CFMOTO officially lists the 450SS with a top speed around 100 mph, but real-world riders have pushed it further. GPS-verified tests consistently show speeds of 114 mph or higher in stock trim. One Reddit rider even shared a ticket as proof after clocking over that figure on the freeway.
On the dyno, the bike meets a ceiling around 125 mph due to an RPM limiter at 12,300 RPM. This isn’t a lack of power—the bike still has fight left in it—but the factory electronics keep things capped. Remove that barrier, however, and the 450SS reveals more. Popular ECU tunes like Team MSC’s remap raise the rev ceiling, unlock a steady power curve, and help push speeds beyond 125 mph when paired with exhaust upgrades.
As one owner said: “With the tune and full system, it feels like a completely different bike.”
How the 450SS Gets There
The 450SS runs a 449cc parallel-twin producing around 50 horsepower and 28 lb-ft of torque. Its 370-lb dry weight and aggressive gearing let it sprint from 0–60 mph in about 4 seconds, with 0–100 mph coming in under 12.
The character of its 270-degree crankshaft gives it a throaty, R7-like soundtrack that riders love. As Rider Magazine noted in its first-ride review, “The bike sounds far larger than it is, delivering a deep note that surprises anyone expecting a budget 450.”
Mods That Change the Game
Beyond ECU tunes, riders experiment with sprocket swaps (a 13-tooth front improves acceleration at the expense of top speed) and aftermarket exhausts like the Vandemon full system. Combined with DNA air filters and tuning, the bike can reach 52+ horsepower and run cooler.
Still, not everyone agrees the mods are worth it. One experienced rider advised on Reddit: “The gains are nice, but honestly, this bike already does more than you expect out of the box.”
On X, @CycleWorld summed it up:
“The CFMOTO 450SS isn’t just beginner-friendly — it’s beginner-tempting. Respect its speed, and it’ll reward you.”
How It Stacks Up With Competitors
| Bike | Claimed Top Speed | Real-World Top Speed |
|---|
| CFMOTO 450SS | 100 mph | 114–125 mph (with limiter bypass) |
| Kawasaki Ninja 400 | 116 mph | 111 mph |
| KTM RC 390 | 105 mph | 101 mph |
The 450SS outpaces both rivals in raw speed and horsepower, while still undercutting them in price.
The Ride at Top Speed
What’s it like when the bike is pinned? Surprisingly stable. A Reddit rider summed it up perfectly: “This thing is stable as hell, especially for a lightweight low-cc bike.”
At a wet weight of around 430 pounds, the 450SS has enough mass to stay planted, even when blasting past semi-trucks on the highway. Unlike lighter dual-sport machines that tend to get pushed around by wind, the 450SS inspires confidence at high speed.
Braking performance is where the 450SS overdelivers. The Brembo M40 4-piston caliper with its 320mm disc provides sharp stopping power. RevZilla noted the system “will stop you pretty damn quick,” while Cycle World highlighted how the Continental ABS system adjusts pressure independently, keeping things controlled even during panic stops.
The suspension is serviceable for everyday riding but shows its limits when pushed hard. On the street, it soaks up bumps comfortably, though track riders find it too soft for aggressive cornering. Some owners have invested heavily in upgraded adjustable suspension, transforming the bike into a far sharper tool for circuit days.
Verdict
The CFMOTO 450SS proves that budget-friendly doesn’t mean boring. Its real-world top speed over 114 mph puts it toe-to-toe with the Ninja 400 and RC 390, and with ECU tuning, it goes even further.
For riders chasing speed bragging rights, it delivers. For everyday commuting, it cruises comfortably at 75–80 mph with power in reserve. And for track days, it offers a capable, affordable entry point.
