CFMOTO 450MT or its rivals (Himalayan 450, KTM 390 Adventure, Honda NX500): the comparison

The mid-size adventure bike for the A2 licence is one of the most hotly contested classes right now. The CFMOTO 450MT takes on three benchmarks: the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, the KTM 390 Adventure and the Honda NX500. Here is how they compare, using official figures and press tests.

In short

• CFMOTO 450MT: the only twin with proper adventure wheels (21 and 18 inch tubeless spokes), the longest warranty and a sharp price. The most versatile.
• Royal Enfield Himalayan 450: the cheapest, approachable and sound off-road, with a single that likes revs.
• KTM 390 Adventure R: the lightest and sharpest off-road, but pricier and taller.
• Honda NX500: the most road-focused, refined and comfortable, but the most expensive and not made for trails.

Prices in Belgium

List prices published by the manufacturers on their Belgian websites, checked on 7 November 2026:

• Royal Enfield Himalayan 450: from €6,349 to €7,049 depending on colour.
• KTM 390 Adventure X: €6,089 (19 and 17 inch cast wheels, more road-oriented).
• CFMOTO 450MT: €6,699. Rally version (tall seat, Akrapovic exhaust): €7,399.
• KTM 390 Adventure R: €7,399.
• Honda NX500: from €7,699 (E-Clutch version, the only one listed in Belgium).

Engine: twin versus single

• 450MT: 449 cc twin, 42 hp (31 kW), 42 to 44 Nm depending on the document.
• Himalayan 450: 452 cc single, 40 hp, 40 Nm.
• 390 Adventure: 399 cc single, 45 hp, 39 Nm.
• NX500: 471 cc twin, 47 hp (35 kW), 43 Nm.

The figures are close. The difference shows in use: a twin like the 450MT's or the NX500's vibrates less and stays smoother on the motorway, a single is simpler and livelier low down. All four stay under the 35 kW A2 limit straight from the factory, without a restrictor.

Weight, seat and tank

• 450MT: 185 kg ready to ride according to CFMOTO (1000PS weighed 196.5 kg fully fuelled), 800 or 840 mm adjustable seat, 17.5 litre tank.
• Himalayan 450: 196 kg ready to ride, 825 mm seat (805 mm optional), 17 litres.
• 390 Adventure: 176 kg with a full tank, 825 mm (X) or 870 mm (R) seat, about 14 litres.
• NX500: 199 kg ready to ride, 830 mm seat, 17.5 litres.

The KTM is clearly the lightest, but the R is also the tallest. The 450MT has the advantage of a seat that adjusts without an extra part, handy for average heights, and a comfortable range.

Wheels and suspension: which is a real adventure bike?

• 450MT: 21 and 18 inch tubeless spoked wheels, adjustable KYB suspension, 200 mm of travel, 220 mm ground clearance.
• Himalayan 450: 21 and 17 inch, Showa, 200 mm of travel, 230 mm ground clearance.
• 390 Adventure R: 21 and 18 inch spoked wheels, adjustable WP suspension, 230 mm of travel, 272 mm ground clearance. The X makes do with 19 and 17 inch cast wheels.
• NX500: 19 and 17 inch cast wheels, about 150 mm of front travel, 180 mm ground clearance.

For leaving the tarmac, the 450MT, Himalayan and 390 Adventure R are equipped for it. The NX500 and 390 Adventure X are above all tall road bikes.

Electronics

• 450MT: Bosch ABS with switchable rear, switchable traction control, 5 inch colour TFT, Bluetooth.
• Himalayan 450: ABS with switchable rear, riding modes, round TFT with Google Maps navigation.
• 390 Adventure R: cornering ABS and cornering traction control, Street, Rain and Offroad modes, 5 inch TFT.
• NX500: ABS, traction control, 5 inch TFT, and the automatic E-Clutch that lets you change gear without the clutch lever.

Warranty

• CFMOTO: up to 5 years with no mileage limit, if the service schedule is followed (see the CFMOTO warranty in Belgium).
• Royal Enfield: 3 years, unlimited mileage.
• KTM: up to 4 years, with servicing in the KTM network.
• Honda: up to 6 years through yearly extensions, if the service schedule is followed.

What the press says

• Motorrad (February 2026, ten A2 adventure bikes): the 450MT wins people over with its smooth twin, light clutch and good suspension; the single front disc is judged marginal, especially on the road, and the engine runs short of breath in serious off-road. The KTM is the most adventurous, the NX500 the most comfortable. (read the test)
• 1000PS (October 2024, off-road): the Himalayan wins for ease and stability, the 450MT gives more of a big adventure bike feel and better protection for less money. (read the test)
• Cycle News (August 2025, United States): the KTM is preferred off-road, the CFMOTO judged best for mostly road use thanks to its twin.

Which one to choose?

• You ride mostly on the road, two-up or touring, with the odd trail: the 450MT, for its twin, equipment and warranty.
• You want the lowest price and a simple bike that copes off-road: the Himalayan 450.
• Off-road is your priority and you are tall: the KTM 390 Adventure R.
• You stay on tarmac and want comfort and the E-Clutch: the Honda NX500.
• You want the 450MT taller and better equipped for trails: the 450MT Rally.

Test ride the 450MT in Brussels

You can ride the 450MT on an A2 licence with no restrictor at all: all the details are in our guide Which CFMOTO for an A2 licence?. Come and see it and test it in our showroom in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, where we are an official CFMOTO dealer, and request your test ride from the 450MT page.

Frequently asked questions

Can I ride the CFMOTO 450MT with an A2 licence?

Yes, straight from the factory: with 31 kW (42 hp) it stays under the 35 kW A2 limit, with no restrictor to fit or remove.

What is the difference between the 450MT and the 450MT Rally?

The Rally uses the same engine with a taller seat, a more off-road look and an Akrapovic exhaust. It costs €7,399 against €6,699 for the 450MT, as of 7 November 2026.

Is the 450MT more reliable than a KTM 390 Adventure?

No independent study compares their reliability. In Belgium the 450MT comes with a 5-year warranty with no mileage limit. To find out more, read our article on CFMOTO reliability.

Prices and specifications as of 7 November 2026, according to the manufacturers' Belgian websites. Photo: CFMOTO Benelux.