Update: This story was first published on April 22 and has been updated since then to incorporate CFMoto Global's response.
The CFMoto India launch was one of the hot topics of 2025, and we even got to ride the 450MT on our shores last year. However, the launch kept getting delayed, and we can now confirm that the India plans have been put on hold.
- The first model in India was supposed to be the 450MT
- Plans have been delayed since mid-2025
Why has CFMoto India launch been put on hold?
It has now been a year since we rode the CFMoto 450MT adventure bike in India. This ride came after we broke the news in early 2025 that CFMoto was going to return to the Indian market and also after we attended an international press test in Portugal, where we got to experience the new 675 three-cylinder models. AN India launch was expected by mid-2025, but then things went quiet.
At first, the delays were attributed to E20 compliance issues, but we have now learnt that the CFMoto India launch plans have been put on hold. The local distributor, who has asked not to be named all this while, has shared the following statement:
“At the moment, planning and operational activities for CFMOTO are on hold. This phase is being utilised by the global team to gain deeper insights into the Indian market while also aligning with the higher new GST rates for more than 350cc bikes implemented in India and E20 compliance requirements.”
Beyond this, we learnt that the company wishes to send a team to India for market evaluation before taking the process further. We have reached out to CFMoto Global and will update this story with a response as we receive one.
Being a Chinese company, CFMoto will need a local partner to enter the Indian market. As per the earlier plan, the 450MT was to be brought into India as a CKD (completely knocked down) import.
The motorcycle in question is an adventure bike with a 449cc twin-cylinder motor that produces 44hp and 44Nm of torque. It weighs 195 kilos and has built a positive reputation overseas, not just for capability and value but also for reliability. On the topic of value, the 450MT is priced on par with or lower than single-cylinder Indian-made bikes such as the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and KTM 390 Adventure in multiple overseas markets.
We reached out to CFMoto Global, and on this topic, the company's responded: "As you rightly noted, the launch of CFMOTO in India has currently been put on hold. CFMOTO remains committed to a long-term strategy for the Indian market, recognising it as the world’s largest two-wheeler market at present. At this stage, we have determined that launching solely with the 450MT would not sufficiently support our re-entry plans. We are therefore evaluating additional suitable products that will enable us to establish a strong and competitive presence in India."
"We are fully committed to entering the Indian market, but only with a clear and detailed action plan. We are also acutely aware of the sensitivities surrounding the country of origin and recognise that there is no room for error in our second attempt, which will ultimately define our position in the market," the company added.
Vishal Venugopal
Dinshaw Magol
