New Adventure Awaits: Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is the latest iteration of the popular adventure motorcycle from the Indian brand. It is a significant upgrade over the previous model, the Himalayan 411, in terms of design, performance, features, and quality. But is it worth the hype and the price? Here is the review of Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 after riding it for over 1000 km on various terrains and conditions which can answer all of your doubts regarding the machine.

Design and Build Quality
Himalayan 450 retains the rugged and minimalist look of its predecessor but with some noticeable changes. The bike looks more substantial and modern, with big-bike dimensions and feel. The front end features a round LED headlamp with a small windscreen, a circular TFT instrument cluster, and a raised handlebar. The fuel tank has a capacity of 15 litres and has a new shape that offers a better knee grip. The seat is comfortable and has two height options – 800 mm and 820 mm. The rear end has a new LED tail lamp and a luggage rack. The bike also gets a bash plate, a sump guard, and a pair of knuckle guards for protection.
The build quality of the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is a big improvement over the older model. The bike feels solid and well put together, with no rattles or squeaks. Paint quality is good and the fit and finish are decent. However, there are still some areas that could be better, such as the switchgear, the indicator stalks, the mirrors, and the levers. The bike also has some exposed wires and cables that look untidy.

Engine and Performance
RE Himalayan 450 is powered by a new 452 cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine that produces 39.5 bhp at 7500 rpm and 40 Nm of torque at 5500 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox with a slip and assist clutch. Engine is the highlight of the bike, as it delivers a smooth, linear, and punchy performance across the rev range. The bike can easily cruise at 100-120 kmph on the highways, and can reach a top speed of around 150 kmph. The engine also has good low-end torque and mid-range power, which makes it suitable for off-road riding and overtaking. The engine is refined and does not feel stressed or strained at high speeds. However, the engine also has some drawbacks, such as the vibrations, lack of character, and heat. The vibrations are present throughout the rev range, and can be felt on the handlebar, the footpegs, and the seat. The engine also lacks thump and grunt that are typical of Royal Enfield bikes, and sounds rather bland. The engine also tends to heat up in traffic and emits a lot of hot air on the rider’s legs.
Gearbox is smooth and precise, the clutch is light and easy to operate. The bike also gets two riding modes – Road and Off-Road – that alter throttle response and ABS settings. The Road mode offers a sharper throttle response and ABS on both wheels, while off-road mode offers a softer throttle response and ABS only on the front wheel. The riding modes are easy to switch on fly, and make a noticeable difference in the bike’s behaviour.

Suspension and Braking
Himalayan 450 has a well-tuned suspension setup that makes it extremely capable on any terrain. The bike has a telescopic fork at the front and a mono shock at the rear, both from Showa, with 200 mm of travel. The suspension is supple and compliant and absorbs the bumps and potholes with ease. The bike also has a long wheelbase of 1465 mm, which gives it excellent stability on the highways and the corners. The bike handles well and feels neutral and balanced. The tyres are also adequate for the performance and offer good grip and traction on both tarmac and dirt.
The braking system of Himalayan 450 is also improved over the older model. The bike has a 300 mm disc at the front and a 240 mm disc at the rear, both with dual-channel ABS. The brakes have a good feel, bite, and progression, and can stop the bike effectively and safely. ABS is not too intrusive and can be switched off for the rear wheel in the off-road mode. The bike also has a 21-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel, which gives it a good ground clearance of 224 mm.

Features and Convenience
It is loaded with features and convenience that make it a practical and versatile motorcycle. The bike has a new digital console that is a class act. It is a circular TFT display that shows the speed, rpm, fuel level, gear position, odometer, trip meter, clock, ambient temperature, and battery voltage. It also has a compass, a barometer, and an altimeter. The console also has Bluetooth connectivity and Google Maps navigation, which can be accessed via a joystick switch on left handlebar. The console can mirror the phone’s screen and show the directions, music, and calls. It is easy to read, looks new-age, and is a handy unit overall.
The bike also has other features and convenience such as a USB charging port, a hazard light switch, a side stand indicator, a low fuel warning, and a service reminder. The bike also has a comprehensive accessory and merchandise catalogue, which includes panniers, top boxes, tank bags, crash guards, handlebar risers, seat covers, helmets, jackets, gloves, and more.

Verdict
The RE Himalayan 450 is a well-rounded package that delivers on most wishlist items from prospective customers. It is a modern, improved, and contemporary motorcycle that competes a segment higher than before, but still very much a Himalayan. It is a comfortable, capable, and enjoyable motorcycle that can handle any road and any adventure. It is also priced well, undercutting most rivals on price and justifying the price jump over the earlier generation. However, the bike is not perfect, and has some drawbacks, such as the weight, vibrations, engine heat, lamps, and fit and finish. The bike also misses some features for rider control, such as traction control, IMU, cornering ABS, quick shifter, adjustable levers, and backlit switchgear. The bike slightly lacks the character and charm that are associated with Royal Enfield bikes.
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is a bike that has grabbed the nation’s attention, and for good reasons. It is a bike that appeals to a wide range of riders, from beginners to experts, from commuters to tourers, from roadies to off-roaders. It is a bike that is ready for a new adventure, and so are we.

-Filda Francis