u/sage89

Scrambler 400xc

MSRP 6900

Wet Weight 395lbs

Seat Height 32.9"

HP/Tourqe 39.5/37.5

Ill start with it since it's not an ADV Bike but similar enough people looking at these other bikes might consider it. Not a bike I would want to do something like a full BDR on but perfect for doing day rides that include a little bit of gravel. The suspension is short and you get bounced and thrown around a little riding it off road but in a fun way. The stock suspension bottoms out gracefully.

Perfect bike for someone who wants a cool looking bike for commuting and day rides that can include some forest roads.

NX500

MSRP 6900

Wet Weight 432lbs

Seat Height 32.8"

HP/Tourqe 46/32

My first bike was a first gen CB500x, the NX500 is an all around improvement but it's still heavily leans towards being a sport touring bike. The eegonomics is very sport bike oriented, making standing awkward and uncomfortable. Off road the suspension still beats you up and not in a fun way, when I did half a BDR on my 500x I finished every day feeling like I lost a fight against someone. On road it's easily the King of the 4, super fun on twisty pavement. You can still drop 3-4k on the rally raid package but that just doesn't make sense anymore when there are so many other options today than ~15 years ago when this bike came out.

Himilyian 450

MSRP 6000

Wet Weight 432lbs

Seat Height 31.7 - 33.3"

HP/Tourqe 39.5/29.5

I haven't ridden a first gen himilyian so I can't compare them but it certainly was quite a bit of bike for 6k. It felt the most at home off road with the suspension being the weak point. It was above average for the price point I would say but still noticeably harsher going across the wash boards on the gravel roads than the Vettore or obviously much more expensive mid weight ADV bikes.

It had the least wind protection on the highway after obviously the Scrambler. If I was stuck at a hard 5k budget and wanted to get into ADV riding I would look for a used Himilyian.

Vettore 450

MSRP 6500

Wet Weight 465lbs

Seat Height 33.1"

HP/Tourqe 44.8/31

This bike is hands down the winner of any bike I've ridden on a pure value to bike ratio. Similar HP ratings to the NX500, and still a smooth balanced mostly linear power delivery but a little peppier than the NX500. The suspension for a 6.5k bike was very smooth. The heaviest in its class but it carried it's weight extremely well. If I was shopping for a new ADV bike and especially if a newish rider this or the Ibex would hands down be my choice.

I haven't ridden an Ibex but it uses the same engine, frame and suspension. One noticable difference is the Vettore has a 15/46 gear ratio compared to the 14/46 on the Ibex and for some reason the Vettore has 20-30 extra pounds on it compared to the Ibex.