Bike of the month. April 2009

Think Odes and most JUST BIKES readers will probably think of the Cattleman ATV range that Odes developed for local use. Following that success, Odes are took on two wheels, and as with the Cattleman, the Odes crew have done their homework - and a lot of testing to make sure their first big bore effort is just as suited to Australian conditions.

The 450-R trial bike is built in China and has been developed in conjunction with Odes Australia - over 27 months, with over 40,000kms of track and highway testing completed over 9 months. The result is a 449cc overhead valve, overhead cam, wide ratio, user-friendly, and more importantly, pocket-friendly trail bike. The Odes 450-R has an alloy frame, rims and swingarm, fat bars and a fully adjustable suspension front and rear with 41mm USD front shocks and a rear piggyback gas shock with pre load and dampening adjustments. A 520 0-ring high quality chain and twin air filter are fitted as standard. For convenience, the 450-R has both kick and electric start using a world class Yuasa battery to crank the big bore over.

The team at Odes Australia have been riding a pair of these bikes for more than 6 months and covered over 1,000kms on each. They've found them to be light and easy to ride, with great suspension and good stopping power, thanks to the wave discs with stainless lines. The 450-R is also fitted with standard stainless pipe and header that barks like you won't believe, and a CV type carburettor that allows the bike to run smoothly. To add to the 450-R's grunt, the team at Odes tried changing the jets and fitting a different muffler. They say this turns the MCF450-R into a 'lethal' weapon! At present, the Odes MCF450-R comes standard as an MX-spec bike, but lighting kits are available. An ADR-compliant road version of the bike will be available later this year with Motard options also available soon. Now while the bike is a great package, the best news is that it is priced at just $6,990 ready to ride. The MCF450-R is in stock now and ready to be sent anywhere in Australia. You can give the team a call at their head office in Queensland on (07) 4634 0837 or look them up on the web at www.downunderdirtbikes.com