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.

Outlines

00:00

🏍 Introduction to the New Himalayan 450

The script opens with an introduction to the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, a highly anticipated motorcycle that requires no introduction due to its popularity and the manufacturer's effective marketing. The focus quickly shifts to the new 'Sherpa 450' engine, which is described as the most advanced and modern engine ever made by Royal Enfield. Key features include ride-by-wire technology, double overhead camshafts, a 452cc engine size, and a higher compression ratio of 11.5 compared to the older model. The engine is also noted for its short stroke design, resulting in a different riding experience with a more revving motor. The script mentions the bike's dual character, with a broad torque curve and a tractable engine that's friendly for both slow and spirited riding.

05:01

🚀 Engine Performance and Riding Modes

This paragraph delves into the engine's performance, highlighting that it feels soft at low RPMs but significantly stronger elsewhere, with a noticeable surge in power beyond 5,000 RPM. The bike's riding modes, Eco and Performance, are introduced, with the latter providing a smooth and well-judged throttle response. The script also discusses the engine's vibrations, managed through various design elements like dampers in the footpeg mounts and soft rubber on the pegs. The transmission is praised for its smooth and precise gear shifts, and the clutch is commended for its light feel and easy modulation. The paragraph concludes with a comparison of the bike's performance to its competitors, suggesting a 0 to 100 kph time of around 7 seconds and a top speed exceeding 150 kph.

10:01

🔧 New Chassis and Suspension Features

The script introduces a new Steel Twin Spar frame that uses the engine as a stressed member, eliminating the need for a lower cradle. The airbox's relocation under the fuel tank and the repositioned rear shock linkage are noted for providing more ground clearance. Wheel sizes remain the same, but the rear tire is wider. The suspension is upgraded with a 43mm USD fork, and the brakes are larger for improved stopping power. The handling is described as surprisingly good, with high lean angles and stability. The new tires, developed in partnership with Ceat, are praised for their road and off-road performance. Off-road capabilities are also discussed, with the bike's stability and the new Showa suspension's 200mm travel at both ends being highlighted for providing a comfortable and confident riding experience.

15:02

🌄 Off-Road Riding Experience and Motorcycle Design

The off-road riding experience is characterized by the bike's solid construction, which can handle drops and impacts without issue. The suspension is lauded for its ability to absorb sudden impacts and maintain composure off-road. The script also touches on the bike's speed and handling on rocky roads. Additional features include the rear ABS being deactivatable for off-road use, a main stand that doesn't interfere with off-road riding, and a seating position that is comfortable for both road and off-road use. The seat height is adjustable, catering to riders of different heights. The design of the motorcycle is briefly discussed, with the round headlamp, windscreen, and practical mudguards being highlighted.

20:04

🛠 Motorcycle Features and Accessories

This paragraph discusses the motorcycle's features, including the new switchgear inspired by the J series bikes, the 4-inch round TFT display with Google Maps integration, and the absence of advanced features like traction control or a quick shifter. The display's reliance on a connected phone for data is noted, along with its limited app support. The fuel tank's design and capacity are praised, as is the bike's overall simplicity and utilitarian rear section. The script mentions the availability of tubeless cross-spoke wheels and a range of well-designed accessories, including touring seats and crash bars. The quality of the bike is commended, but it is noted that smaller details like bolts and fasteners are not quite at the level of some competitors. The paragraph concludes with the author's reflections on the bike's character and the anticipation of its price announcement at the Ryder Mania festival.

Keywords

💡Himalayan 450

The Himalayan 450 is the motorcycle featured in the video, representing a significant model from Royal Enfield. It is highlighted as one of the most anticipated motorcycles due to its modern features and improvements over its predecessor. The script discusses its new engine, chassis, and other features, emphasizing its role as a central theme in the video.

💡Sherpa 450 engine

The Sherpa 450 engine is the new powerplant of the Himalayan 450, described as the most advanced engine ever made by Royal Enfield. It is noted for its innovative features such as ride-by-wire technology, double overhead camshafts, and a higher compression ratio. The script uses it to illustrate the motorcycle's performance and modern capabilities.

💡Ride-by-wire

Ride-by-wire, also known as electronic throttle control, is a system that replaces the mechanical linkage between the throttle grip and the engine. It is mentioned in the script as one of the new features of the Sherpa 450 engine, allowing for more precise control and the integration of riding modes.

💡Compression ratio

Compression ratio is the ratio of the volume of a combustion chamber from its largest capacity to its smallest when the piston is at the top dead center. The script mentions the 11.5 compression ratio of the new engine, which is higher than the previous model, indicating a more powerful and efficient engine.

💡Torque curve

The torque curve is a graphical representation of the torque output of an engine at different RPMs. The script discusses the torque curve of the new engine, noting that it is well spread out and accessible across a wide RPM range, which contributes to the motorcycle's tractable and fun-to-ride character.

💡Riding modes

Riding modes are preset configurations on a motorcycle that adjust various parameters like power output, throttle response, and ABS settings to suit different riding conditions. The script mentions the inclusion of Eco and Performance modes in the Himalayan 450, showcasing the motorcycle's adaptability to various riding styles.

💡Steel Twin Spar frame

The Steel Twin Spar frame is a new chassis design for the Himalayan 450 that uses the engine as a stressed member, which contributes to the motorcycle's structural rigidity and handling. The script highlights this as an impressive aspect of the motorcycle, enhancing its off-road and on-road capabilities.

💡Suspension

Suspension refers to the system of springs, shock absorbers, and linkages that connects a motorcycle's wheels to its frame, allowing for a smoother ride and better handling. The script praises the new Showa suspension on the Himalayan 450 for its composure and confidence-inspiring performance both on and off-road.

💡ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

ABS is a safety system on motorcycles that prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, maintaining traction and control. The script notes that the rear ABS can be deactivated for off-road riding, and the front ABS adjusts to be less intrusive, reflecting the motorcycle's off-road focus.

💡TFT display

A TFT (Thin Film Transistor) display is a type of LCD screen that offers better color and contrast than traditional LCDs. The script describes the 4-inch round TFT display on the Himalayan 450 as a first for a motorcycle, integrating Google Maps and offering a high level of functionality for navigation.

💡Ground clearance

Ground clearance is the distance between the lowest point of the motorcycle and the ground, affecting its off-road ability and the ease with which it can navigate obstacles. The script mentions the 230mm of ground clearance on the Himalayan 450, emphasizing its suitability for off-road riding.

Highlights

Introduction of the new Himalayan 450 motorcycle, highly anticipated and well-presented by Royal Enfield.

The Sherpa 450 engine is the most advanced and modern engine ever made by Royal Enfield, featuring ride-by-wire and double overhead camshafts.

The engine has a higher compression ratio of 11.5, compared to the previous Himalayan 411's 9.5.

Innovative features include an aluminum bar, forged piston, and a short stroke engine design.

The new engine provides a different riding experience with a more aggressive revving character.

Dual character engine with 90% torque available at 3,000 RPM and peak power at 8,000 RPM.

Engine performance feels soft at low RPMs but stronger everywhere else, with no easy stalling.

Introduction of riding modes - Eco and Performance, with a smooth and predictable power delivery.

The motorcycle's chassis is a new Steel Twin Spar frame with the engine as a stressed member, enhancing ground clearance.

Suspension and brakes are upgraded with a 43mm USD fork and larger brakes for improved handling and stopping power.

New tires co-developed with Royal Enfield for better road grip and performance.

The motorcycle's handling is surprisingly good on-road with high lean angles and stability.

Off-road capabilities are enhanced with a longer wheelbase, stable feel, and impressive Showa suspension.

Rear ABS can be deactivated for off-road riding, with the front ABS adjusting to a less intrusive setting.

The seating position is improved with height adjustability and a comfortable riding posture for various conditions.

Design features include a round headlamp, wind screen, and practical mud guards, with a focus on adventure styling.

The motorcycle is equipped with a 4-inch round TFT display, the world's first to integrate Google Maps.

The new Himalayan offers a range of well-designed accessories and a rally variant with a more aggressive look.

Quality levels are high, with attention to detail and a range of color patterns, though not at the level of new Triumph models.

The motorcycle's character is defined by its unique riding experience and the desire to ride it again, despite a different sound from previous models.

Pricing is expected to be sensible, with the motorcycle potentially priced between 2.5 to 2.7 lakh rupees, making it a strong contender in the market.

Transcripts

[Music]

[Music]

[Music]

this is the new Himalayan 450 and it's a

bike I really don't need to introduced

to you and that's mainly for two

[Applause]

reasons the first is that it's one of

the most anticipated motorcycles of

recent times and the second is that

Royal Enfield has done a tremendous job

of already sh sh the bike to the

world I suppose the big question that

remains to be answered is what's it like

to ride and to begin we have to talk

about the elephant in the room that new

motor it's called the sherpa 450 and it

is completely new and the most advanced

most modern engine Royal Enfield has

ever made here are some of the things

that are new on this engine that Royal

Enfield has never done before starting

from the top we have ride by wire a

little further down we have double

overhead cam shafts it's a 452cc engine

it has an 11.5 compression ratio which

is a lot higher than the old Himalayan

411 which was about 9.5 if I remember

right going into the engine we have an

aluminium bar we have a forged piston

and this is actually now a slightly

Short Stroke engine the B is now a

little bigger than the stroke that is

all very different for Royal Enfield and

the result is a very different feeling

engine starting with the way it sounds

as you can see this is no longer a slow

revving engine and it no longer

[Music]

thumps clearly this is going to be a

very different experience but Royal

Enfield tells us they've really tried

hard to retain the character and the

essence of the old Himalayan and you

will see that there's a duality to this

engine when you study the power and

torque curves for the talk you will get

90% of all that talk at just 3,000 RPM

and the peak figure is at about 5,000

RPM however Peak power comes in at 8,000

RPM which gives this bike a different

sense of character when you rev it out

this is a motor that likes to be revved

out there is a good amount of

performance available up top but at the

same time it's also a tractable engine

if you study the to curve you'll see

it's a very fat well spread out to curve

and it's available right through the Rev

[Music]

range that meaty talk spread Bears out

in reality as well but only above 3,000

RPM anything below that and the engine

felt quite gutless to be fair we were at

about 10,000 ft in altitude and steep

uphills in this region are never

ending there will certainly be some

improvement in performance at sea level

but how much remains to be seen for now

this engine feels soft at the low end

and while it certainly doesn't have that

strong low down effortlessness of the

existing Himalayan 411 it is vastly

stronger everywhere else and it won't

stall on you easily either in fact you

can just ease the clutch out at idle and

the bike smoothly moves forward without

any throttle inputs and that should be

nice and slow moving

traffic when you cross the 5,000 RPM

mark That's when you feel a real step in

when that Peak talk arrives and if you

keep it pinned it starts to Surge you

get a really nice intake sound and that

eggs you on into revving it all the way

to the 8,500 RPM limiter and it's

surprisingly good fun to ride that way

the nice thing about this engine is that

it allows you to chill if you want to

but it also encourages you to ride hard

if you feel

[Music]

like

what's also new is that Royal Enfield is

now given this bike riding modes there

are effectively two modes Eco and

performance eco mode caps the power and

we didn't really use it up here very

much but even in performance mode the

throttle response is beautifully smooth

and very well judged that being said

even in performance mode the throttle

action is a little too mellow in the

first few degrees of rotation if you're

riding fast whether on road or off it it

would be nice to have a more direct

acting throttle map and this is

something that Royal Enfield could do

because this bike already has ride by

wire and riding modes nevertheless this

is an extremely friendly bike to ride

and the power delivery always feels

smooth and easy to

predict speaking of power delivery it

certainly doesn't have the top end rush

and the aggression of the KTM motor and

it also doesn't have that hard-hitting

sudden talk that arrives on the Triumph

Motor about 3,000 RPM this is all much

nicely spread out overall in terms of

performance I think it might be a little

slower than the Triumph because it's

carrying more weight but I expect that

you should get a 0 to 100 time maybe

about 7

Seconds Royal Enfield tells us that the

top speed is above 150 kph and while we

certainly couldn't test that on these

sort of Roads what we could see was that

100 kph in sixth gear is at just 5,000

RPM that suggests that a cruising speed

of about 120 kph or more should be quite

possible but it's something we'll be

looking out for when we get to ride the

bike at home

base now this engine does have some

vibrations they're nicely managed you'll

feel them at different areas at

different points and they never really

stood out or annoyed me but if you try

and look for them you will find them

Royal Enfield has done some things to

try and address this the foot bag mounts

themselves have some vibration absorbing

dampers the foot bags don't feel squishy

but that does absorb some vibration then

you also have these rubbers on the pegs

they're soft which absorbs more

vibration and when you stand on the pegs

to ride Offroad they compress and give

you a little more grip but if you want

to take them off you will have to unbolt

them and they're not just the push plug

type

system and that leaves us with the

transmission now Royal Enfield has been

making some very good gear boxes in the

recent years and this one is to smooth

precise no false shifts no false

neutrals really quite nice I also really

like the clutch the feel is good it's

not too heavy the bite point is really

nice to gauge and overall I think this

is one of the nicest Roy field clutches

that I've experienced so

far so that's the story with this new

engine it's happy to chill if you want

but it also likes to go fast and it will

make sure you have a good time and that

brings us on to the next very impressive

aspect on this motorcycle and that's the

new

[Music]

chassis this is a brand new Steel Twin

Spar frame and it uses the engine as a

stressed member which has removed the

need for a lower cradle the airbox has

now been moved under the fuel tank right

behind the headstock while a differently

positioned rear shock linkage has

liberated even more ground clearance

wheel sizes are still 21 in at the front

and 17 in at the rear but the rear tire

is now a wider unit the suspension is

also new now with a nice chunky 43mm USD

fork and the brakes are bigger at both

ends as well which is something that the

old Himalayan really

needed I think the chassis has proven to

be my favorite aspect of this motorcycle

on the road the handling is so good it's

surprisingly good we've been throwing it

around corners High lean angles no sense

of doubt in the motorcycle it really

holds a line it doesn't feel heavy it

hides the fact that it has a 21in wheel

so well in fact you'll only be aware of

that when you're trying to change

direction from one side to the other you

need to put some effort into the bars

but as of handling motorcycle this is

really

good complimenting the handling are the

new brakes they're much stronger than

the old Himalayan that was a problem on

the old bike no longer here again like

the rest of this motorcycle they're not

overtly sharp they're not aggressive but

they're very good they stop the bike

well and they have good feel special

mention must also go to the new cat

tires they've been co-developed with

Royal Enfield for this bike and they are

surprisingly good there were no

complaints on the road even at high lean

angles on cold Tac and they did a really

good job of finding grip in the dry

off-road riding conditions that we

experienced then again it's the chassis

that really makes a difference

[Music]

off-road first of all this feels like a

Long Motorcycle the wheelbase has gone

up compared to the old Himalayan by

quite a bit it has a lovely stable feel

now yesterday we were riding in a fast

group of people lots of dust I couldn't

really see where I was going sometimes

you hit a big bump but the motorcycle

absorbs that Sudden Impact really well

handlebar gets a bit of a shake and you

feel the whole bike just take it in and

smooth out it's a great feeling knowing

that the bike is so trustworthy you can

hit loose rocks and not worry too much

the really impressive part though is

this new showa suspension it's 200 mm of

travel in the front and 200 mm at the

rear the front is the same as the old

Himalayan the rear is a little bit bit

more now non-adjustable except for

preload at the back but the setting is

fabulous not too soft you don't have

excessive dive on the road but also not

so firm it deals with potholes amazingly

well when we first started riding the

bike you see these nasty potholes on the

road and you go oh God that's going to

be bad but it just sails right through

and the same thing applies off-road

great sense of composure and a great

sense of confidence for you as a

rider to me this is undoubtedly the best

suspension that you will get on any

off-road capable motorcycle in India at

this price

[Music]

[Music]

point I really enjoyed riding this bike

off-road now we've already talked about

the stability and the trustworthiness of

it but there is an overwhelming aspect

of this being a solid motorcycle you

feel like it can take take a drop if you

do no worries over there hit something

hard it'll take it you can carry some

pretty high speeds on off-road sections

there were times when you saw 900 in

third gear flat out on Rocky Roads great

fun at the same time this is a Himalayan

so it's not a highly spoty aggressive

thing up here the altitude has robbed

some power so if you want to pass slide

it you need to provoke it a little bit

but again when it slides it feels

beautifully controlled with the length

of the chassis when you jump it the

suspension takes it really nicely I

enjoyed riding it off-road both from a

point of attacking a trail but also from

an aspect of I see a bad Road come on

bring it on let's do this no worries

there's no stress of riding on any sort

of road condition with this

bike a couple more details worth

mentioning are that the rear ABS can be

deactivated in either riding mode for

when you want to ride off-road and if

you do so the front ABS also changes to

a less intrusive setting and finally

with 230 mm of ground clearance clearing

obstacles is no issue and the main stand

no longer clatters and clangs off-road

like it used to on the old

bike another aspect that many of us

liked was the seating position and for

me this was a noticeable improvement

over the old Himalayan if you're someone

tall there's plenty of room for your

knee on the old Himalayan my knee would

foul on that tank extension it didn't

feel so nice no such problems over here

very roomy seat you want to move forward

you want to move back lots of room

The Handlebar is set at a very

comfortable riding position for the road

and if you stand up it's really not so

bad off-road either allall Riders may

want a bit of a riser but I sort of like

this you lean down a bit get some weight

over the front end and that gives you

more feel now the clever thing here is

that the seats are height adjustable as

standard standard seat height is 825 mm

but you can pull the seat off and there

are these simple little adjustments

underneath that let you raise it by 20

mm I've been riding the high position

but I don't find it too tall and to give

you an idea of what it's like here's KL

he's 5'9 let's see what he looks like on

the motorcycle with the seat in the high

position slightly on tiptoes KL it is

off-road right now but he's been riding

the bike in this seat position all day

long and he hasn't had a

problem with that being said KL did

eventually end up preferring the bike in

the lower 825mm seat setting and in that

sense this new Himalayan is a little

less friendly than its predecessor even

though the weight is slightly less than

before this still feels like a bigger

bike than the old Himalayan and at 196

kgs it's still a good chunk heavier than

the KTM 390 Adventure or the Triumph

Scrambler 400x the good news is that

Royal Enfield will sell you an accessory

seat with less cushioning that brings

the seat height down to 805 mm Riders

shorter than 5' 8 in will probably

prefer this lower

seat

now you've already seen plenty of this

motorcycle on the internet so I'm not

going to go too much into the overall

design but I will talk about the things

that I like the round headlamp is

probably the most recognizable familiar

aspect of this motorcycle it is

essentially what you get on the super

metor but with a different mounting at

the back this windc screen does a nice

job we have to see what it's like on the

highway but out here it was really quite

nice you will get a higher version as an

accessory if you wish front fender looks

good and these nice chunk Fork

protectors look good as well you do have

a conventional mud guard out here which

will give you protection it won't let

the bike get too filthy that's a nice

practical aspect and the radiator is

protected nicely as well Royal Enfield

gives you this little guard as standard

so you would probably need to buy a

radiator guard as an accessory

underneath you have a small metal guard

here for the header pipe this is plastic

and you can buy an aluminium one as an

accessory if you wish further back the

typical Royal Enfield tank guard it

looks nice over here lots of mounting

points which I like up here you've got

standard non-adjustable levers they do

look good but I would like some

adjustability because there were times

when I was standing up and riding and I

wish the lever was a little

closer further back there is new switch

gear this is nice looking stuff it's

inspired by what came on the J series

bikes but with a different pattern you

have hazard lights out here you have a

mode switch out here for the modes and

there's a toggle button on the other end

this button allows you to access various

menus within the TF display and speaking

of this is a 4in round TF display Royal

Enfield says it's the world's first

round TFT display which integrates

Google Maps we're in an area without

Network right now so I can't show you

the map we'll overlay some footage but

essentially you use Royal enfield's

phone app which uses Google Maps data

and IT projects the map onto the screen

that's a wonderful feature because you

don't need to mount your phone there

anymore there are a few things to

consider though this display doesn't

have any 4G sim nothing like that all

the information comes from your phone

now essentially your phone is

broadcasting WIA Wi-Fi it is streaming

data it's pulling off Google Maps data

so if you keep that full map running for

a long time it drains the phone's

battery quite fast and you'll want to

keep the battery on charge there is a

little USB type-c charger out here but

if you don't want to keep your phone

exposed you can just keep it in your bag

with a power bank the new TFT will also

support things like call information and

music but the number of apps supported

is limited if you're connected via an

iOS device still this is a very

functional sort of feature and it should

be appreciated by people who like to go

on tour it also compensates for the fact

that the Himalayan otherwise keeps it

quite simple in terms of features and

you won't get things like traction

control or a quick

shifter this is my favorite aspect of

the design I love the look of this fuel

tank it serves two functions out here

it's nice and narrow which lets you get

your feet down very comfortably but up

here it's really wide when you look look

at it you feel like you're on a bigger

bike than this actually is it also holds

17 L of fuel which is better than its

competition and Royal Enfield says that

this bike could have well over 400 km of

range depending on how you ride further

back things get simpler it's the way of

Adventure bikes the front is a stylish

part the rear is the more utilitarian

part you have a nice tough grab handle

here it says Max load 5 kilos which is

quite low it will take more weight than

that but for now this says 5 kilos Max

load finally you have no brake lamp the

brakes are integrated into the

indicators like

so it's a clean looking system and this

section does remind me quite a bit of

the hunter another aspect I really like

is that the exhaust is really small and

slim The Collector box underneath there

is doing a bulk of the work and that let

Royal Enfield have a nice stylish unit

at the back at this point you're

probably wondering about the wheels

Royal Enfield will in fact be the very

first Indian manufacturer to offer cross

spoked wheels that that support tubeless

tires however these rims are still

awaiting bis homologation so for now

they're only available on the export

motorcycles hopefully they will

eventually be available in India either

on a top variant or as an accessory

speaking of variants there is only one

fully speced motorcycle for India and

it's available in five different color

patterns quality levels in general are

now at the high standard that Royal

Enfield has been achieving off late and

this bike also has some nice details

like the that new forged side stand

finish levels are good too but when you

examine the smaller details like the

bolts and fasteners used it's not quite

at the level of the new triumphs there's

also a big range of well-designed

accessories including touring seats

handguards luggage crash bars and more

Royal Enfield even has a cool looking

rally variant planned with a flat bench

seat and a more racy looking tail

section however you can't purchase these

parts as accessories and you will have

to spec the bike with them at the time

of purchase through Royal enfields

online miy

configurator the last two days with this

bike have been really wonderful there is

something romantic about riding a bike

called the Himalayan in the land of the

Himalayas and it has really excelled out

here yes it still needs to prove itself

in the real world but I have really

enjoyed riding this bike so far and I am

optimistic the new Himalayan will

replace the old 411 and that may up set

some purists in my opinion Royal Enfield

has had the biggest turnaround of any

automotive manufacturer in the last 10

years and they have truly earn the right

to start making modern and exciting

motorcycles like this but ones that also

retain their essence of pure

motorcycling those who still want the

old school re experience can buy the

scram 411 or the j- series bikes because

they will remain on sale for the long

term when it comes to the question of

character does this bike have the

character of the old bikes well if you

define character by sound and a thumping

engine no this is the least characterful

motorcycle Royal Enfield has ever made

but I like to define character as a bike

that speaks to me do I think about it

after I've ridden it do I miss riding it

do I want to ride it and the Himalayan

does tick those boxes so to me this

motorcycle does have a sense of

character of its

own finally there is a question of price

Royal Enfield will be revealing the

price at the Ryder Mania festival later

this month they haven't told us what it

is but we can make a few assumptions the

first assumption is that a 450 single

cannot be more expensive than a 650

parallel twin which means that this will

be below 3 lakh rupees the second

assumption is that I don't think Royal

Enfield is going to go crazy with

aggressive pricing like the Triumph

Speed 400 don't expect something that

crazy low however the Himalayan does

cost a fair amount less just above 2

lakh rupees and it shouldn't be a very

big step over the old motorcycle my

assumption 2.5 to 2.7 lakh rupees we

shall see but if Royal Enfield is

sensible with the pricing this bike is a

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