Royal Enfield's Latest Model, the Himalayan 450, Spotted in New Spy Shots

The Royal Enfield Himalayan has become a popular choice for adventure enthusiasts in India due to its rugged build, comfortable ride, and impressive performance. It has gained a loyal following among riders who seek to explore the country's diverse terrains.

Royal Enfield is planning to introduce a new range of 450cc motorcycles, starting with the Himalayan 450, followed by the Scram 450 at a later date. These bikes will be positioned above the existing 411cc Himalayan and Scram lineup. The new 450cc platform is currently in the final stages of testing.

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

To conceal its forthcoming motorcycle, Royal Enfield has utilized hard cladding instead of traditional wraps or soft cladding. Apart from this unique aspect, there are many other innovative features associated with this highly anticipated motorcycle.

The Himalayan 450 will be the initial single-cylinder motorcycle from the manufacturer to include several advancements, including LED headlights, LED turn signals, upside-down (USD) front forks, and a fully digital instrument cluster. These features are absent from Royal Enfield's other 350cc and 411cc bikes.

Additionally, the Himalayan 450 will be the first single-cylinder motorcycle with a liquid-cooled engine and is rumored to have a six-speed transmission, representing a significant first in terms of powertrain technology.

Royal Enfield is expected to forego certain features, such as ride-by-wire, slip and assist clutch, and quick shifter, in order to maintain a reasonable price point for their latest motorcycle. However, it's highly likely that the bike will come equipped with dual-channel ABS that allows the rider to switch off the functionality of the rear wheel. The fully digital instrument cluster may include built-in navigation and Bluetooth capabilities, which eliminates the need for a separate Tripper screen.

Other noticeable features on the test mule include a large radiator at the front, high-end switchgear, a new sump guard, removable rubber-coated off-road foot pegs, and a new brake fluid reservoir. Unlike Jawa Adventure, Royal Enfield is not incorporating fins on the engine to evoke a retro feel. Overall, the test model appears to be ready for production.

Engine details

Although specific details about the new 450cc engine are not yet available, it's expected to generate around 35 bhp of power and 40 Nm of torque. The rider's triangle is ergonomically designed, with an upright riding position that is comfortable for extended periods. Standing and riding should also be effortless.

The addition of a rumored sixth gear would offer improved efficiency during longer rides, allowing the bike to maintain high vehicle speeds at lower engine speeds.

The front windshield appears to provide reasonable wind protection, and the seats seem to be adequately comfortable. While wire-spoke wheels with tubeless tires would have been preferable, they are not included. The wheel sizes may be similar to those of the 411 Himalayan, with a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear.

Price details

The expected price for the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is around Rs. 2.5 lakh, with the launch anticipated in early 2024.