A test mule of Royal Enfield's upcoming 450 cc adventure bike has been spotted for the first time, undergoing test runs on public roads. The new Himalayan 450 is based on an all-new platform, including a new 450 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that will produce around 40 bhp. The latest spy shots reveal fat upside down forks with what we estimate to be at least 200 mm travel, and will come kitted out with a 21-inch front wheel, 17-inch rear wheel combination and will come with new styling to differentiate it from the current Himalayan 411.
Also Read: Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Reportedly In The Works
The Himalayan 450 looks sleeker and taller than the current Himalayan 411 (pictured above)
The new Himalayan 450 also has distinctive design changes over the current Himalayan 411. The face looks sleeker and sharper, although the round headlight is retained. There's a short windscreen, split seats, upswept side-mounted exhaust and spoked wheels. There's also that signature "beak" up front, with a half front mudguard. There's just one spy shot available currently as Royal Enfield looks to step up testing of the upcoming Himalayan 450 on public roads, but we expect to see more glances of the upcoming ADV popping up every now and then.
The new Himalayan 450 will obviously be a more performance-oriented motorcycle than the current Himalayan 411, but it seems launch is still some time away. Prices are expected to be between Rs. 2.7 - 3 lakh when the new bike is launched, sometime in the first half of 2023.Once launched, the new Himalayan 450 will take on adventure touring motorcycles like the KTM 390 Adventure and BMW G 310 GS.
Also Read: Royal Enfield Himalayan Scram 411 Review
The Royal Enfield Himalayan Scram 411 is a more affordable and accessible model in the current Himalayan family.
At this point of time, it's not clear if the new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 will replace the current Himalayan 411 or exist alongside in Royal Enfield's product portfolio. Conventional logic says the new Himalayan 450 will be a new, and more modern and performance-oriented replacement for the current Himalayan 411. What could be retained, at least for another couple of years, is the recently launched Royal Enfield Himalayan Scram 411, which will offer a more accessible and affordable model in the Himalayan family.
(Spy shot source: Powerdrift)
