The CFMOTO 450 MT is a capable mid-range adventure bike that has gained real popularity among riders who want genuine off-road ability without the premium price tag. Like any modern motorcycle, there are times when you need to get into the rear end of the bike for maintenance, repairs, or upgrades, and that means removing the subframe. Whether you are chasing a wiring fault, fitting aftermarket luggage mounts, or replacing a damaged component, knowing how to remove the subframe correctly saves you time and frustration.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from understanding what the subframe actually does to refitting it safely once your work is done.
What is the subframe on a CFMOTO 450 MT?
The subframe on the CFMOTO 450 MT is the rear section of the chassis that bolts onto the main frame. It supports the seat, rear bodywork, tail section, passenger footpegs, and in many cases the rear lighting assembly and electrical components. It is a structural element that ties the rear of the bike together and provides mounting points for luggage racks and accessories.
On the 450 MT, the subframe is a steel or alloy tubular structure that bolts to the main frame at several points, typically near the swingarm pivot area and mid-frame. Because it is a bolt-on component rather than a fully welded unit, it can be removed without specialist framework. This design is common on adventure bikes because it makes crash damage easier and more affordable to repair. If you drop the bike on a trail and bend the rear section, you replace the subframe rather than writing off the entire chassis.
Understanding this distinction matters before you start work. The subframe is not part of the steering head or the main spine of the bike, so removing it does not compromise the structural integrity of the front end while you work.
What tools do you need to remove the CFMOTO 450 MT subframe?
To remove the CFMOTO 450 MT subframe, you need a standard set of metric hand tools, a torque wrench for refitting, and a way to support the rear of the bike safely. No specialist workshop equipment is required for a straightforward removal.
Here is a practical tool list to have ready before you start:
- Socket set (metric): You will need various sizes, typically 8mm through to 17mm, to cover the bodywork fasteners and the main subframe bolts
- Allen key set or hex bit sockets: Several bolts on the 450 MT use hex heads rather than conventional bolt heads
- Torx bits: Some body panel fasteners use Torx screws, so have a T25 and T30 available
- Torque wrench: Essential for refitting the subframe bolts to the correct specification
- Paddock stand or rear lift: The bike needs to be stable and level throughout the process
- Trim removal tools: Plastic pry tools help remove body panels without scratching them
- Small containers or a magnetic tray: Keep fasteners organized and separated by section so nothing gets lost
- Cable ties or tape: Useful for temporarily securing loose wiring harnesses out of the way
Having everything laid out before you begin makes the job significantly smoother. The 450 MT is not a complicated bike to work on, but like any modern motorcycle, it has multiple layers of bodywork that all need to come off in the right order.
What parts need to come off before the subframe?
Before you can access the CFMOTO 450 MT subframe bolts, you need to remove the rear bodywork, the seat, and disconnect the relevant electrical connections. Trying to remove the subframe without stripping these components first will result in damaged panels and broken clips.
Work through the following removal sequence:
- Seat: The seat typically releases with a key-operated lock or a couple of bolts under the tail section. Remove this first as it gives you access to the wiring and the upper bodywork fasteners.
- Rear side panels and tail fairing: These clip and bolt onto the subframe itself. Work from the rear forward, releasing clips carefully before pulling panels away. Note which fasteners belong to which panel.
- Rear mudguard and number plate assembly: This usually unbolts as a unit and carries the rear light wiring with it.
- Electrical connectors: Before removing the tail section completely, disconnect the rear light, indicators, and any other connectors routed through the subframe. Take a photo of the connector arrangement before unplugging anything.
- Passenger footpeg brackets: On some configurations, these bolt directly to the subframe, so they may need to come off as part of the process or will simply hang free once the subframe is removed.
- Rear fender or hugger: If fitted, this may need to be removed to give clear access to the lower subframe mounting bolts.
Taking photos at each stage is genuinely useful here. The 450 MT has a fairly logical layout, but having a visual reference when you are refitting everything saves a lot of second-guessing.
How do you remove the CFMOTO 450 MT subframe step by step?
With all the bodywork and electrical connections out of the way, removing the CFMOTO 450 MT subframe is a straightforward unbolting process. Locate the main mounting bolts where the subframe meets the main frame, support the subframe as you remove the final fasteners, and lift it clear.
Follow these steps carefully:
- Identify all mounting points: Before removing anything, locate every bolt that attaches the subframe to the main frame. On the 450 MT, there are typically two to four main mounting bolts, often positioned on each side near the mid-frame junction. Check both sides are identical before assuming you have found them all.
- Loosen but do not remove all bolts first: Break the torque on every mounting bolt before fully removing any of them. This prevents the subframe from shifting unexpectedly mid-process.
- Support the subframe: Have a second person hold the subframe, or use a strap to support its weight before removing the final bolts. The subframe is not excessively heavy, but it will drop suddenly if unsupported.
- Remove the bolts fully: Work from one side to the other, removing bolts completely and placing them in your labeled tray. Note the length and thread of each bolt, as they can vary between mounting positions.
- Check for any remaining connections: Before pulling the subframe away, confirm no wiring, brake lines, or cables are still attached or routed through the frame that could be snagged.
- Lift the subframe clear: Pull it rearward and upward to clear the main frame. On the 450 MT, the subframe typically lifts away cleanly once all bolts are out and connections are free.
With the subframe removed, you now have clear access to the rear shock mounting area, the airbox on some configurations, and the upper rear of the main frame. This is a good time to inspect the frame for any cracks, corrosion, or damage before refitting.
Why would you need to remove the CFMOTO 450 MT subframe?
There are several common reasons why CFMOTO 450 MT owners remove the subframe, ranging from crash repair and bodywork replacement to suspension upgrades and accessory fitting. It is one of the more frequently accessed areas of the bike for anyone doing serious maintenance or customisation.
The most typical reasons include:
- Crash damage repair: If the rear of the bike has taken a hit, the subframe may be bent or cracked. Removing it allows you to inspect it properly or replace it without needing a full frame rebuild.
- Rear shock replacement or upgrade: Accessing the upper shock mount is much easier with the subframe removed, particularly when fitting an aftermarket unit that requires more clearance to manoeuvre into position.
- Wiring and electrical work: Chasing a fault in the rear loom, replacing indicators, or installing auxiliary lighting often requires removing the subframe to access connectors and cable routing properly.
- Fitting luggage systems: Some aftermarket pannier frames and luggage racks bolt directly to the subframe, and fitting them correctly requires temporary removal to access the mounting points.
- Airbox access: Depending on the configuration, some maintenance tasks involving the airbox or fuel system components in the rear section are easier with the subframe out of the way.
- Custom modifications: Riders building a cleaner tail section, fitting a solo seat conversion, or modifying the rear end for a specific aesthetic often start by removing the stock subframe.
What should you check when refitting the subframe?
When refitting the CFMOTO 450 MT subframe, you should check that all mounting holes align cleanly, that no wiring or cables are pinched between the subframe and main frame, and that every bolt is torqued to the manufacturer’s specification. Skipping these checks can lead to rattles, electrical faults, or in serious cases, structural failure at speed.
Work through this checklist before calling the job done:
- Thread condition: Inspect the threads on both the bolts and the frame inserts before refitting. If threads are damaged, address them before tightening anything.
- Alignment: The subframe should sit flush against the main frame at every mounting point. If it feels forced or the holes do not line up naturally, something is misaligned. Do not force bolts through misaligned holes.
- Wiring routing: Confirm all cables and harnesses are routed correctly through the subframe and that nothing is trapped or kinked. Pay particular attention to the rear brake line if it passes through the subframe area.
- Torque settings: Use a torque wrench and refer to the CFMOTO 450 MT service manual for the correct torque values. Subframe bolts are structural fasteners and should not be tightened by feel alone.
- Electrical connections: Reconnect every connector you unplugged and test the rear lights, indicators, and any other electrical components before refitting the bodywork.
- Bodywork seating: Refit panels in the reverse order of removal and confirm each clip and fastener is fully engaged before moving on. A panel that appears fitted but is not fully clipped will vibrate loose at speed.
- Final check ride: After reassembly, do a short low-speed check before heading out on a full ride. Listen for any new rattles and confirm the rear end feels solid and responsive.
How TFX Suspension Helps With Your CFMOTO 450 MT Setup
With the subframe off, you have a genuine opportunity to look critically at the rear suspension setup on your CFMOTO 450 MT. Factory shocks are built to a general specification, which means they are a compromise for riders who push the bike across mixed terrain, carry luggage, or simply want better feedback and control.
That is exactly where we come in. At TFX Suspension, we build and tune suspension systems specifically around the rider, the bike, and the way it is actually used. For 450 MT owners, that means:
- Custom-valved rear shocks built to suit your weight, riding style, and terrain
- Full service and rebuild options for existing units if your current shock just needs refreshing rather than replacing
- Custom tuning consultations where we dial in settings for your specific load, whether you are riding solo or two-up with luggage
- Ongoing support so your suspension continues to perform as your riding evolves
We follow the philosophy of “Do not settle for standard” because standard is rarely what a serious adventure rider actually needs. If you are already doing the work to remove the subframe, it is worth making sure what goes back in is genuinely built for you.
Browse our suspension products, explore our service and tuning options, or get in touch with us directly to talk through what your 450 MT needs. You can also find more technical guides and riding advice on the TFX blog, or visit our homepage to learn more about what we do and why we do it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to remove and refit the CFMOTO 450 MT subframe?
For a first-time removal, allow around two to three hours to work through the bodywork, electrical disconnections, and subframe bolts without rushing. Once you are familiar with the process, a subsequent removal and refit can comfortably be done in under an hour. Having your tools laid out in advance and taking photos during disassembly will significantly reduce the time spent on reassembly.
Do I need to drain the fuel tank or remove it before taking off the subframe?
In most cases, no — the fuel tank on the CFMOTO 450 MT sits forward of the subframe junction and does not need to be removed for a standard subframe removal. However, if you are also accessing the airbox, rear of the fuel system, or need extra clearance around the mid-frame area, partially lifting the tank can make the job easier. Always ensure the fuel tap is in the off position if you do move the tank at all.
What is the correct torque setting for the CFMOTO 450 MT subframe bolts?
The exact torque specification is listed in the official CFMOTO 450 MT service manual, which should be your primary reference for this. As a general guide, subframe mounting bolts on mid-range adventure bikes typically fall in the 25–45 Nm range depending on bolt diameter and thread pitch, but do not rely on general figures for structural fasteners — always verify against your specific manual. If you do not have a copy, CFMOTO dealers or the official CFMOTO service documentation portal should be able to provide the correct values.
Can I remove the CFMOTO 450 MT subframe on my own, or do I need a second person?
The job is manageable solo, but having a second person makes it noticeably easier, particularly when removing the final mounting bolts while keeping the subframe supported. If you are working alone, use a ratchet strap looped around the subframe and a stable overhead point, or rest the subframe on a padded stand to prevent it dropping suddenly. The subframe itself is not excessively heavy, but an unsupported drop can damage wiring or the frame contact surfaces.
What are the most common mistakes people make when removing or refitting the subframe?
The three most common mistakes are: forcing body panel clips instead of releasing them properly (which breaks the clips and leaves panels loose permanently), failing to photograph wiring connector locations before unplugging them, and refitting the subframe bolts without a torque wrench. A fourth mistake worth mentioning is not checking for trapped wiring or brake lines between the subframe and main frame before fully tightening the mounting bolts — this can cause intermittent electrical faults or brake line wear that is difficult to diagnose later.
If the subframe is bent after a crash, can it be straightened or does it need replacing?
Minor bends in a steel subframe can sometimes be straightened by a competent frame specialist, but this should only be considered if the damage is genuinely minor and the frame shows no signs of cracking or stress fractures. For alloy subframes, straightening is generally not recommended as the material is more prone to weakening under stress. Given that replacement subframes for the 450 MT are relatively affordable compared to other adventure bikes, replacing a crash-damaged unit outright is usually the safer and more cost-effective long-term decision.
Is removing the subframe necessary to replace the rear shock on the CFMOTO 450 MT?
It depends on the shock being fitted. The stock rear shock can often be accessed and swapped without a full subframe removal by removing the relevant bodywork and working around the mounting bolts. However, if you are fitting an aftermarket unit — particularly one with a remote reservoir or different body dimensions — removing the subframe gives you the clearance needed to manoeuvre the shock into position correctly and align the mounting hardware without risk of damage. For a suspension upgrade, taking the extra time to pull the subframe is generally worth it.
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