Royal Enfield has its plate full with plenty of new models lined up for launch over the next few years. The next in line will be a 450cc roadster based on the Himalayan 450. Test mules of this naked roadster have been spied on numerous occasions over the past year or so.
A test mule of the upcoming 450cc roaster recently got clicked and images of the same went viral on the internet. The internet has several names for the bike. Several media reports indicate that the upcoming bike will be named Guerrilla 450 since the Chennai-based bikemaker has already filed a trademark for the same.
A while back, some reports even suggested that given its roadster styling, the upcoming bike could adopt the name ‘Hunter 450’ since the 350cc Hunter gets a similar roadster-like styling.However, there is yet to be confirmation from Royal Enfield’s side regarding its name. That said, it has come to light that Enfield will launch this new motorcycle around July this year.
Royal Enfield 450cc roadster: Expected powertrain specs
One of the certainties is that the motorcycle will be based on the Himalayan 450, hence it will be based on the same chassis and powered by the same 452cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine as seen in the adventure tourer. In Himalayan, this motor churns out 39 bhp at 8,000rpm and peak torque of 40 Nm at 5,500 rpm. However, for the upcoming roadster it may receive a different tuning with slightly different outputs. Transmission duties will be carried out by a 6-speed gearbox with a slip and assist clutch.
Royal Enfield 450cc roadster: Expected hardware specs
Coming to its hardware, the frame has undergone several changes to give the motorcycle a roadster. As visible in the latest spy shots, the 450cc roadster gets a lower stance which makes it more accessible for a larger section of riders. A major reason for this is 17-inch alloy wheels used at both ends instead of the 21-18-inch spoke wheel configuration seen in Himalayan.
Speaking of wheels, the alloys are wrapped in dual-purpose tyres. Differences become more evident when one closely observes the suspension setup on offer comprising conventional telescopic front girls as opposed to the Show upside-down front forks in Himalayan. The rear suspension features a mono-shock unit. Braking duties will be carried out by disc brakes at both ends aided by a dual-channel ABS.
Royal Enfield 450cc roadster: Design & expected features
The single-piece seat is scooped out with plenty of cushioning giving the rider plenty of real estate to move around. Visual highlights such as a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, fork gaiters, a round headlamp, and a short fender upfront accentuate the bike’s roadster-like aesthetics. The raised tail section reminds us of the Himalayan 450 which gets split grab handle and LED winkers.
In terms of features, we expect Royal Enfield to equip the 450cc roadster with features like a full LED lighting, a circular digital instrument console, Bluetooth connectivity, USB charging port, in-built navigation, etc. The roadster may also benefit from electronic aids such as multiple ride modes, and traction control, although switchable rear ABS might be given a miss.