On the heels of EICMA1, there’s undoubtedly a lot of new blood emerging in the adventure motorcycle segment, especially at the bottom end of the displacement range. As more and more models are being released out of Southeast Asia, I’m getting T7 teaser vibes circa 2017. Coincidentally, I get the distinct feeling there are eerie similarities between today’s economic conditions and the shifting motorcycle market in the 80’s. I’ve been asking for some time, what motorcycles will replace the big 650 thumpers, and I believe we’re about to have the answer.
Big moves out of China
Kove burst on the scene last year with their 450 Rally. In January of this year, the Chinese company entered 3 of these bikes in the Dakar Rally, all of which finished. We can have an argument about competitiveness, but for a brand new rally team, from an unknown manufacturer, it’s a hell of a testament to reliability to finish what is arguably the most strenuous test of man and motorcycle. The latest news is that American Mason Klien has been recruited to race for Kove next year, so it will be interesting to watch those bikes perform in Dakar ’24 with someone of Klien’s caliber at the helm. The first retail Kove 450’s have already arrived2 here in the U.S. Their rally-ready race bikes are available for around 13 grand, but for the rest of us dirt-Gumbys, we can get street-legal 450 “adventure” bikes for around $9,000 (not including tax freight and fees).
While I fancy the idea of riding from driveway to hare scramble and home on something like a Kove 450 rally, I admit I’m most excited about CF Moto’s new 450 MT Adventure. For dirt bike and dual-sport folks, “450” is a ubiquitous term, and if you’re looking for a deal, there are endless listings of WR450s for sale on various marketplaces. CF Moto, however, is launching a 450 twin-cylinder engine in this new adventure platform. Unlike Kove, CF Moto is a Chinese company that already has established ties to big name brands; CF Moto builds the 790 engine for KTM, which it has also licensed for their Ibex 800 adventure platform (which I’ve ridden, it’s excellent). Considering Honda’s reluctance to “harden” the CB500X for more rugged off-road conditions, CF Moto seems to be pressing the envelope in the “lighter” direction; with all the adventure accoutrements we have come to expect.
The oldest continuously operating motorcycle brand
Royal Enfield was once a nostalgic moniker or a bad joke in motorcycle circles depending on who you were talking to. Since 2013, Royal Enfield has been on a path to expand its footprint and improve its product lines (it now sells more motorcycles globally than Harley-Davidson). I distinctly remember the launch of the Himalayan in 2016, since then RE has launched new 350 & 500 singles along with 650 cc twins. Last month Enfield officially pulled the cover off the completely new 450 Himalayan we’ve seen so many spot shots of. While less revolutionary than a 450 twin (by modern standards), this new Himalayan dual-over-head-cam thumper is pumping out more ponies, boasts upside-down front forks, longer travel suspension, and with electronic rider aids is a completely new animal compared to its 410 predecessor. The Himalayan of yore was undoubtedly capable, but lacked the performance that many ADV buyers prefer; depending on price, this new 450 is yet another capable adventure offering on the bottom end of the displacement scale.
Lighter is… cheaper?
2020 raised a whole new crop of off-road and adventure enthusiasts; dealership floors were picked clean, and part sourcing became challenging. While the latter may linger, the former are now unquestionably inverted. Less devout motorcyclists are shedding their toys and the dealership floors are flush with new models. All of which signals to me, we’re on the cusp of change. While Europe and Japan seem to be keen on offering performance, comprehensive electronics, and premium pricing whilst bumping displacement in the emissions fight, smaller more affordable offerings seem to be blooming elsewhere. The middleweight class continues to expand and become popularized as more adventure bikes tackle hard enduro and hare scrambles. Meanwhile us mortals realize that while the bike is capable, we lack the saddle time; but with a little less weight and manageable power, we’ll feel less intimidated by more rugged terrain, while still enjoying our creature comforts on the pavement. If continued economic pressure keeps new motorcycles on this path of unaffordability, I believe we’ll see increased expansion in this space. Perhaps then, I can finally convince Honda to put some real suspension and a 21” wheel on that 500 of theirs…
- EICMA, the “Esposizione Internazionale Ciclo Motociclo e Accessori”, is an annual motorcycle trade show in Milan, Italy.
- Special thanks to Jaden Russell for the Kove 450 Rally photo, follow him on Instagram @Rally_Russ
Moto Adventurer 
Some wise words there. I feel that Honda has some wonderful bikes but here in Europe has rather lost the plot recently whereas Yamaha seems to be going from strength to strength. I like to ride long distances so Royal Enfield and Harley are totally NOT for me.
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When you say they’re not for you, why do you say that?
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Simple. Inhave grown up with Japanese bikes. I love to ride. And i know that my Yamahas do not let me down ever.
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Interesting.
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I offer you 1 example. I rode recently from Amalfi in Italy down to Estepona in the south of Spain by Yamaha FJR1300. I travelled alone and my lady took Ryanair. I decided to sail from Roma over to Barcelona which saved me about 1400 km of motorway.
The ship was about 12 hours late and I boarded with 5 Harleys. When we arrived in Barcelona 12 hours late 2 of the 5 Harleys would not start so they headed to the local Harley dealer. I rode down to Estepona that day about 1100km and arrived that evening. PERFECT Yamaha!!!
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I have every reason to believe your story. Moreover there are countless anecdotes to support it. Inversely, the harley in my garage is the oldest and tied for first as the most reliable bike I own. The Yamaha is the other front runner. I have strong suspicion routine maintenance has more to do with modern bike failure than brand… but it mostly depends on how far back we go 🤣
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I am becoming more interested in this type of bike. Being a bit of an old guy, I wouldn’t be looking at being competitive just more options. I know where the Enfield dealer is.
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CF Moto has been ruling the streets here, with their stable of low cost big displacement bikes (relative to European/Japanese), but from what I’ve heard they’re on the heavy side. Alongside CF Moto there’s another Chinese made bikes being sold here under the brand of Bristol, they too have been selling like hotcakes. Looking forward to see this Kove here soon
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I’ll always view the single cylinder bikes as dual sport versus an adventure bike. Main reason is I’m not going to ride a thumper long distances and in those situations, it gets trailered–then a base camp set up. Any of those chineeze bikes won’t be in my garage ever. One good possibility of their existence they finally get Yamaha to build and sell a WR450R. Had a ’99 WR400F for 15 years and it was the best dirt bike I ever had. Never let me down.
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I can your point about an XR650L being a dual sport. Would you still put the Royal Enfield Himalayan 410 in that category?
What changes would need to take place for you to reevaluate your opinion about Chinese bikes?
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With regards to the EH 410, yeah it’s a dual sport. While possibly more comfort, it is probably still not single track capable as a 450RK or any of the Austrian singles. The 650L would work better as an adventure bike over the 410.
I’m in my late years of riding and with my 1000L and 300SM, I’m not likely to buy anymore bikes. Not sure which one of these two will me my last bike. Next week I am going to see the new Triumph Scrambler 400.
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What excites you most about the scrambler 400?
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Curiosity more than excitement. The simplicity and a little larger motor than the 300SM. Still the 300 does exactly what I want it to do. So, curiosity and sumptin to do for the day.
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Chinese bikes are finally coming to the party. BUT u must ensure that a dealer exists and that spares are available.
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In the world of drop shipping parts, local dealers are “less” necessary… but still mostly necessary. It will be interesting to see how it turns out.
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But they cannot drop ship the parts that they dont have! And I am not a trained technician…
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Absolutely true. I’ve been trying to put my finger in the consumer base preferences for quite a while now. I have plans this winter to talk with more industry folks on the podcast this winter. I have a suspicion most customers want a dealer with a service department within an hour drive.
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100 percent yes! I would never consider a bike that has no service back up and parts.
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Fantastic insight! Your perspective on the 500cc adventure bikes redefining the mid-weight class is both refreshing and well-argued.
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