The entry-level sportbike category is a competitive space, yet CFMoto has stepped into it with their all-new 450SR, aiming to take on established players such as the KTM RC 390 and Kawasaki Ninja 400.
Wondering how well the 450SR fares against these two? Well, here’s a spec comparison between the three bikes to help paint a picture.
CFMoto 450SR vs KTM RC 390 vs Kawasaki Ninja 400 - Engine
Specification |
CFMoto 450SR |
KTM RC 390 |
Kawasaki Ninja 400 |
Engine |
449cc, twin-cylinder engine |
373cc, single-cylinder engine |
399cc, twin-cylinder engine |
Power (hp) |
50 |
43 |
49 |
Torque (lb-ft) |
28.7 |
27.2 |
28 |
Gearbox |
Six-speed |
Six-speed |
Six-speed |
Weight (lbs) |
370 |
~365 |
366 |
As expected, the CFMoto 450SR has a clear advantage here. Thanks to its bigger engine, the 450SR not only makes more peak power but also puts out the most torque in this lot.
There’s nothing to compare in terms of weight as all bikes weigh around the 370-pound mark. This, however, means the 450SR ends up with the best power-to-weight ratio, giving it the overall win for now.
CFMoto 450SR vs KTM RC 390 vs Kawasaki Ninja 400 - Underpinnings
Specification |
CFMoto 450SR |
KTM RC 390 |
Kawasaki Ninja 400 |
Front suspension |
USD forks |
USD forks |
Telescopic forks |
Rear suspension |
Monoshock |
Monoshock |
Monoshock |
Front brake |
320mm disc |
320mm disc |
310mm disc |
Rear brake |
220mm disc |
230mm disc |
220mm disc |
Seat height (inch) |
30.9 |
32.4 |
30.9 |
One look at the table and it’s safe to say the Kawasaki Ninja 400 feels the least premium here, as it gets the smallest front disc and misses out on upside-down forks (USD).
The other two bikes, though, are quite closely matched with a lot in common. However, the KTM surpasses the 450SR, thanks to its bigger rear disc and more premium as well as adjustable USD forks.
To claw back some ground, the Ninja and the 450SR both offer lower seat heights, making them more accessible than their Austrian rival.
CFMoto 450SR vs KTM RC 390 vs Kawasaki Ninja 400 - Features
Feature |
CFMoto 450SR |
KTM RC 390 |
Kawasaki Ninja 400 |
TFT instrument cluster |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Smartphone connectivity |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
All-LED lights |
Yes |
Yes |
Only headlight and tail lamp |
Aerodynamic wings |
Yes |
No |
No |
Adjustable seat height |
Yes |
No |
No |
Quickshifter |
No |
Yes |
No |
Traction control |
No |
Yes |
No |
Slipper clutch |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Dual-channel ABS |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
With standout features like a quickshifter and traction control, the KTM RC 390 trumps its rivals here fairly effortlessly. Closely behind it is the CFMoto 450SR, which offers a couple of standouts itself. While the aerodynamic winglets only work post 75mph, the adjustable seat height feature is a game-changer for short riders.
In last place, once again, is the Kawasaki Ninja 400. It misses out on a fully digital instrument cluster, all-LED lights, and smartphone connectivity. The Ninja only offers the basics such as a slipper clutch and dual-channel ABS.
CFMoto 450SR vs KTM RC 390 vs Kawasaki Ninja 400 - Price
CFMoto 450SR |
KTM RC 390 |
Kawasaki Ninja 400 |
|
Price |
~$4760 |
$5799 |
$5599 |
This is where the CFMoto 450SR truly trumps the KTM RC 390 and the Kawasaki Ninja 400, as it undercuts both motorcycles by a decent margin, coming out as the most value-for-money bike here.
Do note that this is the reported Chinese price of the 450SR and it’ll probably be much closer to the RC 390 and the Ninja 400 if and when CFMoto brings it here.
Still, there are no two ways to it, that the 450SR is more than capable of taking on both these bikes and even trumping them in more than one category. Not to mention, it looks utterly gorgeous and will turn heads, no matter where you decide to take it.