2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 review - Ready for adventure | First Ride | Autocar India

Summary

The new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is a highly anticipated motorcycle with a modern Sherpa 450 engine featuring ride-by-wire and double overhead camshafts. Offering a balance of power and tractability, it has a smooth power delivery and two riding modes. The bike boasts a new steel twin spar frame, improved suspension, and bigger brakes, enhancing both on-road handling and off-road capabilities. With a comfortable seating position and height-adjustable seats, it's designed for a wide range of riders. The motorcycle also includes a 4-inch round TFT display with Google Maps integration and a range of well-designed accessories. The Himalayan 450 promises to be a characterful and enjoyable ride, with pricing expected to be competitive within the market.

Takeaways

• 🏍️ The new Himalayan 450 is one of the most anticipated motorcycles and has been well showcased by Royal Enfield.
• 🚀 It features a completely new engine called the Sherpa 450, which is the most advanced and modern engine from Royal Enfield.
• 🔧 The Sherpa 450 engine introduces several new features like ride by wire, double overhead cam shafts, and a higher compression ratio compared to its predecessor.
• 🌟 The engine provides a different riding experience with a more modern feel, yet attempts to retain the essence of the old Himalayan.
• 📈 The power and torque curves show a tractable engine with 90% of torque available at just 3,000 RPM and peak power at 8,000 RPM.
• 🌡️ The engine may feel soft at low RPMs, especially at high altitudes, but offers a stronger performance everywhere else.
• 🔄 Royal Enfield has implemented riding modes (Eco and Performance) and ride by wire technology for a smoother throttle response.
• 🛠️ The new motorcycle comes with a new steel twin spar frame, improved suspension, and bigger brakes for better handling and control.
• 🌍 The chassis provides excellent on-road handling and off-road stability, with a compliant ride quality that inspires confidence.
• 🔄 The seating position has been improved for comfort, with height-adjustable seats to accommodate a range of rider sizes.
• 📊 The motorcycle is expected to be priced competitively, likely below 3 lakh rupees, offering good value for its features and performance.

Q & A

What is the new motorcycle model discussed in the script?

The new motorcycle model discussed is the Himalayan 450.

What makes the Sherpa 450 engine different from previous Royal Enfield engines?

The Sherpa 450 engine is the most advanced and modern engine Royal Enfield has made, featuring ride by wire, double overhead cam shafts, a 452cc capacity, a higher compression ratio of 11.5, an aluminum bar, a forged piston, and a short stroke design.

How does the new Himalayan 450's engine performance compare to its predecessor at low RPMs?

The new engine feels soft at the low end and doesn't have the strong low-down effortlessness of the old Himalayan 411.

At what RPM does the new Himalayan 450 engine deliver peak torque?

The peak torque of the new Himalayan 450 engine is delivered at about 5,000 RPM.

What are the two riding modes available on the new Himalayan 450?

The two riding modes available are Eco and Performance.

How does the new Himalayan 450's chassis differ from the old model?

The new chassis is a brand new Steel Twin Spar frame that uses the engine as a stressed member, removing the need for a lower cradle, and features a relocated airbox, different rear shock linkage, and bigger brakes.

What is special about the suspension on the new Himalayan 450?

The new suspension features a 43mm USD fork and 200mm of travel in both the front and rear, providing a great sense of composure and confidence for the rider.

What is the seating position like on the new Himalayan 450?

The seating position on the new Himalayan 450 is comfortable for both on-road and off-road riding, with a roomy seat and a handlebar set at a comfortable riding position.

What is the ground clearance of the new Himalayan 450?

The new Himalayan 450 has 230mm of ground clearance.

How does the new Himalayan 450's TFT display integrate with Google Maps?

The TFT display uses the Royal Enfield phone app, which uses Google Maps data and projects the map onto the screen via a Wi-Fi connection from the rider's phone.

What is the expected price range for the new Himalayan 450 in India?

The expected price range for the new Himalayan 450 in India is between 2.5 to 2.7 lakh rupees.