Royal Enfield has unveiled an all-new modern adventure tourer – the Himalayan 450 at the Motoverse 2023 event. Positioned as a versatile middleweight adventure motorcycle, the Himalayan 450 promises to be the perfect companion for off-road exploration and touring.
Introduction
Royal Enfield is one of the most iconic motorcycle brands in India with a rich 119-year history. The company has an impeccable lineage of building simple yet rugged motorcycles that are accessible and engaging to ride.
The Himalayan model line has been specifically designed for adventure touring and off-road riding. First launched in 2016, the original Himalayan 411 cc motorcycle has been one of Royal Enfield’s most popular offerings. Its simplicity, rugged build quality and accessible pricing struck a chord with enthusiasts.
The new Himalayan 450 represents a significant upgrade over the outgoing model. It gets a more powerful 450cc engine, improved components, and modern features while retaining the original Himalayan’s simplicity and rugged appeal.
With growing interest in adventure touring and off-roading in India, the new 2024 Himalayan 450 has the potential to be an extremely popular model for Royal Enfield. Its versatile performance makes it well-suited for daily commuting, long highway rides, navigating rough terrain and even high-altitude expeditions.
Picture Credit: Royal Enfield Website
Design and Features
The new Himalayan 450 retains the iconic silhouette and design ethos of the original Himalayan but modernizes it in line with contemporary adventure bikes. The overall stance is purposeful and ready for off-road riding.
Key features include:
Dual sport tyres with 21″ front and 17″ rear wheels – ideal combination for on and off-road grip
Switchable dual-channel ABS – can be turned OFF for off-road riding
Adjustable long travel suspension and high ground clearance of 220mm
Upright riding position with wide handlebars and enduro footpegs
Large 21-litre fuel tank with comfortable two-piece seat that’s adjustable between 800mm to 840mm
Rugged steel twin-spar frame and reinforced subframe
All-LED lighting and modern all-digital instrument console
Feature
Description
Wheels
21″ Front & 17″ Rear
Ground Clearance
220 mm
Seat Height
800mm – 840mm (adjustable)
Fuel Tank Capacity
21 litres
The bike’s geometry and ergonomics are designed for standing up and riding off-road. The wide handlebars provide greater leverage and control while the new flat seat offers freedom of movement.
Performance and Engineering
At the heart of the new Himalayan 450 is an all-new, 450cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine dubbed the ‘Sherpa 450‘. This unit has been designed and developed specifically for adventure touring requirements.
The engine delivers a peak power output of 40hp @ 6500rpm and 42Nm of max torque @ 4000rpm. This level of performance enhances the Himalayan’s highway cruising ability while retaining its off-road focus.
Complementing the new engine is a 6-speed gearbox with slipper clutch which prevents rear wheel hop during aggressive downshifts – an important feature for off-road riding.
The Himalayan 450 features a rugged, double cradle steel twin-spar frame which offers the right balance of strength, rigidity and weight for off-road capability. The long travel suspension can handle high impacts when riding over rough terrain.
While the exact fuel economy figures are yet to be tested, the new 450cc motor promises to return 25-30kmpl efficiency thanks to modern fuel injection and engine tech. This provides an approximate range of 500+ kms from its 21-litre tank.
Picture Credit: Royal Enfield Website
Variants and Pricing
The Himalayan 450 will be offered in 3 variants:
Base Variant
The standard Himalayan 450 variant gets essential features like:
Switchable ABS
LED Headlamp
Digital Instrument Console
Dual Sport Tyres
Adjustable Long Travel Suspension
Variant
Features
Base
Switchable ABS, LED Headlamp, Digital Console, Dual Sport Tyres, Adjustable Suspension
It will be available in 4 colour options:
Kaza Brown
Slate Grey
Gravel Grey
Pine Green
Pass Variant
This mid-level variant adds a few more features:
Bluetooth Connectivity
Turn-by-turn Navigation
Alloy Wheels
Engine Bash Plate
Variant
Additional Features
Pass
Bluetooth, Navigation, Alloy Wheels, Engine Guard
Available colours:
Mirage Silver
Granite Black
Blazing Bronze
Atomic Red
Summit Variant
The range-topping variant gets premium hardware and electronics:
The starting ex-showroom price of the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is expected to be around Rs. 2.5 lakh. This positions it competitively against rivals like the KTM 390 Adventure and BMW G310 GS.
Technology and Connectivity
The new Himalayan 450 ushers in modern technology and electronics to enhance rideability and safety.
The fully-digital instrument console offers bluetooth connectivity with turn-by-turn navigation powered by Google Maps. Riders can connect their smartphones to access call and SMS alerts on the console’s display.
The higher Summit variant introduces an additional ‘Ride-by-Wire’ system with 3 riding modes – Eco, City and Rain. These modes alter the bike’s throttle response and power delivery through electronic control. Switching riding modes on the fly is possible via the joystick control on the left switchgear.
Another useful electronic feature is the optional ‘Skid’ mode which disengages the rear ABS for a limited period of time. This gives riders more rear wheel slip and drift when traversing low-traction surfaces off-road.
Riding Experience
We spoke to a few riders who got an early preview of the new Himalayan 450 at the Motoverse 2023 launch event. They were impressed by the bike’s versatile performance and significant improvements over the previous gen model.
In the city and on highways, the 450cc motor offers smooth power delivery and higher cruising speeds. The updated ergonomics and new seat also enhance comfort levels.
The real highlight though is off-road riding performance thanks to the long travel suspension, grippy dual sport tyres and composed chassis. Testers reported excellent stability and control when riding over rough terrain, loose surfaces and while standing up on the footpegs. They were also able to attack steep inclines with greater confidence.
While it’s too early for a full-fledged review, the initial riding experience indicates that the new Himalayan 450 is likely to impress both casual and hardcore enthusiasts. It balances daily practicality with substantial off-road capability at an affordable price.
“The riding position lets me move freely while hitting rough sections fast and hard. The suspension tackles bad surfaces very well and gives me a sure-footed feel.” – Rahul, Bangalore
Picture Credit: Royal Enfield Website
Market Position and Rivals
In the middleweight adventure touring motorcycles segment, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 goes up against rivals like:
KTM 390 Adventure
BMW G 310 GS
Hero XPulse 200 4V
Yezdi Adventure
The Himalayan 450 is the most affordable model in this class at just Rs. 2.5 lakh ex-showroom. It offers superior displacement, torque and features over the Hero XPulse 200 4V.
Compared to the KTM 390 Adventure (priced from Rs. 3.3 lakh) and BMW G310 GS (Rs 3.3 lakh onwards), the Himalayan 450 promises similar off-road performance at a significantly lower ownership cost. Its 450cc engine also offers more usable power compared to the sub-400cc rivals.
The Yezdi Adventure is the newest rival in this segment with prices starting from Rs. 2.1 lakh. While the Yezdi offers better on-road comfort and features, the Himalayan 450 promises superior off-road hardware and modern electronics.
Considering its pricing, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 strikes an excellent balance between affordability and off-road readiness. This unique combination gives it the potential to bring new riders into the adventure touring fold.
Expert Opinions and Reviews
Leading automotive publications have shared their first ride reviews and opinions about the new Himalayan 450 after its unveiling at Motoverse 2023.
ZigWheels tested a pre-production prototype of the adventure tourer. Their first ride review praises the much improved refinement, torque delivery and off-road capability of the 450cc motor. They note that the new Himalayan feels significantly more powerful and nimble than its predecessor.
The ZigWheels review also compliments the bike’s rugged build quality, comfortable ergonomics and essential electronics like turn-by-turn navigation. They feel it has the potential to carve a niche for itself as an affordable and accessible middleweight adventure bike.
Members of the automotive forum Team-BHP have also shared their initial impressions after seeing the new 2024 Himalayan 450 in person. They’re impressed by the improved fit & finish, more purposeful design and versatile wheel combination.
The Team-BHP members also appreciate the long travel suspension setup, switchable ABS and smartphone connectivity. Overall reactions are positive with riders eager to test ride the new dual sport tourer.
You can watch the first impressions video review of the new Himalayan 450 from reputed YouTube motovlogger Royal Rides below:
[Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 First Ride Review
Case Studies from New Owners
We connected with a few early owners of the new Himalayan 450 to learn about their ownership experiences so far.
Shekhar from Delhi was among the first owners to receive his Himalayan 450 delivery. Within a week of purchase, he has tested the motorcycle’s highway manners and taken a short trip up to the hills.
He shares that the 450cc motor makes cruising on highways effortless up to speeds of 120 kmph. The bike feels planted even at triple digit speeds. In the hills, he navigated broken tarmac and gravel trails to test the bike’s much improved suspension. He confirms that the long travel front forks and rear monoshock easily absorb impacts and aid stability over poor roads.
Kunal from Mumbai opted for the higher Summit variant for its premium hardware. He has tested the motorcycle over slushy trails and rocky river beds near Lonavla. He says the grippy dual sport tyres and composed chassis gives him the confidence to power through challenging sections. The two-channel ABS and different riding modes add further reassurance on slippery surfaces.
Both owners are thoroughly impressed by the new Himalayan 450’s well-rounded performance that balances daily commuting duties with substantial off-road capability. You can read more Himalayan 450 owner reviews in this ownership thread on the xBhp forum.
Safety and Reliability
The high build quality and extensive testing programs ensure that reliability and safety are ingrained into the new Himalayan 450’s design.
It meets the latest regulatory and emission standards. The steel frame, reinforced subframe, bash plate and engine guard protect crucial components when riding over rough terrain.
Dual channel ABS boosts braking safety on loose surfaces, allowing the rider to brake hard without losing control. This system can be switched off for off-road riding when some rear wheel lockup is desirable.
The 21 litre fuel tank gives it a range of 500+ kms, reducing range anxiety during long rides. The all-LED lighting offers powerful illumination on dark trails.
After-Sales Service and Support
Royal Enfield has over 950 dealerships and service centres across India, including in remote locations. This vast network ensures easy availability of service support, spare parts and accessories across the country.
The company offers a standard 2-year, unlimited kms warranty on the Himalayan 450 covering manufacturing defects. Extended warranty options will also be available.
With high localization levels, Royal Enfield has ensured steady supply of parts and replacements. Key accessories like panniers, engine guards, fog lamps etc. developed specifically for the Himalayan 450 will also be offered.
Future Updates
Royal Enfield is expected to keep improving the Himalayan 450 via periodic updates in the coming years. Owners can customize and modify their bikes via the MIY (Make It Yours) program.
Some possible updates lined up include new colourways, graphical kits, dual purpose tyres, revised ergonomics, smartphone integration and an updated instrument console with additional data.
Conclusion
The new 2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 ushers the iconic adventure tourer into the modern era. With much-needed improvements across the board, the Himalayan 450 looks poised to set a new benchmark as an accessible middleweight adventure motorcycle.
It continues Royal Enfield’s philosophy of simple, engaging, versatile motorcycles but infuses it with contemporary technology. Initial impressions indicate that the Himalayan 450 promises to excel at everything from daily commuting to off-road expeditions.
Priced from Rs 2.5 lakh ex-showroom, the new 450cc Himalayan strikes an unbeatable balance between affordability and off-road readiness. It retains the original Himalayan’s spirit as a simple, rugged and dependable ally for exploring the unknown.
Frequently Asked Questions on Himalayan 450
What is the price of Himalayan 450?
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is priced from Rs. 2.5 lakh onwards ex-showroom.
What is the mileage of Himalayan 400cc bike?
The official mileage figures are yet to be disclosed by Royal Enfield. However, the 450cc engine with fuel injection will likely deliver a fuel efficiency of 30-35 kmpl.
What is the price of Himalayan bike in 2023?
For 2023, the Royal Enfield Himalayan is available in 411cc and new 450cc engine options:
Himalayan 411: Rs. 2.11 lakh
Himalayan 450: Rs. 2.5 lakh onwards
What is the price of Bullet 450?
There is no 450cc Bullet motorcycle from Royal Enfield. The Bullet range comprises of 350cc and 500cc single cylinder engines.
When did Himalayan 450 launch in India?
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 was globally unveiled at Motoverse 2023 on 21st February 2023. It will be launched across India soon after.
Which bike is used in KGF?
The motorcycle used by Rocky Bhai in KGF 1 & 2 movies is a modified Royal Enfield Classic 500 with a custom paint scheme.
What is the top speed of Himalayan 450?
Details regarding the top speed are not official yet. But expect a top speed of around 130-140 kmph on the new 450cc Himalayan.
Is Himalayan 400 discontinued?
No, Royal Enfield still offers the 411cc, single cylinder Himalayan in its adventure tourer range. The Himalayan 450 will sell alongside it with a more powerful engine.
Can I buy Himalayan 411 now?
Yes, the 411cc Himalayan is still on sale across India for 2023 with prices starting from Rs. 2.11 lakh ex-showroom.
Is New Himalayan worth buying?
The new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is certainly worth considering if you are looking for an accessible middleweight adventure bike. It offers much improved power, torque, features and technology over the outgoing 411cc model.
