With the all-new 2025 CFMOTO CL-C 450, the Chinese manufacturer offers a bike with classic custom styling. Accessible and resolutely well thought-out for beginners and lovers of retro design. This new model is part of a clear strategy: to offer motorcycles with an assertive look, with modern mechanics, and at a competitive price.
The big question now: can the CL-C 450 really compete with the Honda Rebel 500 or the Yamaha Bolt? We’ve tested it for you, and here’s our verdict.
Styling: a real “little bobber
At first glance, the 2025 CFMOTO CL-C 450 catches the eye with its big 16-inch front balloon tire and round solo headlight. What’s more, its low-slung chassis and dual exhaust contribute to the modern bobber look. The bike retains a certain sobriety, enhanced by a high-quality finish. Something that’s becoming increasingly common with this manufacturer. And something you wouldn’t necessarily expect to find on a motorcycle in this segment.
The choice of a round 3.6-inch TFT color display, well integrated into the cockpit, is particularly judicious. It evokes the nostalgia of the needle meters of yesteryear while offering modern readability and connectivity. In fact, it’s entirely digital, even though it displays a replica of a retro speedometer. A bold techno touch to accompany an assertive vintage look.
Special mention for the well-placed controls, stable mirrors and overall quality of materials. All in all, it’s an aesthetic success, with classic styling without going overboard. What’s more, the attention to detail suggests that this is a more expensive motorcycle.
An efficient, pleasant engine
Beneath its urban cruiser exterior lies a 449 cm³ parallel-twin engine. With a 270-degree crankshaft, the engine features an architecture that has become popular for its dynamic qualities. The same type of engine can be found in several of the manufacturer’s motorcycles (Ibex 450, 450NK and 450SS).
The engine develops 40 hp at 8000 rpm and 30 lb-ft of torque at 6250 rpm. These figures may seem modest on paper, but they are perfectly suited to an entry-level motorcycle. All the more so considering its relaxed, urban orientation.
What impresses is definitely not the raw power, but rather the smoothness and linearity of the engine. The response is progressive and you can hear the beautiful sound of the dual exhaust. A sound more reminiscent of a larger-displacement motorcycle, and one that gives the impression of having plenty of horsepower.
It’s worth noting that the engine benefits from two counterbalancing weights. This helps to reduce vibrations and deliver a very smooth ride, even at high revs. All in all, this results in a very civilized and reassuring engine response for less experienced riders. For the more experienced rider, you’ll appreciate pushing the engine up to higher revs for a nice power delivery.
Driving dynamics: simple, agile and surprisingly fun
The 2025 CFMOTO CL-C 450 is designed to accommodate the rider fairly close to the ground. With a seat height of just 690 mm (27 inches)! This facilitates maneuvering at low speeds, and gives confidence to even modest-sized riders. What’s more, this feature contributes enormously to the feeling of being at one with the road when riding.
Weighing in at just over 400 lbs (182 kg), it’s remarkably light for this segment. At the same time, it offers superior agility for a cruiser-style motorcycle. It’s a pleasure to swing from corner to corner. Even if it’s not a track beast, it knows how to be more dynamic than it looks.
The riding position is relaxed, with arms slightly stretched towards the flat handlebars. The footrests are relatively well positioned, but a little low. They rub too quickly when cornering. The seat is comfortable for short and medium-distance rides.
The six-speed transmission is well spaced and makes it easy to exploit the engine’s potential. Revs are smooth and the gearbox encourages you to play with the ratios. However, we did notice that the clutch lacks precision when starting off in first gear. Nothing dramatic, but it does take a little getting used to.
Suspension and braking: some good… and some not so good!
In terms of suspension, CFMOTO uses an inverted front fork, a choice often reserved for sportier bikes. The result is directional precision and good road feel.
At the rear, on the other hand, the monoshock is more limited. It clearly lacks travel and has difficulty coping with the bumps and imperfections of rough roads. For urban journeys or short rides, this remains acceptable. On bumpy roads, however, the limits of this suspension configuration quickly become apparent.
Front braking is reassuringly smooth and progressive, with discreet but effective ABS. The rear brake, on the other hand, was spongier and lacked bite. It somewhat undermines overall confidence and seems ineffective with the ABS, which intervenes too quickly. For everyday use, this remains tolerable, but an adjustment or future evolution would be welcome.
Areas for improvement
For all its qualities, the 2025 CFMOTO CL-C 450 isn’t perfect. Here are the points we’d like to see improved:
- Fuzzy clutch at low speeds: the friction point is difficult to pinpoint, which can complicate starts, especially on uphill gradients.
- Rear suspension: limited travel, uncomfortable on rough roads.
- Spongy rear brake: lacks bite, which reduces braking efficiency in more rhythmic riding.
None of these shortcomings is eliminatory, but they are worth considering. Especially if you intend to use the bike frequently on rough secondary roads.
Conclusion: a success story in a strategic segment
The 2025 CFMOTO CL-C 450 is an excellent surprise. It boasts assertive styling, a well-calibrated engine and a dynamic driving experience. All this at a very competitive price in this segment. It presents itself as a genuine alternative to established Japanese models, notably the Honda Rebel 500, without denying its own personality. Admittedly, it’s not without its faults, but all in all, this bike does what it’s supposed to do.
If you’re looking for a clean-looking, accessible and fun custom bike, the CL-C 450 clearly deserves a place on your test list.
The 4Riders Magazine team thanks CFMOTO Canada for the loan of the vehicle. For more info, visit the manufacturer’s website or your nearest retailer.
Vincent Bourque Veilleux
Columnist
Equipment worn during the test and visible in the photos
- Coat: Oxford Montreal 4.0
- Helmet: LS2 Valiant II
- Boots: Falco Ranger Falco Ranger
- Photo credits: Mélissa Vachon, MV Production
