450cc A2 Adventure Bikes in the Big Off-Road Comparison & Test 2024

Our mega off-road comparison not only includes more adventure bikes than ever before, but it is also the most diverse off-road test by 1000PS. From A2 adventure bikes to the absolute top class with over 1200 cc and 150 hp, a wide portfolio heads into the rough terrain, including the following three machines: Royal Enfield Himalayan, CFMoto 450MT, and Kove 450 Rally. For years, enduro enthusiasts have been wishing for lighter machines that combine long-distance qualities with good off-road performance. Could these three A2 adventure bikes be the answer to these prayers? We checked this out in the largest 1000PS off-road test of all time.

With the test bikes, we visited the largest enduro park in Europe, the Red Stag Grounds in Rohr im Gebirge. This expansive area, located about an hour southwest of Vienna's city limits, offered a perfect testing environment with 15 kilometers of forest roads and 28 different off-road trails. There are plenty of opportunities for every riding level to enjoy a full day of fun. With our large adventure bikes, we mostly stayed on the wider forest paths. However, we also integrated some green trails (easy difficulty level) into the test routine to really put the big and noble bikes to the test.

Off-road, it is more evident than ever that it's not the machine but the person at the controls who sets the limits. While professionals and demigods like Pol Tarres regularly defy the laws of physics even with large machines, even lighter terrain can become a survival challenge with little off-road experience. However, adventure bikes have now become a gigantic segment with a vast and diverse target audience. Therefore, in our extensive off-road comparison, three professionals and three amateurs contributed their impressions to deliver a broad and as comprehensible as possible test verdict on the bikes. This report provides an overview of each motorcycle. For those who want to know exactly which impressions come from whom regarding the individual motorcycles, all reports from our Adventure Bike Off-road Comparison 2024 are linked below. Now follow the impressions of the A2 adventure bikes.

The Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 is a bike with a very accessible character, primarily distinguished by its calmness and tranquility in off-road environments. While many other machines seek their way to the destination with much noise and power, the Himalayan quietly climbs the mountain. The non-adjustable suspension of the Himalayan is surprisingly stable for its very affordable purchase price, but reaches its limits under more load and at ambitious speeds. Even in these border areas, the suspension components and the Royal Enfield remain confidence-inspiring. This is also due to the low design of the Himalayan, which always keeps the ground within reachable distance. Nevertheless, one should not doubt its off-road capability, as 200 mm of suspension travel, a wet weight of 200.5 kg, and official enduro wheel dimensions allow it to tackle tougher tracks. There is no spectacular engine roar and hard acceleration, but the good-natured single-cylinder chugs along unexcitedly yet steadily over rough terrain. Professionals might quickly find this characteristic boring, but as an amateur, you appreciate the ease with which you can steer the Himalayan over rough terrain. Another big plus is the simple handling of the electronics: there is no traction control, and the ABS can be switched off with the push of a button.

The Himalayan 452 particularly invites riders with shorter legs or less experience to safely and leisurely maneuver through challenging terrain. It doesn't offer top performance in terms of speed or sportiness, but that's precisely its strength. The machine is reliable, robust, and especially suited for longer journeys where endurance is more important than speed. The gentle engine characteristics and manageable dimensions make the Himalayan a trustworthy companion for anyone looking for a straightforward yet capable bike.

The CF Moto 450MT is a pleasant surprise from China, presenting itself as a serious off-road bike. Visually, the 450MT impresses right away, appearing like a large adventure bike, and there's nothing to fault in terms of workmanship. The machine feels high-quality and complete, which is especially positive given its affordable price. With 42 hp, the power of the 450cc parallel-twin is sufficient for most off-road applications, and the weight remains manageable at 196.5 kilograms fully fueled, despite its mature dimensions. With a seat height of only 820 mm, it is even 5 mm lower than the Himalayan, but it builds significantly higher at the front. This improves wind protection but also results in a front-heavy weight distribution and a tendency to tip at low speeds. However, the 450MT can boast a very sporty, aggressive sound.

The chassis of the CF Moto MT450 shows weaknesses when ridden too ambitiously. The adjustable Kayaba components reach their limits under high stress, which somewhat restricts the bike for tougher off-road use. Nevertheless, the MT450 offers an excellent price-performance ratio overall and is a good choice for riders looking for a solid and affordable off-road bike. Especially the almost unique twin-cylinder engine in the small-capacity A2 segment, which offers more smoothness and fewer vibrations than typical singles, could attract some adventure bike fans.

The Kove 450 Rally is a true rally bike, distinguished by its uncompromising design for competitive use. Unlike many other motorcycles that merely adopt the rally style, the Kove 450 Rally is engineered for tough use on off-road race tracks and in rugged terrain. The machine demands precise and professional control, as it hardly forgives mistakes. For experienced riders, it offers impressive performance and a high level of directness, making it an extremely capable machine when used correctly.

For amateurs or less experienced off-road riders, the Kove might evoke a sense of insecurity and discomfort, as it requires a high level of technical mastery. The bike's lightweight and nimble construction might initially give the impression that it is easier to ride, but this impression is misleading. It doesn't enjoy leisurely cruising; instead, the engine, chassis, and brakes aggressively spring into action and demand to be ridden with speed and experience. The Kove 450 Rally is more suited for ambitious hobby racers who are ready to face the challenges of a true rally bike. It provides an excellent foundation for competition, even though it falls short in engine performance compared to more expensive models like the KTM 450 Rally Replica.

Although the three 450cc A2 adventure bikes in this test appear quite similar when comparing technical specifications, each machine focuses on a different area. The Royal Enfield Himalayan prioritizes easy handling and accessibility, now offering significantly more performance with the new 40 hp single-cylinder engine, improved brakes, and stable chassis than its predecessor from India.

The CFMoto 450MT attempts to mimic the character of larger adventure bikes while combining it with light weight and A2-compliant power. It succeeds quite well overall. It offers decent wind protection, relaxed ergonomics, great sound from the exhaust, and adjustable suspension. For a purchase price of less than €7,000, the CFMoto 450MT offers excellent value for money.

KOVE, with the 450 Rally, didn't even try to target the A2 segment but instead appeals to enduro enthusiasts and hobby rally racers seeking sporty off-road performance for longer races or rallies, without wanting to spend €30,000 or more on rally replicas from KTM and others.

To conduct such an extensive and demanding off-road test, a fair amount of gear is required. This starts with the Bridgestone AX41 50-50 off-road tires for those bikes that only come with street tires from the manufacturer. We also had a Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communication device on hand, should an emergency arise on the remote tracks in the mountains or forests. For protective gear, we opted for the Leatt Flow Tour suit and the Leatt Multi Tour suit. Our heads were protected by the new Arai Tour-X5 Adventure helmet. Finally, some soft luggage solutions from Enduristan ensured that we could carry water, snacks, and equipment in a weight-saving manner into the adventure.

The following individual conclusions for the motorcycles in the test refer to the most recent individual tests.