Quick verdict
- CFMOTO 450MT – the best all-rounder for most NZ riders: most features per dollar, the only twin, and the country’s best-selling adventure bike.
- KTM 390 Adventure R – the off-road specialist, with the best suspension and rider aids, if you can manage an 870mm seat.
- Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 – the relaxed, low-seat tourer and the cheapest way in, from $9,190.
Why these three bikes
New Zealand’s three best-selling adventure bikes of 2026, and all three are learner-legal (LAMS).
The reason is cost. Riders are choosing bikes that are cheaper to buy, fuel, insure and register, and that can commute on weekdays and ride gravel on weekends. With ACC levies on bigger bikes expected to rise, a 400–450cc single or twin now does most of what a litre-class adventure bike did, for a fraction of the money.All three answer that brief differently: the CFMOTO is the value-packed all-rounder, the KTM is the lightest and most off-road capable, and the Royal Enfield is the relaxed, low-stress tourer.
Specs side by side
The CFMOTO is the cheapest and the only twin, the KTM has the best suspension and electronics but the tallest seat, and the Himalayan has the lowest seat and the most relaxed, torquey engine.
Full spec comparison
| CFMOTO 450MT | KTM 390 Adventure R | Himalayan 450 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| NZ price | $9,990 + ORC | $11,999 ride-away | $9,190–$9,990 (by colour); Mana Black $10,490 + ORC |
| Engine | 449cc parallel twin, 270° crank | 399cc single | 452cc single |
| Power | 32.5kW (44hp) @ 8,500rpm | 33kW (45PS) | 29.4kW (40PS) @ 8,000rpm |
| Torque | 44Nm @ 6,250rpm | 39Nm | 40Nm @ 5,500rpm |
| Weight | 175kg dry | 176kg wet | 196kg kerb (90% fuel); 181kg dry |
| Seat height | 820mm (800mm low setting) | 870mm | 825–845mm (805mm low seat option) |
| Fuel tank | 17.5L | 14L | 17L |
| Suspension travel (F / R) | 200 / 200mm, KYB, adjustable | 230 / 230mm, WP Apex, adjustable | 200 / 200mm, Showa, rear preload only |
| Wheels | 21 / 18in spoked, tubeless | 21 / 17in spoked, tubeless | 21 / 17in spoked; tubeless on Kamet White, Hanle Black tubeless and Mana Black |
| Front brake | Twin 320mm discs, 4-piston radial | Single 320mm, 2-piston radial | Single 320mm, 2-piston |
| Key electronics | 5in TFT, Bluetooth app, switchable rear ABS | Cornering ABS + traction control, off-road ABS, ride modes, cruise control, quickshifter | 4in TFT with Google Maps navigation, ride-by-wire, switchable ABS, ride modes |
| Warranty | Check with dealer | 4 years, unlimited km | 3 years + 3 years roadside assist |
Note the weights are measured differently: the CFMOTO’s 175kg is dry, so ready to ride it carries roughly 13–15kg more in fuel and fluids, landing it near the KTM. NZ prices are from Kiwi Rider and BRM; check with a dealer for current deals and on-road costs.
CFMOTO 450MT: the value champion
The best all-rounder for the money, and the only twin here. At $9,990 it undercuts Honda’s CB500X (then $12,795) while matching or beating it on equipment.
What you get
Kiwi Rider lists Bluetooth connectivity, USB charging, folding mirrors, an adjustable screen, adjustable KYB suspension and tubeless spoked rims, and reckons matching that elsewhere costs $20k-plus. The twin front discs are a step up from the single discs on the other two.
On the road
The 270° twin is smoother than a single at 100km/h, which matters on long State Highway stints. NZ Autocar measured 4.2L/100km at motorway speed, so the 17.5L tank gives a realistic 350km-plus range, the longest here.
Off road
It handles gravel roads well and its standing ergonomics suit most riders, according to Driven. Kiwi Rider found it tall and slightly top-heavy on genuine off-road terrain, though knobbly tyres extend its reach a long way.
Compromises
There are no ride modes and the throttle is cable-operated rather than ride-by-wire; only rear ABS can be switched off, per Bennetts’ review. The brand is newer here, so long-term resale is less proven than KTM’s.
KTM 390 Adventure: the off-road specialist
The 390 Adventure R is the most capable bike here once the seal ends, and it carries the most technology. It also costs about $2,000 more and asks for longer legs.
What changed
The 2025 redesign moved to a 399cc single, 21/17in tubeless spoked wheels and much longer suspension. The R version now runs 230mm of WP Apex travel at each end, more than either rival.
Technology
This is where the KTM pulls clear. It has cornering ABS, an off-road ABS mode, switchable cornering traction control, three ride modes, cruise control and a quickshifter. Australian site bikesales called the tech package class-leading.
Off road
Long suspension, a light chassis and the 21in front make it the bike to choose for forestry roads, river crossings and rutted tracks. It is the one most likely to keep up with bigger bikes on a gravel ride.
Compromises
The 870mm seat is 45–50mm taller than the others, a real issue for shorter riders on uneven ground. The 14L tank is the smallest here, so plan fuel stops on remote South Island routes. A single is also buzzier than the CFMOTO’s twin on long motorway runs, and bikesales noted parts of the finish still feel built to a price.
The other version. KTM NZ also sells a standard 390 Adventure; 36 of the range’s 98 registrations to May were the non-R model. It has less suspension travel and a lower seat. Ask a dealer for its current NZ price.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450: the relaxed tourer
The easiest of the three to live with and the most approachable for shorter or newer riders. It trades outright performance and sophistication for low-rpm torque, a low seat and a calm, unhurried character.
The engine
The liquid-cooled 452cc “Sherpa” single makes the least peak power (40PS) but delivers its 40Nm lowest in the rev range, at 5,500rpm. That makes it relaxed to ride in traffic and on loose surfaces. Royal Enfield claims 3.59L/100km, which would give well over 400km from the 17L tank.
Ergonomics
The two-piece seat sits at 825mm and adjusts to 845mm, with an optional 805mm low seat. That makes it the best choice here if you struggle to touch the ground.
Technology
You get ride-by-wire with ride modes, switchable ABS and a round 4in TFT with built-in Google Maps navigation via the Tripper system, handy for touring without a separate GPS. There is no traction control or cornering ABS.
Compromises
At 196kg kerb it is the heaviest by about 20kg, which you feel in tight slow-speed off-road work and when picking it up. The fork is non-adjustable and rear adjustment is preload only. Check the colour too: base models use tubed tyres, so a flat on a remote road is more work.
Which version. Prices ran from $9,190 (Kaza Brown) to $9,990 for the tubeless Kamet White. The Mana Black at $10,490 + ORC adds tubeless wheels, rally hand guards, a rally seat and a high front mudguard, and is the best-equipped version for gravel. All carry a 3-year warranty and 3 years of roadside assist.
Head to head: which wins where
The CFMOTO wins on sealed roads and two-up, the KTM wins off-road, and the Himalayan wins on accessibility and range.
Winner by riding type
| Riding | Winner | Why | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commuting (e.g. Auckland motorways) | CFMOTO 450MT | Smoothest at 100km/h, adjustable screen, strong twin brakes | Himalayan (low seat, easy in traffic) |
| Gravel roads and light trails | KTM 390 Adventure R | Most suspension travel, lightest feel, off-road ABS and traction control | CFMOTO |
| Serious off-road (ruts, river crossings) | KTM 390 Adventure R | 230mm travel and the most off-road electronics | Himalayan Mana Black (rally kit, tubeless) |
| Multi-day touring | CFMOTO 450MT | Twin-cylinder refinement, biggest tank, easy luggage fit | Himalayan (torque, built-in navigation) |
| Riding with a pillion | CFMOTO 450MT | Most power and torque at highway speeds | Himalayan |
| Shorter riders | Himalayan 450 | 805–845mm seat options | CFMOTO (800–820mm) |
| Remote fuel range | Himalayan 450 | Best claimed economy plus 17L tank | CFMOTO (17.5L) |
| Tech and rider aids | KTM 390 Adventure R | Cornering ABS, traction control, cruise, quickshifter | Himalayan (navigation, ride-by-wire) |
| Lowest price | Himalayan 450 (base) | From $9,190 | CFMOTO ($9,990) |
Owning one in New Zealand
Running costs are close across all three; the real differences are warranty, dealer reach and resale.
- LicenceAll three are LAMS-approved, so learner and restricted licence holders can ride them. None needs replacing when you move to a full licence.
- Registration and ACCAll three sit in the same 126–600cc ACC levy band, so rego costs are effectively identical. Check current rates with NZTA, as levies on larger bikes are expected to rise.
- WarrantyKTM offers 4 years unlimited km; Royal Enfield offers 3 years plus 3 years roadside assist. Confirm CFMOTO’s NZ terms with your dealer.
- FuelAll return roughly 3.5–4.5L/100km in real riding. Differences over a year are small next to insurance and tyres.
- Dealers and partsKTM has the most established national network. Royal Enfield’s has grown quickly with the brand’s sales. CFMOTO is backed by distributor Forbes & Davies, and shares some parts with KTM. Check service access if you live outside the main centres.
- InsuranceQuotes depend more on your age, location and experience than the model. Get quotes on all three before deciding.
- ResaleKTM has the longest resale track record in NZ. The CFMOTO and Himalayan 450 are newer models with less used-market history, though strong demand should help both.
- Competition comingBMW’s F 450 GS and Moto Morini’s 450 adventure bike are joining this class, which could bring price pressure and dealer deals.
Verdict
For most NZ riders the CFMOTO 450MT is the one to buy: it does the most for the least money, which is why it outsells everything else in the country.
Buy the CFMOTO 450MT
If you want one bike for commuting, touring, pillion rides and gravel roads, and value features per dollar above all.
Buy the KTM 390 Adventure R
If you will ride real off-road tracks, want the best suspension and rider aids, and can manage an 870mm seat. The extra $2,000 buys genuine capability, not just badge.
Buy the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
If you are shorter or newer to riding, want a relaxed, characterful tourer, or want the lowest entry price. Stretch to the Mana Black for gravel use.
Before you buy
- Test ride all three back to back on the same day
- Check you can reach the ground on each seat height
- Get insurance quotes on all three
- Confirm CFMOTO’s NZ warranty terms with a dealer
- Check service access if you live outside the main centres
- On a Himalayan, check the colour has tubeless wheels
Sources
- BRM: NZ motorcycle sales 2026
- Kiwi Rider: CFMOTO 450MT specifications
- Kiwi Rider: adventure bike buyer’s guide, January 2026
- NZ Autocar: CFMOTO 450MT review
- Driven: CFMOTO 450MT review
- Bennetts: CFMOTO 450MT review
- Kiwi Rider: KTM 390 Adventure R specifications
- BRM: 2025 KTM 390 Adventure NZ pricing
- bikesales: KTM 390 Adventure R review
- Royal Enfield: Himalayan 450 technical specifications
- BRM: Himalayan 450 NZ pricing
- BRM: Himalayan Mana Black NZ launch
- BRM: 2026 CFMOTO 450MT and new rivals
