The CFMoto 450NK is the Chinese manufacturer’s 449cc lightweight naked bike. Derived from the 450SS sportbike, the 450NK utilizes the same 449cc parallel twin. This same powerplant has also been applied to CFMoto’s incoming lightweight adventure bike, the Ibex 450. Cross platform sharing a versatile parallel twin is a successful strategy Yamaha applies to its 689cc CP2 engine. Now, CFMoto offers consumers a similar spread of model choices, but with less displacement.
CFMoto’s 450NK features a 449cc liquid-cooled parallel twin with a 270-degree crank, Bosch EFI, and a slipper/assist clutch. The chassis is comprised of a steel frame, cast-aluminum swingarm, a nonadjustable 37mm inverted fork, a multi-link shock, and 17-inch wheels. Braking components include a single 320mm rotor with a four-piston J.Juan caliper up front and a 220mm rotor with a single-piston caliper at the rear. Both systems feature dual-channel ABS. The 450NK’s electronics suite can be accessed through a 5-inch TFT display, offering switchable traction control and Bluetooth connectivity. Adding to the NK’s functionality are a pair of charging ports (type A, type C) and full LED lighting.
Before hitting our in-house Dynojet 250i dynamometer, the 450NK weighed 386 pounds on our automotive scales. On the Cycle World dyno, the 2024 CFMoto 450NK produced 47.4 hp at 9,500 rpm and 27.3 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,900 rpm. For reference, the 2022 Honda CB500F produced 43.1 hp at 8,300 rpm and 29.4 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,600 rpm on the Cycle World dyno. CFMoto’s 450NK provides a linear power delivery and flat torque curve, despite a few peaks and valleys on the dyno chart.
A charismatic engine, throaty exhaust note, competitive power figures, and an MSRP of $5,399 make the 2024 CFMoto 450NK a legitimate option for new and experienced riders.