In depth entry level ADV bike review
- Thread starter bigpoppa
- Start date
Overview of Tested Motorcycles
| Motorcycle | Engine | Power(hp) | Weight (lb) | Fuel Tank (Gal) | Rear Wheel Size (in) | Rear Wheel Type | Price (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 | 452 cc single-cylinder | 40 | 432 | 4.5 | 17 | Tube type | $7,900 |
| CFMOTO Ibex 450 | 449 cc parallel twin | 44 | 414 | 4.6 | 18 | Tubeless | $7,800 |
| KTM 390 Adventure R | 398 cc single-cylinder | 45 | 388 | 3.7 | 18 | Tube type | $9,000+ |
| Kawasaki KLR 500 | 451 cc twin | 51 | 430 | 4.2 | 17 | Tube type | $7,500 |
Key Observations:
- KTM 390 is the lightest and smallest displacement but the most expensive.
- CFMOTO Ibex has the largest fuel tank and tubeless 18-inch rear wheel as stock.
- KLR 500 does not have 500cc displacement as name implies, and features the lowest ground clearance at 7 inches.
- Himalayan is the heaviest but known for rugged reliability and has a cult following
Individual Bike Performance and Impressions
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
Despite initial skepticism, the Himalayan delivered solid performance and surpassed expectations in stability and confidence on all terrain.- Strengths:
- Very stable and planted feel, especially on rough and loose surfaces.
- Impressive fuel range and dependable suspension well-suited for long-distance adventure.
- Easy to plow through tough terrain without losing control.
- Weaknesses:
- Soft front brake and vague/shifty gear lever felt disconnected.
- Heavy weight and some awkward ergonomics (foot pegs fixed, odd cockpit layout).
- Requires patience to adapt; electronic features (ride mode) reset after shutdown.
- Rider summary: A "trusty tractor" style bike, reliable and consistent, excelling in endurance rather than speed or agility.
CFMOTO Ibex 450
This bike emerged as the top recommendation and favorite from the team for delivering a near-perfect balance of power, handling, and comfort at an affordable price.- Strengths:
- Smooth, responsive parallel twin with instant throttle connection.
- Strong, well-tuned suspension providing confidence on fast and technical terrain.
- Large fuel tank enabling potential 300-mile range.
- Overall harmonious component integration (electronics, lighting, seating).
- Tubeless tires as stock and competitive price point.
- Weaknesses:
- Minor complaints about mirror quality.
- Rider summary: The most versatile and well-rounded machine, offering the best bang for the buck in the lightweight adventure market.
KTM 390 Adventure R
The KTM is somewhat polarizing, with mixed strengths and weaknesses reflecting its attempt to straddle dirt and adventure categories.- Strengths:
- Lightest bike with high horsepower and tall windscreen aiding highway comfort.
- Adequate fuel range (~200 miles on tank).
- Good power delivery in upper RPMs, effective on hills and rough terrain.
- Weaknesses:
- Harsh and overly stiff front suspension caused instability and confidence loss on rougher sections.
- Frame flex and twitchy behavior reduced predictability.
- Not great bottom-end torque; engine suited for high revs.
- Rider summary: A bike that tries to do it all but only moderately succeeds, ideal for riders unsure about their preferred riding style or those favoring nimble, fast rides.
Kawasaki KLR 500
The KLR was the most disappointing bike for off-road demands despite good street potential.- Strengths:
- Good street comfort and reliable smooth motor at high RPM.
- Solid cockpit and decent wind protection.
- Weaknesses:
- Poor off-road handling with vague, top-heavy feel.
- Low ground clearance causing bottoming out and hitting obstacles.
- Underwhelming low and mid-range power, requiring close attention to shifting.
- Fuel range was disappointing compared to competitors.
- Suspension and front-end feel lacked confidence.
- Electronic distractions like poorly tuned shift indicators.
- Rider summary: More suited for mass-market street and light adventure use than demanding off-road; expected to require significant suspension and component upgrades to be competitive.
Key Takeaways and Rankings
After completing the 1,200-mile, multi-day test, the team ranked and summarized the motorcycles:| Rank | Motorcycle | Key Strenghts | Key weakness | Summary |
| 1 | CFMOTO Ibex 450 | Balanced power, smooth twin, large fuel range, great suspension, affordable | Minor mirror issues | Best all-around, confident choice for varied terrain |
| 2 | Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 | Superb stability, rugged, excellent endurance, good fuel range | Weak front brake, heavy, vague shifter | Reliable “tractor-like” ADV, excels in stability and endurance |
| 3 | KTM 390 Adventure R | Lightest, powerful at high RPM, good wind protection | Harsh suspension, twitchy handling | Versatile but inconsistent; good for those unsure of preferences |
| 4 | Kawasaki KLR 500 | Street comfort, smooth engine at high RPM | Poor off-road handling, low clearance, weak mid-range | Best for light adventure and street, not competitive off-road |
Additional Insights
- Fuel Range and Tank Size: The Ibex led with the largest fuel range, suitable for longer sections without refueling. KTM's smaller tank was a concern but worked out well with ~200-mile range capability. KLR performed worst here.
- Suspension and Handling: Suspension quality was a major deciding factor. Himalayan’s softer suspension offered comfort and stability. KTM’s harsh suspension caused discomfort and confidence issues, impacting off-road capability. KLRs suspension and steering feel were criticized heavily.
- Ergonomics and Controls: The Himalayan had some quirks (vague shifting, awkward footpeg placement). KTM had a comfortable cockpit but lacked predictability. Ibex had well-balanced ergonomics and cockpit setup. KLR’s controls and displays could be distracting.
- Power Characteristics: The KLR has high RPM peak power but weak low-mid torque, requiring aggressive shifting. KTM has a buzzy, high-revving engine suitable for aggressive riding. Ibex delivers smooth, responsive power across rev range. Himalayan has a more “tractoresque” delivery suitable for steady pace.
- Durability and Confidence: Himalayan stood out as the most confidence-inspiring on loose and rough terrain due to its planted feel. Ibex combined agility with confidence for various terrains. KTM felt nervous and unsettled; KLR lacked stability.
Conclusion
The test highlighted that choosing a light adventure motorcycle depends on balancing factors like power delivery, suspension quality, fuel range, and terrain versatility. The CFMOTO Ibex 450 emerged as the best-balanced option, recommended for riders seeking a confident, capable, and affordable bike for a wide variety of off-road and light adventure conditions.The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is a reliable, stable machine ideal for endurance and less technical terrain, while the KTM 390 appeals to those wanting a lighter, faster, but more demanding bike with mixed versatility. The Kawasaki KLR 500, despite its name and heritage, appears less suited to hardcore off-road adventure but remains a practical daily rider for lighter use.
The video closes by teasing an upcoming challenge where these bikes will attempt a 1,000-mile off-road ride in under 24 hours, promising a dramatic test of the conclusions drawn here.
**Overall, the review provides valuable insights into how these popular light adventure motorcycles perform in real, rugged terrain over extended riding durations—information crucial for potential buyers in this growing market segment.**
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Mad Mike
Well-known member
Funny thing is at the end of the day the KLE500 will probably be the best seller. Worldwide dealer network, legendary dependability (Kawi), cheapest TCO, and a gazillion farklez will appear in no time.
I also don’t think much about a professional or highly experienced adv riders opinion - they’re not prospects for those bikes, they are targeted at new riders who are unlikely to take them on 1000km 24 hr rides, nor anywhere near their limits before moving on to bigger and better rides.
I also don’t think much about a professional or highly experienced adv riders opinion - they’re not prospects for those bikes, they are targeted at new riders who are unlikely to take them on 1000km 24 hr rides, nor anywhere near their limits before moving on to bigger and better rides.
Has me thinking I should get a kle for the small bit of riding I do. Could have the front and rear suspension done.
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