ROYAL ENFIELD HIMALAYAN 450
BIG QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Or has the new liquid-cooled, more expensive Himalayan lost the appeal of the original?
WITH BIG ADVANCES in spec come big expectations – and Royal Enfield is heading into uncharted territory with the all-new Himalayan 450. It’s the Indian firm’s first bike with liquid cooling, riding modes, TFT dash and more – and it sets out to be the most versatile and off-road-capable Enfield yet.
At its heart is that all-new liquid-cooled, four-valve single-cylinder engine that, on face value, has much in common with rival Triumph’s new 400 – not least the same 40bhp peak power claim. It also comes with power modes – another Enfield ‘first’.
The Himalayan’s chassis is all-new too, and impressively boasts both quality Showa suspension and a ruggedness and potential off-road ability few rivals can match.
And all of this is being offered at typically low Enfield prices – starting at £5750.
So, is the new Himalayan not just the best value, but possibly the best lightweight adventure bike available? Time to find out as we answer the questions that matter about the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450.
COMFORT
The Himalayan is relatively well‐proportioned and roomy – or at least it is when riding solo. The solo seat is slim, low enough (and adjustable from 825-845mm), the tank’s rear is slim, and the combination of 21in front wheel, long-travel forks and high, wide-ish trail bars gives a classic and easy-to-manage ‘sit up and beg’ riding position. On the slight downside, the standard screen is very low, unadjustable, and has negligible worth. Legroom is sufficient rather than spacious.
ENGINE
All-new 452cc single has a fairly long stroke, which is good for low‐down pull and flexibility but still happily revs to over 8000rpm. Ride-by-wire throttle enables what Royal Enfield claims is four riding modes, but realistically there are only two: Eco and Performance, both with or without rear ABS. Going by previous behaviour, expect to see this engine in a whole range of other Royal Enfields soon.
DASH
At first glance the 4in round TFT display seems pretty basic but there are two themes, Bluetooth connectivity to phone and music and, via the Royal Enfield app, full map navigation. There’s also Royal Enfield’s latest switchgear and a USB-C charge socket on the left.
CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION
Extra ruggedness is added to the steel perimeter frame by way of tubular steel luggage carrier/crash bars at the front and rear carrier/grab handles. All that steel, including pegs and mainstand, explains its relatively hefty wei
