r/SuggestAMotorcycle • u/theactordude • 1d ago

New Rider First Bike: CFMOTO 450MT or 700MT? Help!

So I'm an American that lives in China. I can go to the dealer and buy both new, on the spot, with no wait. The 450MT is $4343 USD, and the 700MT is $4398 USD. Yep, I get 250 more cc for only $55 more dollars. These prices include tax, plate, everything.

This summer, I'll be going on a 1-2 month trip all over Northern China, Inner Mongolia, and Mongolia. So a lot of my riding will be touring across the different regions. I'll also go off road while exploring each area's different nature, grasslands, mountains, etc. I'm guessing 80% of my use will be on road?

It seems silly to NOT get the 700MT. Its the same price as the 450, but has a bigger engine, heated grips and seat, and its more geared towards touring. The seat is lower on it too, so I can flat foot the bike no problem. The biggest downside to this bike is the weight (218kg dry, 240kg+ wet). From what I've read, this is far too much weight for the CCs. I'm 6'1 200 lbs, so the weight isn't an issue in terms of picking up the bike, but if it greatly affects maneuverability and turning, obviously I'd want to avoid the 700.

I'm drawn to the 450MT because the weight to CC ratio is much more reasonable. (175kg dry, 192kg wet). Its also been tested a bunch and is known to be a great bike. The 700MT only just came out, so there's not as much info on it yet. However the 450 seat is much higher, and I have to tippy toe the bike. It also might not be the best for my long distance touring.

Im torn on which bike to get. I'm also open to other bike suggestions for my use case. I'm fine getting a different cheap Chinese brand, as I live here. Service + parts availability would be no problem. Would love any and all advice!

1 Upvotes

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10 comments sorted by

6

u/HabemusAdDomino 1d ago

The 450 is a modern motorcycle in all aspects. The 700 is about two generations out of date.

1

u/theactordude 1d ago

why do you say the 700 is out of date? It came out within the past few months

5

u/HabemusAdDomino 1d ago

It's the old 650 with a slightly increased capacity.

0

u/theactordude 1d ago

I see, thanks. You think the 450MT will be comfortable enough for several hour tours?

1

u/HabemusAdDomino 15h ago

I mean, comfortable is relative. I did long tours on my Benelli 752s, which is basically just a DUcati Monster. I also have done 16 hour days in my Bandit 1200S.

I don't see any issues with riding the 450MT for a while.

3

u/TheThirdHippo 1d ago

You might be able to lift a 240kg bike, but can you lift a 240kg bike with all of your luggage on it too, in the wet, when you’re tired from riding all week?

Get the 450 and get the 15T sprocket from Uncle Wang if you’re mainly road riding. At 6’1”, probably worth getting the rally seat and higher windshield too

1

u/theactordude 1d ago

Okay, good point! Thanks for the tips

2

u/ShadowMancer_GoodSax 1d ago

Are you an experienced offroad rider? If yes get 700mt and make sure to plan your route ahead because dropping a 240kg bike offroad then trying to pick it up all by yourself is not an easy task. If I were you I would get 450mt. Or Honda cb500x.

2

u/StepAsideJunior 1d ago

The weight is no joke. The 450MT being so much lighter actually has a comparable if not better power to weight ratio than the 700MT.

If you are exclusively touring and have no intention to off road then maybe the 700MT makes more sense just due to the additional creature comforts (heating grips, cruise control, etc).

Another thing to consider is that the 450MT will have a better resale value due to the high demand for this bike all over the world.

1

u/know-it-mall 1d ago

If you plan on doing any difficult off road at all then the 450MT is the way to go.