{"id":40416,"date":"2026-06-05T12:24:12","date_gmt":"2026-06-05T16:24:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/?p=40416"},"modified":"2026-06-05T12:24:39","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T16:24:39","slug":"450cl-c-cfmoto-motorcycle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/450cl-c-cfmoto-motorcycle\/","title":{"rendered":"450CL-C: The Perfect First Motorcycle Might Exist, and I Think I Found It"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a35dc930ce7a\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a35dc930ce7a\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/450cl-c-cfmoto-motorcycle\/#450CL-C_The_Perfect_First_Motorcycle_Might_Exist_and_I_Think_I_Found_It\" >450CL-C: The Perfect First Motorcycle Might Exist, and I Think I Found It<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/450cl-c-cfmoto-motorcycle\/#The_revelation\" >The revelation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/450cl-c-cfmoto-motorcycle\/#The_real_test\" >The real test<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/450cl-c-cfmoto-motorcycle\/#All_this_for_how_much\" >All this for how much?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/450cl-c-cfmoto-motorcycle\/#450CL-C_verdict\" >450CL-C: verdict<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/450cl-c-cfmoto-motorcycle\/#Penelope\" >P\u00e9n\u00e9lope<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/450cl-c-cfmoto-motorcycle\/#Women_Who_Ride_Arent_Extraordinary\" >Women Who Ride Aren\u2019t Extraordinary<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/450cl-c-cfmoto-motorcycle\/#Riding_with_Your_Pet\" >Riding with Your Pet<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/450cl-c-cfmoto-motorcycle\/#Tanzania_by_Motorbike_A_Wild_Adventure_in_the_Heart_of_Africa\" >Tanzania by Motorbike: A Wild Adventure in the Heart of Africa<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"450CL-C_The_Perfect_First_Motorcycle_Might_Exist_and_I_Think_I_Found_It\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">450CL-C: The Perfect First Motorcycle Might Exist, and I Think I Found It<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p data-start=\"68\" data-end=\"316\">Last summer, my best friend went on her very first motorcycle ride. Even though I\u2019ve been riding for about five years now\u2014and we\u2019ve been friends even longer\u2014she never wanted to hop on the back with me because she didn\u2019t like \u201cnot being in control.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"318\" data-end=\"661\">I don\u2019t make promises very often, but when I promised her that the moment she let go of the fear, she\u2019d fall in love with motorcycles, she decided to trust me. What followed was an instant love story. And I imagine many of you experienced a similar moment the first time you felt the wind hit your helmet.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"663\" data-end=\"1087\">There\u2019s something difficult to explain to someone who has never ridden. Motorcycling isn\u2019t just a way to get from point A to point B.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"663\" data-end=\"1087\">It\u2019s the feeling of being completely present. The sound of the engine, the changing smells as the miles go by, the drop in temperature when you ride into a valley, the conversations shouted at red lights with your friends, the spontaneous roadside coffee stops. Everything feels more alive.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1089\" data-end=\"1259\">I genuinely think that\u2019s why so many people fall in love with this world after just one ride. You never come back exactly the same after discovering that kind of freedom.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;40350&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1261\" data-end=\"1570\">One year later, she\u2019s completed her training course, and her road test is just around the corner\u2014which means she\u2019ll be riding on her own very soon. Excited doesn\u2019t even begin to describe how she feels about finally being able to ride independently. There\u2019s just one problem: she doesn\u2019t have a motorcycle yet.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1572\" data-end=\"2006\">Most of our conversations over the last few months have revolved around \u201cWhat should I buy as my first motorcycle?\u201d and late-night Marketplace listings for used caf\u00e9 racers at 2 a.m. I take my role as advisor seriously. I want her to trust her machine, be able to follow me on the highway without feeling like she\u2019s pushing it to the limit, and most importantly, still want to stare at it every time it\u2019s parked in front of her house.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2008\" data-end=\"2335\">Because let\u2019s be honest: when you choose your first motorcycle, you\u2019re not just choosing a spec sheet. You\u2019re choosing the machine that will carry you through your first real rides, your first mistakes, your first long days on the road, and probably the memories that will make you fall even deeper in love with this lifestyle.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2337\" data-end=\"2546\">And it\u2019s hard to find something that checks every box. Often, beginner-friendly motorcycles come with a very standard look, while the more stylish models tend to require compromises in comfort or ride quality.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2 align=\"left\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_revelation\"><\/span>The revelation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2595\" data-end=\"2739\">At the 2026 Montreal Motorcycle Show, I had the chance to sit on a <a href=\"https:\/\/cfmoto.ca\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CFMOTO<\/a> CLC, and it instantly clicked. This is the perfect motorcycle for her.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2741\" data-end=\"2835\">A 450cc cruiser is honestly the kind of machine I wish I\u2019d seen more of when I started riding.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;40340&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2837\" data-end=\"3210\">What I especially like about the <strong>450CL-C<\/strong> is that it\u2019s intimidating enough to be exciting, without becoming stressful for a new rider. My best friend wanted something that wouldn\u2019t feel too different from what she learned on during her training. A motorcycle that\u2019s <strong>stable, predictable, easy to handle at low speeds, but still capable of keeping up once you hit the highway.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3212\" data-end=\"3598\">I also knew she wasn\u2019t particularly interested in diving into the world of used motorcycles. Sure, there are some gems on Marketplace, but when you\u2019re new to riding, it\u2019s not always easy to know what\u2019s normal, what\u2019s suspicious, or what could turn into a mechanical headache two weeks later. The peace of mind that comes with a new motorcycle\u2014especially for a first bike\u2014is worth a lot.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;40348&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3600\" data-end=\"3866\">And aesthetically? It\u2019s exactly her style. She loves both caf\u00e9 racers and classic cruisers, and the <strong>450CL-C<\/strong> pulls inspiration from both worlds. It has that <strong>aggressive retro look<\/strong> without feeling clich\u00e9. The kind of motorcycle that turns heads without trying too hard.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3868\" data-end=\"4253\">Most importantly, it feels designed to be enjoyable in everyday <strong>life.<\/strong> A comfortable riding position, smooth handling, confidence-inspiring weight, and controls that never make you feel like you\u2019re fighting the motorcycle. For someone just starting out, that changes everything. You want a machine that encourages you to ride farther, not one that leaves you exhausted after 45 minutes.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_real_test\"><\/span>The real test<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4303\" data-end=\"4411\">Before talking about it through my helmet, I figured I should ride it myself and give her an honest opinion.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4413\" data-end=\"4599\">First, because knowing the specs of a motorcycle is great, but before recommending something this important to someone I care about, I wanted to be sure it was truly suited to her needs.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4601\" data-end=\"4690\">Second, because if CFMOTO offers you the chance to ride a brand-new <strong>450CL-C<\/strong>, you say yes.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4692\" data-end=\"4913\">Chicks and Machines had organized the giveaway of a brand-new motorcycle at the 2026 Motorcycle Show, and to my great disappointment, I learned that I couldn\u2019t enter as a contributor. This was my chance to make up for it!<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4915\" data-end=\"5312\">I was also curious to see whether the riding experience would be as convincing as the styling. Because let\u2019s be honest\u2014some motorcycles look incredible but become much less appealing after an hour on the road. Sometimes you get on one and immediately realize comfort was sacrificed for style. Other times, the engine lacks personality, or the handling is so nervous that it becomes tiring quickly.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5314\" data-end=\"5523\">I wanted to know if the <strong>450CL-C<\/strong> could truly be an accessible first motorcycle without being boring. A machine you\u2019d want to grow with, rather than one you\u2019d already be looking to replace after a single season.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;40352&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5547\" data-end=\"5744\">My friend and I had plans in Saint-Jude, leaving from Longueuil. We decided to take our time, following the back roads and passing through Mont-Saint-Hilaire before returning later via the highway.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5746\" data-end=\"5890\">Honestly, it was the perfect day to test a motorcycle in a variety of environments\u2014city streets, country roads, and higher-speed highway riding.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5892\" data-end=\"6244\">Within the first few kilometers, I got the classic thumbs-up from people admiring the bike at red lights. And honestly, I get it. The <strong>450CL-C<\/strong> naturally attracts attention. The paintwork, clean fuel tank, round headlight, and dual exhausts give it a beautifully executed retro look, with just enough aggression to add character without becoming kitschy.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2 align=\"left\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"All_this_for_how_much\"><\/span>All this for how much?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"6246\" data-end=\"6346\">And the longer I spent with the motorcycle, the more one detail kept coming back to mind: the price.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6348\" data-end=\"6551\"><strong>I couldn\u2019t believe a brand-new motorcycle with this level of finish sells for around $8,000.<\/strong> Especially in today\u2019s market. It genuinely looks like the kind of machine that should cost significantly more.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6553\" data-end=\"6915\">The moment I sat on it, I understood why it inspires so much confidence. The low seat height makes a huge difference, especially when stopping at intersections or maneuvering at low speeds. You feel connected to the motorcycle almost immediately, without feeling like you\u2019re managing something too heavy or too tall. For a beginner, that\u2019s incredibly reassuring.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6917\" data-end=\"7329\">The 449cc engine is wonderfully smooth while still offering enough punch to keep things fun. It\u2019s not aggressive or intimidating, but it\u2019s definitely not boring either. On the winding roads around Mont-Saint-Hilaire, it felt effortless through the corners. Everything was smooth, light, and natural. The wide handlebars and relaxed riding position made for a genuinely comfortable ride, even after several hours.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7331\" data-end=\"7721\">My girlfriend rode as a passenger for the entire trip, and honestly, I was surprised by how stable and pleasant the motorcycle remained with two people onboard. On many smaller bikes, the extra weight dramatically changes the behavior of the machine. Here, not at all. It remained stable, predictable, and maintained that smooth feeling that makes riding enjoyable for both rider and passenger.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;40344&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; add_caption=&#8221;yes&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;40346&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; add_caption=&#8221;yes&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7723\" data-end=\"7995\">I also loved the subtle modern touches integrated into the classic styling. The 3.6-inch round TFT display preserves the vintage aesthetic while remaining practical and easy to read. All the important information is readily available without disrupting the overall design.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7997\" data-end=\"8181\">The highway ride home completely sold me on it. Even at higher speeds, the <strong>450CL-C<\/strong> remained stable, comfortable, and incredibly easy to ride. Not stressful. Not tiring. Just enjoyable.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8183\" data-end=\"8370\">Exactly the kind of motorcycle I\u2019d recommend to someone beginning to rack up their first real miles but already looking for a bike capable of following them on adventures almost anywhere.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2 align=\"left\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"450CL-C_verdict\"><\/span>450CL-C: verdict<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"8391\" data-end=\"8442\">After that day, my opinion was pretty much made up.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8444\" data-end=\"8553\">The more I think about it, the more I believe the <strong>450CL-C<\/strong> would be the perfect motorcycle for my best friend.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8555\" data-end=\"8849\">It has the look she\u2019s after, somewhere between a caf\u00e9 racer and a classic cruiser. It\u2019s approachable enough to build confidence without feeling limited after a few weeks. It\u2019s comfortable, attractive, enjoyable to ride, and versatile enough for spontaneous local rides or long days on the road.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8851\" data-end=\"8947\">But most importantly, it\u2019s the kind of motorcycle that makes you want to take the long way home.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8949\" data-end=\"9044\">And I think that, more than anything else, is the most important quality in a first motorcycle.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"9046\" data-end=\"9191\">I\u2019m already looking forward to this summer\u2019s rides, the roadside coffee breaks, the unexpected detours, and all the miles we\u2019ll rack up together.<\/p>\n<h1 align=\"left\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Penelope\"><\/span><em>P\u00e9n\u00e9lope<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_cta h2=&#8221;These articles could also be of interest&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"penci-entry-title entry-title grid-title\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Women_Who_Ride_Arent_Extraordinary\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/cars\/women-who-ride-arent-extraordinary\/\">Women Who Ride Aren\u2019t Extraordinary<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h2 class=\"penci-entry-title entry-title grid-title\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Riding_with_Your_Pet\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/cars\/riding-with-your-pet\/\">Riding with Your Pet<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h2 class=\"penci-entry-title entry-title grid-title\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tanzania_by_Motorbike_A_Wild_Adventure_in_the_Heart_of_Africa\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/tanzania-motorbike-adventure-africa\/\">Tanzania by Motorbike: A Wild Adventure in the Heart of Africa<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_cta][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] 450CL-C: The Perfect First Motorcycle Might Exist, and I&hellip;","protected":false},"author":87,"featured_media":40418,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1771],"tags":[4689,3249,2506,1858,4508,3202],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40416"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/87"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40416"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40416\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40418"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40416"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40416"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40416"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}