Choosing your first motorcycle is one of the most exciting decisions you will make as a new rider. With so many options on the market in 2026, two names that come up frequently for beginners are the CFMOTO 450 MT and the Keeway TX 125. These two bikes sit at very different ends of the beginner spectrum, and understanding what separates them will help you make a confident, well-informed purchase. Whether you are drawn to the idea of a capable mid-range adventure machine or a lightweight, learner-friendly commuter, this comparison covers everything you need to know.
What are the CFMOTO 450 MT and Keeway TX 125?
The CFMOTO 450 MT is a mid-size adventure touring motorcycle powered by a 449cc parallel-twin engine, designed for riders who want real-world capability on both tarmac and light off-road terrain. The Keeway TX 125 is a lightweight, entry-level trail-styled bike with a 125cc single-cylinder engine, aimed squarely at new riders and those restricted to an A1 licence category.
The CFMOTO 450 MT sits in the growing segment of accessible adventure bikes that punch well above their price point. It features a modern chassis, conventional telescopic front forks, a digital instrument cluster, and ride modes that give it a premium feel without the premium price tag. It competes with bikes like the Royal Enfield Himalayan and the Honda CB500X in terms of positioning, though it undercuts many of them on cost.
The Keeway TX 125, on the other hand, is a no-frills entry point into motorcycling. Its trail bike styling gives it a rugged appearance, but the 125cc engine keeps it firmly in the learner category. It is lightweight, easy to handle, and inexpensive to insure and maintain. For someone who has never ridden before and wants to build confidence before moving to a larger machine, the TX 125 is a practical starting point.
How does engine performance differ between the two bikes?
The CFMOTO 450 MT produces significantly more power than the Keeway TX 125. The 449cc parallel-twin engine delivers around 45 horsepower, giving it strong acceleration and the ability to cruise comfortably at motorway speeds. The Keeway TX 125 produces approximately 11 horsepower from its 125cc single-cylinder, which is sufficient for urban riding and A-roads but struggles on dual carriageways and motorways.
In practical terms, this gap in performance means the two bikes serve fundamentally different purposes. The CFMOTO 450 MT can carry a rider confidently through mountain passes, mixed terrain, and longer touring routes. It has enough torque to handle loaded riding and the kind of varied conditions that adventure riding demands. The engine also benefits from fuel injection and smooth power delivery that makes it approachable despite its size.
The Keeway TX 125 is not built for speed or long-distance performance. Its engine is designed for reliability and accessibility. New riders benefit from this because the limited power reduces the risk of being caught out by unexpected acceleration. For city commuting, short rural roads, and building fundamental riding skills, the 125cc engine is entirely adequate. However, if your riding ambitions extend beyond local roads within the next year or two, you will quickly outgrow it.
Which bike is better suited for a complete beginner?
For a complete beginner with no prior riding experience, the Keeway TX 125 is the more forgiving starting point. Its light weight, low power output, and manageable size make it easier to control in slow-speed manoeuvres, parking, and unexpected situations. However, a beginner who already holds a full motorcycle licence (A2 or above) and has some riding background may find the CFMOTO 450 MT a more rewarding and longer-lasting choice.
The distinction here comes down to licence category and experience level. In most European countries, including the Netherlands, riders under the A2 licence are restricted to bikes with a maximum of 35 kilowatts (approximately 47 horsepower) and a power-to-weight ratio within specific limits. The CFMOTO 450 MT falls within A2 restrictions in many configurations, which means it is technically accessible to newer riders who have passed their A2 test.
- Complete beginners on an A1 licence: The Keeway TX 125 is the appropriate choice, as it falls within the 125cc restriction for A1 category riders.
- New riders with an A2 licence: The CFMOTO 450 MT becomes a viable option, offering significantly more capability without exceeding A2 power limits.
- Riders who want one bike for several years: The CFMOTO 450 MT will remain relevant and enjoyable far longer than the TX 125, which most riders outgrow within one to two years.
Physical confidence also plays a role. The CFMOTO 450 MT has a taller seat height and greater overall weight, which can feel intimidating at low speeds. If you are shorter in stature or less physically confident, the lighter Keeway may reduce anxiety during the early learning phase.
How do the suspension systems on both bikes compare?
The CFMOTO 450 MT comes equipped with conventional telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock. The Keeway TX 125 also uses conventional telescopic forks and a basic rear shock. While both bikes share a similar front fork configuration, the CFMOTO’s suspension is tuned for a heavier, more capable machine and offers better overall performance for varied riding conditions.
For adventure-oriented riding, suspension quality is not a minor detail. It directly affects how stable the bike feels when road surfaces change, how comfortable longer rides are, and how safely the bike responds when carrying luggage or riding two-up. The CFMOTO 450 MT’s suspension is tuned to handle mixed terrain, which means it absorbs road imperfections more effectively and keeps the tyres in better contact with the ground through corners.
The Keeway TX 125 has a simpler suspension setup that is functional for its intended use. For light trail riding and urban environments, it performs adequately. However, it lacks the damping quality that more demanding riding requires. Riders who push the TX 125 onto rougher terrain will notice its limitations fairly quickly.
One important consideration for any rider thinking long-term is that factory suspension on both bikes, like most production motorcycles, represents a general compromise. Suspension that is set up for an average rider at a specific weight and riding style may not perform optimally for your specific situation. This is particularly relevant for adventure riders who vary their load, terrain, and riding pace regularly.
What are the running costs of the CFMOTO 450 MT vs Keeway TX 125?
The Keeway TX 125 is considerably cheaper to run than the CFMOTO 450 MT across insurance, fuel, and servicing. A 125cc bike typically attracts lower insurance premiums, uses less fuel, and has simpler, less expensive components to replace. For riders on a tight budget, this makes the TX 125 a more economical day-to-day option.
Breaking down the key cost areas:
- Insurance: 125cc bikes consistently attract lower premiums due to their limited power and lower risk profile. The CFMOTO 450 MT, while not expensive to insure by mid-size standards, will cost more annually than the TX 125.
- Fuel consumption: The TX 125 is highly fuel efficient. The CFMOTO 450 MT uses more fuel but remains reasonable for a 450cc twin, and its larger tank means fewer stops on longer rides.
- Servicing: The CFMOTO 450 MT has a more complex engine and suspension system, which means service intervals can cost more. The TX 125 is simpler and cheaper to maintain.
- Purchase price: The Keeway TX 125 is significantly less expensive to buy outright, making the initial investment much lower for budget-conscious beginners.
- Resale value: The CFMOTO 450 MT holds its value better over time, meaning the long-term cost of ownership may be more competitive than the purchase price difference suggests.
If you plan to ride for only one or two years before upgrading, the TX 125 is the more cost-effective short-term choice. If you intend to ride the same bike for three years or more, the CFMOTO 450 MT offers better value per year of enjoyment.
Should a beginner buy the CFMOTO 450 MT or the Keeway TX 125?
A beginner should choose the CFMOTO 450 MT if they hold an A2 licence or above and plan to ride regularly for more than two years, particularly if adventure or touring riding is the goal. The Keeway TX 125 is the right choice for riders on an A1 licence, those with a very limited budget, or those who are genuinely uncertain whether motorcycling will become a long-term pursuit.
The honest answer is that the two bikes are not really direct competitors. They serve different riders at different stages. The TX 125 is a starting point. The CFMOTO 450 MT is a destination bike that many riders will be happy with for years. If your licence allows it and your budget can stretch to cover it, the CFMOTO 450 MT is the more satisfying long-term investment for anyone serious about motorcycling.
Consider the following questions before making your final decision:
- What licence category do you currently hold or are working towards?
- Do you intend to ride on motorways or dual carriageways regularly?
- Are you planning adventure or touring rides, or primarily urban commuting?
- How long do you expect to keep this bike before upgrading?
- Is your budget flexible enough to cover the higher purchase and running costs of the 450 MT?
Answering these honestly will point you clearly in one direction. Neither bike is a bad choice when matched to the right rider. The mistake is buying a 125cc bike when your licence and ambitions already point towards something bigger, or buying a 450cc machine before you are ready to manage it confidently.
How TFX Suspension helps with adventure bike performance
Once you have chosen your bike and started building experience, the factory suspension will eventually become the limiting factor in your riding enjoyment, especially if you ride loaded, two-up, or on varied terrain. This is where we at TFX Suspension make a genuine difference.
We specialise in custom suspension solutions built around your specific weight, riding style, and the conditions you ride in most. Whether you are on a CFMOTO 450 MT heading into the mountains or a more experienced adventure rider looking to upgrade a larger touring machine, we offer solutions that go far beyond what standard factory setups can provide.
Here is what we offer to riders looking to take their suspension performance seriously:
- Custom-tuned shock absorbers from our product range, including the Traveler, Freelexer, and Xtreme series, each designed for specific riding conditions and load profiles.
- Full suspension service and rebuild through our service department, restoring or improving performance on both front and rear suspension components.
- Personalised setup advice based on your rider weight, luggage habits, and typical terrain, so your suspension is tuned for how you actually ride rather than an average rider profile.
- Ongoing support for maintenance and adjustments as your riding evolves over time.
Our philosophy is simple: do not settle for standard. Factory suspension is a compromise built for the average rider. You are not average, and your suspension should reflect that. If you are ready to explore what properly set-up suspension feels like, get in touch with us or visit our blog for more guidance on suspension, adventure riding, and getting the most from your motorcycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride the CFMOTO 450 MT on a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) certificate alone?
No, a CBT certificate alone only permits you to ride motorcycles up to 125cc, which means the CFMOTO 450 MT is not accessible on a CBT alone. To legally ride the 450 MT, you need to pass your full A2 motorcycle test. If you are currently on a CBT, the Keeway TX 125 is your legal option until you progress to a full licence category.
What are the most common mistakes beginners make when choosing between a 125cc and a mid-size bike?
The most common mistake is buying a 125cc bike out of caution when you already hold an A2 licence and have clear intentions to ride regularly for several years — this often leads to an unnecessary second purchase within 12 months. Equally, some beginners stretch to a larger bike before they are physically or mentally ready to manage it, which can undermine confidence during the critical early learning phase. Being honest about your licence category, riding goals, and comfort level will prevent either of these costly errors.
How soon after buying the CFMOTO 450 MT should I consider upgrading the suspension?
For most new riders, the factory suspension on the CFMOTO 450 MT will be adequate during the first year while you are still developing your riding skills and understanding how the bike responds. However, if you start riding loaded with luggage, taking longer adventure routes, or notice the suspension feeling vague or unsettled on uneven terrain, that is a clear signal that a custom setup would make a meaningful difference. Riders who are significantly lighter or heavier than the average build the bike is tuned for may benefit from a suspension upgrade sooner rather than later.
Is the CFMOTO 450 MT reliable enough for a first serious motorcycle, given that it is not a Japanese brand?
CFMOTO has significantly improved its quality control and engineering standards over the past decade, and the 450 MT in particular has received broadly positive reliability feedback from owners across Europe and beyond. The parallel-twin engine is a relatively straightforward design, and parts availability has improved considerably as the brand has expanded its dealer network. As with any motorcycle, following the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals is the most important factor in long-term reliability, regardless of brand origin.
What protective gear should I budget for alongside either of these bikes as a new rider?
As a new rider, you should budget for a full-face or modular helmet, a motorcycle jacket with CE-rated armour at the shoulders and elbows, gloves, motorcycle trousers with knee and hip protection, and boots that cover the ankle. Do not let gear costs be an afterthought — the protection it provides is far more important than any feature on the bike itself, especially during the early riding phase.
Can the Keeway TX 125 handle light off-road trails, or is its trail styling purely cosmetic?
The Keeway TX 125 can handle very light gravel tracks and compacted dirt paths, but its trail styling is largely aesthetic rather than a reflection of genuine off-road capability. The suspension travel and ground clearance are limited, and the standard tyres are not optimised for loose or technical terrain. If off-road riding is a genuine priority rather than an occasional detour, the TX 125 will feel out of its depth fairly quickly, and a dedicated trail or enduro 125 would serve that purpose better.
If I buy the Keeway TX 125 now, what should I look for when upgrading to a mid-size bike like the CFMOTO 450 MT later?
When upgrading from a 125cc to a mid-size adventure bike, pay close attention to the weight difference and seat height, as these are the two factors that catch most riders off guard after time on a lighter machine. Spend time at a dealership sitting on the bike and walking it around before committing, and take a test ride if at all possible. It is also worth factoring in suspension setup from the outset — if you know your weight and riding style differ from the average, arranging a custom suspension tune early will give you a much better first impression of what the bike is genuinely capable of.
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