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Head to head

Royal Enfield Himalayan vs Honda CB500X

Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

The Royal Enfield Himalayan and Honda CB500X are among the most cross-shopped adventure bikes of 2026. The Royal Enfield Himalayan undercuts the Honda CB500X by about $1,600, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Honda CB500X leads on power with 47 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

Royal Enfield Himalayan
Our pick
8.4

Royal Enfield

Royal Enfield Himalayan
Honda CB500X
8.2

Honda

Honda CB500X

The verdict

The Royal Enfield Himalayan edges it overall at 8.4/10, but the Honda CB500X wins on most exciting, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

Royal Enfield Himalayan

A2-legal, 40 hp, forgiving to learn on.

Most exciting

Honda CB500X

47 hp and 0.24 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

Royal Enfield Himalayan

Our 8.4/10 at $5,799, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

Royal Enfield Himalayan

196 kg with an 825 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.

Highest rated

Royal Enfield Himalayan

Our top score in this matchup at 8.4/10.

Price & rating
Price$5,799$7,399
KickTheStand score8.4 / 108.2 / 10
Performance
Engine452cc single471cc twin
Power40 hp47 hp
Torque40 Nm43 Nm
Power-to-weight0.20 hp/kg0.24 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension43mm Showa USD fork41mm Showa USD fork
Rear suspensionMonoshockPro-Link monoshock
Front brakesSingle 320mm disc, ByBreDual 296mm discs, Nissin
Rear brakesSingle 270mm discSingle 240mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight196 kg196 kg
Seat height825 mm833 mm
Fuel capacity17 L17.7 L
Suitability
ClassAdventureAdventure
A2 licenceYesYes
Good for beginnersYesYes
Best foradventure, touring, learningadventure, touring, commuting

Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.

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Royal Enfield Himalayan vs Honda CB500X: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Royal Enfield Himalayan or the Honda CB500X?

The Honda CB500X makes the most power at 47 hp and 43 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Royal Enfield Himalayan or the Honda CB500X?

The Royal Enfield Himalayan is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $5,799.

Which is lighter, the Royal Enfield Himalayan or the Honda CB500X?

The Royal Enfield Himalayan is the lightest at 196 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.

Which is better for a beginner, the Royal Enfield Himalayan or the Honda CB500X?

For a new rider we'd point to the Royal Enfield Himalayan: A2-legal, 40 hp and 196 kg make it the most approachable of the group.

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