Royal Enfield has finally unveiled the much-awaited Himalayan 450, a motorcycle that marks a significant evolution in the brand’s adventure-tourer segment. Building upon the rugged DNA of the original Himalayan, the new 450 is faster, more refined, and loaded with modern tech—all while retaining its off-road spirit.
Let’s dive deep into the full review covering design, features, performance, tech upgrades, and more.
🔧 Design & Build Quality: Rugged Yet Refined
At first glance, the Himalayan 450 maintains the utilitarian adventure bike aesthetics but with a refined, modern touch. The frame is now a trellis unit developed by Harris Performance, offering more strength and agility. The new LED headlamp, integrated windscreen, and sharper fuel tank design give the bike a fresh yet familiar stance.
The riding ergonomics have also improved significantly. The rider triangle is upright and comfortable for long hauls, and the seat is now adjustable—offering 825mm to 845mm range to cater to riders of different heights. The build quality feels much more premium than its predecessor, with better paint finish, welds, and components.
⚙️ Engine and Performance: New Heart, New Thrill
The biggest upgrade is the all-new 452cc liquid-cooled DOHC single-cylinder engine, a major leap from the previous air-cooled unit. This engine produces:
- Power: 40.02 PS @ 8000 rpm
- Torque: 40 Nm @ 5500 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed gearbox with assist and slipper clutch
This motor is smooth, refined, and peppy. It offers linear power delivery, making it suitable for both highway cruising and technical off-roading. Royal Enfield has engineered this engine with ride-by-wire technology, opening doors for ride modes and better throttle response.
🧭 Ride Modes and Electronics
The Himalayan 450 is no longer a barebones machine. It features advanced rider aids:
- Two Riding Modes: Performance and Eco
- ABS Modes: Dual-channel with switchable rear ABS for off-road use
- Traction Control (planned for future software updates)
- Ride-by-wire Throttle
- Bluetooth Connectivity & Navigation
All the electronics are neatly integrated into a new 4-inch round TFT display, which is full-color, rotatable, and supports Google Maps navigation via smartphone pairing.
🛞 Chassis, Suspension & Handling
Royal Enfield has worked hard to make the Himalayan 450 more capable and confidence-inspiring:
- Frame: New trellis frame with split sub-frame
- Front Suspension: 43mm USD forks (200mm travel)
- Rear Suspension: Monoshock with preload adjustment (200mm travel)
- Ground Clearance: 230mm
- Wheels: 21-inch front & 17-inch rear (Spoke wheels, tubeless-ready)
- Tyres: CEAT Gripp XL or optional Metzeler
On-road stability has improved drastically. Off-road, the bike feels more agile than before while still being incredibly stable on loose terrain. Whether it’s gravel, mud, or sand, the Himalayan 450 handles it all with composure.
🛑 Braking and Safety
Braking duties are handled by:
- Front Disc: 320mm with dual-piston caliper
- Rear Disc: 270mm with single-piston caliper
- ABS: Dual-channel with rear switch-off
While the braking system isn’t overly aggressive, it provides progressive stopping power which is ideal for both road and trail use. The ability to switch off rear ABS makes it easier to handle tricky off-road descents.
🔋 Fuel Tank & Range
The Himalayan 450 comes with a 17-litre fuel tank, which is sculpted better for knee grip and offers a range of around 450–500 km depending on riding conditions. This makes it a dependable companion for long-distance touring and remote adventure trails.
🛠️ Features & Accessories
Standard features include:
- Full-color TFT display with Google Maps
- USB-C charging port
- All-LED lighting setup
- Hazard lights
- Adjustable rider seat
- Luggage mounts (standard)
Royal Enfield also offers a wide range of accessories like aluminum panniers, touring seats, crash guards, tank bags, and windscreens—making it easy to customize the Himalayan for serious overlanding or adventure travel.
🧱 Build Quality and Durability
The Himalayan 450 is built to take a beating. Whether it’s crossing Ladakh’s harsh passes or tackling forest trails, the quality of welds, plastics, and metal finish feels ready for abuse. The new chassis offers more rigidity, translating to better load-carrying ability and confidence in remote conditions.
📐 Variants and Color Options
As of launch, the Himalayan 450 is offered in three variants:
- Base – TFT, standard seat, spoke wheels
- Pass – Adjustable seat, hazard lights, extra paint schemes
- Summit – All features + tubeless-compatible spoke rims
Color Options:
- Hanle Black
- Kamet White
- Slate Himalayan Salt
- Kaza Brown
- Glacier Blue
💸 Price and Value for Money
| Variant | Ex-Showroom Price (Delhi) |
|---|---|
| Base | ₹2.85 lakh |
| Pass | ₹2.98 lakh |
| Summit | ₹3.22 lakh |
Given the tech, performance, and capability upgrades, the Himalayan 450 offers excellent value for money. It undercuts many global competitors in the entry ADV segment while offering similar or better off-road prowess.
📊 Competitors in the Segment
- KTM 390 Adventure – Lighter and faster but lacks the Himalayan’s ruggedness
- BMW G 310 GS – More expensive, not as off-road focused
- Yezdi Adventure – More affordable, but less refined
- Hero XPulse 400 (Upcoming) – Will be the closest Indian competitor once launched
🏁 Verdict: Is the Himalayan 450 Worth It?
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is no longer just a purpose-built ADV for budget-conscious explorers—it is now a full-fledged modern adventure motorcycle that can hold its own against global giants. Whether you’re planning to cross a continent or tackle weekend trails, the Himalayan 450 provides a robust, tech-loaded, and thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Pros:
✅ Powerful new engine
✅ Excellent suspension setup
✅ Google Maps integration
✅ Switchable ABS
✅ Genuine off-road capability
Cons:
❌ Slightly heavy for beginners
❌ TFT may be too techy for old-school riders
❓ FAQs
Q1. What is the top speed of the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450?
Approx. 140–145 km/h.
Q2. Is it suitable for city commuting?
Yes, though it’s built for adventure, it handles city traffic decently.
Q3. Can I take it for serious off-roading?
Absolutely. It’s made for it—with 200mm travel, dual-purpose tyres, and great ground clearance.
Q4. Is it worth upgrading from the older Himalayan 411?
If you want more power, smoother ride, and modern tech—yes, 100%.