Is 50 BHP as much horsepower as you'll ever need?

[Thumper]

I am glad the States I have lived in (OH, OR, CA, MO, NM) have one motorcycle endorsement level, one skills test, typically operated by the State police. Covers anything from a Honda XL150 to a loaded Honda Valkyrie !

But for highway, it isn't just about horspower, it is about weight for stability. Yes, you want to be able to SCOOT away from certain situations, so power to weight is a serious consideration, but I prefer at least 500 lbs for bucking wind and the billowing air that pushes a bike near the front of a semi tractor trailer, and cross winds. So 60 or 70hp makes the power/weight work better. It also create a more stable, less jouncy ride (momentum), provided the suspension is decent. Lighter bikes can have jarring response to road anomalies.

Something like the CFmoto 450MT can definitely handle the road, but another 100 lbs and another 15hp would make it much more comfortable for a long ride. I guess it depends on how you use it. If you load it up with luggage, that power to weight ratio is not going to drop.

One bike for the road, one bike for off road (or a capable dual sport). Yes, it means you need two bikes, but highways and trails are just so completely different.

My KTM 250SX makes high forties without wringing it out, but it weighs less than 240lb soaking wet. It is just dangerous on the road in anything less than ideal conditions and light traffic!