In brief. Among the five most-discussed A2-licence adventure motorcycles of 2026, there is no outright winner: there is the right bike for where your asphalt ends.
The BMW F 450 GS (from €7,590) is the most powerful, at 48 hp, the best equipped and the only one with a 19" front wheel: it's the choice for those who travel mainly on the road. The KTM 390 Adventure R (€6,990) is the most specialised for off-road use, 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 the 21/18-wheel setup with a 449cc 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 goes the farthest on a full tank: over 470 theoretical kilometres.
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 road test or a price list, we say so.
The 450s are no longer a fallback for those waiting to get an A licence
Until a few years ago, the A2-licence adventure bike was a restricted motorcycle or a basic single-cylinder model. In 2026, the 400-500cc segment is where manufacturers are investing the most, and the five models in this comparison demonstrate it.
The A2 limit, in figures
An A2 licence allows you to ride motorcycles 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 to comply with A2 from new, so there's 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 Veronese Lessinia, with a route split equally between asphalt and off-road. We aren't repeating that test: we lined up the official figures, made them comparable and read them from the perspective of someone who helps motorcyclists prepare their bikes for touring every day.
The official figures say that the lightest isn't the smallest
Engine displacement, power, weight, seat, fuel tank, wheels and price of the five A2 adventure bikes, based on the manufacturers' specifications.
| Model | Engine | Power / torque | Claimed weight | Seat | Fuel tank | Wheels | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW F 450 GS | Parallel twin, 420 cc | 48 hp · 43 Nm | 178 kg ready to ride | 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 ready to ride | 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 ready-to-ride weight with 90% fuel, KTM the weight with a full tank, CFMOTO the dry mass (173 kg on the Italian website, while the Swiss CFMOTO website states 175 kg ready to ride: the two figures do not match), and Moto Morini the dry weight. For the Alltrhike, the inSella test recorded 202.5 kg ready to ride. On the same basis, KTM and BMW are the lightest, while Morini and Royal Enfield are the heaviest.
Beware of online price lists. Some listings online still report the pre-production data for the Morini Alltrhike (170 kg, 18 liters, 847 mm seat height, 44 Nm). The official Moto Morini page now lists 190 kg dry, 18.5 liters, an 840 mm seat height, and 42 Nm. We use the updated official data in this comparison.
* Prices rechecked on October 1, 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 tests 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 comparable: always ask for the on-the-road price.
With a full tank, the Himalayan goes one hundred kilometers farther than the BMW
For riders who travel, range matters as much as power. We divided each tank's 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 | about 473 km |
| KTM 390 Adventure R | 14 L | 3.4 L/100 km | about 412 km |
| CFMOTO 450MT | 17.5 L | 22 km/L (4.5 L/100 km) | about 385 km |
| Moto Morini Alltrhike 450 | 18.5 L | 4.8 L/100 km | about 385 km |
| BMW F 450 GS | 14 L | 3.8 L/100 km | about 368 km |
These are WMTC type-approval figures, calculated by us and not measured on the road. With luggage, highway speeds, and off-road riding, consumption increases: the CFMOTO 450MT, for example, exceeded just 320 km of range at a constant 120 km/h in independent tests.
What the ranking says
The relative ranking holds up and says 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 stops in areas with limited services, it is worth knowing this beforehand.
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 asphalt
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 suspension travel, and a front brake with a four-piston Brembo caliper on a 310 mm disc.
Where it pulls ahead of 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 pull away without using the lever and continues to act as engine braking when released. The stated payload is 177 kg.
The limitation: the 19-inch front wheel and 180 mm of suspension travel make it the least specialized bike in the group off-road, while the 14-liter tank gives it the shortest range. In Moto.it's comparison, it is precisely the 19-inch wheel's accuracy on asphalt that is identified as its distinguishing feature. For the complete 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-bred” 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 suspension 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-sensitive.
The drawback: the 870 mm seat is the highest in the comparison, 50 mm higher than the CFMOTO, and the tank holds 14 litres. For a rider under 1.70 metres, it makes a difference when manoeuvring from 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 counterbalancers, 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 spoke wheels with tubeless-ready rims, 220 mm of ground clearance. The seat is 820 mm high, and with the optional seat it drops to 800 mm: together with the Himalayan, it is the easiest for riders who are not tall.
ABS and traction control can be switched off for off-road riding, the tank holds 17.5 litres, 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 traveller 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-litre tank, the largest in the comparison, adjustable windscreen, USB and USB-C ports, integrated navigation via an app. The High Equipped version adds handguards, heated seat and heated grips as standard. The official page also lists the centre stand among the model's details: 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 robust and the one that goes the farthest
The 452 cc Sherpa 450 single-cylinder engine claims 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 revs, and you can feel it when riding slowly off-road. A 43 mm Showa upside-down fork and linkage-equipped shock, 200 mm of travel and 230 mm of ground clearance. 21/17 wheels, 17-litre metal tank.
The seat is adjustable between 825 and 845 mm, with an optional low 805 mm seat and an 860 mm rally seat on the Mana Black. Its 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 motorcycle to travel far at a relaxed pace, not to keep up with the twin-cylinder bikes on road transfers.
The front wheel size matters more than power
Four out of five motorcycles 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: gets over rocks, steps and ruts with less effort
- The larger wheel is less likely to "drop" into dips
- Enduro's standard 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" On the KTM, CFMOTO and Morini, it is the most common size for off-road tires, while the 17" BMW and Royal Enfield offer more choice of road tires. If you plan to fit proper knobby tires, this matters as much as the front wheel.
The rule of thumb. If more than 70% of your mileage is on asphalt, the BMW's 19-inch wheel is an advantage. If dirt is why you are buying an adventure bike, the other four's 21-inch wheel is what you need.
The right motorcycle depends on where your asphalt ends
We cross-referenced the data with the profiles of the motorcyclists we encounter most often.
| If you are… | Look first | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Commuter who rides on gravel roads at the weekend | BMW F 450 GS | 19-inch wheel, full electronics package, heated grips as standard, 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 guard as standard |
| Traveler 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 distances 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 signing
Try the bike 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-liter bag behind you. If this 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 twice as heavy
With 40-48 hp and suspension tuned 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 center
BMW states that the F 450 GS has a payload capacity of 177 kg, while Royal Enfield gives the Himalayan a figure of 198 kg: the rider, clothing, and luggage must all stay within that number. That is why, on lightweight adventure bikes, it is best to start with soft luggage or a single rigid rear case instead of a trio of aluminum cases.
To choose the right volume, see our guide motorcycle rear bag: 40, 50, 66 or 90 liters? and the one on semi-rigid cases for adventure motorcycles.
- Capacity
- 40, 50, 66 or 90 L
- Protection
- IPX6
- Mounting
- Straps for any luggage rack
- Colors
- Black, yellow, military green
- Capacity
- 36 or 45 L
- Material
- Aluminum
- 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 work on steel tanks. 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 tank-cap mounting ring (for the CFMOTO 450MT, the code is BTBZJ601, €26): you can find everything in the guide magnetic tank bag: why it won't stay in place and how to fix it.
Riders who want to keep more things close at hand can upgrade to the 10-liter tank bag with sliding base (€100).
- Capacity
- 4.5-6.5 L expandable
- Attachment
- Magnetic or ring on the fuel 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 motorcycles is the side stand plate: on soft ground, grass or hot asphalt, the original foot sinks in, especially when the motorcycle is loaded. There is a dedicated part number for the CFMOTO 450MT (LOBOO CJC591); for the other models, you can 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: Barkbusters kits for these motorcycles (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.
Onboard power
A GPS navigator, smartphone and intercom consume power on the road. Morini and Royal Enfield come with a USB-C socket as standard; if your motorcycle does not have one or you want a second one, 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, GPS navigator, 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 motorcycle for an A2 license in 2026?
It depends on how you use it. The BMW F 450 GS is the most powerful and best equipped and is 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 fuel tank; the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 has the greatest range and highest payload.
Which is the cheapest A2 adventure bike?
Among 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 costs, 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 suspension travel with adjustable suspension, 272 mm of ground clearance, and 21/18 wheels. The Himalayan 450, CFMOTO 450MT, and Morini Alltrhike nevertheless have a 21" front wheel and 200-208 mm of front suspension travel.
Does the BMW F 450 GS have a 21-inch front wheel?
No. The F 450 GS has a 19" alloy front wheel and a 17" alloy rear wheel. 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 seat height of 820 mm and an optional 800 mm seat, and the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, with an adjustable seat height of 825-845 mm and an optional low seat at 805 mm. The tallest is the KTM 390 Adventure R, at 870 mm.
Which A2 adventure bike has the greatest range?
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450: with 17 liters and a claimed fuel 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, has a theoretical range of around 368 km.
Do the CFMOTO 450MT and Moto Morini Alltrhike have the same engine?
They share the same architecture: a 449 cc parallel-twin engine 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 CFMOTO and 44.8 hp for Morini, and the chassis, weight, and equipment are not the same.
How much do these motorcycles really weigh?
In running order, the BMW F 450 GS weighs 178 kg, the KTM 390 Adventure R weighs 176 kg with a full tank, and the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 weighs 196 kg. CFMOTO states a dry weight of 173 kg for the 450MT, while Moto Morini states a dry weight of 190 kg for the Alltrhike. Weighing methods differ, so the figures should be compared with caution.
Can they also be ridden with an A license?
Yes. These motorcycles 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 "derestriction kit".
Is a 450 adventure bike suitable for traveling as a couple?
It is possible, but pay attention to the loads: 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 advisable to travel light and adjust the 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 purchase. If the magnet does not hold, the solution is a bag with a mounting ring on the fuel tank cap.
Which accessories should you install first?
In the order they are needed: a kickstand plate 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 socket if the motorcycle does not have one as standard.
What does Moto.it's comparison say about the 450 adventure bikes?
On 23 September 2026, Moto.it published a comparative test of the same five motorcycles on the roads of the Verona Lessinia area, half on asphalt and half off-road, with five testers of varying experience. The full article is reserved for subscribers.
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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 and price lists from Moto.it (CFMOTO, Morini and Himalayan Mana Black prices), road 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 based on declared WMTC fuel consumption. Endurrad accessory prices and availability verified on 1 October 2026.
