If you’re riding a CFMOTO 450 MT and thinking about adding handguards, you’re already thinking like a smart adventure rider. Whether you’re tackling gravel roads, forest trails, or long highway stretches, handguards are one of the most practical upgrades you can make. This guide answers the most common questions about fitting handguards to the CFMOTO 450 MT so you can make a confident, informed choice.
What are handguards and why does the CFMOTO 450 MT need them?
Handguards are protective shields mounted to the handlebars that cover and protect your hands, levers, and controls. For the CFMOTO 450 MT specifically, they serve a dual purpose: shielding your hands from wind, rain, and cold on longer rides, and protecting your brake and clutch levers from damage during off-road riding or low-speed tip-overs.
The 450 MT is designed as an adventure and dual-sport machine, meaning it regularly ventures off sealed roads. In that environment, a single fall or brush with a tree branch can snap a lever clean off. Replacing a brake lever on the trail is not a fun experience. Handguards act as a first line of defence, absorbing and deflecting impacts before they reach your controls.
Beyond protection, there are real comfort benefits. Wrap-around handguards in particular dramatically reduce wind blast at highway speeds, which reduces hand fatigue on longer rides. For a bike positioned as a capable adventure tourer, that matters a great deal.
What handguard brands are compatible with the CFMOTO 450 MT?
Several well-known handguard brands offer products that are compatible with the CFMOTO 450 MT, provided you use the correct bar-end or clamp mounting hardware. The most widely used options among 450 MT owners include Barkbusters, Acerbis, SW-Motech, and Touratech.
- Barkbusters: Arguably the most popular choice for adventure bikes. Their Storm and Sabre models are frequently fitted to the 450 MT using universal or bike-specific mounting kits. Known for excellent build quality and robust protection.
- Acerbis: A strong option for riders who prioritise off-road use. The Acerbis Rally Pro and X-Ultimate are lightweight, durable, and widely available. Mounting is typically via a universal bar clamp system.
- SW-Motech: Offers handguard kits specifically developed for adventure bikes, often including a dedicated mounting system that integrates cleanly with the stock handlebar setup.
- Touratech: A premium option popular with serious adventure tourers. Their handguards are built to last and are often paired with their wider adventure accessory ecosystem.
When purchasing, always verify that the mounting hardware matches the CFMOTO 450 MT’s handlebar diameter and that the kit includes the correct bar-end plug or mirror mount adapter. Some brands sell the shield and the mounting hardware separately, so read the product listing carefully before ordering.
What handlebar diameter does the CFMOTO 450 MT have?
The CFMOTO 450 MT uses a 22mm (7/8 inch) handlebar diameter at the grip area, which is a standard size for adventure and dual-sport motorcycles. This is important because handguard mounting clamps are sized to match the bar diameter, and using the wrong size will result in a loose or incompatible fit.
Most universal handguard kits on the market are designed for either 22mm or 28mm bars, so the 450 MT’s 22mm setup is well catered for. When shopping, look for kits explicitly listed as compatible with 22mm bars or marked as “7/8 inch” fitment.
It is also worth checking the bar-end diameter if you plan to use a bar-end mounted system. Bar-end mounting provides a cleaner look and can be more secure, but requires the handlebar to be hollow at the end with the correct internal diameter. If your 450 MT has bar-end weights installed from the factory, you will need to remove these before fitting bar-end style mounts.
What’s the difference between wrap-around and open-style handguards?
The key difference is the level of protection and intended use. Wrap-around handguards feature a solid or semi-solid shell that encloses the hand area from multiple directions, offering superior wind, weather, and impact protection. Open-style handguards are essentially a single deflector blade that protects against branch strikes and minor impacts but provides little wind or weather coverage.
Wrap-around handguards
These are the go-to choice for adventure touring and mixed-terrain riding. The enclosed design significantly reduces wind chill on cold days and keeps hands drier in wet weather. They also provide stronger lever protection in a crash. The trade-off is slightly more bulk and a higher price point. Barkbusters Storm and SW-Motech models fall into this category.
Open-style handguards
Open guards are lighter, simpler, and less expensive. They work well for purely off-road or warm-weather riding where wind protection is not a priority. If your main concern is protecting levers from tree branches or rocks, an open-style guard does the job without adding unnecessary weight. The Acerbis X-Ultimate is a popular example of this style.
For CFMOTO 450 MT riders who use the bike for adventure touring or year-round riding, wrap-around guards are generally the better investment. For those focused on summer trail riding, open-style guards keep things simple and light.
How do you install handguards on the CFMOTO 450 MT?
Installing handguards on the CFMOTO 450 MT is a straightforward process that most riders can complete at home with basic tools. The general process involves removing bar-end weights, attaching the mounting hardware to the handlebar, and securing the guard in position.
- Remove the bar-end weights: Use an Allen key to unscrew the factory bar-end weights. Set them aside in case you want to refit them later.
- Slide the bar clamp onto the handlebar: Position the inner clamp at the correct location on the bar, typically just inboard of the grip. Tighten it finger-tight for now so you can adjust alignment later.
- Insert the bar-end bolt or plug: Most kits include a bar-end anchor that threads into the open end of the handlebar. This provides a second mounting point for the guard and significantly improves rigidity.
- Attach the handguard shell: Connect the guard to both mounting points, then adjust the angle so the guard sits in a natural protective position over your hand and lever.
- Torque everything down: Once you are satisfied with the position, tighten all bolts to the manufacturer’s specified torque. Do not overtighten, especially on aluminium bars.
- Check lever clearance: Operate the brake and clutch levers fully to confirm the guard does not restrict movement at any point in the travel range.
If you are unsure about any step, the brand’s installation instructions or a quick video search for your specific kit will walk you through the process visually. It is also worth having a torque wrench on hand rather than relying on feel alone.
Do handguards affect the heated grips or controls on the CFMOTO 450 MT?
In most cases, handguards do not interfere with heated grips or controls on the CFMOTO 450 MT, provided you choose a kit that leaves sufficient clearance around the grip area and lever perch. However, there are a few things worth checking before you buy.
The inner clamp of the handguard mounts onto the handlebar between the grip and the switch housing. On bikes with heated grips, the grip itself is slightly thicker than a standard grip, and the wiring runs along the bar. Make sure the clamp position does not pinch any wiring or sit too close to the heated grip element, as this can cause pressure points that damage the grip over time.
Wrap-around guards with a larger shell can sometimes limit how far you can rotate the throttle in certain riding positions, particularly if the guard sits very close to the throttle housing. Before fully tightening the guard, test the throttle through its full range of motion to confirm there is no binding or restriction.
Controls such as the engine kill switch, indicator switch, and horn are housed in the switch clusters on either side of the bar. These sit inboard of where the handguard clamp typically mounts, so they are rarely affected. That said, always do a full controls check after installation before heading out on the road.
How TFX Suspension helps you get more from your CFMOTO 450 MT
Handguards are a great starting point, but the full potential of the CFMOTO 450 MT really comes through when the suspension is dialled in to match your riding style, weight, and terrain. At TFX Suspension, we specialise in high-performance, custom-built suspension systems designed specifically for adventure and dual-sport riders who refuse to accept the compromises that come with factory setups.
Here is what we offer for riders like you:
- Custom-tuned suspension: Every setup is tailored to your body weight, riding style, and the specific terrain you ride, whether that is mixed tarmac and gravel or full off-road adventure routes.
- Handling for varied loads: We account for touring loads, passenger weight, and luggage so your suspension performs consistently regardless of how you pack.
- Service and maintenance: Our team provides full suspension servicing and rebuilds to keep your system performing at its best over the long term.
- Expert advice: Not sure what your bike needs? We are happy to talk through your riding goals and recommend the right solution.
Explore our range at the TFX Suspension shop, learn more about our suspension service and tuning options, or get in touch with us directly to discuss your CFMOTO 450 MT setup. You can also find more riding tips and technical guides on the TFX Suspension blog. When it comes to getting the most out of your adventure bike, we are here to help you go further with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fit handguards to the CFMOTO 450 MT without removing the factory bar-end weights?
No, in most cases you will need to remove the factory bar-end weights before fitting handguards, particularly if you are using a bar-end mounted system. The bar-end anchor bolt that comes with most handguard kits needs to thread directly into the hollow end of the handlebar, and the factory weights occupy that space. Keep the original weights somewhere safe — if you ever remove the handguards, you will want to refit them to prevent handlebar vibration.
Will fitting handguards void my CFMOTO 450 MT warranty?
Fitting handguards using a bolt-on, non-permanent mounting system should not void your warranty, as no modification is made to the bike’s frame, engine, or electrical system. However, if installation causes damage — such as pinched wiring or a cracked handlebar from overtightening — that specific damage may not be covered. To stay on the safe side, follow the manufacturer’s torque specifications during installation and check with your CFMOTO dealer if you have any concerns about warranty implications before proceeding.
What is the most common mistake riders make when installing handguards for the first time?
The most common mistake is failing to check lever and throttle clearance after installation. Riders often tighten everything down and head straight out, only to discover mid-ride that the guard is restricting brake lever travel or causing slight throttle binding. Always operate every control through its full range of motion before riding — brake lever, clutch lever, and throttle — and make any necessary positional adjustments before torquing the bolts to their final setting.
How do I know if my handguards are positioned correctly on the CFMOTO 450 MT?
A correctly positioned handguard should sit at an angle that naturally covers your hand and the lever perch without requiring you to adjust your grip. When seated in your normal riding position, the guard should deflect wind and debris away from your knuckles and the lever area, and there should be no contact between the guard and the throttle housing or switch cluster during normal bar movement. If the guard touches any controls during a full steering lock to either side, reposition it before riding.
Are there any handguard options that also support mounting accessories like phone holders or GPS units?
Yes, several brands offer handguard systems with integrated or compatible accessory mounting solutions. Barkbusters, for example, offers optional crossbar mounts that sit between the two handguards and provide a platform for GPS units, phone holders, or additional lighting. SW-Motech also integrates well with their own QUICK-LOCK accessory ecosystem. If you plan to run navigation or auxiliary accessories, it is worth choosing a handguard system from a brand with a broader accessory range so everything mounts cleanly without cluttering the cockpit.
How do I maintain my handguards to keep them in good condition long-term?
Handguard maintenance is minimal but worth doing regularly, especially after off-road rides. Check that all mounting bolts remain at the correct torque after the first few rides, as vibration can cause them to loosen slightly during the initial settling period. Inspect the plastic shell for cracks after any significant impact, since a cracked guard offers reduced protection and should be replaced. For wrap-around guards, occasionally check that the inner clamp has not shifted position along the bar, and clean out any mud or debris that has packed into the guard to prevent moisture retention against the bar and grip.
Can handguards improve the CFMOTO 450 MT's performance in cold or wet weather riding?
Wrap-around handguards make a significant practical difference in cold and wet conditions. By blocking direct wind blast at highway speeds, they reduce wind chill on your hands considerably, which helps maintain grip feel and reduces fatigue on long rides. In rain, they deflect a large proportion of water away from your hands and levers, keeping controls more responsive and comfortable. For riders who use the 450 MT year-round or in variable climates, pairing wrap-around handguards with a good pair of waterproof gloves is one of the most cost-effective comfort upgrades available.
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