The New Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

We at Onyabike Adventures are dedicated Royal Enfield enthusiasts. The Himalayan is the only iron horse in our stable, and for good reason: It’s the perfect adventure bike for Vietnam, and for much of Asia in general. Not only is it the perfect hybrid bike for city, countryside, and offroad ventures, it’s a sexy beast as well. Its gearing, seating, power, and design leave little to desire when it comes to an adventure bike.

The previous Royal Enfield Himalayan sported a 411cc engine, which was plenty for our needs. The new 450cc version brings more oomph to the throttle, but that’s not all. Plenty of other upgrades have gone into the new Himalayan, and we’re quite pleased with them. The seating, for example, is exceptionally comfortable and adjustable. There’s plenty more.

Our intrepid guide Hawk had the opportunity to ride one of the new Himalayan 450’s during a venture to Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, and a solid couple of days to see what it can do. You’ll see his comments distributed throughout the rest of this article. To give you a taste, he said this: “I was blown away. I wasn’t expecting such an amazing bike. They really polished it up, which is the opposite of the Royal Enfield reputation. Royal Enfield has upped their game.”

Royal Enfield has always had more of a rugged air about them than many other motorcycle companies, which has helped keep price points reasonable while combining style and functionality. But the new 450 is a real head-turner.  It seamlessly blends modern features with classic charm, making it a true expression of the Royal Enfield legacy while representing a step forward to the next level. If you’re looking for a head-turner that’s a blast to drive, this is it.

Get ready to explore new horizons with the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 — the ultimate adventure partner that promises to deliver a seamless ride and unparalleled performance, no matter where the road takes you.

Key Features and Specifications

The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 boasts an array of impressive features and specifications that set it apart from the competition. Let’s take a closer look at what this adventure motorcycle has to offer. Full specs can be found at the bottom of the article.

With a powerful 450cc engine, the Himalayan 450 delivers an impressive performance on both on-road and off-road terrains. Its power-to-weight ratio ensures a thrilling ride, while the fuel-efficient design allows for longer journeys without frequent refueling.

The suspension system of the Himalayan 450 is designed to handle the toughest of terrains. The front telescopic forks and rear monoshock suspension provide excellent stability and control, allowing riders to navigate through uneven surfaces with ease. The high ground clearance further enhances its off-road capabilities, ensuring that no obstacle stands in your way.

One of the standout features of the Himalayan 450 is its comfortable seating position and ergonomic controls. The upright riding posture reduces strain on the body, making it ideal for long rides. The well-designed handlebars and footpegs offer a relaxed riding experience, allowing riders to focus on the adventure ahead. And the adjustable seat makes for a comfortable riding experience for riders of any height.

Design and Aesthetics

The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is a head-turner with its sleek and aggressive design. Indeed, as Hawk said, “Everywhere I went, people wanted to stop and look at the bike.” The fact that it comes in multiple color schemes is a bonus that allows it to suit all tastes.

It features a rugged and muscular stance that exudes confidence and adventure. The dual-purpose tires, spoked wheels, and high-mounted exhaust add to its off-road appeal.

The minimalist yet functional design elements of the Himalayan 450 are a testament to the attention to detail. The LED headlights and taillights provide excellent visibility, while the high-mounted front fender offers protection from mud and debris. The large windscreen helps deflect wind and enhances the overall riding experience.

The Himalayan 450 is available in a range of 5 color schemes, allowing riders to choose a style that matches their personality. Additionally, a large display screen can come at an additional cost, which can accurately display Google Maps. This is a major technological upgrade over previous versions and having an actually usable display screen is a real step up. The screen connects to your phone, allowing for tech that’s a major step up from before. Combined with a USB type C charging point, your phone won’t run out of batteries so you can have your navigation systems on point at all times.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance and handling, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 truly shines. The robust 450cc engine delivers ample power and torque, ensuring smooth acceleration and effortless overtaking. Whether you’re cruising on the highway or conquering challenging off-road trails, the Himalayan 450 offers a responsive and exhilarating ride.

An interesting option on the Himalayan 450 is the switchability of ABS — meaning simply you can turn it on or off. The wide handlebars and well-weighted steering offer precise control and maneuverability, making it easy to navigate through tight corners and unpredictable terrains. The combination of power, stability, and handling makes the Himalayan 450 a joy to ride in any condition.

Hawk got the opportunity to open up the bike on some of Jaipur’s best roads. As he explained, “I got to around 120-130 km/h, and felt like I had around 10% left.”

Dealing with both city and adventure riding was no issue either. As Hawk put it, “The bike was super maneuverable in the city. The bike felt lighter than the Himalayan 411, even in stupidly busy traffic where you’re weaving in and out of traffic all the time. The acceleration was smooth — not twitchy or laggy — and the gear ratios felt just right, especially with the new sixth gear. It also handled bumps and sand dunes admirably as it had just enough torque to dig itself out of sand dunes.”

One of the highlights of Hawk’s trip was a drive up a mountain outside of Jaipur, following the northern route down to the famous Nahagarh Fort. The twists, turns, and views from the journey made a ride that rivals Vietnam’s Hai Van Pass, Hawk said. As to those twists and turns, he added, “The bike handled the turns like it was on rails.”

In addition to switchable ABS, the bike features sport or economy mode for when you want to let it rip or be reasonable.

Lastly, depending on the weight of the pillion rider, the 450 may not be the ideal bike for two in bumpy environments, said Hawk. But since he didn’t have the chance to test it out, it’s a guess for now.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Long rides can be exhausting, but not with the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. This adventure motorcycle is designed with rider comfort in mind. The spacious and well-padded seat provides excellent support, ensuring a fatigue-free journey. The rear seat is also comfortable, allowing for a pillion rider to join in on the adventure.

The ergonomics of the Himalayan 450 are carefully crafted to reduce strain on the body. The upright riding position and well-positioned footpegs offer a relaxed posture, reducing discomfort during long hours on the saddle. Additionally, the windscreen effectively deflects wind, reducing fatigue caused by wind resistance.

As Hawk described, “The seat is super comfortable, and the bike is overall incredibly comfortable. Somehow it feels lighter and lower than the Himalayan 411, even though it isn’t. It’s simply easier to ride. Something about the dimensions and weight have been improved.”

Off-Road Capabilities

The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is built to conquer the most challenging off-road terrains. Its high ground clearance and sturdy suspension system allow it to tackle rocks, gravel, and uneven surfaces with ease. The dual-purpose tires provide excellent traction, ensuring stability on both wet and dry surfaces.

The off-road prowess of the Himalayan 450 is further enhanced by its nimble handling and excellent maneuverability. Whether you’re navigating through narrow trails or crossing streams, this adventure motorcycle will inspire confidence and keep you in control.

While you wouldn’t want to use the Himalayan 450 to cross the Sahara, the bike is perfectly suited for any adventure riding in Asia — no surprise, since that’s exactly what it’s designed for.

Maintenance and Servicing

Owning a Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is not just about the thrilling rides, but also about the hassle-free ownership experience. Royal Enfield has an extensive network of service centers, ensuring that maintenance and servicing are convenient and accessible. The durable build and quality components of the Himalayan 450 also contribute to its low maintenance requirements.

Regular servicing and proper care will ensure that your Himalayan 450 remains in optimal condition for years to come. The user-friendly design and accessible components make it easy to perform routine maintenance tasks, allowing riders to spend more time on the road and less time in the workshop.

Comparisons with Other Adventure Motorcycles

In a market filled with adventure motorcycles, how does the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 fare against the competition? Let’s compare it with some popular alternatives.

The Himalayan 450 stands out with its competitive price point, making it an attractive option for riders looking for adventure on a budget. Its powerful engine, off-road capabilities, and comfortable ergonomics make it a strong contender, even when compared to higher-priced models.

While other motorcycles may offer more advanced features or higher top speeds, the Himalayan 450 excels in its simplicity and reliability. It’s a motorcycle that is built to withstand the test of time and conquer any terrain with ease.

As Hawk explained, he wouldn’t have been surprised to hear the bike had been built by higher-end manufacturers like BMW or Honda. Royal Enfield has upped their game and We count ourselves truly impressed.

Conclusion: Is the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Worth Buying?

If you’re an adventure enthusiast looking for a reliable and versatile motorcycle, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is definitely worth considering. Its powerful performance, rugged design, and comfortable ergonomics make it an ideal companion for long rides and off-road adventures.

The Himalayan 450 offers an exceptional value proposition, combining affordability with impressive features and specifications. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, this adventure motorcycle will inspire confidence and open up a world of possibilities.

Embrace the spirit of adventure and take the road less traveled with the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450.

If reading this has turned your wanderlust gears a bit, be sure to check out our adventure riding options in Vietnam. Vietnam offers some of the best motorcycle adventure riding roads in the world and thrilling scenery and culture to boot, which is why Onyabike Adventures has chosen to call it home.

Want to learn more? Reach out to us to discuss a trip or check out our offerings and we’ll get the conversation started. It may just be the most fun you’ve ever had.