- New spy images show production-spec body panels and new exhaust canister
- Expected to be launched in September 2023
- Himalayan 450 to be priced at Rs 2.70 lakh (ex-showroom)
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is easily the most-anticipated ADV to be launched in India. While the motorcycle has been under test for the longest time now, Royal Enfield seems to have commenced high-altitude winter testing of the Himalayan 450, as the adventure tourer was recently spotted testing in the snowy conditions of Ladakh. The production-ready test mule of the Himalayan 450 was spotted testing between the Khardung La Pass and Nubra Valley.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450: New Details
Although much is already known about the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, the spy shots have revealed the production-spec body panels of the bike. For instance, the images offer a clear view of the sump guard, the new exhaust canister, and the larger rear disc brake, which looks like a 300mm unit.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450: Design
The new spy shots and the exclusive design sketches that we unearthed have revealed that the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 will feature minimalist but authentic ADV styling and a tall stance. It will come with a round LED headlamp, similar to the one on the Super Meteor 650, a large fuel tank, and a sleek tail section. The Himalayan 450 will also get the metal stays that hold the headlight and also double up as mounts for jerry cans.
Other bits include a split-seat setup and a rear parcel rack to mount a tail bag onto it. Completing the ADV styling is a beak-style front fender, a tall windscreen, and dual-purpose tyres.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450: Engine Specifications
Powering the Himalayan 450 will be an all-new liquid-cooled 450cc four-valve engine developed ground-up by Royal Enfield, which is a complete departure from the long-stroke engine that the company is known for. This short-stroke motor is expected to pump out around 40bhp and 45Nm of peak torque. It will be paired to a six-speed gearbox, and we can expect it to get a slip and assist clutch.
Although a short-stroke motor is known to be high-revving and make most of its power in the mid and top-end of its power band, we do hope that Royal Enfield has tuned it to offer a good amount of low-end torque to suit its off-road and touring character.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450: Features
The features list on the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is likely to include an LED headlamp, a high-mounted digital instrument cluster, hazard lamps, USB charging port, dual-channel ABS and possibly a slipper clutch. What’s interesting is that the taillight is smartly integrated into the LED turn indicators. Given that the Himalayan 450 will rival the KTM 390 Adventure, there’s also a possibility of Royal Enfield offering rider aids like traction control and a ride-by-wire throttle system.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450: Suspension, Brakes and Wheels
The Himalayan 450 will come equipped with a long-travel suspension setup that will comprise Showa USD forks up front and a mono-shock at the back. And, if the Himalayan 411 is anything to go by, the 450 should be equally competent across riding conditions.
As for the brakes, it will get disc brakes at both ends, along with the safety net of dual-channel ABS. However, it remains to be seen if the Himalayan 450 will get switchable ABS or not. Furthermore, the ADV will get 21-inch wire-spoke wheels at the front and a 17-inch unit at the rear paired with dual-purpose tyres.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450: Launch Date, Price and Competition
According to our well-placed sources, the Himalayan 450 is expected to be launched in India in September 2023. It is likely to be priced at around Rs 2.70 lakh (ex-showroom). As for the competition, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 will compete against the KTM 390 Adventure, BMW G 310 GS and the upcoming TVS 310 ADV.
