Royal Enfield Himalayan 450: A Powerhouse Adventure Bike for Your Garage

The Royal Enfield Himalayan has gained immense popularity since its introduction in 2015. Known for its excellent performance, purposeful design, and unbeatable value in the sub-500cc adventure bike segment, the Himalayan has captured the hearts of riders worldwide. Now, in 2023, Royal Enfield is taking things up a notch with the highly anticipated Himalayan 450.

While it's not a complete overhaul, the upcoming model promises significant updates and improvements, as evident from the recent test sightings in Europe. In fact, the latest test mule spotted in Europe appears to be production-ready, sporting minimal camouflage. Let's take a closer look at what the Himalayan 450 has in store.

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Design

The spy shots reveal the new design of the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. Compared to the previous model, the test mule showcases beefier bodywork, including new front shrouds, fenders, and side panels beneath the seat. The fuel tank is also redesigned and features a new tubular crash protector and shrouds that extend to the forks. Notably, the tank panels bear the 'Royal Enfield' letterings, and there's a shorter windscreen on top. It is speculated that the new tank will have a larger capacity than the current 15-litre one.

The attention to detail in the Himalayan 450 is remarkable. It boasts an all-LED headlight, similar to the Super Meteor 650, as well as new LED indicators, muscular fork protectors, and a fresh sump guard, all contributing to a premium aesthetic. The bike also features three-in-one rear lights, combining turn signals, brake lamps, and hazard lights, reminiscent of the BMW S 1000 RR. Another notable upgrade is the new single-pod instrument cluster, which offers day/night display modes, comprehensive information, and built-in smartphone connectivity. This marks a significant improvement over the dual-pod semi-digital unit found in the previous 411 models. Additionally, it's highly likely that the Himalayan 450 will come equipped with electronic aids such as traction control or ride modes, as indicated by the new switchgear.

Royal Enfield’s First Liquid-Cooled Motorcycle

One of the most exciting aspects of the Himalayan 450 is that it will be Royal Enfield's first-ever liquid-cooled motorcycle. The presence of a radiator and the absence of fins indicate the implementation of a liquid-cooled powerhouse. The engine is expected to have a capacity of around 449cc, delivering a peak power output of approximately 40 horsepower and 30 pound-feet of torque. This represents a substantial 16-horsepower increase over the current model, putting the Himalayan 450 in direct competition with bikes like the 43-HP KTM 390 Adventure and the 34-HP BMW G 310 GS. The engine tune will likely prioritize low-end grunt rather than a peaky delivery. Furthermore, the engine updates will include a six-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch.

Not only is the engine getting an upgrade, but the underpinnings of the Himalayan 450 are also receiving notable improvements. The previous telescopic forks are being replaced with long-travel upside-down forks, likely sourced from Showa. Complementing the new forks is a new near-horizontal mono-shock and a different chassis. The bike will retain the 21/19-inch spoke wheel combination, providing optimal performance in rugged terrains. This also sets it apart from its rivals, which typically feature 19/17-inch wheel combinations. However, it is hoped that Royal Enfield incorporates tubeless tires and reduces the weight of the bike, as the current Himalayan's near-440-pound weight is considered its biggest drawback because of its single disc.

Availability And Price.

The highly anticipated Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is inching closer to its official launch. Based on the information gathered, we believe that the launch will occur in Nepal by the end of 2023. Its expected price is around 12 lakhs in Nepal. Royal Enfield has been known for delivering motorcycles that strike a perfect balance between performance and affordability, and the new Himalayan 450 is poised to continue that tradition. With its impending release, riders will soon have the opportunity to experience the thrill of conquering diverse terrains with a powerful and capable adventure bike.