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Published in: Bikes
In an ADV market where bikes are getting more complex and expensive, Royal Enfield’s new Himalayan is something to write about. The value offering continues to grow the more you experience this bike as it packs quite a punch with this all-new version of the model first released in 2016. From the reduced 399lb dry weight to the, increased displacement and low seat height (31.7 inches) to the long list of stock bells and whistles, it’s a remarkable set of improvements not seen from any manufacturer in recent ADV history.
I first rode the original version of the Himalayan only last year - but I went all in, riding it for a full week in Royal Enfield’s Himalayan Adventure Zanskar 2023. It’s an unbelievable ride experience anyone who loves mountains should check out. During that time, I got to experience the heart this little bike had in excess - bopping upwards for thousands and thousands of feet - keeping on two wheels despite the dusty hairpins, rocky cliffs, and whatever else the mountains could throw at us. So, when I got on this new version outside Heber City, Utah earlier this week, I expected much of the same; a confident little bike that would be fun to ride - if not a tad underpowered.
But Royal Enfield, like the mountains, had other plans. From the start, this bike’s looks are a more modern and handsome version of its former self. There will always be a love for the retro-mod styling of the original generation, but the new version looks sharper and sportier. It got a haircut (improved styling all round), lost weight and been to the gym, picking up an extra 16 horsepower and a 25% increase in torque over the first generation.
The suspension is much improved over the first iteration of this bike. It’s now stiffer and sportier to ride on-road, and more comfortable off-road. The turn in is quicker and steering is very predictable. More aggressive off-road oriented riders might choose to make their own additional improvements to the stock suspension set up, but it should be fine for most riders. The 21- and 17-inch stock tires are basically street tires and would definitely recommend they get swapped for some dual sport skins if planning to ride in soft stuff.
The entire backend is vastly improved over the original iteration of the Himalayan and the new air-box placement under the tank changes makes water crossing less worrisome and moves the weight distribution to lower down on the chassis. Actually, everything has been reconfigured from scratch and only shadows of the previous generation remain. For a more in-depth technical review of the new Himalayan 450 and its updates, check out the review and specs HERE.
{youtube}MfDb-qpBxaE{/youtube}
But this bike has a more sophisticated attitude as well. Rather than bumping along happily like the first version, this bike wants to be pushed and be ridden to its performance edge. Hard braking is accomplished more easily with new Brembo “ByBre” brakes mated to a switchable ABS system. Powering through turns is a laugh with the new more powerful six-speed Sherpa 450 motor mated to a ride-by-wire system and selectable rider (power delivery) modes.
There’s also more room to learn and make mistakes as the rugged build and neutral handling inspires confidence. Miss a shift? No problem. Even though it’s a single cylinder engine, it almost feels like a multi-cylinder configuration as it doesn’t lug at low rpms like most singles. The Sherpa 450 motor needs to be ridden to appreciate its versatility and will be interesting to see how it compares to other popular engines in the segment.
Highway miles have turned from a chore into smiles as the bike quickly gets to speed and can pass those large tractor trailers seen on some Utah highways. I unofficially hit 95 miles an hour trying to catch up to a group. At the same time, you can cruise comfortably between 70 and 75mph which would have been previously impossible.
Most notably, the all new four-inch customizable, easy to read TFT tripper gauge allows for easy app connection to your phone for necessities. It can display navigation, control of your audio inputs, phone notifications and bike service updates alongside your standard dash information. All of this can be controlled by a joystick on the left control switch and is a feature set commonly found on much more expensive bikes. Also, all the lighting is now full LED from head to tail!
For those seeking a more off-road oriented model, consider the Rally kit, which comes with a one-piece seat and matching rear plastics that allows for better positioning in off-road conditions and pair it with the soft bag accessories more oriented to dirt riding.
So, we’ve established that this bike has improved in looks, engineering, and soul, which then begs the question: Who should consider the new Himalayan 450? This bike should become a serious contender for a wider range of buyers than the previous version.
Existing ADV riders looking to downsize or simplify should definitely check this out. The new 450cc category of bikes emerging in 2024 and 2025 should hit a sweet spot many riders are looking for. At a quarter or third of the cost of a much larger bike, I’d argue you can have at least 80% of the same fun that those bikes can give you. Maybe more in some ways. And this bike benefits significantly from the ‘kick it straight on the side of the road’ mentality; as demonstrated by this rider’s experimentation with shift pedal placement. Although a few of the riders went down during the test ride, the bikes could simply just be picked up, straightened out and ridden again. The stock upper crash bars not only continue the Himalayan styling cues, but they actually work. Lower crash bars are also available.
Those with a shorter inseam who feel they need to get at least one foot on the ground solidly can consider this bike with the low seat option the seat height comes in at under 32 inches. If you’re taller, it’s no problem. There are taller seat options which include a one-piece rally seat.
What other bike would you feel confident grabbing a rock and tapping a pedal back into place on? This Himmy seemed not to mind the rock-meets-shifter experience and plowed on ahead after getting “readjusted” back into place. None of the bikes which were dropped went out of commission from fall damage, which is a testament to its adventure-oriented design.
For all the possible riders, who might also be considering the KTM 390 Adventure, CFMoto Ibex MT 450, Triumph Scrambler 400 or the Honda CB500X - this bike should be lined up alongside those options and given due consideration. Except for KTM’s 390 Adventure, which is now in need of an update, we haven’t had a chance to ride the others. Both the 390 Adventure and CB500X have proven track records and are closest in terms of specs. The MT 450 looks cool and is also well featured but is simply unproven and it may take years to establish a meaningful reliability and service history. Triumph’s Scrambler 400 X has different size wheels and is a fully naked, but the price is right and style may appeal to some riders. We hope to hear more about the latter two models soon. Comparing specs is one thing, but we always recommend riding, or at least sitting on, any bike you plan to buy.
For those of you interested, the Himalayan 450 comes in five color options; Kaza Brown retailing at $5,799, Slate Himalayan Salt and Slate Poppy Blue both retailing for $5,899, Hanle Black (a metallic black with with gold detailing and gold rims) retailing at $5,999 Also launching soon in tubeless versions are both Kamet White and Hanle Black for $6,099. Pre-orders are being taken now for late September delivery.
With an attractive and well-rounded set of features at an affordable price, the new Himalayan 450 will appeal to riders of all types and experience levels. The only question is… where would you take it?
As of this writing, new units are arriving on showroom floors. For more information on the new Himalayan 450 or to find a local dealer, please visit RoyalEnfield.com.
$5,799 - $6,099
Continue reading...
In an ADV market where bikes are getting more complex and expensive, Royal Enfield’s new Himalayan is something to write about. The value offering continues to grow the more you experience this bike as it packs quite a punch with this all-new version of the model first released in 2016. From the reduced 399lb dry weight to the, increased displacement and low seat height (31.7 inches) to the long list of stock bells and whistles, it’s a remarkable set of improvements not seen from any manufacturer in recent ADV history.
I first rode the original version of the Himalayan only last year - but I went all in, riding it for a full week in Royal Enfield’s Himalayan Adventure Zanskar 2023. It’s an unbelievable ride experience anyone who loves mountains should check out. During that time, I got to experience the heart this little bike had in excess - bopping upwards for thousands and thousands of feet - keeping on two wheels despite the dusty hairpins, rocky cliffs, and whatever else the mountains could throw at us. So, when I got on this new version outside Heber City, Utah earlier this week, I expected much of the same; a confident little bike that would be fun to ride - if not a tad underpowered.
But Royal Enfield, like the mountains, had other plans. From the start, this bike’s looks are a more modern and handsome version of its former self. There will always be a love for the retro-mod styling of the original generation, but the new version looks sharper and sportier. It got a haircut (improved styling all round), lost weight and been to the gym, picking up an extra 16 horsepower and a 25% increase in torque over the first generation.
• Himalayan 450 Performance and Handling
The suspension is much improved over the first iteration of this bike. It’s now stiffer and sportier to ride on-road, and more comfortable off-road. The turn in is quicker and steering is very predictable. More aggressive off-road oriented riders might choose to make their own additional improvements to the stock suspension set up, but it should be fine for most riders. The 21- and 17-inch stock tires are basically street tires and would definitely recommend they get swapped for some dual sport skins if planning to ride in soft stuff.
The entire backend is vastly improved over the original iteration of the Himalayan and the new air-box placement under the tank changes makes water crossing less worrisome and moves the weight distribution to lower down on the chassis. Actually, everything has been reconfigured from scratch and only shadows of the previous generation remain. For a more in-depth technical review of the new Himalayan 450 and its updates, check out the review and specs HERE.
{youtube}MfDb-qpBxaE{/youtube}
But this bike has a more sophisticated attitude as well. Rather than bumping along happily like the first version, this bike wants to be pushed and be ridden to its performance edge. Hard braking is accomplished more easily with new Brembo “ByBre” brakes mated to a switchable ABS system. Powering through turns is a laugh with the new more powerful six-speed Sherpa 450 motor mated to a ride-by-wire system and selectable rider (power delivery) modes.
There’s also more room to learn and make mistakes as the rugged build and neutral handling inspires confidence. Miss a shift? No problem. Even though it’s a single cylinder engine, it almost feels like a multi-cylinder configuration as it doesn’t lug at low rpms like most singles. The Sherpa 450 motor needs to be ridden to appreciate its versatility and will be interesting to see how it compares to other popular engines in the segment.
Highway miles have turned from a chore into smiles as the bike quickly gets to speed and can pass those large tractor trailers seen on some Utah highways. I unofficially hit 95 miles an hour trying to catch up to a group. At the same time, you can cruise comfortably between 70 and 75mph which would have been previously impossible.
• Himalayan 450 Features, Ergonomics and Riders
Royal Enfield also adds some nice features to the new Himalayan as well. Some unique touches are the new mounting system for the footpegs which ensures sitting comfort but the footpeg’s rigid teeth then lock into place when you stand. The bars are at a comfortable height for sitting or standing for most riders and the windscreen gives you a bit of protection for its size.
Most notably, the all new four-inch customizable, easy to read TFT tripper gauge allows for easy app connection to your phone for necessities. It can display navigation, control of your audio inputs, phone notifications and bike service updates alongside your standard dash information. All of this can be controlled by a joystick on the left control switch and is a feature set commonly found on much more expensive bikes. Also, all the lighting is now full LED from head to tail!
For those seeking a more off-road oriented model, consider the Rally kit, which comes with a one-piece seat and matching rear plastics that allows for better positioning in off-road conditions and pair it with the soft bag accessories more oriented to dirt riding.
So, we’ve established that this bike has improved in looks, engineering, and soul, which then begs the question: Who should consider the new Himalayan 450? This bike should become a serious contender for a wider range of buyers than the previous version.
Existing ADV riders looking to downsize or simplify should definitely check this out. The new 450cc category of bikes emerging in 2024 and 2025 should hit a sweet spot many riders are looking for. At a quarter or third of the cost of a much larger bike, I’d argue you can have at least 80% of the same fun that those bikes can give you. Maybe more in some ways. And this bike benefits significantly from the ‘kick it straight on the side of the road’ mentality; as demonstrated by this rider’s experimentation with shift pedal placement. Although a few of the riders went down during the test ride, the bikes could simply just be picked up, straightened out and ridden again. The stock upper crash bars not only continue the Himalayan styling cues, but they actually work. Lower crash bars are also available.
Those with a shorter inseam who feel they need to get at least one foot on the ground solidly can consider this bike with the low seat option the seat height comes in at under 32 inches. If you’re taller, it’s no problem. There are taller seat options which include a one-piece rally seat.
What other bike would you feel confident grabbing a rock and tapping a pedal back into place on? This Himmy seemed not to mind the rock-meets-shifter experience and plowed on ahead after getting “readjusted” back into place. None of the bikes which were dropped went out of commission from fall damage, which is a testament to its adventure-oriented design.
• Himalayan 450 Comparison and Conclusion
For all the possible riders, who might also be considering the KTM 390 Adventure, CFMoto Ibex MT 450, Triumph Scrambler 400 or the Honda CB500X - this bike should be lined up alongside those options and given due consideration. Except for KTM’s 390 Adventure, which is now in need of an update, we haven’t had a chance to ride the others. Both the 390 Adventure and CB500X have proven track records and are closest in terms of specs. The MT 450 looks cool and is also well featured but is simply unproven and it may take years to establish a meaningful reliability and service history. Triumph’s Scrambler 400 X has different size wheels and is a fully naked, but the price is right and style may appeal to some riders. We hope to hear more about the latter two models soon. Comparing specs is one thing, but we always recommend riding, or at least sitting on, any bike you plan to buy.
For those of you interested, the Himalayan 450 comes in five color options; Kaza Brown retailing at $5,799, Slate Himalayan Salt and Slate Poppy Blue both retailing for $5,899, Hanle Black (a metallic black with with gold detailing and gold rims) retailing at $5,999 Also launching soon in tubeless versions are both Kamet White and Hanle Black for $6,099. Pre-orders are being taken now for late September delivery.
With an attractive and well-rounded set of features at an affordable price, the new Himalayan 450 will appeal to riders of all types and experience levels. The only question is… where would you take it?
As of this writing, new units are arriving on showroom floors. For more information on the new Himalayan 450 or to find a local dealer, please visit RoyalEnfield.com.
MSRP:
$5,799 - $6,099
PROS:
- Upgraded six-speed engine that includes an impressive torque profile, a desire to be pushed and ability to respond
- Great price point (smiles per dollar ratio)
- Improved styling, with a profile that makes it easier to ride (better ergonomics) and much better looking, without losing the connection with the original Himalayan
- Sportier handling and riding position
- Well over 200 miles range with four-gallon tank
- Will likely have strong global aftermarket support
- High-tech features without the price (TFT screen with smartphone integration, ride by wire, switchable ABS, all LED lighting to name a few)
CONS:
- Suspension has been greatly improved, but could still use some further tweaks
- Get better tires if you plan to ride off pavement
- Set of bar risers may improve ergonomics for taller riders
- Rock bashers may want a heavier skid-plate
Continue reading...
