Motorcycle description sheet Royal-Enfield450 Himalayan 2024 She doesn't need... a road.

On the one hand, you have the trails to go on almost all roads, with large displacement, a certain mass and a lot of watts. Even more and more BIG watts. Let's just mention the 1300 GS, 1100 Africa Twin, 1200 Multistrada V4, Harley Pan-America or 1200 Tiger to get an overview of the rugby cycle cluster.

And then you have the Royal-Enfield Himalayan. A much more accessible trail without being less academic. From the top of its 450 name, the Indian motorcycle seems very slender compared to the behemoths of the sector. However, she grabs her backpack as much as the others when it comes time to attack the mountain. And if she won't be the first up, she knows in advance that she won't be the last.

What is most striking with this 450 Himalayan is the incredible physical transformation since the old 410 version. Not only is it no longer the same motorcycle but it seems that it is no longer the same manufacturer behind it. She. Gone are the cubic and utilitarian shapes of Russian motorcycles from the 1950s. The new 4 and a half is more delicate, more mischievous, more slender, almost pretty. Put a Suzuki badge on it and there would be confusion.

One of the main assets of this R.E. is its new 452 cm3 “Sherpa” engine – the manufacturer’s first liquid-cooled unit. This mill only cubes 41 cm3 more than the old one but its power is increased tenfold. This is not just due to its additional volume. This new generation mono is more super square, can manage its heat much better with its dual flow radiator, its cylinder head houses 2 ACT instead of one, its gearbox contains one more ratio (6) and gas management is entrusted to a ride-by-wire. Be careful, the Himalayan now has 40 horses, 16 horses more than before. The torque gains 8 nm, just to cap at 4.2 mkg. These maximum values are obtained higher in the rounds but that doesn't matter as the gain is astounding.

It is not yet the level of a Japanese or European engine, but Enfield is not seeking to compete with the big names in the segment with comparable arguments. Indian trail running seeks above all to keep breath for the climbs, like Zian Mappaz saving his strength to make it always present at altitude. The brand likes to mention that its motorcycle was born in the mountains, rolling in its effort to Umling La (5882 meters). It intends to take advantage of its nice but voluntary torque, 90% of which is available from 3,000 rpm.

Silhouette, engine, chassis – everything has changed. A new frame, still in steel but more rigid and with a different profile, holds this engine and also the new suspensions of the bike. Its new Showa inverted fork is larger with 43 mm in diameter, and travel retained at 200 mm. The shock absorber has the same value; this was 180 mm on the 410. Observe its new almost horizontal layout. The spoked rims are still 21 inches at the front and 17 at the rear; the only notable change is the larger size of the rear tire: 140/80 instead of 120/90. This new chassis will provide increased efficiency and ground clearance. The distance between the ground and the belly increases by 10 mm, for a total of 230 mm. In case of surprises on uneven terrain, it is always better to have some margin before rubbing the rough edges. Then, it will be up to the engine guard to play its role. The brakes are also on the rise. The Bybre calipers will have to bite a 320mm disc at the front (+20mm) and 270mm at the rear (+30mm).

Ergonomics had its say in this evolution. A narrower tank although having a larger capacity (15 L -> 17 liters), a slimmer motorcycle and a height-adjustable saddle improve the ride. The rider can choose between 825 and 845 mm height for the seat; unless he opts for the optional low saddle, allowing him to go down to 805 mm.

At first glance, although its plastic has gained sex appeal, the Royal-Enfield Himalayan seems to remain quite rustic in its equipment. Wrong idea! It offers its user two Driving Modes, disconnectable ABS at the rear, a USB-C port and a very modern speedometer. The “TripperDash” is a 4-inch color TFT circular panel, well designed and equipped with a navigation system powered by Google Maps. Pairing with the smartphone also allows you to manage calls, messages and music.

That's it, and it will be enough for a lot of things and a lot of people. This technological offering is certainly not up to the standard of the leading adventure ships - no semi-active suspensions, traction control / engine braking / wheeling / stoppie, radar, cruise control, lighting in curve, shifter, etc.) - but the price is divided by 4; or even 5 for fully equipped models. The Indian prefers to install a luggage rack, a central stand, tie-down loops everywhere, a screen and crash bars rather than electronics galore. And not really in keeping with his philosophy of fearlessness.

Where Royal-Enfield is even stronger is on the price of this 450. With almost twice as much power, better suspensions, a reasonable electronic offer and a more attractive physique, the bike only costs 300 euros. more than its previous version. Another bonus, it weighs a watermelon less with its 196 kg.

A frame, two wheels, mixed tires, a mono and a long journey, that's the doctrine of the Himalayan. This phase 2 offers much more strength but still the same perspective: going far without any limits; with now a much higher level of service for a handful of more expensive cherries.

M.B - médias constructeur