With the ADV trend gaining traction, Royal Enfield is planning to release a new product. The primary goals would be high-speed touring, off-road prowess, and optimal traction in a variety of road conditions. The Himalayan 450 is being tested in Ladakh, as seen in the new spy photos. RE can use this to test a vehicle's performance at high altitudes and in snowy and icy terrains.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is being tested in snow for the first time. The temperatures are extreme, as are the road conditions. Ladakh is the best geographical location for testing a vehicle's high-altitude response.
As the terrain became more difficult to traverse, both RE Himalayan 450 test mules were spotted with snow chains. The new Himalayan 450 will build on the strengths of the previous Himalayan 411. LED turn indicators, all-terrain tyres, and a stubbier and up-swept exhaust end can are among the new features. The new design will still be functional, with space for panniers and jerry cans.
The RE Himalayan 450 will be equipped with USD front forks and a rear mono-shock with adequate suspension travel. The current Himalayan 411's wire-spoke wheels, which are 19" front and 17" rear, are likely to be retained. Its package includes a front beak and a windscreen. Instead of the halogen bulbs found on current models, round headlights will now use LEDs.
The new platform is expected to displace around 450cc and produce around 35 bhp and 40 Nm of torque. Royal Enfield's single-cylinder lineup now includes a 6-speed transmission. A vertically mounted circular fully-digital speedometer is expected to have Bluetooth functionality with turn-by-turn navigation.
In comparison to the previous model, the new Himalayan 450 will cost more. This price increase will likely pit it against competitors such as the KTM 390 Adventure and the BMW G 310 GS. But, as we all know, the arch-rival of the Himalayan 450 is the Hero's upcoming Xpulse has twice the engine capacity of the 200cc model.