Another test prototype of what appears to be a road-going version of the roadster version of the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 has been spotted in Europe. This motorcycle is expected to be released in the first half of 2024. After release, it will be known as the Royal Enfield Hunter 450.
The RE 450 roadster will compete with the KTM 390 Duke and the BMW G 310 R. The motorcycle codenamed K1F will sit beneath the upcoming Himalayan 450. It is expected to cost less than Rs 2.50 lakh (ex-showroom).
The Hunter 450 is likely to have 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in road-focused CEAT tyres. The spy shots show the Hunter 450 test mule with conventional telescopic forks with a wide handlebar and rear-set footpegs, and the riding stance appears to be comfortable.
The 450cc liquid-cooled engine is expected to produce around 40 bhp and close to 45 Nm of peak torque. A six-speed transmission may be used to transfer power to the road with a slip-and-assist clutch.
Royal Enfield is developing several motorcycles based on the 450cc liquid-cooled platform. Besides the roadster, RE intends to launch a proper scrambler on the 450cc platform. It will come with spoke wheels, 17/19-inch block-pattern tyres, a tall-set flat exhaust, and a raised mudguard. That scrambler is the most likely candidate for the Scram 450 name.
The Hunter 350, RE's most recent offering, is the brand's most approachable motorcycle, aimed at newer and younger riders. It also promises agility, good weight distribution, and intuitive handling. A roadster motorcycle with a high-compression 450cc liquid-cooled engine along with powerful underpinnings is more likely to be given the Hunter 450 moniker.