The two models most often compared by people looking for an adventure bike on an A2 licence are the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and the Honda NX500. Both fit the A2 limit, both weigh 196 kg and both are designed for long distances with a tank of around 17 litres. But their approaches are completely different: the Himalayan is a single-cylinder, simple tourer better suited to dirt roads; the NX500 is a twin-cylinder crossover that is more refined on tarmac. In this guide we compare the two models using the data in the Pusulamoto catalogue.
\n| Model | cc | Power (hp) | Torque (Nm) | Weight (kg) | Seat (mm) | Tank (L) | Consumption (L/100 km) | List price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 | 452 | 39.4 | 40 | 196 | 825 | 17 | 3.59 | 524,000 TL (Oct 2026) |
| Honda NX500 | 471 | 46.9 | 43 | 196 | 830 | 17.5 | 3.6 | 620,000 TL (Oct 2026) |
According to the price history in the catalogue, the Himalayan 450's list price was 365,900 TL in January 2026; by October 2026 it had risen to 524,000 TL. That is an increase of about 43 per cent, and higher than many models over the same period. Before deciding, confirm the current price and any campaigns with the dealer. The Himalayan is still cheaper than the NX500, but the gap is not as big as it was at the start of the year.
\nThe Himalayan's 452 cc single-cylinder engine focuses on pull at low and medium revs. On dirt roads, steep climbs and slow technical sections this character is useful; by keeping the engine at low revs you maintain control. Vibration at high revs is generally greater on singles, so a difference in fatigue may be felt on long motorway stages.
\nThe NX500's 471 cc twin runs more smoothly and revs more willingly. The same engine is also used in the Honda CB500 Hornet and Honda CBR500R. Cruising at 100 km/h on the motorway, overtaking with a passenger and long tarmac stages are where the NX500 is strong. It can go on dirt too, but its character is closer to a tarmac-oriented crossover.
\n| Use | Better suited | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mostly tarmac, occasional gravel road | NX500 | More power, smoother engine |
| Village roads, forest tracks, camping | Himalayan 450 | Low-rev pull, off-road-oriented build |
| Long trips with a passenger | NX500 | Higher torque and power reserve |
| Budget first | Himalayan 450 | 96,000 TL cheaper |
| First bike, new A2 rider | Either | Same weight and similar seat |
An 825–830 mm seat can be challenging for shorter riders on both models. On adventure bikes the seat is wide and the suspension travel is long, so the feeling of reaching the ground can be higher than the figure suggests. If you are worried about this, ask the dealer about an accessory low seat for both models and be sure to sit on them. If you are looking for a lower A2 adventure bike, the CFMoto 450MT, with an 800 mm seat and 185 kg, is worth a look; 566,100 TL (October 2026 list price). For low-seat models, see the guide for shorter riders.
\n| Model | cc | Power (hp) | Weight (kg) | Seat (mm) | Tank (L) | List price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benelli TRK 502X | 500 | 46.9 | 213 | 860 | 20 | 370,040 TL (Oct 2026) |
| Kove 510X | 498 | 46.9 | 205 | 830 | 20 | 433,289 TL (Oct 2026) |
| CFMoto 450MT | 449 | 41.6 | 185 | 800 | 17.5 | 566,100 TL (Oct 2026) |
| KTM 390 Adventure X | 399 | 44.4 | 176 | 825 | 14 | 579,000 TL (Oct 2026) |
| Kawasaki KLE500 SE | 451 | 44.8 | 176 | 870 | 16 | 655,000 TL (Oct 2026) |
| BMW F 450 GS Sport | 420 | 46.9 | 178 | 845 | 14 | 714,380 TL (Oct 2026) |
If the budget is tight, the Benelli TRK 502X costs 370,040 TL (October 2026 list price) with 46.9 hp and a 20-litre tank; but at 213 kg it is one of the heavy ones in this group. The Kove 510X is 205 kg (dry) and 433,289 TL (October 2026 list price). If you want lightness, the KTM 390 Adventure X is 176 kg at 579,000 TL (October 2026 list price). An off-road-oriented, tall-seat option is the Kawasaki KLE500 SE with an 870 mm seat at 655,000 TL (October 2026 list price). We have examined this whole class in the first adventure bike guide.
\nBoth models are in the 251–650 cc MTV band; 2,214 TL a year in 2026 for 1–3 years old. The manufacturer consumption figures are practically the same. Since the kasko premium depends on the value of the bike, there may be a small advantage on the cheaper Himalayan. Work out the two models for your own use with the cost calculator. For adventure use, an adventure helmet, hand guards, panniers and engine crash bars are the first parts added; plan the budget from the start.
\nIf you want long tarmac-based trips, riding with a passenger and a more refined engine, the Honda NX500. If you will go on dirt more often, camp and put budget first, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. Since their weights and seat heights are the same, your decision will be largely determined by the roads you ride and your budget. You can see the two models on the comparison page, and for other options see the lists of A2-friendly adventure bikes and adventure bikes under 750 thousand TL.
\nAccording to the catalogue data, the NX500 has 46.9 hp and 43 Nm, while the Himalayan 450 has 39.4 hp and 40 Nm. The NX500 is more powerful.
\nYes, both models are in the A2 class in the catalogue. With 46.9 hp the NX500 is just under the 35 kW limit.
\nAccording to October 2026 list prices, the Himalayan 450 is 524,000 TL and the NX500 620,000 TL.
\nFor occasional gravel roads both are adequate. For more frequent and technical dirt roads, the Himalayan's single-cylinder, low-rev-oriented character is better suited.
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