Imagine carving through winding mountain roads, the horizon beckoning you forward. Picture yourself conquering rugged trails, each obstacle a thrilling challenge. Now, envision doing all this on a bike that feels like an extension of yourself – responsive, comfortable, and utterly capable.
This is the promise of a great adventure motorcycle, and it’s precisely what the CF MOTO 450MT delivers. While the Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 has its merits, the 450MT takes sub-500cc adventure riding experience to new heights. Let’s look at why the CF MOTO 450MT should be your next companion on the road less travelled.
Power and Performance
The soul of any motorcycle lies in its engine. It’s not just about raw power; it’s about how that power is delivered, how it responds to your commands, and how it makes you feel with every twist of the throttle. With adventure bikes, versatility is key. You need an engine that can purr contentedly on motorway stretches, then roar to life when you’re powering up a steep, rocky incline.
This is where the CF MOTO 450MT truly shines, outclassing the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 in real-world rideability. Let’s break it down:
- CF MOTO 450MT: 450cc parallel-twin, 41.5 hp, 37 Nm torque
- Royal Enfield Himalayan 452: 452cc single-cylinder, 40 hp, 40 Nm torque
While the numbers might seem close, the riding experience is worlds apart. The 450MT’s parallel-twin configuration offers:
- Smoother power delivery across the entire rev range
- Significantly less vibration, especially at highway speeds
- A more refined and responsive ride in varied conditions
The Himalayan’s single-cylinder engine, despite its slightly larger displacement, can’t match the 450MT’s versatility. Whether you’re navigating city traffic, cruising on the open road, or tackling off-road challenges, the 450MT’s power plant adapts seamlessly, providing a more enjoyable and less fatiguing ride.
Suspension
Adventure riding is all about tackling diverse terrains, often within the same journey. One moment you’re gliding along smooth asphalt, the next you’re navigating a rutted dirt trail. Your bike’s suspension is what keeps you in control, absorbing bumps, maintaining traction, and ensuring your tires stay where they belong – on the ground. But here’s the thing: not all riders are the same, and not all adventures follow the same path. This is where the CF MOTO 450MT leaves the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 in the dust.
- CF MOTO 450MT: Fully adjustable front and rear suspension
- Royal Enfield Himalayan 452: Non-adjustable front, preload-adjustable rear
The 450MT’s fully adjustable suspension is a revelation, allowing you to:
- Fine-tune your ride for different terrains, from smooth highways to rocky trails
- Adapt to varying loads, whether you’re riding solo or fully packed for a long trip
- Customise the feel to your personal riding style and preferences
With the Himalayan 452, you’re largely stuck with a one-size-fits-all approach. The 450MT, on the other hand, transforms to meet your needs. It’s like having multiple bikes in one, each perfectly tailored to the day’s adventure.
Comfort and Ergonomics
On long rides, comfort isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity. A comfortable bike allows you to focus on the journey, not on counting down the miles until your next break. It keeps you alert, reduces fatigue, and ultimately makes your adventures more enjoyable and safer. Both the CF MOTO 450MT and the Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 aim for all-day comfort, but the 450MT takes it to another level.
The 450MT offers:
- A spacious, well-padded seat designed for long hours in the saddle
- An upright riding position that reduces strain on your wrists, shoulders, and back
- An adjustable windshield – a feature the Himalayan lacks – allowing you to customise your wind protection
The adjustable windshield on the 450MT is a standout feature. It allows you to adapt to changing conditions on the fly. Heading into a headwind? Raise the shield for better protection. Tackling technical off-road sections where you need maximum visibility? Lower it down. This level of adaptability is something the Himalayan simply can’t match.
Smart Features
Today’s adventure riders expect intelligent features that enhance safety, improve convenience, and add to the overall riding experience. This is an area where the 450MT truly leaves the Himalayan behind, offering a suite of smart features you’d expect to find on much more expensive machines.
CF MOTO 450MT:
- Full-colour TFT display with multiple information layouts
- All-around LED lighting for better visibility and a premium look
- USB charging port to keep your devices powered up on long rides
- Switchable ABS for better control in off-road situations
Royal Enfield Himalayan 452:
- Semi-digital instrument cluster
- Halogen headlight
- No built-in charging port
- ABS (non-switchable)
The 450MT’s full-colour TFT display isn’t just about looking good (though it certainly does that). It provides clear, easily readable information in all lighting conditions, allowing you to stay informed without taking your eyes off the road for too long. The LED lighting isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade either – it provides better visibility, making you more visible to other road users and illuminating your path more effectively when the sun goes down.
The USB charging port might seem like a small addition, but on multi-day trips, it’s invaluable. Keep your phone, GPS, or action camera charged without needing to carry extra battery packs. And the switchable ABS? It’s a feature that serious off-road riders will appreciate, allowing you to tailor the bike’s braking characteristics to loose surfaces when needed.
These smart features aren’t just bells and whistles. They’re practical additions that enhance your riding experience, keep you safer, and allow you to focus on what really matters – the thrill of the ride.
Build Quality and Reliability
When you’re miles from nowhere, with nothing but your wits and your motorcycle to rely on, build quality and reliability become more than just selling points – they’re essential. You need a bike that won’t let you down, one that’s built to withstand the rigours of adventure riding. Both CF MOTO and Royal Enfield understand this, but CF MOTO‘s commitment to quality shines through in a tangible way.
- CF MOTO 450MT: Backed by a confidence-inspiring 4-year warranty
- Royal Enfield Himalayan 452: Comes with a 3-year warranty
That extra year of coverage speaks volumes about CF MOTO’s faith in the 450MT’s build quality and longevity. It’s not just about having an additional 12 months of protection (though that’s certainly valuable). It’s about the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re riding a machine built to last, one that its manufacturer stands behind unequivocally.
While Royal Enfield has made strides in improving reliability in recent years, CF MOTO is putting its money where its mouth is. When you’re planning that epic cross-country trip or dreaming of exploring remote backcountry trails, knowing your bike is covered for an extra year can make all the difference in your peace of mind.
The Verdict: The CF MOTO 450MT Wins
Choosing between the CF MOTO 450MT and the Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 isn’t just about comparing spec sheets. It’s about envisioning the adventures you’ll have, the places you’ll go, and the memories you’ll create. The CF MOTO 450MT isn’t just a motorcycle; it’s a key that unlocks a world of possibilities.
With its superior power delivery, fully adjustable suspension, all-day comfort, smart features, and backed by a generous warranty, the 450MT isn’t just a step ahead of the Himalayan 450 – it’s in a different league altogether. It’s a bike that grows with you, adapts to your needs, and consistently exceeds expectations.
Ready to experience the difference for yourself? Visit your local CF MOTO dealer, like DMC Motorcycles, and book a test ride today. Feel the smooth power, experience the customisable comfort, and imagine the adventures that await. With competitive finance and PCP deals available, your dream of owning the ultimate adventure companion is closer than you think.
Don’t settle for less. Choose the CF MOTO 450MT.
Need more persuasion? Check out how the 450MT compared when it was tested against 3 other bikes by MCN.