WHEN Royal Enfield first introduced the Himalayan 411cc in 2021, it marked the brand’s serious foray into the adventure motorcycle segment.
Fast forward to the present, the Himalayan 450 takes this lineage further, offering a more refined, powerful, and versatile machine for both adventure enthusiasts and daily commuters.
I had the chance to put this bike through its paces across various terrains, from highways to backroads, hilly terrains and city streets.
The Himalayan 450 retains the rugged, utilitarian design that made its predecessors iconic but with modern touches that make it stand out.
The lines are sharper, the tank is more sculpted, and the overall stance is more aggressive.
The LED headlamp, a first for the Himalayan series, adds a contemporary touch, while the updated digital instrument cluster offers all the necessary information at a glance, including a trip meter, gear indicator, and a customisable interface for different riding modes.
The bike still feels like it's built to take on the world, with a sturdy frame, high ground clearance and purposeful design elements like the front beak and minimalist bodywork.
The Himalayan 450 strikes a perfect balance between rugged adventure bike aesthetics and modern motorcycling needs.
At the heart of the Himalayan 450 is a new 452cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that significantly boosts performance over the previous models.
The engine produces around 40hp, a noticeable upgrade that allows better highway cruising and more spirited riding on backroads.
The power delivery is smooth, with enough low-end torque to tackle rough terrain or city traffic with ease.
On the highway, the Himalayan 450 feels much more at home than its predecessors.
Cruising around 110-120kph is effortless with plenty of power left for overtaking.
The bike is stable at higher speeds, thanks to the well-tuned suspension and longer wheelbase.
Even on long rides, the engine feels unstressed with minimal vibrations, making the Himalayan 450 a comfortable tourer.
One of the standout features of the Himalayan 450 is its suspension setup.
Up front, it sports long travel upside down USD forks, while the rear is handled by a monoshock with preload adjustability.
This setup is perfect for a bike designed to tackle varied terrains.
On backroads and off-road trails, the suspension soaks up bumps, potholes and uneven surfaces without a hitch.
Whether I am navigating rocky trails or simply riding on rough city roads, the bike remains composed and comfortable.
On the road to Genting Highlands where tight corners and elevation changes are frequent, the Himalayan 450 shines.
The improved suspension, coupled with a well-balanced chassis, makes cornering predictable and confidence-inspiring.
It’s not a sports bike, but for an adventure tourer, the handling is impressive.
The bike feels planted, and even on loose gravel or dirt.
The Himalayan 450 is equipped with disc brakes at both ends, paired with a dual-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS).
The braking performance is solid with good bite and progression.
The ABS is well-calibrated, intervening just enough to prevent lock-ups without being overly intrusive.
This is particularly was useful when I riding less challenging off-road, where sudden braking on loose surfaces can be tricky.
For added safety, the Himalayan 450 comes with multiple riding modes – Road, Off-Road, and Rain.
The Road mode is perfect for everyday use, offering a balanced throttle response and full ABS engagement.
Off-Road mode disables the rear ABS, allowing for more controlled slides and better handling on dirt trails.
Rain mode softens the throttle response and enhances ABS sensitivity, making it ideal for wet or slippery conditions.
As a daily commuter, the Himalayan 450 has its strengths and weaknesses.
The riding position is upright and comfortable, with a wide handlebar that offers good leverage in city traffic.
The seat, while supportive for long rides, is a bit on the firmer side for stop-and-go city commutes.
The bike’s weight, tipping the scales at around 200kg, can make it a bit cumbersome in heavy traffic or when manoeuvring in tight spaces.
It’s not a deal-breaker, but it does require some getting used to, especially for those who spend most of their time in urban environments.
Another minor gripe is the wind deflector screen, while functional could benefit from better adjustability.
Tall riders might find that it doesn’t offer adequate wind protection at highway speeds.
For those who value ruggedness, versatility and the ability to go anywhere, the RM30,600 Himalayan 450 is a worthy consideration.
It’s a motorcycle that invites you to explore the world, with the confidence that it can handle whatever challenges that come along.
SPECIFICATIONS
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
Engine: 452cc, liquid cooled, single cylinder, four valves, DOHC
Maximum power: 40hp at 8,000rpm
Maximum torque: 40Nm at 5,500rpm
Transmission: Six-speed
Suspension: Front Showa 43mm upside down, non-adjustable; rear Showa shock adjustable for preload only
Brakes: Front single 320mm disc with two-piston calliper; rear single 270mm disc with single-piston calliper
Features: Riding modes, charging point, Google Maps available on 4-inch display via the Royal Enfield app
Fuel capacity: 17 litres
Weight: 240kg
Price: RM30,600 onwards (without- insurance, road tax and number plate)
