Mate, the first service is not just about just an oil and filter change. There is a more comprehensive checklist that is actioned, it's not a free service. BTW, the genuine CFMoto crash bars come with instructions, these may provide a guide where your surplus Uncle Wang spaces need to be installed so that the crash bars are evenly spaced and properly installed.

[@CosmikDebriis]

Aftermarket crash bars have been causing frame failures on the new RE Himmy. Probably not an issue on the CF Moto, though I prefer to keep the weight down.

[@soloing_co]

Hey @nathanthepostman, just wanted to let you know that there is a typo in your website about the price of MT 450, you have it as 57500 at the a2-adventure-days page

[@nathanthepostman]

Bad inflation this year

[@soloing_co]

@@nathanthepostman hahahaha true!! Anyway, I should have my A license in the end of October, hoping to be able to join you in a trip next year! Cheers from Portugal

[@MH-xd2nd]

That’s the problem isn’t it - some will wait but others will buy something else. I guess CF Moto didn’t think the bike would be as popular, or they don’t have the capacity to build at scale yet (or more worryingly they’ve caught the KTM reliability disease and have QC problems). I wonder how many dual riders have bought. Himmy 450 instead, and road only riders that have bought a Triumph 400. I’m sure they will still be very popular but they’re missing out on a lot of sales, and the worry always is with Chinese manufacturers not the product but the after sales, support and parts. I hear they’re possibly being distributed planned to be sold by KTM dealers in the UK, but there are few of those within 100 miles of me so not great either.

[@richtucker857]

Looking forward to hearing how it goes, one thing that's never mentioned Nathan-the lights at night. I commute on my bike and at present am in the dilemma of upgrading with extra denali lights (£££) or just get a whole replacement bike??? At current lights not enough on my night commutes.

[@nathanthepostman]

I have ridden it at night and the lights were good to be fair.

[@douglasharkness6485]

Got my remapping through the cfmoto app took about 12 minutes

[@jacobwinn2765]

I’m from NZ… I wish we had Europe on our doorstep. It’s beautiful here, but culturally it’s a wasteland.

[@nathanthepostman]

Yeah I never made it to nz. Kept meaning to when I was in oz but never got round to it. You look to have some amazing riding there, but just too far away at the minute

[@marcbrasse747]

Trailing in Italy? All in a days work, eh? 👍

[@adri6959]

Make a video of the throttle remap

[@nathanthepostman]

I haven't had it done yet.

[@adri6959]

⁠@@nathanthepostmanWhen you have done it :) I also saw videos of people that adjust the throttle pull/push cable and it solves lots of the problems

[@blackiesmisadventures3413]

One Word - Parts ?

[@nathanthepostman]

Well, given I can't get parts for the triumph 400 or Himalayan 450 either then I'd say it's on par. But Pierer Mobility distribution should hopefully help

[@motohobo]

A bike or a body🤣.

[@livesgas]

The Voge is 206kg according to the specs. Though it looks heavier.

[@nathanthepostman]

They obviously weighed either without accessories or fuel as it's 230 kilos on my scales. Himalayan 450 and cf moto correct at 196 fully fuelled

[@livesgas]

@@nathanthepostman I thought the 206kg claimed weight was optimistic, comparing it to the NX at 197kg.

[@nathanthepostman]

It's be unfair comparing it to the Honda's weight as that's without any kit. I suspect if you added all the panniers, side bars, centre stand etc to the Honda then it wouldn't be far off 220 kilos either. ​@@livesgas

[@mikehurley5052]

Dont go through Mont Blonc tunnel, cost me 30 euros on the bike back in 2019, rip off.

[@murrayhyde4902]

Uncle Wang... 😂😂

[@alanalmond3072]

Personally I feel people make to much noise about weight, 195kg , 210kg really not worth the debate.

[@nathanthepostman]

I totally agree. There seems an obsession with the numerics rather than the feel. But with the mt I don't care for the extra 'feel' weight of the protection bars. But it's still not a heavy bike (imo)

[@gillescafedjian1381]

@@nathanthepostman I ordered the MT with crashbars directly mounted because it will be my first bike. So I also don't care about the feel because I don't have any comparaison. I also asked for a big plastic bashplate. The vendor say me it's more resistant and lighter.

[@ownyourworld]

Wethers shit I wouldn’t bother

[@nathanthepostman]

Looking alright at the minute for next week.