The New CFMoto 450 CL

It will break cover soon, and an American launch looks possible

Chinese bikemaker CFMoto has had an impressive run in 2023 so far. Be it the aggressive 800NK streetfighter, or the radar-equipped 800MT ADV, it has impressed with a variety of offerings that, dare we say, feel as good as their Japanese or European counterparts. And keeping at it, the manufacturer has now showcased its first modern-day cruiser, the 450 CL-C. Revealed at the 2023 Beijing Motorcycle Show (China's version of the EICMA), the metric cruiser is a direct rival to the Honda Rebel 500 and the new Kawasaki Eliminator. Here's all we know about it.

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The CL-C hits all the right spots in terms of design. A low stance, teardrop tank with knee indents, beefy tires–all help the cruiser qualify as a handsome lad and even look slightly American. This is topped by premium touches like the bar-end mirrors, triple-tone livery, and muscular fork sleeves up top. A closer also reveals red stitching on the saddle, alloy wheels (made to mimic spoke units), and..wait for it..a belt drive for that authentic cruiser feel.

As for features, we can spot an LED headlight, round LED indicators, single-disc brakes (at both ends), and dual-channel ABS. The cockpit comprises a fully digital instrument cluster, probably loaded with smartphone connectivity as standard. What also catches our eyes is the almost flat Harley-Davidson Fat Bob-like handlebar which could enable some spirited riding. The footrests are forward-set, however, just like a proper cruiser.

Under its skin, the CL-C employs a 450cc, parallel-twin powerhouse. No, this is not the same engine as the popular 450SS, but a new bored-out mill derived from the 400NK on sale in China. Considering the NK produces 41 ponies, we expect the cruiser to churn out at least 45 horsepower, all sent to the wheel via a belt-pulley setup and a six-speed gearbox. This is slightly shy of the 47 horsepower Kawasaki Eliminator, but right on par with the 45 horsepower Honda Rebel 500. As always, torque will play a key role too, and we hope CFMoto has focused on it.

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Like the engine, the cruiser flexes an all-new double downtube chassis. It is suspended on upside-down forks and a monoshock, in addition to what looks like a set of 16-inch wheels. These hoops wear extra chunky tires, which add a pinch of Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight vibe to the package. In contrast, the Honda and Kawasaki both have telescopic forks and dual shocks.

According to CFMoto, the 450 CL-C is near-ready for production and we expect it to debut in the European market at the 2023 EICMA. This will be followed by an American launch in early 2024, as CFMoto's previous launch trend suggests. There's also a slight chance the bikemaker could skip this in the US. Only time will clear all these things, so stay tuned to TopSpeed.com.

Punya is an avid motorcyclist who's always up for a ride to the canyons or the racetrack. He insists his riding skills are better than his writing skills, even though he's worked with some world-renowned automotive websites.