Royal Enfield unveiled its highly anticipated motorcycle, the Himalayan 450, during the Motoverse 2023 event in Goa, India. The launch marked a significant moment for enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the latest offering from the renowned motorcycle manufacturer.
Pricing and Availability
At the event, Royal Enfield’s CEO Siddharth Lal revealed that the Himalayan 450 would be priced at Rs 2.69 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) for the base variant, with the top variant, Hanley Black, available at Rs 2.84 lakh. The motorcycle is scheduled to hit the European and UK markets in March 2024, priced at 5,900 euros and 5,750 pounds, respectively.
Inspiration from Bruce Lee
During his speech, Lal shared insights into the decision to overhaul the Himalayan, citing inspiration from martial arts legend Bruce Lee. Lal highlighted Lee’s influence in redefining the concept of an action hero, contrasting traditional portrayals with Lee’s agile and versatile persona. Similarly, Royal Enfield aimed to position the new Himalayan as a formidable contender in the adventure touring segment, challenging established models like the BMW GS 1300 and Kawasaki Versys 1000.
Key Features and Variants
The Himalayan 450 offers three variants at launch – Base, Pass, and Summit – each available in a range of vibrant color options. Its design embodies modern ruggedness, featuring a new LED headlight, redesigned fuel tank, windscreen, and LED indicators.
Engine and Technological Advancements
Powered by an all-new single-cylinder liquid-cooled 452cc engine, codenamed Sherpa 450, the Himalayan 450 marks Royal Enfield’s foray into liquid-cooled engines. Embracing modernity, the motorcycle boasts a full-color TFT display, screen mirroring, and Google Maps support.
Performance and Riding Modes
With a power output of 40 bhp at 8,000rpm and peak torque of 40 Nm at 5,500rpm, the Himalayan 450 offers a dynamic riding experience. Riders can choose between two primary riding modes – Eco and Performance – with the option to toggle rear ABS settings in both modes.
The launch of the Himalayan 450 signifies Royal Enfield’s commitment to innovation and excellence, catering to the evolving needs of adventure enthusiasts while honoring the spirit of legendary icons like Bruce Lee.
