Who Makes the Perfect Entry-Level Cruiser? A Brand You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

CFMoto’s scrappy 450CL-C is the antidote to ginormous American offerings that may be a bit much for beginners.

Published May 12, 2025

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Updated May 13, 2025

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Last week, I wrote pretty breathlessly about Harley-Davidson’s stunning new Fat Boy Gray Ghost Icons Collection motorcycle.

As captivating as this “dipped in chrome” cruiser is, the 1917cc engine alone makes this thing an absolute beast.

cfmoto 450 cl-c full — CFMoto offers a 450CL-C with a red and gray tank, but I’m not sure you can beat this blacked-out treatment.

For a lot of folks, especially beginners, that’s just way too much bike. So this week, I invite you to behold the other end of the spectrum.

CFMoto’s 450CL-C still boasts classic cruiser good looks, but with a big step down in engine displacement and power — and a huge step up in approachability and affordability. Let’s go.

Moto bona fides

What is CFMoto? Based in Hangzhou, China, this 36-year-old company makes a ton of different kinds of vehicles, from ATVs to yachts.

Having smartly partnered with renowned motorcycle brands such as KTM, CFMoto has been raising its quality and reputation in recent years, gaining respect in Australia, the Philippines and parts of Europe.

cfmoto 450clc action — The 450CL-C’s low seat height and comfortable riding position make it approachable for nearly any rider.

Not unlike other China-based brands such as Hanway and QJMotors, CFMoto has ID’ed a sweet spot with affordable, classically styled cruisers that look great but don’t intimidate.

While many of the brand’s bikes aren’t available stateside, the $5,799 450CL-C is — which means the Honda Rebel 500 (and its $6,499 base price) had better watch its back.

cfmoto 450cl-c gauge — This vintage-styled gauge is one of many features with classic looks and modern functionality.

After all, CFMoto’s bike has more to offer than the good looks spanning its polished fuel tank cap, brushed aluminum panels, blacked-out pipes and 16-inch alloy wheels with contrast cut spokes.

Little big bike

As the name suggests, the power plant is just a bit under one-quarter the size on the aforementioned Fat Boy, 449cc.

This 2-cylinder inline liquid-cooled DOHC engine makes 40 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 30 lb-ft of torque at 6,250 rpm.

cf moto 450cl-c belt drive — The Gates Belt Drive promises low maintenance and reliable power transfer, just like on a bicycle.

Those numbers aren’t blowing anyone’s hair back, but should provide plenty of zip to a bike with a curb weight of just 399 pounds.

Augmuenting the approachability are wide, upright handlebars, slightly forward controls, anti-lock brakes and a seat height of just 27 inches, all of which add up to a comfortable and confident riding position.

The 450CL-C also offers a 3.6-inch round TFT display, full LED lighting and a distinctly modern feature in the form of a Gates Belt Drive.

Anyone who’s read my tributes to Priority’s Ace of Spades and Joker bicycles knows how much I love a belt drive on a human-powered two-wheeler.

cf moto 450cl-c rear light — Full LED lighting helps you see and be seen — and look good doing it.

The same advantages apply here: super clean and low maintenance, with a seamless power transfer that ensures you squeeze every ounce of juice from that small-displacement power plant.

Assuming your predilections lean toward urban errands and twisty two-lane-road adventures, the little engine that could should still deliver plenty of satisfying (s)miles.

Availability and pricing

The 2025 CFMoto 450CL-C is available now starting at $5,799.

2025 CFMoto 450CL-C

$5,799 at CFMoto USA

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.