The Best-Looking Entry-Level Retro Cruiser Is Now Even More Affordable

CFMoto’s stunning, super-approachable 450CL-C returns for the 2027 model year while somehow shaving $500 off the sticker price.

Black motorcycle front and side view showing the fuel tank, headlight, and front tire.

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By Steve Mazzucchi

Published 16 hours ago

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As it continues to raise its US profile, CFMoto is offering more and more wallet-friendly bikes stateside, covering everything from sport to street to adventure and beyond.

Yet it’s a seemingly quintessential American form, ironically, that the Chinese brand does arguably better than anyone.

Black cruiser motorcycle with dual exhaust pipes parked on asphalt under an overhang. — CFMoto shaved $500 off the 450CL-C for 2027, bringing the entry price down to just $5,299.

I’m talking about the retro-styled cruiser, which CFMoto has absolutely nailed, in an exceedingly rider-friendly and head-turning fashion, with the 450CL-C.

The bike gets even more tempting for the 2027 model year, as the brand has shaved $500 off the starting price, down to just $5,299.

Beginners welcome

Even the untrained eye can appreciate just how well CFMoto has mastered the throwback aesthetics with this bike, which comes in both Nebula Black and Solar Silver.

Two black cruiser motorcycles parked on a street in front of a red brick wall with arched doorways. — Packed with retro appeal, the 2027 450CL-C arrives in Solar Silver (left) and Nebula Black (right).

The attractive old-school look is achieved by leaning into, for lack of a better word, roundness, as the headlight, gauge and mirrors all take on a circular shape.

Adding to the retro appeal are the teardrop tank, chopped front fender, wide tires and low-riding twin exhaust pipes, all pitch-perfect accents to the classic silhouette.

Person wearing black helmet and jacket riding a black and silver motorcycle with a side bag on a road. — A J.Juan braking system with standard dual-channel ABS ensures confident stopping power out on the road.

Beyond the looks, however, CFMoto puts a modern spin on the package, highlighted by full LED lighting, a high-contrast TFT screen, bar-end mirrors, USB charging and a Gates Carbon Belt Drive (rather than a chain), which spares you grease and maintenance.

Meanwhile, the compact 449cc DOHC parallel-twin engine makes a respectable 40 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 30.9 lb-ft of torque.

Two riders wearing black helmets and jackets on black motorcycles riding on a road beside a moving freight train. — With 40 horsepower and 30.9 lb-ft of torque, the 449cc twin is built for approachable fun over outright performance.

Those numbers might not blow your hair back, but they will keep you smiling through city traffic, highway miles and, perhaps most of all, twisty two-lane roads.

Two riders wearing black helmets and jackets riding black and silver motorcycles on a street with a brick building and greenery in the background. — At 410 pounds, the curb weight is light enough to keep city riding and low-speed maneuvering stress-free.

This motorcycle is more focused on approachable fun than adrenalized performance, after all, a thesis backed up by the comfortable upright riding position, manageable curb weight of 410 pounds and relatively low seat height of 27.7 inches.

Two people wearing helmets and black jackets sitting on black and silver motorcycles on a street with a graffiti-covered train in the background. — The relatively low 27.7-inch seat height is one of several traits that make this bike easy to recommend to newer riders.

Rounding out the rider-friendly appeal are an inverted fork to ease the bumps and a J.Juan braking system supported by standard dual-channel ABS and traction control, ensuring you can stop just as easily as you can speed up.

Availability and pricing

The 2027 CFMoto 450CL-C rolls into US dealerships at a starting price of $5,299.

Black cruiser motorcycle with low seat, round headlight, and dual exhaust pipes on a white background.

2027 CFMoto 450CL-C

Starts at $5,299

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.