The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 has created a buzz among adventure riders in 2025. With a brand-new 452cc liquid-cooled engine, better highway performance, and improved off-road capabilities, it’s a significant upgrade over the previous Himalayan 411.
But is it really worth buying? Does it live up to the hype? In this detailed breakdown, we’ll go over the pros and cons of the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 to help you decide if it’s the right adventure bike for you.
🔍 Royal Enfield Himalayan 450: Quick Overview
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 452cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled |
| Power Output | 40 HP @ 8,000 RPM |
| Torque | 40 Nm @ 5,500 RPM |
| Transmission | 6-speed gearbox with slipper clutch |
| Mileage | 30-35 km/l (70-82 MPG) |
| Top Speed | ~150 km/h (93 mph) |
| Front Wheel | 21-inch spoked wheel |
| Weight | ~190 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17L |
| Seat Height | 825 mm (adjustable) |
Now, let’s explore its advantages and drawbacks in detail.
✅ Pros of the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
1️⃣ More Powerful & Refined Engine
The Himalayan 450’s liquid-cooled engine is a big step up from the old air-cooled 411cc motor. With 40 HP and 40 Nm of torque, the bike delivers:
✔ Stronger acceleration for highway and off-road riding
✔ Better power distribution across different speeds
✔ Less engine heating thanks to liquid cooling
➡ Verdict: More power means easier highway cruising and better off-road control.
2️⃣ Higher Top Speed & Better Highway Performance
The older Himalayan 411 struggled at highway speeds, but the Himalayan 450 easily cruises at 110-120 km/h (68-75 mph), with a top speed of around 150 km/h (93 mph).
➡ Verdict: A great improvement for riders who love long-distance touring.
3️⃣ Excellent Fuel Efficiency for an ADV Bike
Despite the power increase, the Himalayan 450 delivers impressive mileage:
✔ 30-35 km/l (70-82 MPG) in real-world conditions
✔ Large 17L fuel tank, giving a range of 500-550 km (310-340 miles)
➡ Verdict: Great for adventure riders who want long-range capability.
4️⃣ Upgraded Suspension & Off-Road Capabilities
The 21-inch front wheel, long-travel suspension, and high ground clearance make it one of the best off-road motorcycles in its segment. It handles:
✔ Gravel, mud, and rough terrain with ease
✔ Better stability on trails than many competitors like the KTM 390 Adventure
➡ Verdict: If you’re looking for a rugged adventure bike, this one’s a winner.
5️⃣ More Modern Features & Technology
The Himalayan 450 comes with a new TFT instrument cluster featuring:
✔ Turn-by-turn Tripper Navigation
✔ Bluetooth connectivity for calls and music
✔ Full LED lighting for better visibility
➡ Verdict: Offers modern tech while still keeping the classic adventure feel.
❌ Cons of the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
1️⃣ Heavier Than Some Rivals
At ~190 kg, the Himalayan 450 is heavier than the KTM 390 Adventure (172 kg), which could make it:
❌ Less agile on technical off-road trails
❌ More challenging for shorter riders in stop-and-go traffic
➡ Verdict: If you want a lightweight ADV bike, you might prefer the KTM 390 Adventure or BMW G 310 GS.
2️⃣ No Riding Modes or Traction Control
Unlike the KTM 390 Adventure, the Himalayan 450 does not come with:
❌ Multiple riding modes (like Off-Road and Street)
❌ Traction control for slippery surfaces
➡ Verdict: It lacks high-tech features, which some riders may miss.
3️⃣ Slightly Expensive Compared to the Previous Model
The Himalayan 450 costs more than the older 411, making it:
❌ Less budget-friendly for entry-level adventure riders
❌ Competing with more feature-packed bikes like the KTM 390 Adventure
| Model | Expected Price (India) | Expected Price (USA) |
|---|---|---|
| Himalayan 450 | ₹2.80 – ₹3.00 lakh | $6,000 – $6,500 |
| KTM 390 Adventure | ₹3.30 – ₹3.60 lakh | $7,000 – $7,500 |
➡ Verdict: Still affordable compared to other adventure bikes, but not as cheap as the older Himalayan 411.
🏆 Final Verdict: Is the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Worth Buying?
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is a major upgrade over the previous model, offering more power, better highway performance, and improved off-road capabilities. However, it’s not the lightest or most high-tech ADV bike in its segment.
✔ Buy the Himalayan 450 if you:
✅ Want a rugged, adventure-ready bike with great off-road capability
✅ Need strong low-end torque for rough terrains
✅ Prefer a simple, reliable motorcycle over fancy electronics
✅ Plan on long-distance touring and need a bike with good fuel efficiency
❌ Skip the Himalayan 450 if you:
❌ Want a lightweight adventure bike for technical off-roading
❌ Need high-tech features like riding modes and traction control
❌ Prefer a sportier, high-speed motorcycle (consider the KTM 390 Adventure instead)
💬 What are your thoughts on the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450? Would you buy one? Let us know in the comments! 🚀🏍️
