Royal Enfield Himalayan 450: A Casual Review

Discover the all-new Himalayan 450, featuring a powerful engine, cutting-edge technology, and rugged design.

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The wait is finally over. The highly anticipated 2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 made a thunderous debut at the recent Art of Speed event, held at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park, Serdang (MAEPS).

Brought to the Malaysian market by the exclusive distributor, Didi Group, the new Himalayan 450 signifies a major leap forward for Royal Enfield.

It’s the perfect blend of ruggedness and modern technology, making the Himalayan 450 a standout choice for adventure seekers.

Boasting a powerful new liquid-cooled engine, revamped chassis, and a bold new look, the Himalayan 450 is a far cry from its predecessors.

Key highlights include the introduction of ride-by-wire technology with four riding modes, improved ground clearance, bigger brakes, full LED lighting, upgraded suspension, and a modern circular TFT display.

Available in three variants – Base, Pass, and Summit – the Himalayan 450 has generated immense excitement among adventure enthusiasts. Intrigued by the Himalayan 450’s impressive list of upgrades, I decided to see the bike for myself. 

A visit to Royal Enfield Petaling Jaya led me to Safwan, a knowledgeable salesman eager to share the details of this exciting new adventure bike. Let’s dive into the details and uncover what makes this adventure bike so special.

Adventure Meets Modernity

The Himalayan 450 is more than just a motorcycle; it’s a rugged companion designed for those who crave the open road long highway and challenging terrain.

With its robust frame and ample 17-litre fuel tank, it’s built to conquer long distances and challenging terrains. The powerful LED headlamp cuts through the darkness, ensuring riders can confidently explore even the most remote areas.

But the Himalayan 450 is not just about raw power. It’s a fusion of adventure and technology. Its standout feature is the groundbreaking TripperDash 4-inch TFT display, offering the world’s first full-map navigation on a circular screen powered by Google Maps.

It’s the perfect blend of ruggedness and modern technology, making the Himalayan 450 a standout choice for adventure seekers.

This means riders can navigate with ease, using only a simple button on the handlebar. The minimalist design of the display, combined with essential analogue information, creates a perfect balance of classic riding experience and modern convenience.

Staying connected on the go is essential, and the Himalayan 450 delivers stunningly. With a USB C-type charging port, riders can keep their devices charged up, while call and text alerts ensure they never miss important messages. 

Other than that, one clever feature I discovered is the extended hazard light function. Unlike most bikes, the Himalayan 450 allows you to activate hazard lights even after turning off the ignition.

This is incredibly useful in low-visibility conditions or when parking in precarious spots. The lights remain active for approximately not more than 10 minutes before automatically turning off, helping preserve battery life.

Sherpa Engine: The Heart of a Mountain Conqueror

The Himalayan 450’s soul lies in its newly developed ‘Sherpa’ engine. Named after the legendary high-altitude porters, the engine is designed to be as tough and resilient as its namesake. With a significant jump from 411cc to 452cc, this single-cylinder powerplant delivers a noticeable performance boost.   

A major departure from the previous air-cooled setup, the Sherpa engine is now liquid-cooled for efficient heat management.

This, combined with the increased displacement, results in impressive figures: 40 bhp and 40 Nm of torque. Compared to the previous generation’s 28 bhp, it’s clear that Royal Enfield has made a substantial leap forward in performance.

A Treasure Trove for Adventurers

The Himalayan 450 is designed for exploration. Its slip-and-assist clutch paired with a new 6-speed gearbox offers smooth shifting and effortless control. 

Riders can choose between Performance mode for an exhilarating ride or Eco mode for a more fuel-efficient journey. The bike’s ABS system can be toggled on or off for the rear wheel, providing adaptability to various riding conditions.   

ByBRE brakes provide power, while high-quality Showa fork suspension guarantees stability and control on tough terrain.

Built for off-road prowess, the Himalayan 450 boasts a 21-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel, complemented by large enduro footpegs and wide handlebars. Its steel twin-spar frame is not only stronger and stiffer but also slimmer between the legs, enhancing comfort and control when standing up on the bike.   

Comfort is paramount, and the Himalayan 450 delivers. The adjustable two-piece seat accommodates both rider and passenger, with an optional lower seat height for added accessibility.   

To ensure optimal performance and rider safety, the bike is equipped with high-quality components. Braking duties are handled by ByBRE, offering reliable stopping power with a 320mm front disc and a 270mm rear disc.

To conquer any terrain, the bike relies on a high-quality Showa suspension setup. The inverted Showa cartridge fork excels in absorbing bumps, maintaining stability, and ensuring rider confidence.

A Competitive Challenger

The 2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 enters the Malaysian adventure bike market with a price tag ranging from RM 30,600 to RM 32,200, backed by a three-year warranty. This pricing strategy positions the Himalayan 450 competitively against other mid-range adventure bikes.

With its blend of rugged design, modern technology, and a focus on off-road capability, the Himalayan 450 could potentially disrupt the segment. However, the ultimate test lies in how it performs against established rivals. 

To truly appreciate the Himalayan 450, there’s no substitute for experiencing it firsthand. Head over to Royal Enfield Petaling Jaya, located at Pacific Tower, Jalan 13/6, Section 13, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, and book a test ride.

Safwan, a knowledgeable sales representative, will be happy to walk you through the bike’s features and answer any questions you may have. Or you can get in touch with Ree, a sales executive at 60 17-604 4874

If you’re looking to explore the world of used motorcycles, we encourage you to visit our website or the Glenmarie showroom. Discover a range of pre-loved options that suit your style and budget.