2023 · Supersport · Buyer's Guide
Budget Entry With Real Stability
The 450SR is CFMOTO's argument that an entry-level supersport doesn't have to feel like a compromise. At its heart is a liquid-cooled 450 cc parallel twin with a 270-degree crank, making 46 hp at 9,500 rpm and 30 lb-ft at 7,750 rpm. It sits in a steel trellis frame with a 1.46 in (37 mm) upside-down fork. Up front, a Brembo M40 four-piston caliper bites a 12.6 in (320 mm) disc. Bosch ABS, a slipper clutch, a TFT dash and full LED lighting all come standard. The styling is sharp enough that it passes for a much pricier machine.
In daily use it plays to its real strengths. It's light, and the chassis tells you plenty about what the tires are doing. At 373 lb (169 kg) wet with a 31.3 in (795 mm) seat, it works as well on a Tuesday commute as on a Sunday loop, and 52 mpg keeps running costs honest. The caveat is electronics. ABS is the entire rider-aid package: no traction control, no ride modes, no IMU. The fork has no adjustment at all. Over time, watch the engine for oil and coolant weeps, and check chain tension more often than you'd expect.
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 46 hp (34 kW) @ 9,500 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 30 lb-ft (40 Nm) @ 7,750 rpm |
| Displacement | 450 cc |
| Engine | Parallel twin |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Fork | Upside-down (USD) |
| Front brake | 320 mm |
| Front tire | 110/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 150/60-17 |
| Seat height | 31.3 in (795 mm) |
| Wet weight | 373 lb (169 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 3.7 gal (14 L) |
| Top speed | 118 mph (190 km/h) |
| Fuel economy | 52 mpg (US) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Connectivity
Drivetrain
Lighting
Safety
Telematics box holder failure (US recall)
On early‑production 2023 450SS models (VIN range LCEPESLA0P6000314‑P6006525, built 02/06/2023‑03/07/2023), the rubber rings securing the T‑box can fail due to shear stress and vibration, allowing the box to drop into the steering area and potentially impede control. A recall remedy kit (bracket and new straps) is available at dealers free of charge. NHTSA recall 24V‑108, 1,700 units affected.
Oil leak concerns
Some owners have reported oil leaks from the engine area.
Coolant leak
A few owners have experienced coolant leaks.
Chain tension issues
Premature chain slack or tension inconsistencies reported.
Where this CFMOTO 450SR pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Top speed
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the 450SR is actually built for.
For Saturday loops out of Austin with a BBQ stop in the middle, it's light, cheap to run and happy on the sweepers. It's a sportbike first, though, so pack light for longer road trips.
Made for Austin / Texas Hill Country · Texas Hill Country BDR-X · Twisted Sisters
This bike makes you a better rider on the Dragon. It's light, it talks to you, and with 46 hp you can use all of it. Just remember that ABS is your only electronic safety net.
Made for Tail of the Dragon · Back of the Dragon · Blue Ridge Parkway
If you want to sharpen your lines on the Crest without hyperbike speeds, it fits. As an experienced rider, though, you'll miss traction control and an adjustable fork.
Made for Angeles Crest Highway · Coronado Trail / US 191 · Highway 1 / Big Sur
If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
