Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Review: What I Liked and What I Didn't

After riding the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Summit in Kamet White for more than 3,000 km, I have a clearer picture of what this adventure motorcycle gets right and where it could be better.

Its 452cc engine, long travel suspension and upright riding position make it a good choice for an Indian rider who is looking for a bike to tour and ride every day. The Himalayan 450 isn't for everybody, though. However, it is heavy at 196 kg and has a tall seat to consider if you spend most of your time on city streets. 

The question is simple: does the Himalayan 450 justify its price, and can it handle daily commutes as comfortably as long distance rides? A look at my experience with the Summit variant may help you make a better decision before buying this Royal Enfield bike.

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Review: Engine and Riding Experience

The biggest change over the older Himalayan is the Sherpa 450 engine. This liquid cooled, single cylinder unit feels like a major step up from the previous generation's 411cc engine. It offers stronger performance for highway rides and steep climbs. It produces 39.47 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 40 Nm at 5,500 rpm.

The six speed gearbox and slip and assist clutch add to the package, making the bike better suited to varied riding conditions.

Engine performance on highways

The Himalayan 450’s engine won me over on my ride to Shimla. It had plenty of power for overtaking on the highway, covering long distances and tackling steep climbs. The 40 Nm of torque was especially handy on uphill stretches, even with luggage strapped on. The six speed gearbox is flexible across a range of speeds, and the assist and slipper clutch makes shifting easier while cutting down lever effort.

The weight, however, is hard to ignore in slow sections. At 196 kg, the bike takes real effort through tight U turns and congested traffic. Parking on a slope or reversing also needs some care. If you’re stepping up from a 150cc or 200cc motorcycle, I’d suggest practising these manoeuvres before you head out on a long trip.

Comfort over long distances

The rider's upright position makes a touring style a perfect fit, and the broad handlebar ensures you have plenty of leverage. Travel suspension has been a great advantage on Indian roads, where rough surfaces and cracks in the tarmac are a common occurrence.

Royal Enfield specifies 200 mm of front and rear travel and 230 mm of ground clearance. That enables the bike to confidently tackle bumpy surfaces and higher obstacles.

I had more than 3,000 km of experience on the Summit variant, and it did much to show me that the Himalayan 450 is not a mere racecar. Comfort, riding position, wind protection and suspension response to repeated bumps are just as important, and it works well.

The suspension offers the Royal Enfield bike a firm base for touring. But the bike's weight is definitely noticeable on slower, rocky or uneven roads.

One should make sure to consider their height before buying. The standard seat height is 825 mm and can be raised up to 845 mm. With the lower seat, it is 805 mm and can be adjusted up to 825 mm.

Some riders find they can place their feet more comfortably on the lower seat. Regardless, there is no substitute for the published figure. Leg reach and seat width also matter – try the bike before you buy.

Features, handling and off road ability

The Himalayan 450 pairs practical touring equipment with modern electronics. It gets a round, four inch TFT instrument cluster with smartphone connectivity and Google Maps based navigation. Ride modes and a USB Type C charging port are also available here.

The display was a real help when I was following unfamiliar routes, especially on long days in the saddle. Built in navigation can save you from mounting a separate phone, though it’s worth getting comfortable with the controls before you set off.

Switchable dual channel ABS is another welcome addition. It stops the wheels from locking under hard braking, and experienced riders can turn it off for more control on suitable loose surfaces.

The 21 inch front and 17 inch rear wheels suit the bike’s adventure touring character. The big front wheel rolls over uneven ground more easily, while the long travel suspension has the room to soak up larger bumps.

Where the Himalayan 450 works well

• Highway touring with luggage and a pillion.
• Broken roads, potholes and uneven rural routes.
• Gravel tracks and moderate off road trails.
• Riders who want one motorcycle for commuting and longer journeys.

Where it needs more effort

• Tight city traffic and narrow parking spaces.
• Slow U turns and reversing on inclines.
• Technical off road sections that demand frequent balance corrections.
• Riders who cannot comfortably manage a tall, heavy motorcycle.

The Himalayan 450 is capable, but its hardware does not eliminate the need for off road skills. Tyres, tyre pressure, luggage weight and rider experience still influence how confidently it handles loose terrain.

The Summit's Kamet White finish is also a good pick if appearance matters to you. However, the standard mechanical package is more important than the paint scheme when comparing the core riding experience.

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Price

The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 price depends on the variant, city and dealer charges. The Base variant starts at Rs 3.08 lakh, while the Summit costs Rs 3.17 lakh (ex showroom). Here is the variant wise pricing:

The Summit's price is only part of the ownership cost. Registration, insurance and optional accessories increase the final on road amount. For example, the base Himalayan 450's on road price is around Rs 3.36 lakh in Delhi. It may differ depending on the city and variant.

If you have a budget in mind, I believe it's advisable to receive an itemised quote before paying a booking fee. Riding equipment, riding bags and maintenance should also be considered in the budget.

Himalayan 450 Mileage and Running Costs

The average mileage and running cost of a Himalayan 450 are 20.0 km per litre.

According to Royal Enfield's technical specification sheet, the Royal Enfield's fuel consumption is 3.59 litres per 100 km. The consumption figure comes to 27.9 kmpl in the test. The fuel consumption figure is not a guarantee of real world mileage.

Fuel efficiency is said to be 29 kmpl for the Himalayan 450, but this will vary on the road based on traffic, speed, topography and load. There is a 17 litre fuel tank, which is very convenient for tours. The distance between fuel stops will depend on the buyer's riding conditions and average mileage.

During my Delhi–Shimla trip, I spent around Rs 3,800 on petrol over 800 km. This gave me a better idea of its real world fuel costs than the claimed figure alone.

Fuel costs are only one part of ownership. Chain cleaning and lubrication, tyres, brake pads, servicing and insurance will add to the total. Riders covering high monthly distances should account for these expenses before choosing a bigger motorcycle.

Rivals: Is the Himalayan 450 Still the Best?

The Himalayan 450 faces competition from motorcycles with different strengths. Some prioritise lower purchase costs, while others focus on performance or lighter handling.

The KTM 390 Adventure is the closest alternative for buyers who want a performance oriented adventure motorcycle. Its newer 350cc entry variant is listed at Rs 2.88 lakh (ex showroom). Higher spec 399cc versions remain available at different prices.

If the budget is tighter, the KTM 250 Adventure is worth a look. The Suzuki V Strom SX makes more sense if your touring plans stick mostly to tarmac. And if you want to try off-road riding without paying Himalayan money, the Hero XPulse 210 is an easier way in.

So does the Himalayan still belong near the top of the segment? I’d say yes. It brings together a capable engine, long travel suspension, touring friendly ergonomics and genuinely useful electronics. That said, the KTM deserves a test ride if you want sharper performance, and the smaller adventure bikes are the smarter pick if keeping costs down matters more.

Should you buy the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450?

After a few months with the Himalayan 450, I think it suits riders who regularly head beyond the city limits. It handled highway stretches and hill roads well on my rides, which makes it a practical choice for daily commuting, weekend escapes and long distance touring alike.

I’m 5 feet 11 inches, and I found the weight manageable, though slow moving traffic and tight U turns still took some effort. Even so, a test ride is a good idea, so you can see how comfortable you are with the bike at low speeds.

The Summit variant is a fine pick if you love the Kamet White finish, but the colour won’t make the bike any quicker. If you are choosing any particular variant, it should be based on equipment and how you will ride the bike.

Top pros and cons: 

• Pros: Strong engine, comfortable adventure touring posture, long travel suspension, useful navigation and generous ground clearance.
• Cons: Heavy kerb weight, tall seat, a higher purchase price than smaller alternatives, and running costs that exceed those of a basic commuter.

If this is your first heavy bike then it is wise to take a proper test ride before you decide. Practice turns, reversing and stopping on rough ground instead of judging the bike only by how it feels on the highway.

Verdict

After riding more than 3,000 km on the Summit, I would say the Himalayan 450 is an all round tourer with strong off-road ability. The engine, suspension and riding position make it a solid choice for anyone who often travels long distances. However, the bike’s weight and seat height can make daily city use a challenge for some riders. It’s still one of India’s most compelling mid size adventure motorcycles, but the right choice depends on your experience, your budget and how often you plan to leave the tarmac.

If your idea of a good weekend is chasing curves rather than parking outside a café, the Himalayan 450 deserves a spot on your shortlist.

Also Read: 5 Best 70+ Mileage Bikes to Buy This Diwali Under Rs 1 Lakh