CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN
One of the most popular motorcycles in the lightweight adventure segment is the Royal Enfield Himalayan. Loved for its simplicity and reliability, the stalwart adventurer is about to get a major upgrade and will be arriving in dealerships in the next few weeks.
You’re probably already up to date with all the specs, but for those who may have missed out, the key features are:
- RE's first liquid-cooled engine the Sherpa 450,
- Ride-by-wire with 4 riding modes,
- Switchable ABS,
- Upside down forks,
- LED Headlamp,
- Integrated LED turn and tail lamps,
- USB type C charging point,
- 4″ TFT display with phone connectivity, media controls and full Google map navigation.
Look for a full and comprehensive review in the next issue of Riding On, but you’ll probably have bought one by then. www.royalenfield.com.au/model/himalayan-450/
If Royal Enfield thought they were going to have everything their own way in the lightweight adventure motorcycle segment, CFMoto had other plans.
Almost identical in features, specs and pricing, the Chinese giant’s contender will also be on sale about the same time, giving potential buyers a distinct choice in the sub $10k price segment.
According to press reports, the CFMoto seems to be missing ride modes (Himalayan has four), while the Chinese have squeezed an extra 10 per cent power and torque for the same capacity and kept the machine 20kg lighter.
Our advice would be to research and test both thoroughly unless you have an overriding loyalty to one or the other. www.cfmoto.com.au/range/motorcycle
