CFMoto 450MT vs Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 | Which is the best small adventure bike?

[@chroniclesofsolid]

A few corrections for the video 1. CFMoto have now apparently addressed the water in subframe issue. 2 Himalayan valve clearance extends to a wider interval after 20k km 👍 Keep the owner feedback coming 😎

[@herethereandelsewhere1941]

RE in the garage since september, 8500km on the clock travelling around Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania. Not a single issue! It's a modern bike! Forget about the Bullet...

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks for the owner feedback 👍

[@kloppskalli]

and doesn't it need moah powah?

[@JoeBurns44]

Just bought a Hanle Black Himmy with tubeless wheels and whilst I felt the dealer was pushing me to get the 450 MT I chose the Himmy for the following reasons: 1. A friend just rode in Nepal and hired a Himmy and said you could cartwheel it down the mountain and you would be able to ride away - it’s that tough. 2. The passion of the engineers and designers for the Himmy is addictive to listen to and I have seen nothing close to this passion for the CF Moto 3. It’s a simple machine which does everything you need well and to my simple mind that’s very appealing…no doubt the CF Moto is amazing value and a great bike but I just feel it’s missing something in spite of appearing to offer everything. Great review! 👏

[@jeanmichaelc1]

One of the best comparison I've seen so far, and I've seen a lot!!

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks Jean 👍

[@teneretraveller8980]

That's comprehensive. I went with the Himmy. Couldn't ride an MT. No demos. No dealer nearby. Long waiting list. So if bikes are a problem, what about spares and servicing? These things matter. As it happens loving the RE. A mini xt500. I'm old enough to remember. But as you say, both are good choices. Ride safe 👍

[@0scartheCat]

with no valve lifter for starting . .lol

[@seisamigos397]

Great review! Finally someone including maintenance costs in an overall review. Great job!! 👍

[@sirfarkles]

Cheers solid! But the valve check interval on the RE450 is actually 10km/20km (6k/12k mi) for the first two inspections only, then it’s every 20km (12k mi) from there on in (from the service manual).

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Noted 👍 Thanks for pointing that out

[@ianbooth4255]

@@chroniclesofsolid Probably worth pointing out that the CFMoto presumably has 8 valves, also presumably with shims (I can't find exact specs for this) so double the labour for a valve check/adjustment.

[@Trackandshield]

​@@ianbooth4255it's got twice the cylinders so it's obvious

[@vaerenbergh]

the 10k and 20k service of the himi you need to check the valves, after that valve checks are every 20k. i am so glad to have bought the hanle black tubeless. thanks for this great revieuw as always :)

[@stevefish2138]

Went for the Himi 4 months ago 5k kms of mostly off road and I love it. A tad heavy on tricky off road but I've got to say I love it. Frugal on road and easily quick enough. Good review though..agree with your comments

[@hemantshori4272]

Great comparison review. I tested both of them for around 200 Kms of dirt and tar. Ended buying Kamet White HImi. Because of sitting position of Himi, i find it more zippy around town and its suspension is far better than CF Moto. To me it is better looking bike specially when parked next to CfMoto.

[@georgespalding91]

My dealer here in the US says my 450MT should arrive next week. It will be my riding choice along with my Tiger 900 RP. Hoping it’s a nice alternate along with my RP

[@RIdeNTrevel]

Went for Himalayan, Hanle Black. Looks great and afterwards heard about CF MOTO. No regrets, since I swapped from a Ninja ZX6R to the better riding angle. Both look great, and happy to ride a single piston. The RE community was also the tipping point for me 😊

[@marinoopen]

Thanks!

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks mate👍

[@SumPixelz]

Got the Himmy 6 weeks ago after doing a little testride, absolutely love it! I don't get a sore bum that fast either. Power is ample for the riding I do, if you're not looking to go like a maniac doing 200 kmph+ all the time you're fine. Also, and this is of course purely personal, but I don't like the looks of the MT at all, love how the Himmy looks.

[@nockianlifter661]

@@SumPixelz To a degree it is about the looks. I prefer the CF Moto and a twin over a single.

[@SumPixelz]

@@nockianlifter661 fair enough it does sound great. The sound of the single is growing on me though

[@nockianlifter661]

@ I have 3 of them ranging from 250, to 450 and recently retired a 690. Nothing wrong with them at all, but sometimes it’s a nice change to have multi, but they tend to be a bit more thirsty and revvy.

[@ShadowVonChadwick]

How I wanted a small 270deg twin, but then the Himmy came out. I did think of ditching the RE deposit and going to the MT, but I stuck with the Sherpa. The only complaint I have is wind buffeting, even with the larger "Touring" screen. But I do want to stay on dirt as much as possible. And if standing or seated in the bush it's not the problem as it is if doing long Ks on the tar. So far I'm a happy camper with so far 33kpl average range over trip distances. That's 500k with a few litres still in the tank. Next trip I will trust the gauge better now I know how to read it. To be fair I did not push too hard, a bit of 120 kph on the highway and a push to 140kph chasing a KTM 890 for a while, & on country roads that was the limit of the suspension. But that's not my comfort place, 90-100k is a better ride for me. Good vid, love your content 🖖

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks mate

[@13ahab]

I got the CF MOTO 450 MT in December and am pleased with it, I also have an Interceptor.

[@johnpagejr.7628]

I own the CRF300L Rally but the Himalayan is tempting for a old guy like me.

[@drd3816]

I loved my Rally 250 but the power especially the torque made riding the Himmy 450 just so much more fun for me. I mean i really loved my Rally no disrespect to that bike ever it was great but i think these 400cc class is just the right amount of power if you are on the street more than dirt. The Himmy is darn good looking too in person

[@jdabel1]

You'll love the Himi if you ride at highway speeds. 110-140kmh. No problem.

[@shaunreid5898]

Great review brought the cf 450 and I’m an old bugger 1500ks 70% dirt and keeps getting better, even more so after I put the high seat on at 1000k

[@JaredSilver1988]

Since having my second child, I could no longer justify keeping my 890 Adventure R. However, I still wanted a bike that would allow me to explore the local trails in Central Otago. I decided to go with the Himalayan. The suspension is surprisingly effective and handles the more technical, rocky terrain we have down here really well.

[@donnishimoto9308]

Himy has a center stand and upper tank guard which are useful additions.

[@AgricUltra]

Just ordered my 450MT (thanks to yours and others’ reviews)! I rode the exact one that you did, from PowerForce, Midvale. So impressed. Immediately fell in love with it. What an exciting package for the price!

[@chroniclesofsolid]

It’s a special little bike 🏍️ Enjoy 👍

[@person.X.]

Great review again Solid. I am renting a Himalayan 450 for a three week trip around NZ so I went into JCS to sit on it to check that the seat height was going to be OK for me. I agree with you that in the flesh the Himalayan looks great. I didn't like it when I first saw it but it has really grown on me. I really liked the ergonomics of it although I will have to see how I feel after a three week tour on it. The fit and finish seemed very good. It seems like RE have really put some thought into the design and features rather than just going through the motions like some manufacturers are doing these days. The CF Moto looks like a great bike too. I agree that the bike buyer is the winner when bike companies bother to pull their finger out and create good value bikes like these. It's good timing as the Japanese manufacturers seem to have lost the will to live and the Europeans just keep racing up market with bigger and more expensive bikes.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Enjoy your NZ trip mate!

[@person.X.]

@@chroniclesofsolid Thanks! Looking forward to it! 😃

[@mrlemonadesandwich]

I think you nailed the assessment of the 450MTs suspension. I am a heavy and fast rider and own a 450MT, and the suspension is the best stock suspension i have ridden on an adventure bike. It is the one thing that elevates it above other bikes with soft/plush/rubbish suspension.

[@HyperSpaz]

Top quality reviews. Really upping your game lately 👍..thank you

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Cheers mate, glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@leighhill9185]

Your vids just keep getting better mate, excellent!

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks Leigh 👍

[@remkostekelenburg3934]

Very nice video and I enjoyed watching it like your other videos. I think it is all about personal preferences and looks. I just fell in love with the Himalayan after test riding it twice. It also depends on what you’re going to use it for. I just wanted a simple go anywhere bike which doesn’t have to be fast but can do anything including highway. I even traded in my brand new Triumph Tiger 900 rally pro with all the bells and whistles. And yes it was faster and had more power, heated grips and seats, quick shifter and much more. It did everything good en was a very nice bike but this one gives me a grim on my face when I look at it and ride it. I took the slate salt, added hand guards from RE, heated grips, tubeless wheels and the Arrow exhaust. So it’s all very subjective. Just test ride the bike you like and find out yourself, and realise that all bike’s, cheap or expensive have pros and cons.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Well said and enjoy the 450 😎

[@williamhudson3208]

Hi Solid. Thanks for all this. So pleased I got the CRF300l. This choice thing is just getting to complicated. The Honda is a bit like a lawn mower. Everyone needs one. W

[@ivanbrasla]

I thought you were going to say it sounds like one!

[@IlsKomet]

Thank you for the vid, very well put together, very good summary and points. Much appreciated.

[@dissentsean]

thanks solid, a very comprehensive side by side. i appreciate you touching on the seat to peg distance in the rider triangle. i need to set up a test ride for the himalayan next but i may wait to see what its big brothers all about before pulling the trigger

[@BMiobW]

Great review. Having ridden both extensively I agree on pretty much everything you said. I chose the Himi. One small, but important, correction though: You CAN change riding modes on the Himi without stopping. Just pull the clutch and close the throttle, press the mode button and you can keep rolling.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks for the info! 👍

[@F_staff]

Hi, Great to hear that Himi 450 is more fun at high speed. During first tests and comparisons people tend to say that CFmoto was more fun but it was only because of the constructor recommendation to drive under 4000 tours with the Himi during the first 500k. After 2000km with all the power free to use, I discovered a completely new bike and incredibly much more fun to ride

[@jala6707]

Very nice comparison! Excellent video - I like your basic to-the-point no-nonsense style. The only aspect I missed was how luggage-friendly these 2 bikes are. I assume that most riders will want to take some amount of luggage with them, and fasten these on their bikes. Would be good to describe how easy this is, and how this bulk & weight affects the handling & riding.

[@gregbuck9679]

Hi, it's Bucky from dirty socks I have just put my can am Spyder on the market, and put a deposit on a RE Himalayan 450. I'll pick it up in about three weeks. I'm a little bit excited, Love your content. Thank you..

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Congrats mate, enjoy 👍

[@bullsharkdb]

The winner is the consumer, well said. Excellent upload. The most important both are real winners, although personally I prefer the CF Moto 450 MT

[@paradoxworkshop4659]

Regarding the water-in-subframe issue: Wheelies

[@chroniclesofsolid]

CFMoto hire this man!

[@paradoxworkshop4659]

@chroniclesofsolid I just can't tell if that's a factory fix, or custom...

[@elador28]

Great comparison! I have a himi for 3 months and I agree with most of your points.

[@DrDanTDC]

I’m waiting for my MT/Ibex to arrive. But I initially was interested in the Himi. What I’d like to see is reviewers try adjusting the suspension on the MT. It is adjustable after all. Still a Great review!

[@Matthew-zw9su]

Exactly. Surprised this even needs to be said, but he likely doesn't know how, otherwise would have, at least I would have.

[@avgjoerides]

Really enjoyed this honest comparison. Still waiting in the US for the 450MT (Ibex 450 in the US) to arrive so I can give it a test ride then re-test ride the Himmy 450. I should know then if either could sway me away from my Gen 3 KLR which for me, still puts big smile on my face. All that said, the Himmy 450 seems like as you stated, the bike that I wish the Gen 3 KLR was more like out of the box. I guess will see what that new Kawasaki KLE is all about in the near future.

[@miketran4289]

Hate to say it but probably the CRF300L Rally is the best small adventure bike. Now if you are talking about a 80/20 road vs dirt then the 450MT might be the winner here.

[@LnZ_Blu]

Great after the suspension and headlight upgrades sure. And if you total those its a 450MT+aftermarket accessories.

[@dantrimble2495]

Xr650l is a good light adventure bike. Fairly light. Simple. Low rpms so the vibes aren't bad.

[@MaxUtley]

Not true

[@MickH60]

Rubbish, a GOOD rider on a MT and you'll keep up with the CRF, the MT is FAR more capable than 20% dirt, It's got far more potential, maybe update your riding skills....

[@scamperstephen4811]

Would like to see a comparison including the Honda 450rl ,still a cheap to get into out of the box ,not sure if the extra 3.2 k needs to be spent on it .if I only need a all rounder .

[@DevonDuffers]

Great comparison review. I went for the 450MT out of the two because of the looks and the sound. Himi is an amazing bike for the price, i just love the modern look of the 450MT. Only annoying think in the UK is the 6 month delivery, but we do get 4 years warranty

[@muf722]

I looked at the RE Himalayan and went with a CFMOTO 450MT. My plan is a long tour of the Middle East and Africa next year. For that route I find my BMW R1200 GSA too heavy. My 450MT is right now in winter storage here in Sweden. We have longer 10.000km service intervals here! First valvecheck at 30.000km. All covered by 3 years warranty.

[@azz1azz]

I just did 7000km over 9 days of riding, the 450MT didn't miss a beat. Ran perfect. Here in Australia, its 5000km service intervals (oil change). In Sweden, do they recommend 10,000km oil changes ?

[@Matthew-zw9su]

I would base service intervals on intensity of use, not distance. An hour meter is another useful tool when average speeds are low.

[@d0b0b]

I was amazed how good the 450MT was in corners, I can easily scrape my boots which was surprising on stock tyres and off-road capable suspension.

[@bob_mllr]

Great detailed review/comparison. I’ve now got 5000km on the 450MT. I’m pretty light at 65kg buff, and ideally I should get lighter springs, but with preload and damping dialled back and the suspension bedded in now, it is well acceptable on the little bumps and great when going harder and on the road. I’d love to try the Himalayan given a chance though.

[@csean7zero]

Great review, love the note of the MT, but the Himalayan still has a strong pull for me.

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

Great 👍 review mate , just as a note on the tubeless rims , a lot of “ harder “ off road riders seem to like a tubed front ( easier to change a front and front rims seems to take the hits and rim damage ) but tubeless rear - obviously easy to plug .Apparently the newer model MT 450 come with the “ hole already drilled “ factory fixed “ and previous models are being fixed at dealers under warranty I heard from an owner . I was going to buy the Himi but my local dealer was and has been abusive to owners and myself. So looks like I will get the MT . I think 🤔 with the Himi you would have to spend more to get it to the same spec . Like 1. Better screen 2. Brake and gear leavers ( crap and made of Swiss cheese 🧀 😂) and 3. Maybe seat as you say . Also taking take of to do air filter is a pain and unfortunately cannot fit a pre-filter .

[@Liberty4Ever]

I've been waiting for this comparison from you. Thanks. No real surprises but tons of good information. I've always been a thumper guy but as I get older I'm riding more back roads and some occasional highway, and a small twin might be better. Thumpers can be cheaper, lighter and get better fuel economy and modern counter balancers do a good job up until 5000-6000 RPM and beyond. My G310GS does surprisingly well wound out at 7500-8000 RPM for an hour on the highway when needed. I'd still have a hard time choosing between the 450MT (Ibex here in the US) or the Himalayan 450. Unless BMW/TVS craps the bed on the way to market, the F450GS concept bike looks great for my wants and needs, but that's going to be next year. I've had the baby GS for over 4 years and I'm still not finished farkling it, so I can't buy a new bike. More than anything, I'm VERY happy that we're finally starting to see the proper lightweight off road ADV bikes that we've wanted for decades.

[@Kaiwora]

I chose the 450mt and it truly is a mini tenere. Short of that it wouldn’t handle the beat down I give it here in the Kenyan savannah; which it takes in stride and asks for more. I agree with you, the 450mt is a better choice for those who want to ride hard.

[@BenoitMarcBernardin]

Hi, thanks for the video, excellent as usual😊, for the cfmoto there is a small service/recall to do 2 holes for the subframe, (fixing the water issue) as well as the map upgrade. At least in France.

[@KevinDaken]

I chose the 450MT as I'm a full sized Euro guy 186cm and 115kg with gear, so the firm suspension is better for me. I added the OEM high seat and high screen, softened the dampening and run 30 psi in the tyres for comfort. I'm a older road touring, gravel road type of rider. My August bike had the errant water collecting tubes drilled by the dealer, on its 1st service.

[@kevrider]

well done, Solid, very thorough and insightful. .

[@backontwowheels9469]

Sounds like a very fair comparison, although I have never ridden an MT. I brought the Himi450 last June, when it came out in the UK because I wanted a bike that I could start to use for green laning (although not done much yet) to improve my skill set (actually that should be to try and get a skill set). I brought it with the touring screen and have had no issues with it. The reason I chose the Himi is because it looks more like a dual sport as opposed to the adventure styling of the MT and that is where I think the difference lays, if you want to load the bike and venture off for months at a time maybe the MT will be the bike to go for but if you want some light luggage and tear up the off road over the weekend perhaps the himi. To be honest you can have an adventure on any bike, even my other bike which is a Triumph Speedmaster, which I have done, although that adventure is specifically tarmac based with the odd gravel drive. The Winner: definitely the consumer

[@UncannySense]

Picking up my 450MT next week. The subframe issue was addressed and there was a service recall on earlier models that did not have drain holes.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Good to hear they are taking care of the issues 👍 And congrats 🥳

[@UncannySense]

@@chroniclesofsolid bit of an upgrade to my XL185/250cc restomod project bike (15hp/drum brakes) basically 3 times the power, 4x the technology and same fuel economy. Came to the conclusion i'm an 40+ y/o, 90% road rider with aspirations of remote adventure. Was looking at used DR650 for a long time. Then the MT450 showed up and I immediately gravitated towards it. The RE450 didn't float my boat and i've done the thumper thing with enough classic bike projects under the house to wrench on. MT450 is everything I could hope for under 10KAUD, Was actually achievable to save for on a pension.

[@lycian123]

Having never ridden a Tenere 700 how can I imagine the 450MT? However, I do own the latter and after 35 year of BMW's the bike is a revelation. It has an aftermarket that makes bling look out of fashion. I am about to go off road soon so wish me luck. Half a million miles on tarmac and I end up on dirt.

[@MotoDude1967]

Very thorough comparison, thanks!

[@algee8228]

Great review Solid! Looking forward to the next edition after you've tried the 390 ADV.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks mate 👍 Can’t wait for the 390s to arrive 😎

[@tracklifex5259]

Congratulations on the growth of your channel Solid. I was wondering how much damage a minor and inevitable bike drop would cause to either one?

[@nockianlifter661]

It’s probably wrong to call the CF Moto water problem ‘in the frame’. It’s in a frame, but not the frame. The water gathers in the mounting frame for the sump guard.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Noted mate, will pin this comment up top 👍 Thanks for catching that.

[@bob_mllr]

And holes have been added for a while now so no longer an issue.

[@BackwardTravisty]

At some point, it's purely subjective. Specs aren't everything.

[@losg7163]

Service bulletin fixed that issue in September.

[@losg7163]

@@chroniclesofsolid fixed in September with a service bulletin

[@basilio_p]

Great video. Here in Italy I saw the new KTM 390 adventure model live at EICMA and yesterday in Verona. This is also a very nice bike with 159 kg dry and a price in euros already declared on the website of the company in 6,780 euros ex-dealer. We hope that the company overcomes the critical issues and brings this bike into production so that you can tell us your impressions. bye

[@AWAG_FK]

Thanks, Solid. That was a fantastic review.

[@seawench555]

For me really both bikes are extremely good all round small Adv bikes, it just comes down to personal choice. I can't wait to get my Cfmoto 450mt, it just ticks all my boxes. Thanks for this review 😁🇦🇺🤙💯

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Congrats and enjoy the MT

[@seawench555]

@chroniclesofsolid thanks, really enjoy ur presentation and narration

[@danketchpel7460]

Very good comparo review. I think your statement of the MT450 is like a mini Tenere 700 and the Himi 450 a mini/better KLR650 are excellent.

[@RobertRobert-d2r]

Very good analysis and report. Considering the suspension and these being adventure bikes, with additional weight for gear the comparison might change to favour the 450MT. As you say, in either case the winner is the consumer. Both are Asian built and offer far more than their competitors at the price.

[@Kelly-oq9nh]

Cheers from Washington state USA. Excellent review

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@grant31781]

I will pick the new KTM 390 LOL. I have a 500exc and 890 adv now and am really wanting one bike to replace both of them. I lean toward the Himmy 450 over the Cfmoto. It just seems like it would fit my riding style best. I do have a local CFmoto dealer but the RE dealer is 3 hours away. Great review of the two bikes!

[@slakk5093]

I am looking at the new 390, but with the way ktm are going doesn’t give a lot of faith in buying one. Will they be around in 2 years for spares and warranty?

[@Trackandshield]

How long will japanese ignore this space?? Are they being paid by RE and CF to not compete in this segment?

[@888jimmy]

Nice Solid. 👍 Think the 450MT would be my pick. However with all the “mods” I have done to my little Red Rooster I won’t be changing bikes anytime soon…😎 🍻

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Long live the red rooster 🐔 👍

[@PCWCFA]

Is an Adventure Latte just a regular latte that costs twice as much?

[@chroniclesofsolid]

They sprinkle dirt on top 👍

[@Neb_38]

Solid, which do you think would better compliment a 300l? Im Perth based, and my crf300l is great for hitting the sandy and gravelly trails. But i also love cruising out along the wheatbelt dirt farm roads. The little honda is hard work at higher speeds and my triumph street twin (with 50/50 tyres and bash plate) does not like corrugations or deep gravel. Thinking about swapping the triumph out for a RE or a CF moto.

[@damcowboy]

Which has the better cockpit triangle for a 6’-4” ( 193 cm), 230 lbs ( 104 kg) rider? The seat height on the CF moto seems to be an issue in that regard

[@robbcollins3727]

Great review! But too late to effect my decision. Purchased a Himi 6 weeks ago, still in the “dating” phase & kinda cold here in southern Oregon for longer rides… Traded down from a 2016 AT DCT, really enjoying lighter weight, simplicity and retro, no plastic of Himalayan. 😊

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Congrats

[@jimtitt3571]

I test rode both and went to my regular deep-sand track, the weight kills them both as does the thought of pulling either out from a mud-hole. It's fine testers saying you don't feel the weight when riding but you don't on a GS1300 either. 70kg heavier and less power than my 450EXC, no thanks. And 800 bucks for a valve check, forget it.

[@Ozsmallbore]

There's always one commenter who completely misses the whole point of these bikes. Who seriously compares an expensive enduro bike with a budget ADV? What's a new 450EXC worth at the moment?

[@jimtitt3571]

@Ozsmallbore Mine cost €2400. The review was a technical one and for a lot of riders performance is the deciding factor not price, when the bikes are sunk in a mud-hole nobody is interested. It is also reasonable to point out that a reviewer saying you don't feel the weight when riding (on easy tracks) doesn't remove the weight, it is still there and waiting to get you, I ride with buddies on a 500EXC and a 690 and we know where the 690 is going to start to struggle. There is also the point that twenty years of progress has added 70kg and somehow people are starting to think this is the new normal, some of us ride for enjoyment of the bikes performance, not the shape of the TFT display.

[@GregoryYepes]

Super useful, thanks for sharing!

[@bob_mllr]

I reckon you’d like the rally seat on the 450MT at your height.

[@CoenCritcho]

What one would you consider better for a daily commuter? No city riding just rural riding and highway riding around Tassie?

[@skaraborgcraft]

The duel charachter of the Himmy top end is worth noting. My old Honda had a second breath of life at 7500rpm, and once i found it, became a bit of a hooligan. Nothing wrong with a flat torque curve like an NC7/750. I wonder if the re-map on the MT improves its consumption, which is not entirely great for a small bike.

[@KLRJUNE]

Riders Share rider survey ranked RE reliability in last place among the top ten brands.

[@Peerbabakpk]

Very comprehensive, My question is, I m very experienced rider I m 58 now, got confused with so many beautiful machines out there, still have f650gs 2006. We live in USA,Now me and my friend planning to go out for at least a year, want to cover some states, then Europe till turkey. I shared my plan with you so you will have better understanding. Which motorcycle you suggested, keeping in mind, all problems, comfort, reliability under 12 thousand US dollars ? Any three bikes you can suggest we will do 80% on road and 20% not hard core off road Thanks

[@JustForFun-zh7cy]

Hey Solid - thanks for the vid, very informative. I have a CRF300L and am looking to add something to the stable so to speak. I’m 178cm 82kgs - which would you choose?

[@UncannySense]

if you already have a 300cc thumper then the 450MT twin cylinder will give you more ADV/highway manners. The RE450 is just a beefier dualsport than the CRF300L

[@SkozzaAU]

nice break down solid.

[@CravenAus]

Rode the Himmy and the CFmoto 450 mt and went with the MT. The Himmy (that I rode anyway) seemed clunky and vibrated a lot when going over 100. I would, however, own either, but the twin/sound/look of the MT just appealed to me. Holes were already there for water and new map btw.

[@sawdog007]

Good review, which one would you buy.

[@MTBrider26]

On the Himi valve clearance checks. They are at 10000km and 20000km but then space out to 40000km, 60000km etc for rest of the bikes life. This is still more than than the CF's but not was bad as it first appears.

[@twowheeladventures63]

It is sort of bad as the RE will be on the 3rd valve check before the CF Moto hits the first one.

[@Ozsmallbore]

@@twowheeladventures63 Just do it yourself, no big deal. You will find that after the first check they will barely move.

[@tonyjourneyman1944]

I need to use a bike for city commuting as well, at the moment I've got a 300cc scooter and a Honda Transalp 750. I'm looking for one machine to do both inner city and weekend riding (save on rego and insurance and more space in the garage). I'd need to fit a top box to give me a more useful city bike. I'm leaning towards the Himi for this.

[@BahWeepGranahWeepNiniBong]

Great comparison Solid👌 I think I'd go for the MT in the end. The looks and sound would seal the deal for me.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks mate 👍

[@cdavey7654]

Nice comparison, thank you! Between those two I'd likely choose the CFMoto 450. Still hoping that Yamaha will make a nice and lightweight 400-450 Tenere (270° 2 cyl), but I might die of old age before that happens. 🙄 Curious how the new 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R will compare (and how the reliability might be there 🫤).

[@drd3816]

Nice video and well said . Both bikes look to be modern classics, cant really go wrong. I'll test the CF450 next but would like to test ride one with the suspension work already done and the updated mapping. Im curious if its too loud for my taste. The Himalaya 450 I would like to try with the Rally seat and Rally plastics on it i prefer an enduro style seat but i really liked the Himmy on my test rides and rental ride. It worked great stock and was fun and felt manageable . I probably prefer singles vibes and all but I also like the exhaust set up for putting bags on the bike. Kaza Brown has that military look with the rally kit and seat and tank pads its the best looking one although the Black version is a modern classic too. The MT looks bloody nice too some great aftermarket vinyl wrap kits for those too. Wont look at DR or KLR again although i loved those bikes but these new 400 class bikes are ideal small travel bikes at a great price.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

The 450MT is a bit rowdy 😅

[@dustifyoumust2244]

The definitive comparison. Isn't it great to have these two wonders from China and India?

[@cyclerecon3750]

I just chose the Himalayan over the CFMoto. It was close. For various reasons: high speed damping is better, seat, while firm is wider at the back and proved more comfortable, spares back up and availability is better here in the UK. The Himalayan engine doesn't sound as good for sure but it's a real gem when you use it hard. CFMoto looks great though. Also, probably a bit put off being monitored by a Chinese company. Doesn't sit that well with me.

[@flexywing]

I've got my order in for a CFMOTO 450MT, here in UK, we get 4 years warranty, so should be all good

[@mjordan812]

Bought the Himalayan (tubeless). My riding will, most likely, be 80-90% pavement and the rest polite dirt roads. With maybe an occasional water crossing. Adding to the decision point was that (1) I like thumpers and (2) my local RE dealer is 5 miles from my front door. The weather has been crap since I got the bike (well below zero C and not much higher F), but midweek temperatures are looking promising.

[@ainsleyisrael6603]

The two things nobody mentions in the reviews is how much to register , in nsw 2025 the Re is $550 per year for Rego. the other is insurance.

[@blacky8498]

Rode both 450mt for me. Both great, just my opinion

[@deepsouthNZ]

Great work Solid cheers mate

[@vimalprince4467]

I'm a RE fanboi but I think both himi and mt450 will lose to ktm 390 adventure when it gets launched.

[@timlubbers2884]

Is Kim going still do that? They are getting ready to file bankruptcy…

[@agawaga]

KTM is bancrupt

[@Ozsmallbore]

@@timlubbers2884 They won't be going anywhere. The bankruptcy is just a mechanism to restructure with new management and investors.

[@vimalprince4467]

@ KTM is too big to fall. It will launch one way or the other.

[@vimalprince4467]

@ not yet.

[@gabrielkopp2036]

Well id have to say here in the USA the himi is already here and the cfmoto is not and delays after delays.. cfmoto said they would be here in November 2024 then January 2025 now saying march 2025.. glad you have both available in Australia

[@teamchivers]

For a heavier rider, say 115kg, would the stiffer suspension of the MT450 be better? Asking for a friend...

[@kurtisnelson78]

I've got a 2022 crf300l, 26,000km on the clock. I'm seriously looking at trading up for the 450mt as I want something more comfortable to sit on the highway for 3-4hrs before hitting the dirt. I've explored almost everything within a 3hr radius of my house and want to do some longer trips now. Honestly tossing up between the 450mt or the 800mt (maybe the 800mt-x) but I feel the 800 will be too much of a burden for how I like to ride in the dirt, being able to explore any random track I see.

[@collinslagat3458]

The hunt for the modern DR650 still continues

[@scamperstephen4811]

Question 1. why not a T7 instead of this two ? Is it down to dollars or another reason, I am missing ? Like are these bikes easier to ride. Question 2. Holding their value on the second-hand market. Question 3. T7 compared with the other2 Bike’s after five for 10 years, reliability ect I’m just a confused old fella just waning to buy a bike ,I’m thinking I’m starting to overthink things

[@BeatPatrol88]

Being a single cylinder, the Himalayan 450 should be quite a bit lighter then the 450 MT. Goes to show how much chunkier the RE is over over the CFMoto. Amazing review! Thank you so much for taking the time to go so in depth and staying as impartial as possible.

[@donnishimoto9308]

Himy ha a center stand and upper tank guard which add a bit weight,

[@MickH60]

@@donnishimoto9308 CF moto has bash plate and crash bars....horses for courses