CCM GP450 Gets Discontinued, New 600cc Model Coming!
New Euro 4 standards kill the GP450 but its successor may be even better.

Since its introduction, the British-made CCM GP450 has been in a class of its own as a performance-oriented, nimble, adventure-ready machine. With its long-travel suspension, 276 lbs dry weight and 21″/18″ wheel combo, the bike has not only been praised for its off-road prowess but also for its cutting-edge engineering that incorporates a ‘Bond-Lite’ frame technology never before used in a production motorcycle.
Now three years after the successful launch of the GP450, and after assurances by CCM of its arrival to the US, the British manufacturer has announced the halt of production of the popular middle-weight adventure tourer. According to CCM, the GP450 will be discontinued due to the replacement of Euro 3 with Euro 4 emission standards. The GP450’s aging 450cc engine, originally sourced from BMW’s discontinued G450X, is not able to meet stricter certification standards and can no longer be used.
Soon the company will cease production of the model but anyone thinking of snatching up one of the last GP450s should think again. Austin Clews, Head of CCM, recently confirmed to ADV Pulse, “The GP450 will come to an end this year, in fact all of the remaining production is sold for 2017.” But the disappearance of the GP450 from CCM’s lineup isn’t necessarily a bad thing. A wishlist item for many has been an upgrade to the 450cc 5-speed powerplant that would offer smoother cruising on highways and enhance the bike’s abilities as a genuine all-rounder — that wish may soon be granted.
New GP600 Adventure Bike in the Works
CCM has recently secured the supply of a proven lightweight 600cc engine built by SWM (developed originally by BMW and Husqvarna). The new powerplant is just 22 pounds (10kg) heavier than the 450cc engine and provides a boost of 15 horsepower and 11 lb-ft of torque. Better yet, the 600cc engine also boasts a 6-speed transmission.
The new model, called the GP600 Adventure, will have a chassis based on the same cutting-edge bonded aluminum frame of the GP450 with similar suspension and the same 21″/18″ wheel sizes. In addition, new forged carbon fiber frame parts will replace some of the current aluminium structures in the frame to allow further weight reductions. “With this, coupled up with the 600cc engine, CCM will most certainly create the lightest most technically advanced Adventure Bike on the planet; the new CCM GP600 Adventure,” affirms Austin Clews.

CCM isn’t ready to elaborate with more details at this time but we’d expect the improved power and 6-speed transmission of the GP600 will make for an even better ride on the highway. And hopefully, with only a minimal weight increase, the great off-road performance of the GP450 will be retained. CCM expects to finish development of the new GP600 over the next 18 months.
CCM GP600 Adventure Coming to the US?
With the success of the GP450, CCM gained a sound footing in the Adventure bike sector and has been building strength as a company year-after-year. According to CCM, one frequent question they get is “When will CCM come to the US?” CCM believes the US is probably the largest market for this type of motorcycle, but difficulties in getting the GP450 homologated and building a dealer network was apparently a bigger challenge than expected. With the release of the GP600, that could all change.
Recently, we asked Austin Clews if the GP600 will come to the US. Here is his response:
“We believe demand for this bike will be far in excess of the 450 model and are already registering interest for first deliveries around the world,” says Austin. “We would be looking to take forward orders through 2018 for supply in January 2019 onward and we need to be able to react to the demand in the correct way and provide the best product and customer service we can to the US customer. In order to do that, we need to identify a suitable JV partner who has the financial ability and is able to invest the money and time needed to plan correctly to bring the GP600 and other CCM models to the US in sufficient numbers to make the plan economically viable and is committed to customer service and support and the CCM brand.”
Given the harsh realities of the motorcycle industry, seeing the GP600 on US shores may still be just a dream. But US fans shouldn’t lose hope just yet. The improved financial footing of the company and the expected larger demand for a 600cc adventure bike, may be just the driving force needed for CCM to finally get a foothold in the US market.
CCM GP600 Engine Specs
Engine Type: | Single cylinder, Four-stroke |
Displacement: | 600cc |
Bore x Stroke: | 111 x 76.5 mm |
Compression: | 12.0:1 |
Engine Details: | Titanium valves |
Power: | 55bhp |
Torque: | 42.8 lb-ft (58 NM) @ 5500 rpm |
Oil Capacity: | 1.8 liters |
Fuel System: | Fuel Injection: Mikuni D45 |
Cooling System: | Liquid |
Transmission: | 6 Speed |
Final Drive: | Chain |
Clutch: | Multiple-disc, wet, Hydraulic control |
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Sounds like a great way to go, the 450 could be made out of an ex dual purpose bike. Almost the same . The 600, little more weight ,which I don’t like, but it is an asset on the road will be helpful. Would like to see a twin motor . One of the things I really like about climbing on my 800gsa . Is the smooth motor. This hits me as really nice to have that smooth, quiet electric power , as opposed the ol traditional single. I have ridden dirt-trail bikes for 43 years n love my old WR 400 F. But when I climb on the 800 twin, There is a feeling of comfort n smooth that the twin offers. Just Sayin. On those longer road rides to the trailhead .
Would be great to see this bike in South Africa. It would give all the old reliable heavy Jap bikes a wake up call. Imo CCM have the perfect set up for our country. Getting a bit tired of my DRZ400e and DR650. This would give both bikes in one. Got rid of the XT660Z Tenerer – too heavy and horrible suspension
They look so easy to assemble. Would love to be part of running a plant in SA building these.
We imported virtually the last 3 GP450’s to Cape Town, and now 3 of us ride happily in the Karoo and mainly on dirt roads – great bikes!
[…] good folk over at ADV Pulse have some interesting news for the dual-sport crowd, as British marque Clews Competition Machines […]
build the bike in Canada and partner with Can-Am
I hope by now they have learned how to build a decent electoral system. This is the weakest spot of the 450, which has caused problems for many owners, me included!
Maybe teh Russians can help?
Stupid auto correct: electrical system of course! 🙂
thought maybe we were supposed to vote in improvements
Killed by Global Warming!!!
Why can’t any of the big 3 Japanese manufacturers make something like this that is affordable and AVAILABLE in the U.S.?!?!? …and don’t talk to me about the DR650/XR650L/KLR650. Those are great old reliable bikes, but they’re dinosaurs… underpowered and overweight. They were awesome 20 years ago, but they really need to be replaced with modern versions.
Hear HEAR!
I would like to see the CCM 600 in the U.S. Apparently no other manufacturers see a market for a sub 300 lb more trail manageable adv bike with lower seat height options. The 600 comes from the Husky TE 630. and now powers a couple SWM models. Hopefully they can work out the emission issues.
I believe what is conspicuously missing is a TWIN cylinder 450/500 producing 60ish HP with good torque Able to comfortable go all day long day after day …a real compromise between lithe single cylinder butt killers and more road Worthy mulis …no one is giving us this yet! I would happily sacrifice 50 pounds for a really smooth ultra reliable twin …has to stay at or under 400llbs
Sounds great, but why a “bonded” frame? I think Lotus cars was doing that, but I don’t think I’d want the bike for that reason/
“Forged Carbon Fiber”, Really? OK, I am familiar with the SCRIMP process in Carbon Fiber construction but just how is there a deformation and re-crystallization that takes place in a Carbon Fiber bonded frame. OK, I know this sounds snarky but I am very impressed with CCM and their technology AND the work done bu such leaders as Scaled Composits (Burt Rutan). If the flacks at CCM (and surely CCM needs PR people) toss out “Forged Carbon Fiber” please ask them what they mean by that.
Seems right to me… http://blog.caranddriver.com/lamborghini-is-forging-ahead-with-forged-carbon-fiber-we-visit-their-u-s-based-lab/
SWM ist already building their own bike which is available in europe (SWM 650 Superdual). And for those of you who like to go seriously off road: AJP is using that SWM-engine to built their AJP PR7, already available in europe too. I don’t really know why it needs another very similar bike with the same engine. Doesn’t seem to be a smart decision of CCM.
Wolf is correct, SWM has 2 bikes with this motor, AJP has an endure/adventure with this motor.
There will be many to choose from!!!
It must be one sweet motor!
Simple answer: CCM can’t get hold of any other 600cc single. KTM for sure won’t sell them theirs. What other 600cc singles are currently out there? And since the SMW engine is build from parts made in china it is probably available for a decent price!
My guess is that CCM has simply used up almost all the engines they bought from bmw or kymco, which must be by now around 300. They probably keep a few engines as exchange units for such important users like the UK transamerica expedition.
If they are clever they will probably reuse the same plastic parts (tanks, fairing), to save money on the tooling costs for the moulds, which are necessary to make the parts and which are quite expensive. I doubt that 300units paid for that.
Maybe CCM originally planned to make more 450s and had an option on more engines, but now that SMW is offering their single they opt for that one. At the other hand it must have been a big effort to get the 450 US approvedand now they cancel it.
But at the end its all about what the market wants and about profitability!
Will be great when it comes out as long as it’s under £6000…..
I’ve just bought a CCM Spitfire for my xmas present. Unfortunately it’ll be too risky to use it off road due to limited numbers. Should have bought one to look at and one to use!
[…] because of the substitute of the Euro three with Euro four emission requirements, in response to ADV Pulse. This dual-sport bike boasted a 449cc engine, primarily based on BMW’s 450 Dakar […]
[…] GP450 Adventure, a trail-blazing model for the middleweight adventure bike class that is now discontinued. More recently, the British manufacturer has been building a line of scrambler-style motorcycles […]