Fresh off Inside Motorcycles’ review of the CFMOTO dual-sport IBEX 450 and 800 models (click here to read), the brand’s Canadian distributor, Canada Moteurs Importation Inc., reached out with an offer to take their lightweight 450SS sport bike out for a test. Always ready to experience a new bike, I quickly accepted and made arrangements to pick it up at Calgary’s Basecamp Motorsports.
Having seen this model in person at the Moto Canada Motorcycle Show in early 2026, its premium fit and finish, available in eye catching Nebula Black or Nebula White colourways, was already a given. While rider aids are limited to lean sensitive ABS, the 450SS incorporates modern tech in the form of 5-inch full-colour TFT screen as well as a full LED lighting package.
The benefits of CFMOTO’s involvement in Moto2 and Moto3 are evident with the inclusion of race inspired elements including a cooling duct (new for 2026) on the front Brembo M40 caliper, clip on bars and even aerodynamic winglets on the front fairing. Our test bike was also outfitted with folding brake and clutch levers, lever guards and front and rear axle sliders from the CFMOTO accessory lineup. Further investigation of the specifications revealed the availability of an optional GP shift pattern, highlighting the competition-inspired DNA of the 450SS and leading me to the conclusion that this test should be conducted on a racetrack.
With track time already scheduled at Alberta’s Rocky Mountain Motorsports circuit, it felt like it was destiny to test the 450SS on the tight technical 19-corner 3.5-kilometre RMM track.
Set up at the track and ready to ride, initial impressions from the saddle focused on the size of 450SS. With a 795 mm (31.3 in) seat height, the ground is an easy reach even for vertically challenged riders. The clip-on handlebars are an easy reach and position the rider in sporty, but not too aggressive position, while the foot pegs strike a nice balance between comfort and practicality sitting high enough to keep them out of the way during cornering. The brake and clutch levers are both adjustable, but felt comfortable in their current setting so I did not make any changes. The one change I did make was to remove the rather large feelers from the bottom of the foot pegs as they were grinding along the asphalt even at moderate lean angles. If desired, the CFMOTO accessory catalogue includes rear sets for the 450SS.
Full of fuel the 450SS tips the scales at a healthy 179 kg (395 lb), 13 kg heavier than a Kawasaki Ninja 400 and a full 20 kg more than Yamaha’s R3. While this extra did not impair the bikes maneuverability on the track, it did come a surprise when reviewing the bike’s specifications.
Fired up the exhaust note is subdued at idle and escalates into a pleasant growl as throttle is applied. Heading out of the pits, the light feel of the clutch, which many new riders will appreciate, makes itself known.
Out on the track, the 450SS provides a smooth and responsive ride, handling with precision that riders will take advantage of whether it is on the racetrack, carving up twisties on the local highways or navigating through busy urban traffic.
Producing a claimed 51 horsepower at 9,500 rpm and 29.5 ft-lb of torque at 7,750 rpm the 449 cc parallel twin engine is paired with a six-speed slipper clutch. Although the stock engine mapping provides a fairly linear power band, the bike’s performance comes to life higher in the rev range. Chasing a KTM RC 390 around the track on one of the initial test sessions, it was surprising how quickly the KTM could gap the 450SS coming out of the corners. Keeping the 450SS between 7,500 rpm and its 10,000 rpm redline in subsequent sessions mitigated this issue and provided more drive out of corners.
The 320 mm radially mounted front brake disc and Brembo M40 four-piston caliper proved to be more than adequate for the 450SS even at track speeds, with a smooth feel and firm braking when required. A 220 mm disc with single piston caliper provides stopping power at the rear, however conducting this test in the track negated any need for the use of the rear brake.
Suspension on the 450SS is provided by a non-adjustable inverted front fork and rear monoshock that is adjustable for preload. For my 165 lb weight, the suspension would be adequate for riding on city streets and highways, however anyone looking to do draw upon the bike’s race-inspired DNA and do anything more than the occasional track day will definitely find themselves in search of suspension upgrades.
Another item that serious track day riders or canyon carvers will want to consider upgrading is the stock tires. The 450SS ships standard with CST Adreno HS AS5 tires (110/70 R17 front; 150/60 R17 rear) from Chen Shin Tires. According to the CST website, the design of these tires is focused on the requirements of sport touring as opposed to full on sport bike riding. I would have been more willing to push the bike further on the track if it was shod with more familiar sport bike tires such as Bridgestone Hypersport S23 or Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV.
Now before allowing the limited suspension setup and other factors to convince you to drop the 450SS from your consideration for a versatile sport bike, keep in mind that with an MSRP of $7,599 there is lots of room to make the required upgrades if you are picturing yourself spinning laps at the track. And for riders in search of a stylish looking sport bike for commuting around town and heading out in search of twisties on the weekend, it will be difficult to find a comparable value proposition, especially when factoring in the five-year warranty that accompanies the 450SS.
Visit www.cfmoto.ca for the location of a dealer near you and go check out the CFMOTO 450SS for yourself. I am confident that you will be glad that you did.
2026 CFMOTO 450SS
Suggested Retail: $7,599
Colours: Nebula Black, Nebula White
Engine: Inline twin-cylinder
Displacement: 449 cc
Bore & Stroke: 72.0 x 55.2 mm
Compression Ratio: 11.5:1
Power: 51 hp @ 9,500 rpm
Torque: 29.5 lb-ft @ 7,750 rpm
Fuel Delivery: Bosch EFI
Weight: 179 kg (395 lb) wet
Transmission: Six speed
Wheelbase: 1,370 mm (53.9 in)
Seat Height: 795 mm (31.3 in)
Suspension (front): inverted fork
Suspension (rear): Monoshock adjustable for preload
Tire (front): 110/70 R17
Tire (rear): 150/60 R17
Brakes (front): Single 320 mm disc with four-piston Brembo M40 caliper
Brakes (rear): Single 220 mm disc with single-piston caliper
Fuel Capacity: 14 L
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