Himalayan 450 vs CFMOTO 450MT: which adventure bike makes sense for NZ riders?
Comparisons ·
A single versus a twin, NZ pricing and the equipment that matters: how the Himalayan 450 and CFMOTO 450MT compare on paper.
Imported from the existing RiderMates site. This is a New Zealand reference article; the original site recorded prices as checked on 13 October 2026. Reconfirm specifications and prices before republishing.
Price: compare the exact bike, not just the headline
Royal Enfield New Zealand lists the Himalayan from NZ$9,190, including GST and excluding on-road costs. CFMOTO Katikati advertises the 450MT at NZ$9,990 on the same tax and on-road-cost basis. That makes the advertised starting difference NZ$800, rather than a like-for-like final quote. [1] [2]
Ask each dealer for the complete ride-away price of the exact colour and wheel specification you want. Include luggage, protection, delivery and your first service in the comparison. A lower sticker price can matter less once both motorcycles are equipped for the same trip.
Single versus twin: the real dividing line
The Himalayan uses a 452cc single-cylinder engine; the CFMOTO uses a 449cc parallel twin. Published NZ figures put the Enfield at 29.44kW and 40Nm, against 32.5kW and 44Nm for the CFMOTO. Both have six-speed gearboxes. [1] [2]
The twin leads those peak figures, but that does not establish how either motorcycle responds in traffic or overtakes with luggage. Test both on the roads you actually use, paying attention to low-speed response and vibration at cruising speed.
Market specifications need care: CFMOTO’s UK page quotes 31kW and 42Nm, while the NZ dealer and Australian distributor pages quote 32.5kW and 44Nm. This comparison uses the latter figures; confirm the specification of the actual NZ bike. [2] [3] [4]
Fit and chassis: look beyond engine size
Standard seat-height listings are 825–845mm for the Himalayan and 820mm for the 450MT, with a listed 800mm CFMOTO linkage position. The Enfield also offers a lower seat. Both list 200mm of front and rear suspension travel; wheel sizes are 21/17 inches for the Himalayan and 21/18 for the CFMOTO. [1] [3]
Those dimensions make a showroom fit check useful, particularly if you often stop on sloping ground. Try the bike in riding boots and ask the dealer to explain any lowering changes. Seat width and suspension sag also affect how comfortably you can reach the ground.
Equipment: what matters on your rides?
CFMOTO lists adjustable KYB suspension, switchable rear ABS and switchable traction control. Those are useful features to investigate if you want suspension adjustment and electronic options. Royal Enfield lists ride-by-wire modes and a connected TFT with map navigation. [1] [3]
Try the controls rather than judging equipment by the feature count. Can you read the screen in sunlight? Can you operate it with gloves? Does the navigation setup suit your phone? Ask the dealer to demonstrate the functions you expect to use.
Weight and ownership: avoid easy conclusions
Published dry weights are 181kg for the Himalayan and 175kg for the 450MT. These are claimed figures, not our measurements; dry-weight definitions and fitted equipment can differ. Neither number should be treated as a ready-to-ride weight or compared directly with another source’s kerb weight. [1] [3]
For ownership, request written service schedules, service estimates, warranty conditions and likely parts lead times from your local dealers. We do not have comparable long-term test data to declare a reliability or resale winner. The strength of the support available near you deserves a place in the decision.
Verdict: which one should you shortlist first?
Our equipment-based assessment is that the 450MT deserves the first look if your priorities are its twin-cylinder engine, higher published output and adjustable suspension. Start with the Himalayan if its lower advertised entry price and connected navigation appeal more. Neither conclusion substitutes for a test ride.
Ride both, price equivalent configurations and choose the one that fits your body, your route and your ownership budget. The best decision here is a motorcycle you feel comfortable using regularly, not the winner of a single specification row.
Sources cited in the original article
- Royal Enfield New Zealand — Himalayan 450
- CFMOTO Katikati — NZ price and specifications
- CFMOTO Australia — equipment and specifications
- CFMOTO UK — market specification cross-check
