Best Value Adventure Motorcycle: Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
- Randy Reek, The Great Out There
- Jul 24
- 7 min read
Why did I buy the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 instead of the Honda CRF300L Rally?
I have owned dozens of motorcycles. This includes everything from a 50cc Honda Ruckus scooter, a Honda 125cc Grom, to a 700cc Honda NC700. I have owned and toured on Yamaha, Suzuki, and Triumph "adventure" motorcycles. As a native of Wisconsin, I have also owned Harley Davidsons, plus a 1700cc Kawasaki Voyageur touring motorcycle.
In just the last few years I have published articles, YouTube videos, social media and forum posts on FIFTEEN different "ADV" motorcycle models. Plus, I have published MORE content on websites, blogs, and the social media channels for motorcycle brands as an anonymous "ghost writer".
Along the way, I have logged tens of thousands of motorcycle touring miles, from Florida to Alaska, and the adventure routes of the Trans-America Trail, trans-Wisconsin Adventure Trail, and three Backcountry Discovery Routes.
As I continue to "mature", I am less impressed with top speed and horsepower. My "Adventure" demands are simple:
I want to safely and effortlessly keep up with traffic on the highway.
I want comfortable and capable handling off the pavement, where I rarely exceed 55 MPH.
This background helps to explain how I have found the "sweet spot" to be under 500cc's for a balance of power and manageable weight. I ride mostly solo and need to be able to handle anything the road or trail throws at me!
After comparing all the alternatives, I have concluded that the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is the BEST value adventure motorcycle - and by a HUGE margin over the competition!
I have been "lurking" in Facebook groups and devouring YouTube videos reviewing the new version of the Royal Enfield Himalayan since its introduction last year.
I had owned one Royal Enfield model previously, the Meteor 350. I had also followed the exploits and watched the devotion of the owners of the original Himalayan 411. I think it is fair to use adjectives like "solid, dependable, and utilitarian" to describe these two models. Royal Enfield has built a reputation for emphasizing value over high performance.
The Himalayan 450 has taken Royal Enfield to a new level! With the long list of refinements and the modern technology included in the new Himalayan 450, it was an easy purchase decision.
Based on my experience, the new Himalayan is the BEST value adventure motorcycle! For comparison, the 2025 Himalayan 450 currently sells for $700.00 LESS than the Honda CRF300L Rally. The Honda dual sport cannot match the standard features, included accessories, OR 3-year warranty on the Royal Enfield!
Some might argue that the CRF300L Rally isn't a far comparison. But I am making the case for the value of the Himalayan 450, and the CRF300L is the closest competitor on price alone. The Himalayan 450 is several THOUSAND dollars less than the Suzuki DR-Z4S, V-Strom 650, or Kawasaki KLR650 - again with more standard features.
Here is a head-to-head comparison of the specs:
Himalayan 450 – The BEST Adventure Motorcycle Value!
Compare to the popular (over-rated) Honda CRF300L Rally:
Specifications RE Himalayan 450 Honda CRF300L Rally
Engine Type: Single-cylinder, Four- stroke Single-cylinder, Four- stroke
Engine Cooling: Liquid-cooled Liquid-cooled
Fuel delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Ride by Wire throttle
Displacement: 452cc, DOHC, 4-valve 286cc, DOHC, 4-valve
Power Rating: 40 HP @ 8000 rpm 27 HP @ 8,500 rpm
Max Torque: 40 NM @ 5500 rpm 26.6 NM @ 6,500 rpm
Bore x Stroke: 84 mm x 81.5 mm 76 mm x 63 mm
Compression Ratio: 11.5:1 10.7:1
Transmission: 6-speed (520 drive chain) 6-speed (520 drive chain
Brake(front/rear): Single Disk/Disk ABS** Single Disk/Disk ABS
Suspension: Showa inverted front fork, Inverted front fork,
3-link Rear Uni-shock 3-link rear shock (pre-load adjustable) (non-adjustable)
7.8” front/7.8” rear travel 10.2” front/10.2” rear travel
Wheels: Wire spoke, Aluminum Rims, Tube Wire spoke, Aluminum Rims, Tube
*Tubeless wheels OPTIONAL (No tubeless option)
Tires(front/rear): 90/90x21; 140/80x17 dual sport 80/100x21; 120/80x18 DS
Top Speed: 90 mph w/standard gearing* 75 mph w/standard gearing*
Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gallons (locking gas cap) 3.4 gallons (locking gas cap)
Fuel Economy: 70 mpg* 70 mpg*
Range (@90%): 283 miles* 214 miles*
Lights: LED headlight, taillight, turn signals LED head, taillight, turns
Instrumentation: Electronic dash: speedometer, tach, Electronic dash: speedometer,
odometer, dual trip odometer, odometer, trip odometer,
gear indicator, neutral light, gear indicator, neutral light,
high/low headlight, turn indicators high/low lights, turn signals,
fuel gauge, clock, fuel range, MPG, fuel gauge, clock
engine temp, phone connectivity,
Tripper routing (Google maps),
service interval
Accessories: Included rear rack, passenger seat, Passenger seat, foot pegs,
passenger foot pegs, muffler shield, tool kit, rally windshield
toolkit, center stand, sump guard,
radiator guard, windshield, USB-C port,
engine guards
Dimensions: L 88.4 in x W 33.5 in x H 51.8 in L 77.2 in x W 31.7 in x H 42.7 in
Wheelbase: 59.5 in 57.2 in
Ground Clearance: 9.0 in 10.9 in
Seat Height: 32.5 in - 34.5 in adjustable 35.2 in
Net Dry Weight: 399 lb with installed accessories 335 lb
*Depending on rider weight, elevation, etc. with standard gearing
**Switchable riding modes with ABS rear delete
Key points for comparison of the Himalayan 450 and CRF300L Rally:
Both models are equipped with spoke wheels and aluminum rims. The smaller CRF300L has slightly more ground clearance and weighs less, which might be an advantage offroad. But the CRF300 also has a notoriously weak suspension, with owners spending $500 to $1,000 more on upgrades. In contrast, Himalayan owners rave about the excellent suspension with Showa front forks and the preload adjustable rear shock to compensate for different rider and luggage weights.
Royal Enfield totally upended the market by offering a low-cost TUBELESS wheel and tire option for the Himalayan 450! Tubeless tires provide an enormous advantage and are the choice for long-distance touring. This is an option that is not typically found on “adventure” motorcycles until you double or triple the price and is unheard of on dual sport models.
Fuzzy Biker on tour in Alaska! (Tubeless tire option shown) While many adventurers use the CRF300L for tours (see Itchy Boots on YouTube!), it is not designed for extended adventures. Royal Enfield has designed the Himalayan 450 for touring and the stock bike includes engine guards and a rear rack – while the CRF300L includes only “cargo hooks”. Royal Enfield has also designed a wide array of affordable touring accessories for the Himalayan, including a plate for a rear top case, pannier rails, extended windshield, lower sump guard, hand guards, and more. Honda offers no touring accessories for the CRF300L, although there are many expensive aftermarket suppliers.
The Himalayan 450 delivers 40 horsepower compared to only 27 horsepower for the CRF300L – a 48% increase. Yet the Himalayan achieves the same fuel mileage since the larger engine is relaxed at highway speeds. But the Himalayan sports a 4.5-gallon gas tank so it offers a greater range.
The added horsepower and torque of the Himalayan are clear advantages for touring. The larger engine, gas tank, and frame add 64 pounds – and this is another advantage for touring to punch through the buffeting of oncoming trucks on the highway and for better balance when loaded with luggage.
The Himalayan 450 continues to stack the value with a LONG list of standard features that are not included on the Honda – including many that are not available at any cost.
The Himalayan 450 has a wide, adjustable rider’s touring saddle. The CRF300L, on the other hand, has a traditional dual sport “slim seat” that is the choice of trail riders. Having ridden the western Trans-America trail on a dual sport, I can testify that no pad or cover compensates for a narrow, hard saddle!
Both cycles have ABS brakes, but only the Himalayan 450 has two riding modes, both with the option of switching off the rear ABS for sketchy downhill trails.
The Himalayan 450 includes a center stand as standard equipment. Tourists know that a center stand is invaluable for daily chain maintenance. It is also a huge advantage if and when you need to change a tire or repair a flat. A center stand is not an option on the Honda CRF300L.
The Honda has a basic electronic dash. But the Himalayan 450 has a new TFT display with dual background lighting modes PLUS readouts for fuel economy, engine temperature, and maintenance reminders. There is also phone connectivity and trip routing paired with Google maps.
Finally, Royal Enfield defends the durability and Best In Class value of all its models with an unmatched THREE-year warranty, including roadside assistance!
Here is a video that documents the final testing of the new Himalayan 450 in the extreme altitude of India, along with the NO-compromise engineering and manufacturing behind this innovative motorcycle:
As shown in the model specifications, dollar for dollar, there is simply NO comparison! The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is the undisputed best value adventure motorcycle!
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is a modern touring motorcycle. It is engineered for ALL roads, or NO roads! This new model is equipped with the features that experienced riders demand. When compared to the Honda CRF300L Rally, the Himalayan is clearly the BEST Value:
MORE power and torque,
BETTER geometry and weight distribution for highway miles,
ADVANCED suspension design for on and off road,
GREATER weight capacity,
HIGHER top speed – with comparable fuel economy,
LARGER gas tank and LONGER riding range
The LATEST technology, TFT dash, and Ride by Wire
The Himalayan 450 is simply BETTER in EVERY category. The Himalayan 450 embodies modern design and technology. The CRF300L is Honda’s attempt to create an adventure motorcycle out of a trail bike. But the Himalayan 450 is the best value adventure motorcycle.
The Himalayan 450 is a complete ADVENTURE motorcycle that costs LESS, with MORE standard features, and THREE times the warranty coverage! It's no surprise that Royal Enfield expanding WORLDWIDE when other brands are struggling and many dealerships are closing.
See RoyalEnfield.com or BaxterCycle.com for more details.
Stay tuned for the Himalayan 450 build series as I add the custom touches to suit my riding style and planned adventures!
If you would like a pdf document comparing the Himalayan and CRF300L, just send a message with Himalayan Specs in the subject line! Please leave your comments below. And follow the progress on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!
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