2024 · Supersport · Buyer's Guide
Accessible Supersport, Surprisingly Sharp
The 450SR S is a 450 cc parallel twin with a 270-degree crank in a steel trellis frame, and it makes 51 hp and 30 lb-ft. Those aren't numbers that scare anyone. What makes this generation interesting is how much real hardware sits around them: adjustable suspension at both ends, a slipper clutch, an up-only quickshifter, a TFT display with smartphone connectivity and tire pressure monitoring. The rider aids are ABS and traction control. At 395 lb (179 kg) wet with a 31.3 in (795 mm) seat, it's a supersport you can actually get on and use. And it looks the part!
On the road it's light on its feet, steady when the pace climbs, and it tells you plainly what the tires are doing. That combination is what a small supersport has to deliver, and this one does. Running costs stay low, which matters if you ride every weekend. It's for you if you'd rather use all of a bike than a third of a big one. The honest caveat: the electronics stop at ABS and traction control. There are no ride modes, and the quickshifter only works on the way up. Before you buy, check that recall campaign CF240000005R for the rear brake line sealing washers has been done. Then go ride.
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 51 hp (38 kW) |
|---|---|
| Torque | 30 lb-ft (40 Nm) |
| Displacement | 450 cc |
| Engine | Parallel twin |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Front tire | 110/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 150/60-17 |
| Seat height | 31.3 in (795 mm) |
| Wet weight | 395 lb (179 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 3.7 gal (14 L) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Connectivity
Drivetrain
Lighting
Safety
Rear brake line sealing washer defect (recall)
The sealing washers in the rear brake lines may not meet specifications, allowing air into the system and leading to reduced braking performance. CFMOTO recall campaign CF240000005R covers replacement of the affected components.
Where this CFMOTO 450SR S 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
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the 450SR S is actually built for.
Of the riders here, you're the best fit. It's light, stable and cheap to run for sporty weekends. For the road-trip part, plan around a 3.7 gal (14 L) tank and no cruise control or luggage.
Made for Austin / Texas Hill Country · Texas Hill Country BDR-X · Twisted Sisters
A strong match if you chase technique, not top speed. Light steering, clear feedback and plenty of lean clearance reward repetition. You'll miss a downshift function on the quickshifter.
Made for Tail of the Dragon · Back of the Dragon · Blue Ridge Parkway
It works, with limits. The chassis is precise and it's easy in city traffic on the way out. But 51 hp and no ride modes may leave you wanting more if you're used to bigger hardware.
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.
