CFMoto, the Chinese two-wheeler maker that had a short stint in India, was all set to make a comeback with its new range of motorcycles, especially the 450MT adventure motorcycle. Now, as per reports, the launch has been delayed, owing to the E20 fuel being sold in India. Here are more details.
CFMoto 450MT India launch
The CFMoto 450MT was initially slated to be launched around the festive season this year. Some media houses did get the chance to ride the motorcycle in India as well, and they had all the positives to say. Now, with E20 being sold in India, the manufacturer has delayed the launch to tweak certain components to make the motorcycle comply with Indian fuel norms.
As per a report by Bikewale, CFMoto will tweak certain components, such as the ECU, and other components. This has pushed the launch timeline further, and the festive season deadline will be missed.
CFMoto 450MT specifications
The CFMoto 450MT will compete in a highly competitive segment in India and does so in the global markets as well. The motorcycle is powered by a 450 cc, liquid-cooled parallel twin cylinder engine that makes 44 bhp and 44 Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox.
The specifications are very close to the new KTM 390 Adventure, the Royal Enfield Himalayan, and the upcoming BMW F 450 GS, which will be built in India by TVS. In terms of engine layout, the 450MT matches the 450 GS, as they are the only twin-cylinder motorcycles in the segment.
The CFMoto 450MT gets long-travel USD forks, a monoshock at the rear, rides on wire-spoke wheels, gets LED lighting, a TFT instrument console, and more — it ticks all the right boxes.
However, the CFMoto 450MT’s success won’t be in its specifications alone, as maintenance is a key factor, and the company is yet to setup an aftyersales network. Also, before the after-sales network, CFMoto has to price the 450MT competitively in the Indian market.
The motorcycle will be brought in via the CKD route, and this will attract 10 percent duties, and the new GST slab means it attracts 40 percent taxes. A price tag under Rs 4 lakh would be ideal.
