The best CFMOTO 450MT upgrades are mostly setup, not shopping: adjust the suspension, fit better tyres and raise the bars, and it becomes a much better lane bike. It comes well equipped for the money, with spoked tubeless wheels, a bash plate and adjustable suspension, but the factory settings are harsh and the stock tyres are its main limit. We don't own one, so this list draws on an 11,000km long-term test, MCN's review and what Holloway riders on 450MTs tell us.

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Most common 450MT mods

Roughly in the order we'd fit them for green laning.

Suspension

Suspension setup

The factory settings are harsh, but there is plenty of adjustment. Opening up the fork and shock damping made a big difference to ride and traction in two separate reviews. It costs nothing, so do it before you buy anything.

Tyres

Better off-road tyres

MCN called the stock CST tyres the main limit on the bike's off-road ability. They are good on dry dirt and roads, and one tester got about 8,000km from them, but they struggle in UK mud. see every tyre we list in its sizes.

Ergonomics

Bar risers

The bars are low for standing. A 183cm tester found standing only just sustainable with 25mm risers, and MCN says taller riders will need risers or new bars.

Protection

Metal-backed hand guards

A plastic hand guard cracked in a fall on the long-term test bike, and ABS Barkbusters replaced it. Metal backbones protect the levers better.

Luggage

Rackless soft luggage

A rackless bag mounted low on the pillion footrest worked faultlessly over rocky ground for the long-term tester. It keeps weight low on a bike that already feels heavy loaded.

Comfort

A lower screen for trail riding

The long-term tester lowered the screen and deflector for a better view of the ground ahead. It is a two-minute job and easy to reverse for road trips.

Protection

Crash bars

At around 175kg it will go over in a lane. Bars protect the radiator and bodywork.

Maintenance

A centre stand

Readers of the long-term test fitted aftermarket centre stands to make chain care easier, which matters because chain tension affects how smoothly it rides.

Known 450MT weak points and fixes

Snatchy low-speed throttle and buckingCorrect chain tension made a big difference. A dealer software update at a service may also help.
Notchy gear changeAdjust the clutch cable at the bar first. A new chain improved it further on the test bike.
Traction control cutting in on loose climbsUse the bar-mounted button to turn traction control off on soft or loose ground.
Harsh stock suspensionOpen up the damping. Everything you need is already on the bike.
Low barsRisers or taller bars.

How easy the 450MT is to live with

450MT mods to skip

Before you modify: tell your insurer about every change, or a claim can be refused. Any change to lights, exhaust or fuelling must keep the bike road legal, and a quiet bike helps keep lanes open for everyone. Nothing here was paid for or supplied by a brand.

Then find somewhere to ride it

Plan a day of green lanes across England and Wales on the Holloway map, with each lane's difficulty and legal status.

Open the map

Sources: Adventure Motorcycling, CFMoto 450MT 11,000km review, MCN, CFMOTO 450MT review, Jalopnik, are CFMotos reliable?.

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