Where better to test ride the new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 than on the mountain passes of the Indian Himalayas? So, that’s exactly what we did to see if the 2024 version of the iconic adventure bike could live up to its predecessor.
You can read the full in-depth review in the Jan/Feb issue of Adventure Bike Rider magazine, which can you buy HERE.
But in the meantime, here are five things that most stood out about the new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 during our mountain adventure.
Everything is new
The new Himmy is far, far better both on paper and on the roads and trails compared to the old bike. The components are a class above, the handling suits the power and performance of the engine, suspension, and brakes, and we personally know a few riders that we’ll be pointing in the direction of a test ride.
There’s more power
One of the big improvements emphasised by Royal Enfield is the increase in power and performance from the new liquid cooled engine which makes 40bhp and 39Nm of torque.
And I can confirm it is definitely spritelier that the old Himalayan, even though I was riding at 3,000m in altitude which meant performance was down 15-20%.
The new Himmy is comfy
All through the day we were motoring at speed on tight alpine style roads where super quick corrections were the name of the game.
We also rode over 150 miles, and I have to say the new Himmy was very comfy. There was no part of me aching or stiff and I could have easily continued riding for hours. Full marks there.
It’s ideal for navigating tricky terrain
The Himalayan had the perfect gentle temperament for such a spectacular and dangerous off-road setting.
The suspension dealt with all imperfections, rocks and gravel superbly and the gentle nature of the Himmy meant that it was never going to be raging off course by a surge of power from an unexpected twist of my wrist.
A slick gear box
The gearbox was smooth and not once did it miss a gear. First is ultra low, I mean baby step low, sixth has long legs better suited for motorways speeds, and all the ones in between were perfectly spaced for Himalayan roads.
Get the full Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 review
And remember, you can read the full in-depth review of the new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 in Jan/Feb 2024 issue of Adventure Bike Rider magazine.
Get your copy today HERE, with free UK postage.
And you’ll be able to test ride the new Royal Enfield, along with all the latest adventure and touring bikes at the 2024 ABR Festival, which takes place in the magnificent grounds of the Ragely Hall Estate in Warwickshire on the 28-30 June.
Get your festival tickets today HERE.