Looking for an adventure motorcycle that doesn’t cost the earth to buy, run and insure? One with sensible proportions, power and weight? But one that still delivers on ability and fun? Could be the new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is just the job.
Launched in Europe at last November’s big EICMA bike show, this is the second generation Himalayan with a brand new engine. For the first time Royal Enfield has gone to liquid-cooling for the engine which, it says, allows much tighter tolerances, better gas flow through the four-valve cylinder head and increased compression ratio.
That higher state of tune delivers 39.5bhp, up from the old 410’s 24bhp, but still has an emphasis on tractability. That’s a soft, predictable power delivery that makes an on/off road motorcycle so much easier and fun to ride.
There’s also a new six-speed gearbox, one ratio more than the previous model, and the engine breathes through a ride-by-wire intake, allowing multiple riding modes, and catalysed exhaust to meet the latest Euro5+ emissions rules.
It’s still recognisable as a Himalayan but sleeker and more modern, said to be the result of guidance from British design boss Mark Wells.
Underneath, there’s still a steel tube frame, but up front it’s fitted with upside down 43mm forks offering 200mm of travel that’s matched by that of the rising-rate monoshock at the rear.
Despite its off-road style and long-travel suspension with 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, the 2024 Himalayan has a just-about accessible seat height of 825mm, adjustable to 845mm, with a special low seat option available bringing it down to 805mm.
There’s full map navigation and phone connectivity on the dash – a circular, colour TFT – and new bar controls including a joystick.
But what also stands out is the price. The base model comes in at £5,750, going up to £5850 for the mid-spec ‘Pass’ trim and £6300 for the top-of-the-range ‘Summit’.
