Royal Enfield has had plenty on its platter with multiple new launches in the array. The Chennai-based bikemaker is currently gearing up for the launch of the new Himalayan 450 which has been undergoing rigorous testing on and off the roads over the past year or more.
Earlier, Enfield has teased the upcoming adventure bike on its social media handles on multiple occasions and now the company has officially shared a complete image of the production-spec motorcycle. Ahead of its launch, slated for 7 Novemver 2023, let us look at what we know so far about the new Himalayan 450.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 or is it Himalayan 452?
As per a homologation document leaked a couple of weeks ago, the upcoming Himalayan will feature a engine with capacity of 452cc. This single-cylinder motor is the first liquid-cooled unit to be produced by Royal Enfield and is expected to develop around 40 horses at 8,000rpm.
This is way more than the modest 24 bhp producing 411cc, oil-cooled motor in the current Himalayan. Complementing the engine will be a new six-speed gearbox with a slip and assist clutch.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450: Design
The latest social media post gives us a clear indication of what the new Himalayan 450 will look like. As seen from previous undisguised spy shots, the new Himalayan 450 retains the basic shape of the current Himalayan although there are subtle yet noticeable visual differences between the two.
For starters, the fuel tank appears larger and more rounded than the one in the current Himalayan. The seat is all-new with a lot more padding so that should provide ample comfort to the backside on long tours. Moreover, the Himalayan 450 gets a flatter and wider handlebar that should have an impact on its riding ergonomics. The exhaust muffler is stubbier in the upcoming ADV and the beak-like front fender is set higher than the one seen presently.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450: Dimensions
As for dimensions, the new Himalayan 450 is bigger than its predecessor in every respect other than height. It carries a massive 1510mm wheelbase, 45mm longer than the outgoing model; width of 852mm, length of 2245mm, and height of 1316mm in its standard form.
The homologation document further mentioned that the upcoming Himalayan has a gross vehicle weight 394 kg. Considering a payload capacity of around 180 kg, the bike is expected to have a kerb weight of around 210 kg, which makes it 11 kilos heavier than the current Himalayan.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450: Hardware & features
The new Himalayan 450 is built on a new chassis with the engine as a stressed member. The frame sits on upside-down front forks and a rear mono-shock. Braking duties will be carried out by disc brakes at both ends aided by dual–channel ABS, although exact specs aren’t put. Similarly, wheel sizes haven’t been revealed yet but the image reveals a larger front and a smaller rear wheel with wire spokes.
The upcoming Himalayan will be better equipped than the outgoing model with features like a fully-digital instrument console, turn-by-turn navigation, Bluetooth connectivity with calls and message alerts, switchable rear ABS, etc. It is also expected to come equipped with an LED headlamp, taillamp and turn indicators.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450: Competition & expected price
Taking all the upgrades into account, the new Himalayan 450 is expected to be priced in the region of Rs 2.5 lakh. The latest iteration of the ADV will compete against the KTM 390 Adventure, BMW G 310 GS and Yezdi Adventure.
