The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 has arrived as a significant upgrade over the beloved Himalayan 411, bringing a more powerful engine, modern technology, and improved off-road capabilities. But how much better is the new Himalayan 450 compared to the Himalayan 411? Should you upgrade or stick with the older model?
In this detailed comparison, we break down the key differences in engine performance, design, features, off-road capabilities, and overall value to help you decide which Himalayan is right for you.
🏍️ Quick Comparison: Himalayan 450 vs. Himalayan 411
| Feature | Himalayan 450 | Himalayan 411 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 452cc, liquid-cooled | 411cc, air-cooled |
| Power Output | 40 HP @ 8,000 RPM | 24.3 HP @ 6,500 RPM |
| Torque | 40 Nm @ 5,500 RPM | 32 Nm @ 4,500 RPM |
| Transmission | 6-speed with slipper clutch | 5-speed |
| Weight | ~190 kg (kerb weight) | ~199 kg (kerb weight) |
| Ground Clearance | ~230mm | ~220mm |
| Front Suspension | USD Forks (200mm travel) | Conventional Telescopic Forks (200mm travel) |
| Rear Suspension | Link-Type Monoshock | Monoshock |
| Wheels | 21-inch (front) / 17-inch (rear) | 21-inch (front) / 17-inch (rear) |
| Brakes | Dual-channel ABS, Switchable Rear ABS | Dual-channel ABS |
| Instrument Cluster | TFT Display with Navigation | Semi-Digital Console |
| Fuel Tank | ~17L | 15L |
| Price (Estimated) | ₹2.80 – ₹3.10 lakh | ₹2.20 – ₹2.50 lakh |
🏁 1. Engine Performance: Major Power Upgrade
🔹 Himalayan 450: Liquid-Cooled Powerhouse
The Himalayan 450 features a new 452cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine producing 40 HP and 40 Nm of torque. This is a huge improvement over the older Himalayan 411, making it more capable for highway touring and off-road adventures.
- Higher top speed (~140 km/h vs. ~120 km/h on the 411)
- Smoother power delivery, thanks to liquid cooling
- Better highway cruising ability with a 6-speed gearbox
🔹 Himalayan 411: Reliable but Underpowered
The 411cc, air-cooled engine delivers 24.3 HP and 32 Nm of torque, which is adequate for off-roading but feels sluggish on highways. The 5-speed gearbox limits top-end performance, making high-speed touring more challenging.
🏆 Winner: Himalayan 450 – More power, smoother performance, and a better gearbox for all-terrain riding.
🛠️ 2. Suspension & Handling: Better Ride Quality
🔹 Himalayan 450: USD Forks for Superior Comfort
The 450 comes with Upside-Down (USD) front forks with 200mm of travel, providing better shock absorption and improved handling on rough terrains. The link-type monoshock rear suspension enhances stability, especially on trails.
🔹 Himalayan 411: Decent but Dated Setup
The 411 has conventional telescopic forks with 200mm of travel, which perform well but aren’t as responsive as USD forks. The basic monoshock does the job, but it lacks the refinement of the new link-type setup on the 450.
🏆 Winner: Himalayan 450 – USD forks offer better handling, stability, and ride comfort.
📏 3. Off-Road Capability: Which One Performs Better?
Both models share the same 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, ensuring excellent off-road stability. However, the Himalayan 450 has a few advantages:
✔ Higher torque and power – Makes it easier to climb hills and tackle rough terrain.
✔ Lighter kerb weight (~190kg vs. 199kg) – More agile in off-road situations.
✔ Better suspension setup – Improved comfort and control on rocky paths.
✔ Switchable ABS for the rear wheel – Helps with better braking control on dirt roads.
🏆 Winner: Himalayan 450 – More power, better suspension, and improved weight distribution make it a stronger off-road performer.
🚀 4. Design & Ergonomics: Modern vs. Classic
🔹 Himalayan 450: Rugged & Modern
The Himalayan 450 gets a redesigned frame, making it sleeker and more aggressive than the older model. Some key improvements:
✔ New LED headlights & taillights
✔ Fully digital TFT display with navigation
✔ Larger fuel tank (17L vs. 15L)
✔ More comfortable seat with adjustable height (825mm-845mm)
🔹 Himalayan 411: Old-School ADV Look
The Himalayan 411 maintains its classic ADV styling, featuring:
✔ Round halogen headlamp
✔ Semi-digital instrument cluster
✔ Sturdy but heavier frame
🏆 Winner: Himalayan 450 – More modern features, better lighting, and a refreshed design make it the better choice.
⛽ 5. Fuel Efficiency: Which One Saves More Fuel?
| Model | Mileage (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Himalayan 450 | 30-35 km/l |
| Himalayan 411 | 32-36 km/l |
The Himalayan 411 is slightly more fuel-efficient due to its less powerful engine, but the difference is minimal. Given the Himalayan 450’s higher performance, the slight mileage drop is justified.
🏆 Winner: Himalayan 411 – Slightly better mileage, but Himalayan 450 offers more power without a major fuel efficiency loss.
💰 6. Price & Value: Which One Offers Better Bang for the Buck?
The Himalayan 411 is more affordable at around ₹2.20 – ₹2.50 lakh ($4,000 – $4,500), making it a budget-friendly ADV option.
The Himalayan 450, priced at ₹2.80 – ₹3.10 lakh ($5,500 – $6,000), costs more but offers better performance, modern tech, and improved comfort.
🏆 Winner: Himalayan 450 – A better investment for riders who want modern features and long-term performance.
🏆 Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade?
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ✅ Himalayan 450 |
| Suspension & Comfort | ✅ Himalayan 450 |
| Off-Road Capability | ✅ Himalayan 450 |
| Design & Features | ✅ Himalayan 450 |
| Fuel Efficiency | ✅ Himalayan 411 |
| Affordability | ✅ Himalayan 411 |
🚀 Choose the Himalayan 450 if:
✔ You want more power, better suspension, and modern features
✔ You plan on frequent off-road adventures and highway touring
✔ You prefer long-term value and reliability
💰 Choose the Himalayan 411 if:
✔ You’re on a tight budget
✔ You prefer a simpler, old-school ADV experience
💬 What do you think? Will you upgrade to the new Himalayan 450? Let us know in the comments! 🏍️🔥
