The latest sighting of a new Royal Enfield test mule is the upcoming roadster that will use the 452cc engine from the new Himalayan. This bike will likely sit below the Himalayan in the company’s lineup and will be a more road-biased addition to the 450cc lineup . The bike has been spotted testing over the past year , but there is no official word on its launch. Now, Royal Enfield has stepped into the ring with its much-anticipated 450cc Roadster, poised to go head-to-head with the Triumph Speed 400.
The bike has a very sleek design, with minimal bodywork and a stubby tail section. What’s noteworthy is that the teardrop-shaped tank’s design is quite different from the rather large one on the Himalayan. There’s all-LED lighting, with the LED headlight being the same one seen on the Super Meteor 650 and Himalayan . The tail section resembles the new Himalayan quite closely and looks quite sleek. The instrument cluster is a round unit but it cannot be seen whether it's the new TFT display from the Himalayan or the digi-analogue unit from the Shotgun 650 .
1. Design Philosophy
The Royal Enfield 450cc Roadster, with its classic yet contemporary design, pays homage to the brand's rich heritage while embracing modern aesthetics. The Triumph Speed 400, on the other hand, has a sleek and athletic design that expertly mixes both modern and traditional components.
2. Engine and Performance
Under the hood, or rather, under the tank, the Royal Enfield 450cc Roadster houses a potent 450cc engine designed to deliver a perfect blend of power and torque. The specifics of the engine are eagerly awaited, but the anticipation is high for a responsive and spirited performance. The clash in engine performance between these two roadsters is set to ignite the roads with a symphony of classic yet potent engine notes.
3. Ride Dynamics and Handling
Road dominance is not just about power; it's also about ride dynamics and handling. Motorcycles built by Royal Enfield are known for having pleasant ergonomics, which makes them perfect for extended rides. On the other hand, the Triumph Speed 400, renowned for its agile handling and accurate cornering, raises the bar for the rival Royal Enfield. Comfort and agility are in a duel, and riders will in the end win.
4. Technological Features
In the realm of classic motorcycles, technology often takes a back seat to the essence of raw riding. However, both the Royal Enfield 450cc Roadster and the Triumph Speed 400 incorporate modern technological features to enhance the overall riding experience. The competition in this aspect is not just about who pays homage to the classics better but also about who seamlessly integrates modern tech into the timeless design.
5. Customization Options
Customization has become a crucial aspect of the motorcycle ownership experience. Royal Enfield understands this well and is expected to offer an array of customization options for the 450cc Roadster, allowing riders to tailor their motorcycles to their preferences. The battle here is not just on the road but also in the garages where these motorcycles will be transformed into personalized masterpieces.
6. Price Point and Value for Money
In the classic motorcycle market, price is a significant factor influencing purchasing decisions. Triumph, with its premium image, offers the Speed 400 as a higher-end option. The competition, therefore, extends beyond performance to the perceived value each brand brings to the table.
7. Brand Heritage and Legacy
The battle is made more compelling by the pasts of Triumph and Royal Enfield. With roots dating back to 1901, Royal Enfield has a rich history of building motorcycles that capture the spirit of exploration and adventure. Triumph is a well-known British company that has been around for more than a century. It is renowned for its classic motorcycles and timeless designs. The contest between the Triumph Speed 400 and the Royal Enfield 450cc Roadster is not just about the here and now; it's also a struggle of legacy, passing on the rich histories that both brands stand for.
Conclusion
Expect the same 452cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine and main frame to be found here as on the new Himalayan. Output figures are likely to stay in the 40hp/40Nm ballpark but Royal Enfield could play around with gearing to suit its roadster nature. What appears to be a small bash plate is also seen under the exhaust header pipe.
Unlike the Showa USD fork seen on the Himalayan 450, a telescopic fork is found on this bike, which could hint that this will probably be a more budget-friendly model. The design of the alloy wheels appears to be quite similar to the ones seen on the new Shotgun 650. The test mule spotted last year was kitted out with accessories, and like every other Royal Enfield, expect a cavalcade of GMA to be on offer here too.