For many looking at a lower-capacity adventure bike – the CFMoto 450MT and Honda CRF300 Rally are always top contenders. But when you’re itching to hit the open road and leave the pavement behind, which one is really going to give you the adventure of a lifetime? Let’s cut through the hype and take a closer look at what matters most to riders, and why the CFMoto 450MT might just surprise you as the perfect ride for most adventures.
Power and Performance
The engine is the heart of any motorcycle, and in the adventure segment, versatility is paramount. You need an engine that effortlessly handles everything from motorway cruising to challenging off-road terrain. This is where the CFMoto 450MT truly shines, offering a distinct advantage over the Honda CRF300 Rally.
With its larger displacement and twin-cylinder configuration, the 450MT delivers not just more power but also a broader, more usable powerband (it also sounds like a much bigger bike).
This translates to confident passing on the road, effortless hill climbs even when fully loaded, and a more relaxed and enjoyable riding experience overall. While the CRF300 Rally is undeniably nimble, it feels strained at higher speeds or when carrying a full complement of adventure gear.
CFMoto 450MT:
- Engine: 449cc parallel-twin
- Power: 44.2 hp
- Torque: 39 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed
Honda CRF300 Rally:
- Engine: 286cc single-cylinder
- Power: 27.3 hp
- Torque: 26.6 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed
Comfort and Ergonomics
Adventure riding often means long days in the saddle, tackling a variety of terrains. Comfort isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for safety and enjoyment. The CFMoto is designed with long-distance comfort in mind, offering a more substantial seat, adjustable windscreen, and a more relaxed riding position. These features combine to reduce fatigue on extended trips. The larger fuel tank also means fewer stops, allowing you to cover more ground between fill-ups. The CRF300 Rally, with its dirt bike heritage, offers a more compact riding position which, while great for off-road control, can become tiring on longer road sections.
CFMoto 450MT:
- Seat height: 825mm
- Fuel capacity: 17.5L
- Windscreen: Adjustable
- Wet weight: 175 kg
Honda CRF300 Rally:
- Seat height: 885mm
- Fuel capacity: 12.8L
- Windscreen: Fixed
- Wet weight: 153 kg
Versatility
A true adventure bike should be capable of handling a variety of riding conditions with ease. Both the 450MT and CRF300 aim for versatility, but they approach it from different angles. The 450MT offers a more balanced package, with wheel sizes and suspension tuned for both on-road stability and off-road capability. Its fully adjustable suspension allows riders to fine-tune the bike for different terrains and loads. The CRF300 Rally leans more towards off-road performance with its clearance and longer travel suspension, which can be an advantage in rough terrain but may compromise on-road handling and stability at higher speeds.
CFMoto 450MT:
- Front wheel: 21-inch
- Rear wheel: 18-inch
- Suspension: Fully adjustable front and rear
- Ground clearance: 220mm
- Tires: Tubeless
Honda CRF300 Rally:
- Front wheel: 21-inch
- Rear wheel: 18-inch
- Suspension: Non-adjustable front, preload-adjustable rear
- Ground clearance: 275mm
- Tires: Tube type
Technology and Features
Nowadays, riders expect more from their motorcycles than just mechanical excellence. The CFMoto 450MT steps up to this need with a suite of modern features that enhance both convenience and safety. Its full-colour TFT display not only looks great but provides clear, easily readable information in all lighting conditions. Bluetooth connectivity allows for smartphone integration, opening up possibilities for music control and navigation. The CRF300 Rally, while a capable machine, offers a more basic package in terms of electronics and connectivity, focusing more on mechanical simplicity.
CFMoto 450MT:
- Display: Full-colour TFT
- Connectivity: Bluetooth enabled
- Lighting: Full LED
- Charging: USB port
- ABS: Switchable
Honda CRF300 Rally:
- Display: LCD
- Connectivity: None
- Lighting: LED headlight, conventional tail light
- Charging: No built-in port
- ABS: Rear wheel can be disabled
Value Proposition
Adventure motorcycles often come with premium price tags, but CFMoto challenges this norm with the 450MT. Despite offering features and performance that compete with more expensive models, the 450MT is priced competitively, often significantly less than comparable 400cc+ adventure bikes. The Honda CRF300 Rally is priced higher and offers fewer features and less power. When you factor in the additional capabilities, comfort, and technology of the 450MT, it presents an exceptional value proposition for riders looking to maximise their investment.
CFMoto 450MT:
- Price: Competitive with entry-level adventure bikes
- Warranty: Generous 48 month coverage (check with DMC Motorcycles for specifics)
- Standard features: Comprehensive package including adjustable suspension, TFT display, and Bluetooth
Honda CRF300 Rally:
- Price: Higher entry point
- Warranty: Standard Honda coverage
- Standard features: Basic package focused on off-road capability
In the end, both the CFMoto 450MT and Honda CRF300 Rally are capable adventure bikes, but the 450MT comes out as the more well-rounded choice for most riders.
It offers substantially more power, better long-distance comfort, a versatile on-road/off-road package, and modern features that enhance the overall riding experience. Unless your primary focus is lightweight off-road performance, the CFMoto 450MT provides a truly useful blend of capabilities that make it the smarter choice for most riders.
Ready to experience the CFMoto difference? Visit DMC Motorcycles for more information or book a test ride below on the 450MT and feel the advantages for yourself. With competitive financing options available, your ultimate adventure companion might be closer than you think.