2024 CFMoto 450NK and 450SR-S Launched

[Hugh Janus]

The 400cc class continues to heat up with the recently launched CFMoto 450SR-S. (CFMoto/)

Only weeks ago in April we revealed the first leaked photo of CFMoto’s planned 450NK roadster, now it’s been officially launched along with an array of other updated models at the Motor China show in Beijing.

The 450NK is, as expected, a naked derivative of CFMoto’s 450SS parallel-twin sportbike, with styling that’s closely related to the KTM-powered 800NK that was revealed earlier this year. Compared to the image leaked in April, the production bike has slight changes including new paint and graphics, with a blacked-out fork instead of the gold ones seen in the earlier photos and a choice of colors. However, the specifications are just as expected.

Key elements of the bike include the 449cc parallel twin, with a 270-degree crank for a characterful firing interval similar to a 90-degree V-twin. It puts out 50 hp at 9,500 rpm and 28.8 lb.-ft. of torque at 7,600 rpm. With only a claimed 364 pounds to pull, that should be a recipe for decent performance. The 37mm inverted fork and a single 320mm disc with a four-piston radial J.Juan caliper should give handling and stopping power to match.

The naked CFMoto 450NK has been officially launched. (CFMoto/)

CFMoto claims a fairly low seat height of 31.3 inches, the addition of traction control and ABS, plus a slipper clutch, which should all help make it easy to handle for the sort of inexperienced riders who are likely to be its main target. Although delivery dates have yet to be announced, the 450NK has already appeared in US type-approval listings as a 2024 model, so we can be certain it will be reaching these shores in the next few months.

Another new CFMoto that was previously leaked in approval documents is the 450SR-S, a higher-spec version of the 450SS already sold here, with a single-sided swingarm and other improvements to set it aside from its sibling model. As well as the new swingarm, the SR-S gains a larger 240mm rear disc, up from 220mm, and features traction control as standard. Automatic headlights and a new instrument panel with a phone mirroring setup are also fitted, as well as a new, adjustable rear shock.

To show off the exposed rear wheel, the exhaust is revised with a lower, belly-mounted muffler instead of the 450SS’ upswept design. However, there’s a slight weight penalty to pay for the single-sided arm, with the SR-S coming in at 372.5 pounds, up from 370 pounds for the standard model.

CFMoto’s Papio XO Adventurer goes head-to-head with Honda’s Monkey. (CFMoto/)

Yet another bike that was leaked in April was the CFMoto Papio XO-2, and it’s also been given an official debut in China, under the name Papio XO Adventurer. It’s a retro-inspired, adventure-style minibike that sits alongside the sportier-looking Papio XO Racer. Both share an identical 126cc, 9.4 hp, air-cooled single and target the same market as Honda’s Grom, but with a retro twist. Perhaps as a nod to the Honda Monkey, Ape, and Gorilla models, Papio translates to Baboon.

The XO Adventurer is mechanically the same as the XO Racer but gets more deeply treaded tires, fractionally more ground clearance at 6.2 inches instead of 5.9 inches, a lower 29-inch-high seat, and wider, taller bars. It also loses the Racer’s half fairing and stepped seat unit in favor of a one-piece seat and fork-mounted headlights. At the Motor China show, CFMoto also unveiled both versions of the Papio XO fitted with tiny sidecars, complete with flip-up headlights, but it’s not yet clear if those will be offered as options. Since the standard, modern-style Papio is already offered for sale in the US, with the same engine as the XO models, there are few barriers to the new versions being brought here in the future.

All we can say about the sidecar-equipped Papio, is rad! (CFMoto/)

CFMoto also used the Motor China show to reveal an upgraded version of its flagship 1250TR-G tourer, which is still available only in China, and even there only sells in small numbers thanks to a price tag that’s equivalent to more than $14,000. It’s powered by a 1,279cc V-twin derived from the KTM LC8 design, making 141 hp to be one of the most powerful motorcycles ever made in China. The latest version includes a rear-facing radar system, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-change assist, plus a huge 12.5-inch screen with Apple CarPlay tied to a JBL audio system. Keyless start, hill-start assist, cornering ABS, and tire pressure monitoring are also all standard, but despite a spec that appears to be competitive on a global level, there’s currently no indication that CFMoto plans to offer the 1250TR-G to export markets.

CFMoto’s 1250TR-G is one of the most expensive motorcycles available in China. (CFMoto/)

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