Is the CFMOTO 450MT better than the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450? | INFO MOTO

CFMOTO recently launched its all-new 450MT adventure bike, available initially from $8990 rideaway as a limited-time introductory offer, before settling at $9490.

Interestingly, this pricing structure is remarkably similar to that of the rivaling Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, which is also currently offered from $8990. Royal Enfield has yet to confirm full-time pricing for its Himalayan 450, though it will likely remain under $10,000.

The CFMOTO 450MT sits below the 650MT and 800MT in the brand’s local adventure bike line-up, sitting on the same platform as debuted on the 450SR sportsbike and 450NK naked bike.

This 449cc parallel-twin platform underpinning the 450MT generates 32.5kW and 44Nm, and is mated with conventional six-speed gearbox.

The bike rides on 41mm KYB upside-down forks which are adjustable for compression and rebound, while the rear-end sees a KYB monoshock that can be adjusted for preload, compression and rebound. Both ends offer 200mm of travel.

Importantly, the CFMOTO 450MT features wire-spoked wheels measuring 21- and 18-inches front-to-rear, as well as switchable traction control and switchable ABS at the rear wheel befitting its off-road-focussed positioning.

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[neilmillican]

Nice review, “Thanks”. Too many people forget, when you live in a big city, you need a certain capacity to enable reasonable highway cruising to get you to the dirt roads in the first place. That capacity unfortunately, means a bit of extra weight. I had a couple of 300cc bikes, including a Honda CRF300 Rally and a BMW310GS, both lovely bikes, but not very good on the highway. If you want a super light bike, buy a dirt bike and trailer it to the dirt roads. Unfortunately most dirt bikes aren’t road legal and therefore can’t be used on any dirt road in Australia, (private property only). The 450 MT looks like a very good compromise.

[jay-vorx]

Digging my new Himi, solid, comfortable unit. More than enough power for me.

[BBOffRoadEng]

This is an awesome review and video. We've currently got the 450MT in our workshop for R&D on some aftermarket parts and we are quite impressed with the build quality of this machine.

[blkvtrk]

I’ve had mine for 6 weeks, test rode the RE450 the CF is better in every way. I have a 23 Africa twin also, the CF is a great little bike

[Fiatmannen]

I have a versys300 and i tested the 450mt. Better ergo on the 300. Better sound on the 450. A little more oumph on the 450 but not much. Way better fuelling on the 300. Will not swich bikes.

[stevesanelli]

Well done Spencer! Getting busted up pretty bad with all the dirty action.
Thanks for your presentation & input. It certainly is one of a contender for cheap bike of the year. Will be interested to see your team comparisons between the 450MT & the Himalayan! Cheers & rest up! You deserve a holiday

[edwardlawson]

Great review, picked my biggest bitch with the lean low rev map... A booster plug fixed it for the Versys-X it's replacing (I was going to play them off against each other and pick the best, 200k in and I knew I was keeping the MT)
The foot pegs aren't me, bring on the pivot pegs and the handguards are useless so budget for bark busters.
Definitely loosen up the front end and release the fork striction, everyone I know that has is far happier.
Now for some knobbies as I always over ride my ability and the front end feels just like my Africa Twin, begging for more bite from the tyres.
All up, it's not the unicorn 🦄 but it's probably slept with it.

[captainpugwash]

I’m a big RE fan (Interceptor owner) but would absolutely get this over the Himalayan if getting into an adventure bike. So tempting - a great value offering! Getting to be a smaller and smaller group of riders who can justify $20k plus on an ADV bike.

[twowheelin]

Picking mine up today. Was buying the Himalayan then I saw this bike✌🏽

[charliequach]

I'd hold off till the end of the year until Kawasaki Versys 500 comes out. This could be a hybrid model too. Can't wait.
But I got a feeling this bike would still be better as an overall package, and I'll buy the MT 450. That's ok too cause there would be more aftermarkets for it by then.

[david]

I would take the MT450, I really like it, in my country the price is 5790€, I bought a 450SR-S for my son, which has the same engine, I can only say that you get a lot for the money. It drives great and I don't regret buying it.

[rc]

One thing to remember KTM and CF Moto are in a partnership. I will have to say though the 450mt is a nice looking bike.

[howardmann]

Ordered the mt last week massive waiting list in the uk

[bonniechops]

The CF to me is a better looking bike so I would definitely go for this one 👌🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[djangounhinged]

did it come with the T-Box in OZ already ? I've seen a few customers around the world complaining they didn't get a TBox - so can't do their NAV connection - only China for now they all said ? I pick up my 450MT in a few days from the dealer - so my ears pricked up when I heard the TBox mentioned ...

[arvanitiszoisxx]

the twin cylinder makes the diffrence. When you travelling all day you dont want those vibrations of the single.

[nomercy]

I see you said the CF has better performance off road, but I've also heard others say that the RE is better for "technical off road." I know nothing about ADV's so I'm looking for my first.

Is "technical" mean tighter, slower pace, harder terrain? I just that the RE was easier to lug at slow speeds, which seems to match what you mentioned about the touchy throttle.

[BlackdogADV]

Been hearing the gas mileage is bad. Anyone know the actual mpg in USA gallons?

[barebonesmc]

a nice calm and balanced delivery, thanks for that, how do they compare 2 up fully loaded on a highway? im guessing that is where the twin will win out, cheers

[toddparker]

Hi there Return road rider. I test ridden both bikes and the CFMotto 450MT is a better bike so much so I bought it. As for off road, (Adventure lite) I will get there but will end up doing a begginers course.