Legacies serve as a valuable foundation, keeping you connected to your roots. For Royal Enfield, its rich heritage has always been just as influential as the brand itself, a strength the manufacturer has leveraged repeatedly. However, in 2016, Royal Enfield took a daring step to redefine its identity. The Himalayan symbolized the brand’s fresh perspective on motorcycling—an adventure tourer crafted in India and designed to be accessible, a groundbreaking achievement.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
The Royal Enfield Himalayan, neither as retro as RE’s 350/500 motorcycles nor as modern as a Japanese cruiser, was originally designed for exploration, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. It’s safe to say that this adventure bike quickly found its dedicated following. Fast forward seven years, and Royal Enfield is tasked with establishing a new legacy for the Himalayan. This rugged machine is eagerly awaiting an update, and that’s precisely what the brand has accomplished. They have reimagined the Himalayan, preserving its utility while enhancing its capabilities. Can the revamped Himalayan meet expectations and even surpass them? To find out, we embarked on a 300-kilometer ride in its birthplace, the Himalayas.
Out with the old and in with the new, the upcoming Himalayan 450 is poised to take the place of the previous Himalayan 411 with a completely fresh platform. While the design represents an evolution, Royal Enfield asserts that not a single component has been carried over from the earlier model. The motorcycle has been meticulously constructed from the ground up, embodying novelty in every aspect. The distinctive styling remains instantly recognizable, yet you can’t help but notice that this version appears to have hit the gym amidst the mountains.
With dimensions of 2,245 mm in length, 852 mm in width, and 1,316 mm in height, the new Himalayan measures 55 mm longer and 12 mm wider, but stands 54 mm shorter than its predecessor. The wheelbase has also seen an increase, now spanning 1,510 mm.
Not only have the proportions improved, but the new Himalayan also boasts an enhanced road presence. It appears notably larger visually, particularly with the replacement of the industrial design by a more stylish bulbous fuel tank and a sleek exhaust. The design cues inspired by Dakar motorcycles are hard to overlook, leaving you wondering if the brand harbors any aspirations of entering the world’s most challenging rally. Perhaps, it’s a wishful thought.
New High Tech in Royal Enfield Himalyan 450
The major update in the new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is the introduction of new technology. The motorcycle now features a 4-inch TFT digital console, marking a first for the brand. This in-house developed unit comes with a wide range of features, including various display layouts, music playback capabilities, turn-by-turn navigation powered by Google Maps, and call and SMS alerts. These functions can all be managed through the Royal Enfield mobile app. It’s worth noting that you can project maps onto the digital display using your smartphone, so having a generous data plan would be advantageous.
Additionally, the Himalayan 450 now incorporates Ride-by-Wire technology, another first for Royal Enfield. This feature introduces two distinct riding modes: Eco and Performance. Furthermore, it allows you to deactivate the rear ABS module when venturing off-road.
Conveniently, the right and left handlebars are equipped with dedicated ‘Mode’ and ‘Home’ buttons, making it easy to navigate through the screen’s functions. There’s also a new joystick on the left handlebar grip to facilitate screen navigation. However, some users might find that it lacks tactile feedback. The anti-glare glass on the TFT screen is a useful addition, ensuring clear visibility even in bright sunlight. Notably, since the screen functions as a casting device, Over-The-Air (OTA) updates could potentially be introduced in the future. Royal Enfield is also actively working on integrating offline maps, allowing riders to explore less-traveled roads without concerns about bandwidth limitations.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Price
The introduction of the Himalayan 450 marks the beginning of a new platform that will give rise to additional motorcycles in the future. It’s worth noting that the adventure touring segment is not limited to traditional internal combustion engines, as an electrified version is also in development.
The critical factor now comes down to the pricing, which will determine whether this offering is genuinely accessible. The current motorcycle falls within the price range of ₹2.15 lakh to ₹2.28 lakh (ex-showroom), and it’s expected that the new version will see a significant price increase due to the extensive enhancements. With three variants available – Base, Pass, and Summit – we anticipate an appealing starting price for the Himalayan 450 to make it accessible to a wider audience. So, why not take it for a test ride? It just might inspire you to discover something new within yourself, and that’s the fresh legacy of the Himalayan.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Top Speed
The new Himalayan is built upon a recently developed twin-spar frame featuring a rear subframe, with the engine serving as a crucial structural component. This marks the debut of the Sherpa 450 single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine in the Royal Enfield lineup. Notable enhancements include a forged piston, lighter overall components, and a high compression ratio of 11.5:1, which contributes to improved cooling and increased power output. The engine generates 39.4 bhp at 8,000 rpm and a peak torque of 40 Nm at 5,500 rpm. Compared to its predecessor, this represents a significant leap of 15 bhp and 8 Nm. The powerplant is now mated to a 6-speed gearbox and is equipped with a slip-and-assist clutch.
One of the consistent criticisms of the older Himalayan was its lack of power, and Royal Enfield has addressed this concern admirably. The new engine stands apart from Royal Enfield’s traditional powerplants, delivering quick, immediate responsiveness and a strong eagerness to perform. At lower altitudes, the new Himalayan excels, effortlessly reaching triple-digit speeds. As the power builds up after 3,000 rpm, a satisfying rumble emanates from the exhaust, remaining present up to 8,750 rpm. The mid-range performance is exceptional, and the bike’s touring capabilities leave little room for complaint. To know more click here