CFMOTO 450SS vs. Kawasaki, Aprilia and Yamaha — 2026 Comparison

Shopping the CFMOTO 450SS and want to know how it really compares to the Kawasaki Ninja 500, Aprilia RS 457 and Yamaha YZF-R3? Here’s an honest, sourced side-by-side — specs, horsepower, price and the places the competition wins — from Empire Cycle & Powersports in Spokane Valley, WA. A 51-hp parallel-twin that ties the class for power, then piles on the kit nobody else offers — a 3-position adjustable seat, a Brembo front caliper and a 5″ TFT touchscreen — with a 2-year warranty at a beginner-sport price. Here’s the honest rundown against the Kawasaki, Aprilia and Yamaha.

Empire Up Front Research

Honest, sourced comparisons — we even tell you where the competition wins. The same no-games promise as our Up Front Pricing.

2026 CFMOTO 450SS vs. the lightweight sport class

A 51-hp parallel-twin that ties the class for power, then piles on the kit nobody else offers — a 3-position adjustable seat, a Brembo front caliper and a 5″ TFT touchscreen — with a 2-year warranty at a beginner-sport price. Here’s the honest rundown against the Kawasaki, Aprilia and Yamaha.

 
CFMOTO450SS

Best value

KawasakiNinja 500
ApriliaRS 457
YamahaYZF-R3
Engine449cc twin451cc twin457cc twin321cc twin
Horsepower class-leading (tied)51 hp51 hp47 hp42 hp
Curb weight375 lb~373 lb385 lb373 lb
Adjustable seat height✓ 3-pos30.9 in31.5 in30.7 in
Brembo front brake✓ M40✗ByBre✗
5″ TFT touchscreen✓ standardSE only✓LCD
Factory warranty2 years1 year2 years1 year
Price starting MSRP~$5,699~$5,399~$6,799~$5,499

Why buy the 450SS from Empire

Class-tying power and the most standard equipment in the lightweight-sport class — for value money.

  • ✓
    Ties the class for power, wins on kit. 51 hp matches the Ninja 500 and beats the RS 457 and R3 — and you get a Brembo front caliper, 5″ TFT touchscreen and Bosch ABS standard.
  • ✓
    The only adjustable seat here. Three positions (30.9–32.1″) to dial in your reach — no other bike in this group lets you do that.
  • ✓
    2-year warranty, sharp price. Double the Kawasaki and Yamaha coverage — and about $1,100 less than the Aprilia.
  • ●
    Straight talk. The Ninja 500 matches the 51 hp, starts a bit cheaper (base, non-ABS) and has legendary resale. The Aprilia RS 457 is the premium pick — sharpest chassis and the badge — but over $1,000 more. The R3 has the deepest racing following.
A light, sharp first sportbike for our roads. Just as happy commuting across Spokane Valley as carving the twisties up toward Mt. Spokane or the backroads along the river — with ABS and a low insurance bill while you build your skills.

And the price is the price. Our advertised number already includes freight, setup and our documentation fee — only sales tax and title/registration are added.

Watch before you buy — top 450SS videos

▶Finally Got My First Bike — 450SSIndependent YouTube review
▶Built to Outclass Its ClassIndependent YouTube review
▶Is the 2026 450SS Right for You?Independent YouTube review
▶First Ride Review — Let’s Ride!Independent YouTube review
▶Is the 450SS the Best First Bike?Independent YouTube review

Frequently asked questions

Is the CFMOTO 450SS a good choice?

Class-tying power and the most standard equipment in the lightweight-sport class — for value money. 51 hp matches the Ninja 500 and beats the RS 457 and R3 — and you get a Brembo front caliper, 5″ TFT touchscreen and Bosch ABS standard.

How does the CFMOTO 450SS compare to the competition?

The Ninja 500 matches the 51 hp, starts a bit cheaper (base, non-ABS) and has legendary resale. The Aprilia RS 457 is the premium pick — sharpest chassis and the badge — but over $1,000 more. The R3 has the deepest racing following.

Where can I see the CFMOTO 450SS near Spokane?

Empire Cycle & Powersports in Spokane Valley, WA stocks the CFMOTO 450SS with Up Front Pricing — freight, setup and our documentation fee are already in the advertised price. Text us at 509-498-3541 or browse the inventory online.

Figures are 2026 model-year from manufacturer and published sources; competitor specs and prices are approximate, vary by trim and market, and should be verified before purchase. MSRPs exclude tax and title/registration. Video links are independent third-party YouTube reviews for research; Empire Cycle & Powersports is not affiliated with the creators. Comparison by Empire Cycle & Powersports, Spokane Valley, WA.

Keep exploring

New to the category? Read our buying guides, see how Up Front Research works, or browse the inventory. Prefer to talk it through? Text us at 509-498-3541.

Reviewed & updated by the team at Empire Cycle & Powersports, Spokane Valley.