In brief. Among the five most-discussed A2-licence adventure bikes of 2026, there is no outright winner: there is the right bike for wherever your asphalt ends.
The BMW F 450 GS (from €7,590) is the most powerful, at 48 hp, the most fully equipped, and the only one with a 19" front wheel: it is the choice for those who travel mainly on the road. The KTM 390 Adventure R (€6,990) is the most specialized for off-road riding, with 230 mm of travel and 272 mm of ground clearance, but it has the highest seat, at 870 mm. The CFMOTO 450MT and Moto Morini Alltrhike 450 share a 21/18-inch wheel setup with a 449 cc twin-cylinder engine and the lowest price, below €6,000; the Morini has the largest tank, at 18.5 litres. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 (from €5,900) is the heaviest, at 196 kg in running order, but it is the one that goes farthest on a full tank: more than 470 km theoretically.
How we worked: all figures come from the manufacturers' official technical specifications, checked on September 23, 2026; prices were rechecked on October 1, 2026. Where a figure comes from a journalistic test or a price list, we say so.
The 450s are no longer a stopgap for those waiting for an A licence
Until a few years ago, an A2-licence adventure bike was either a restricted motorcycle or a basic single-cylinder model. In 2026, the 400-500 segment is where manufacturers are investing most, and the five models in this comparison prove it.
The A2 limit, in numbers
An A2 licence allows you to ride motorcycles of up to 35 kW, around 48 hp, with a power-to-weight ratio of no more than 0.2 kW/kg (Directive 2006/126/EC). BMW designed the F 450 GS exactly at that limit: 35 kW divided by 178 kg gives 0.197 kW/kg.
The other four remain lower, between 40 and 45 hp, and none is a restricted version of a more powerful motorcycle: they were all designed from the outset to comply with A2 requirements, so there is nothing to unlock when moving up to an A licence.
Where this comparison comes from
The starting point is the comparison published by Moto.it on September 23, 2026, which put the same five motorcycles on the roads and mule tracks of the Verona area of Lessinia, with a route split evenly between asphalt and off-road riding. We are not repeating that test: we have lined up the official data, made it comparable, and examined it from the perspective of those who help motorcyclists prepare their bikes for touring every day.
The official figures say that the lightest is not the smallest
Displacement, power, weight, seat, tank, wheels and price of the five A2 adventure bikes, based on the manufacturers' specifications.
| Model | Engine | Power / torque | Claimed weight | Seat height | Fuel tank | Wheels | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW F 450 GS | Parallel twin, 420 cc | 48 hp · 43 Nm | 178 kg in running order | 845 mm | 14 L | 19" / 17" alloy | from €7,590 |
| KTM 390 Adventure R | Single-cylinder, 399 cc | 45 hp · 39 Nm | 176 kg with a full tank | 870 mm | 14 L | 21" / 18" | €6,990 ex-dealer |
| CFMOTO 450MT | Parallel twin, 449 cc | 42.2 hp · 42 Nm | 173 kg dry | 820 mm (800 optional) | 17.5 L | 21" / 18" spoked | €5,990* |
| Moto Morini Alltrhike 450 | Parallel twin, 449 cc | 44.8 hp · 42 Nm | 190 kg dry | 840 mm | 18.5 L | 21" / 18" spoked | €5,890 (High Equipped €6,140)* |
| Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 | Single-cylinder, 452 cc | 40 hp · 40 Nm | 196 kg in running order | 825-845 mm (805 optional) | 17 L | 21" / 17" spoked | from €5,900 (Mana Black €6,600)* |
How to read the weights. Manufacturers do not weigh motorcycles in the same way. BMW and Royal Enfield state the kerb weight with 90% fuel, KTM the weight with a full tank, CFMOTO the dry weight (173 kg on the Italian website, while the Swiss CFMOTO website lists 175 kg in running order: the two figures do not match), and Moto Morini the dry weight. For the Alltrhike, the inSella test recorded 202.5 kg in running order. On a comparable basis, KTM and BMW are the lightest, while Morini and Royal Enfield are the heaviest.
Beware of online price lists. Some online listings still show the pre-production data for the Morini Alltrhike (170 kg, 18 litres, 847 mm seat height, 44 Nm). The official Moto Morini page now lists 190 kg dry weight, 18.5 litres, an 840 mm seat height and 42 Nm. We use the updated official data for the comparison.
* Prices checked again on 1 October 2026: BMW from the official BMW Motorrad Italia website, including VAT, delivery and the first service. KTM from the official website, ex-dealer, road preparation excluded. CFMOTO from the Moto.it price list. Moto Morini from the Moto.it price list and reviews by Motorbox and inSella. Royal Enfield from the official Italian website (from €5,900 to €6,500 depending on the version) and, for the Mana Black, from the Moto.it price list. Delivery conditions are not consistent: always ask for the on-the-road price.
On a full tank, the Himalayan goes 100 kilometres farther than the BMW
For travellers, range matters as much as power. We divided the tank capacity by the approved consumption declared by each manufacturer.
| Model | Fuel tank | Claimed consumption | Theoretical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 | 17 L | 3.59 L/100 km | approximately 473 km |
| KTM 390 Adventure R | 14 L | 3.4 L/100 km | approximately 412 km |
| CFMOTO 450MT | 17.5 L | 22 km/L (4.5 L/100 km) | approximately 385 km |
| Moto Morini Alltrhike 450 | 18.5 L | 4.8 L/100 km | approximately 385 km |
| BMW F 450 GS | 14 L | 3.8 L/100 km | approximately 368 km |
These are WMTC approval figures, calculated by us and not measured on the road. With luggage, motorway speeds and off-road riding, consumption increases: the CFMOTO 450MT, for example, exceeded 320 km of range at a steady 120 km/h in independent tests.
What the ranking says
The relative ranking holds up and tells us two things. First: the KTM offsets its small tank with the lowest fuel consumption in the group. Second: the BMW, which is the most road-oriented, is also the one that makes you stop at the gas station first. On a trip with stages through poorly served areas, it is worth knowing this in advance.
Five bikes, five different ideas of adventure
The figures show that each one has a clear strength and a limitation worth knowing before signing on the dotted line.
BMW F 450 GS: the most technologically advanced, designed for the road
The engine is a purpose-designed 420 cc parallel twin, with a 135° crankshaft for smooth power delivery and low vibration. It produces 48 hp at 8,750 rpm and 43 Nm at 6,750 rpm. The chassis uses a 43 mm upside-down fork and a shock absorber with travel-dependent damping (WAD), both with 180 mm of travel, and a front brake with a four-piston Brembo caliper on a 310 mm disc.
Where it outdoes its rivals is in its equipment: a 6.5-inch TFT display, heated grips, Rain, Road and Enduro riding modes, ABS Pro and traction control are standard. The GS Trophy version adds the Easy Ride Clutch, a centrifugal clutch that allows you to set off without using the lever and that continues to act as engine braking when releasing the throttle. The stated payload is 177 kg.
The limitation: the 19" front wheel and 180 mm of suspension travel make it the least specialized in the group off-road, while the 14-liter tank provides the shortest range. In Moto.it's comparison, it is precisely the 19" wheel's precision on asphalt that is identified as its distinguishing feature. For the full specifications, see our BMW F 450 GS guide.
KTM 390 Adventure R: the most off-road-oriented, if you can reach the ground
It is the only "race" single-cylinder bike in the comparison: 399 cc LC4c, 45 hp at 8,500 rpm and 39 Nm. The difference lies in the chassis: 43 mm WP APEX fork and WP shock, both adjustable, with 230 mm of travel, the longest in the group, and 272 mm of ground clearance. 21/18-inch wheels, 165 kg without fuel and 176 kg with a full tank. KTM also states that the ABS and traction control are lean-angle sensitive.
The drawback: the 870 mm seat is the tallest in the comparison, 50 mm higher than the CFMOTO, and the tank holds 14 liters. For a rider under 1.70 meters tall, it makes a difference when maneuvering at a standstill on uneven ground.
CFMOTO 450MT: the best-balanced option for the price
449 cc twin-cylinder engine with a 270° crankshaft and twin balancer shafts, 42.2 hp at 8,500 rpm and 42 Nm at 6,500 rpm. KYB suspension with 200 mm of travel, 41 mm upside-down fork, 21/18 spoked wheels with tubeless-ready rims, 220 mm of ground clearance. The seat is at 820 mm, and with the optional seat it drops to 800 mm: along with the Himalayan, it is the easiest for riders who are not long-legged.
ABS and traction control can be switched off for off-road riding, the tank holds 17.5 liters, and standard equipment includes handguards and a skid plate. Moto.it calls it the group's bestseller.
The drawback: it is the least powerful of the twin-cylinder bikes, and its claimed fuel consumption, 22 km/L, is the highest after the Morini.
Moto Morini Alltrhike 450: the touring bike with the largest tank
It uses a 449 cc twin-cylinder engine with the same architecture as the CFMOTO (72 × 55.2 mm bore and stroke), but with higher claimed output: 44.8 hp at 8,500 rpm and 42 Nm at 6,500 rpm. KYB suspension with 208 mm of travel at the front and 190 mm at the rear, both adjustable, 21/18 tangential-spoke wheels, rear ABS that can be switched off.
Its strong point is its touring setup: 18.5-liter tank, the largest in the comparison, adjustable windscreen, USB and USB-C ports, integrated navigation via app. The High Equipped version adds handguards, heated seat and heated grips as standard. The official page also lists a center stand among the model's features: check with the dealer whether it is included in the version you choose.
The drawback: 190 kg dry, the highest in the group using the same method, and the highest claimed fuel consumption, 4.8 L/100 km.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450: the most rugged and the one that goes farthest
The 452 cc Sherpa 450 single-cylinder engine produces 40 hp at 8,000 rpm and 40 Nm at 5,500 rpm: it is the bike in the group that delivers maximum torque at the lowest engine speed, and you can feel it when riding slowly off-road. 43 mm Showa upside-down fork and linkage-equipped shock, 200 mm of travel and 230 mm of ground clearance. 21/17 wheels, 17-liter metal tank.
The seat is adjustable between 825 and 845 mm, with an optional low seat at 805 mm and a rally seat at 860 mm on the Mana Black. The stated payload, 198 kg, is the highest among those published by the manufacturers in this comparison.
The limitation: At 196 kg ready to ride and 40 hp, it is the least lively on the highway. Choose this bike to travel far at a relaxed pace, not to keep up with the twin-cylinder bikes on the road.
Front wheel size matters more than power
Four out of five bikes have a 21-inch front wheel. The BMW is the only one with a 19-inch wheel, and it is a design choice, not a detail.
- Narrow 90/90-21 tire: clears rocks, steps and ruts with less effort
- The larger wheel is less likely to drop into depressions
- The standard enduro size: a wide choice of knobby tires
- Wider 100/90-19 tire: quicker, more precise steering on asphalt
- More choice of road and touring tires
- Less specialized for demanding off-road riding
The same reasoning applies at the rear
The 18" For KTM, CFMOTO and Morini, it is the most common size for off-road tires, while the 17" BMW and Royal Enfield offer a wider choice of road tires. If you plan to fit genuine knobby tires, this matters as much as the front wheel.
The practical rule. If more than 70% of your mileage is on asphalt, the BMW's 19-inch wheel is an advantage. If dirt is the reason you are buying an adventure bike, the other four's 21-inch wheel is what you need.
The right bike depends on where your asphalt ends
We cross-referenced the data with the rider profiles we encounter most often.
| If you are… | Look first | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Commuter who heads out onto unpaved roads at the weekend | BMW F 450 GS | 19-inch wheel, full electronics package, standard heated grips, 48 hp for road transfers |
| Off-road enthusiast at least 1.75 m tall | KTM 390 Adventure R | 230 mm of travel, 272 mm of ground clearance, adjustable suspension |
| New rider with a budget under €6,000 | CFMOTO 450MT | Twin-cylinder engine, 21/18-inch wheels, optional 800 mm seat, handguards and engine guards as standard |
| Tourer who wants ready-to-go comfort | Moto Morini Alltrhike 450 High Equipped | 18.5-liter tank, heated seat and grips, adjustable windscreen |
| For riders who cover long stages and carry a lot | Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 | Theoretical range of over 470 km, 198 kg payload, maximum torque at low revs |
| Rider under 1.70 m | CFMOTO 450MT or Himalayan 450 | Optional 800 and 805 mm seats, the lowest in the comparison |
Before you sign
Test the motorcycle with the equipment you will actually use: a seat that seems low at the dealership changes when you are wearing enduro boots and have a 40-litre bag behind you. If it is your first motorcycle, you may also find our guide on how to choose your first motorcycle without making a mistake useful.
On a 450, every kilogram of luggage feels like twice as much
With 40-48 hp and suspension set up for a solo rider, how you load the bike affects its handling more than it does on a maxi enduro. These are the first things customers with one of these five motorcycles ask us about.
The luggage: light, low and close to the centre
BMW states a payload of 177 kg for the F 450 GS, while Royal Enfield states 198 kg for the Himalayan: the rider, clothing and luggage must stay within that figure. For this reason, on lightweight adventure bikes it is best to start with soft luggage or a single rigid rear case, rather than a set of three aluminium cases.
To choose the right volume, see our guide motorcycle rear bag: 40, 50, 66 or 90 litres? and the one on semi-rigid luggage for adventure motorcycles.
- Capacity
- 40, 50, 66 or 90 L
- Protection
- IPX6
- Mounting
- Straps on any luggage rack
- Colours
- Black, yellow, military green
- Capacity
- 36 or 45 L
- Material
- Aluminium
- Finishes
- Silver/black or black
- Mounting
- Requires a plate compatible with the luggage rack
The tank bag: first check what the tank is made of
Magnetic tank bags only hold on a steel tank. Royal Enfield states that the Himalayan 450 has a metal tank; for other motorcycles, check before buying, because many modern adventure bikes have plastic tanks or tanks covered by bodywork. In that case, the solution is the mounting ring on the fuel cap (for the CFMOTO 450MT, the code is BTBZJ601, €26): you can find everything in the guide magnetic tank bag: why it doesn't stay in place and how to fix it.
Those travelling with more things close at hand can upgrade to the 10-litre tank bag with sliding base (€100).
- Capacity
- 4.5-6.5 L expandable
- Attachment
- Magnetic or ring on the cap
- Ideal for
- Documents, smartphone, rain gear
- Bulk
- Does not cover the dashboard
Protection: hands, levers and stand
The CFMOTO 450MT and Morini Alltrhike High Equipped come with handguards as standard, as do the higher-spec BMW versions. However, if you really ride off-road, handguards with an aluminum backbone protect levers and hands in a fall, which plastic guards do not. Our catalog includes Barkbusters mounting kits specific to the KTM 390 Adventure, Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and CFMOTO 450MT.
The other accessory that immediately stands out on these bikes is the side stand plate: on soft ground, grass or hot asphalt, the original foot sinks in, especially when the bike is loaded. There is a dedicated code for the CFMOTO 450MT (LOBOO CJC591); for the other models, you'll find the dimensions in the side stand plates collection and the technical explanation in the larger center or side stand guide.
Availability as of October 1, 2026: the Barkbusters kits for these bikes (BHG-146, BHG-084, BHG-119, BHG-089) and the CJC591 plate for CFMOTO 450MT are temporarily out of stock. Write to us to find out when they will be back in stock.
On-board power
A sat-nav, smartphone and intercom consume power on the road. Morini and Royal Enfield have a USB-C socket as standard; if your bike doesn't have one or you want a second, the LOBOO C36 dual USB-C socket also tells you the battery's status.
- Outputs
- 2 × USB-C
- Power
- 130 W
- Functions
- Bidirectional, voltmeter
- Use
- Smartphone, sat-nav, intercom
Model-specific accessories are collected in dedicated collections: BMW F 450 GS accessories · KTM 390 Adventure accessories · CFMOTO 450MT accessories · Moto Morini accessories · Royal Enfield Himalayan accessories.
Frequently asked questions about A2 adventure bikes
What is the best adventure bike for an A2 license in 2026?
It depends on the use. The BMW F 450 GS is the most powerful and best equipped and the most suitable for asphalt; the KTM 390 Adventure R is the most capable off-road; the CFMOTO 450MT offers the best balance between price and equipment; the Moto Morini Alltrhike has the largest tank; the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 has the greatest range and payload.
Which is the cheapest A2 adventure bike?
Of the five, the Moto Morini Alltrhike 450 starts at €5,890, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 at €5,900, and the CFMOTO 450MT at €5,990 list price. The differences are minimal and depend on what is included in the price (on-the-road charges, first service): always compare the drive-away price.
Which A2 adventure bike performs best off-road?
On paper, the KTM 390 Adventure R: 230 mm of travel with adjustable suspension, 272 mm of ground clearance, and 21/18 wheels. The Himalayan 450, CFMOTO 450MT, and Morini Alltrhike nevertheless also have a 21" front wheel and 200-208 mm of front travel.
Does the BMW F 450 GS have a 21-inch front wheel?
No. The F 450 GS has a 19" front wheel and a 17" rear wheel, both alloy. Spoked wheels are available only on the GS Trophy version combined with the Enduro package.
Which A2 adventure bike is best suited to shorter riders?
The CFMOTO 450MT, with a standard 820 mm seat and an optional 800 mm seat, and the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, with an adjustable 825-845 mm seat and an optional low 805 mm seat. The tallest is the KTM 390 Adventure R, at 870 mm.
Which A2 adventure bike has the longest range?
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450: with 17 liters and a claimed consumption of 3.59 L/100 km, its theoretical range is about 473 km. The BMW F 450 GS, with 14 liters and 3.8 L/100 km, manages around 368 km theoretically.
Do the CFMOTO 450MT and Moto Morini Alltrhike have the same engine?
They have the same architecture: a 449 cc parallel twin with a 72 × 55.2 mm bore and stroke and 42 Nm at 6,500 rpm. However, the claimed power differs, at 42.2 hp for the CFMOTO and 44.8 hp for the Morini, and the chassis, weight, and equipment are not the same.
How much do these bikes really weigh?
In running order, the BMW F 450 GS weighs 178 kg, the KTM 390 Adventure R 176 kg with a full tank, and the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 196 kg. CFMOTO declares 173 kg for the 450MT dry, while Moto Morini lists 190 kg dry for the Alltrhike. The weighing methods differ, so the figures should be compared with caution.
Can they also be ridden with an A license?
Yes. These bikes are type-approved within the A2 limit of 35 kW, and riders with an A license can ride them without restrictions. None of the five is a restricted version of a more powerful model, so there is no "unlocking kit."
Is a 450 adventure bike suitable for traveling as a pair?
Yes, but pay attention to the load: BMW states a payload capacity of 177 kg for the F 450 GS, and Royal Enfield 198 kg for the Himalayan 450. Two people in riding gear with luggage quickly reach those figures, so it is best to travel light and adjust the rear shock absorber preload.
Do magnetic tank bags work on these motorcycles?
Only if the tank is made of steel. Royal Enfield states that the Himalayan 450 has a metal tank; check the other models before purchasing. If the magnet does not hold, the solution is a bag with a mounting ring for the fuel tank cap.
Which accessories are worth fitting first?
In the order they are needed: a side-stand foot if you park on dirt or grass, handguards with an aluminium backbone if you ride off-road, a lightweight rear bag for your first trip, and a USB port if the motorcycle does not have one as standard.
What does Moto.it's comparison test say about the 450 adventure motorcycles?
On September 23, 2026, Moto.it published a comparison test of the same five motorcycles on the routes of the Veronese Lessinia, half on asphalt and half off-road, with five testers of varying experience. The full article is reserved for subscribers.
Also worth reading
Have you chosen your 450? Let's prepare it together
Tell us the make, model and year of your motorcycle and we will recommend compatible luggage, protection and accessories, with the right part numbers for your setup.
See motorcycle cases and bagsSources. Technical data and prices: BMW Motorrad Italia, F 450 GS data and equipment; KTM Italia, 390 Adventure R 2026; CFMOTO Italia, 450MT; Moto Morini, Alltrhike; Royal Enfield Italia, Himalayan 450. Journalistic sources: comparison test and price lists from Moto.it (prices for CFMOTO, Morini and Himalayan Mana Black), tests by inSella and Motorbox (measured weight and Moto Morini prices, 2026 KTM prices). A2 licence limits: Directive 2006/126/EC. Ranges calculated by Endurrad using declared WMTC fuel consumption figures. Endurrad accessory prices and availability verified on October 1, 2026.
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