Royal Enfield launches radical new Himalayan 450

Royal Enfield has launched its all-new Himalayan 450, with the next-generation adventure bike set to land in Australia next year.

The Himalayan 450 was unveiled officially at EICMA, while international press got the chance to test-ride the machine a week earlier in Manali, India. 

A complete ground-up overhaul of the dual-sport adventure platform has resulted in a significant leap in performance and technology.

The Himalayan 450 is powered by a brand-new 452cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that produces a much-improved 29.44kW at 8000rpm and 40Nm at 5500rpm.

It is the first liquid-cooled motor in Royal Enfield’s current range, while the bike also benefits from a six-speed gearbox, electronic fuel injection, a 42mm throttle body, and a ride-by-wire system.

Also new for Royal Enfield is the electronics suite, which includes multiple ride modes, switchable ABS, USB charging, and a round 4-inch TFT display with integrated smartphone connectivity and Google navigation.

The chassis comprises of a steel twin-spar tubular frame held up by a 43mm upside down fork and a linkage-type monoshock, each offering 200mm travel.

And strengthening the Himalyan 450’s off-road credentials is a 21-inch front spoked wheel paired with a 17-inch rear – the same combination as its predecessor.

Other dimensions worth noting including 230mm ground clearance, a seat height that is adjustable from 825mm to 845mm (or 805mm to 825mm with the low seat option), a wet weight of 196kg, and a fuel capacity of 17-litres.

Brakes are handled by a single 320mm disc with dual-piston caliper at the front, and a single 270mm disc with single-piston caliper at the rear.

Five colour schemes are available – Hanle Black, Kamet White, Slate Himalayan Salt,
Slate Poppy Blue, and Kaza Brown.

Local pricing and availability is yet to be announced, but it will have a significant premium over the current Himalayan, which starts at $7350 ride away.