The 450cc liquid-cooled engine on Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is expected to develop 35 bhp power and 40 Nm torque
Royal Enfield is expanding its portfolio to include a new 450cc lineup. The first of which is likely to be Himalayan 450, followed by Scram 450 at a later date. Both these motorcycles will sit above the current 411cc Himalayan and Scram lineup. Royal Enfield’s new 450cc platform is likely to be in final testing stages.
This new 450cc motor will throw powerful jabs against fast-paced rivals like BMW G 310 GS and current 390 Adventure and upcoming 2024 KTM 390 Adventure. Another rival will be the upcoming Hero Xpulse 420. Recent spy shots reveal most of the componentry and hardware offered by Royal Enfield. Let’s take a look.
The beefy Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
After Classic 350 Bobber test mules, we get to witness Himalayan 450 testing as well. For starters, Royal Enfield has used hard cladding instead of wraps or soft cladding to camouflage its upcoming motorcycle. It reminds me of creative improv masks from Covid-19 pandemic era. Except for that, there are a lot of firsts associated with this upcoming motorcycle.
Himalayan 450 is the first single-cylinder motorcycle from the company to get LED headlights, LED turn indicators, USD front forks, and a fully digital instrument cluster among others. Other 350cc and 411cc motorcycles from Royal Enfield miss out on these features. In terms of powertrain-related firsts, Himalayan 450 will be the first single-cylinder bike to get a liquid-cooling setup and rumoured to get a 6-speed gearbox.
To keep costs in check, Royal Enfield is unlikely to offer ride-by-wire, slip and assist clutch, quick shifter and the likes. That said, dual-channel ABS with switchable functionality at the rear wheel is highly probable. Allowing fast-paced rear wheel turns and associated fun. The fully digital instrument cluster can get navigation and Bluetooth functionality built-in, negating the need for a Tripper screen.
A large radiator at front, upmarket switchgear, a new sump guard, grippy off-road foot pegs with removable rubber, and a new brake fluid reservoir are notable elements. Royal Enfield isn’t offering fins on the engine for the retro vibe as Jawa Adventure does. The test mule looks production ready.
Performance, handling, price, rivals
Exact figures for the new 450cc engine are not yet out. 35 bhp of power and 40 Nm of torque are likely figures. Rider’s triangle is fairly comfortable with an upright riding position. Standing and riding should be easy as well. The rumoured sixth gear will offer better long-leggedness, sitting at lower engine speeds at higher vehicle speeds.
The front wiser looks like it offers decent wind protection, and seats look comfy enough as well. We would have liked wire-spoke wheels with tubeless tires. But that is not the case. Front 19” and rear 17” wheel sizes could be similar to Himalayan 411 as well. Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 prices could be around Rs. 2.5 lakh. Launch expected early next year.
Source: Bike - rushlane.com
