Ibex 450 vs Himalayan 450: how much does it cost to maintain each one?

Royal Enfield placed the Himalayan 450 in the domestic market as the best-selling intermediate trail among the models able to run with license plates. It quickly became famous for being a true “jack of all trades” and having a very affordable price for the category. Now, however, it has finally gained a competitor to match, of similar value and world renown: the CFMOTO Ibex 450. Each one has its positive and negative points, but, in the pocket, which one has an advantage?

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The acquisition price: Ibex 450 x Himalayan 450

In the first parameter, the already known Indian Himalayan 450 comes out on top, since it costs between R$ 29.990 and R$ 31.990, depending on the version. The new Chinese Ibex 450 has a slightly higher price: R$ 35.990.

But what about keeping each one?

This is where the differences start to show up and, considerably, the advantage changes sides.

According to the suggested prices of the most common maintenance parts to be replaced over time, provided by the manufacturers themselves, the new Ibex 450 can be almost twice as cheap to maintain.

Basket of pieces of each

As much as both models have similar proposals and similar dimensions, the Indian project has particularities that make periodic maintenance very expensive.

The manufacturer’s turn signals have a very high value compared to those of any motorcycle in the category and even larger models.

The Himalayan 450 LED Rear Turn Signal Set is a component with more technology. It features the functions of direction indication, position light and rear brake light integrated within the two arrows. Thus, in addition to being more modern in its conception, it contributes to the design of the bike with a minimalist design,” Royal Enfield said in a statement

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Even with all this technology, which is not exclusive to the model, the value remains considerably higher than the competitor’s.

There are those who think of disregarding the value of the turn signals, since the pilot may never need to change them, after all, LED technology provides a much longer lifespan. Still, there is another factor that cannot be escaped: the brake pads.

Again, the Himalayan 450 has an exorbitant value in the set, which exceeds R$ 800 on each wheel, against R$ 216,23 at the rear of the Ibex 450 and R$ 570,31 at the front. Not that the value of the Chinese front pad is cheap, but the Indian manages to extrapolate the average in both.

About this item, Royal Enfield informed AutoPapo that the Himalayan 450 uses sintered brake pads, designed to offer high performance in intense braking, as well as greater resistance to heat and wear.

The point is that, as much as the CFMOTO Ibex 450 is more expensive in other items, such as brake lever, oil and lubricant, just the cost of the brake set significantly increases the maintenance value of the Himalayan 450 in the long term.

In the short term, however, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 has an advantage, since the most basic change, consisting only of oil and filter, costs less.

Revisions are also more expensive

In scheduled revisions carried out in the authorized network during the warranty period, the accumulated value up to 30,000 km also favors CFMOTO.

Revisions

Ibex 450 owners save R$ 636.64 during this period and, in addition, do not need to go through the early 500 km service, a practice adopted by Royal Enfield.

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At least there is an advantage in the IPVA

If the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 was behind the CFMOTO Ibex 450 in parts and maintenance costs, it is in the IPVA that it can pay back.

Although the tax varies from state to state, most federation units adopt rates of 1% or 2% on the market value of the motorcycle. Considering the price of a zero-kilometer unit, the Ibex 450 would pay up to R$ 719.80 per year, while the Himalayan 450 would pay a maximum of R$ 639.80.

Which is more worthwhile: Ibex 450 or Himalayan 450:

Analyzing the main point that considers the basic costs to maintain the model, it is clear that the Chinese company has the advantage, but those who are thinking of acquiring either of the two still have points to analyze.

• CFMOTO is a new brand: the manufacturer has just settled in the country and still does not have a concrete approval from the national public, something that Himalayan has already achieved here with these high-value parts.
• Availability of parts: likewise, there are still no rumors about the waiting time for the arrival of CFMOTO parts. As much as the brand has already guaranteed to alert a warehouse with more than 60 thousand parts, the agility of deliveries and maintenance has not yet had an impact, not least because few motorcycles (compared to Royal Enfield) have been sold. It is important to note that Royal is not the brand with the best reputation in the delivery of parts, but it is increasingly improving its activity in Brazil.
• Parts from other brands: those who, even with all the information against it, opt for a Himalayan 450 can still count on parts from other manufacturers, which can greatly reduce the cost of the item.