What's it like to life with a Royal Enfield Himalayan 450? Find out here...

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

Tested by Joseph Wright, Videographer

As a younger rider who has a Kawasaki ZXR400 in the garage, I’m now eager to explore the A2 adventure bike class. I want to see if the comfier position, versatility, and practicality of the Himalayan will help me broaden my horizons beyond the singular focus of a sportsbike, as well as assisting me in my role as MCN’s Videographer.

I’ve had a brief go on the old 411 model and enjoyed its easy-going nature. I want to see just how much of an improvement this new model brings and find out why this class of bike is so popular. I’m going to attend rallies, and I want to determine how the added displacement, and premium components affect the original Himalayan 411’s charm.

Additionally, I’m eager to develop my off-road riding skills (because I’ve never done it before) and explore the optional extras catalogue to help make it my own.

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 quick specs

  • Price: £5750
  • Engine: 452cc liquid-cooled DOHC, four‑valve single
  • Power: 40bhp @ 8000rpm
  • Torque: 29.5lb.ft @ 5500rpm
  • Seat height: 825mm (adjustable 20mm)
  • Weight: 196kg (kerb)

Get all the latest updates below...

I've ridden almost 10k miles on a Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and these are the best and worst bits

I've ridden almost 10k miles on a Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and these are the best and worst bits

I must admit, I really enjoy getting the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 covered in mud, and its performance on the trails has impressed me. However, that’s only half the story… I’ve rated how it fares on...

Can my Himalayan keep up with a KTM 690 Enduro off road? Of course not, but I got there in the end

Can my Himalayan keep up with a KTM 690 Enduro off road? Of course not, but I got there in the end

Recording an off-road special for MCN’s YouTube channel presented a unique challenge: capturing two seasoned riders on focused KTM 690 Enduros tackling a slimy and flooded Salisbury Plain landscape.

I rode a Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 for 3000 miles around Europe and found two big problems

I rode a Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 for 3000 miles around Europe and found two big problems

Embarking on my debut long-distance tour filled me with a mixture of excitement and nerves. As I left my hometown of Peterborough a Euro-virgin, and heading for Calais on the Royal Enfield Himalayan...

Long-term Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 review update three | What do 411 owners think?

Long-term Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 review update three | What do 411 owners think?

I recently rode the new Himalayan 450 to an owners club rally to get to the very heart of the Himmy adventure bike’s most diehard fans. I joined the rally to gauge opinions from Himalayan 411 owners...

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 long-term review update two | Joseph heads off-road and enters a rally

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 long-term review update two | Joseph heads off-road and enters a rally

Having covered almost 4000 miles up and down the country on the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, I can confirm that it is actually a surprisingly good touring machine. It offers all-day comfort and...

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 long-term test update one | A mountain to climb for Videographer, Joseph

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 long-term test update one | A mountain to climb for Videographer, Joseph

The original air-cooled Himalayan exceeded all expectations with its laid-back demeanour and charm. The new 450 promises to retain those positives while delivering a less compromised performance. Yet...