Will bigger be better? Here's why my trusty Himalayan 450 could be more than a match for a 650 model

As I’ve continued to clock miles on the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, spy shots of a larger-capacity twin-cylinder Himmy have emerged, sparking much debate.

Could this bigger bike build on the 450’s charm, or risk losing the essence of what makes the Royal Enfield special? Here’s what we know so far and how it might compare to the 450.

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• Update one: First impressions
• Update two: Heading off-road with the Himalayan
• Update three: Is the 450 too modern for 411 purists?
• Update four: 3000-mile European road trip
• Update five: Using the Himalayan as a camera bike
• Update six: Hits and misses after 10k miles

So what’s the 450 like?

After 10,000 miles on the 450, its strengths have become clear. This bike thrives on versatility – offering manageable power, decent off-road capabilities, and relaxed road manners.

Its liquid-cooled single produces around 36.5bhp at the rear wheel, which is enough for most adventure riding scenarios, but there have been moments on long highway stretches or steep climbs when I’ve wished for just a little more power.

The 450 isn’t about outright speed, though. Its charm lies in how approachable it feels – perfect for riders new to the adventure segment or those seeking a straightforward, go-anywhere machine. Its 199kg wet weight feels manageable in most conditions, though it can start to feel cumbersome in more technical off-road situations.

The 650: Time to go large?

Recent spy shots reveal what appears to be a near production-ready 650cc Himalayan. Expected to be powered by the 648cc parallel-twin engine seen in the Interceptor and Continental GT, it’s likely to deliver around 47bhp. This engine is renowned for its linear power delivery, making it a strong candidate for touring.

From the pictures we’ve seen, the 650 features spoked wheels, a substantial bash plate, and a TFT dash – however, with the 650 Super Meteor tipping the scales at 241kg wet, the Himalayan 650 is likely to be significantly heavier than the 450, probably exceeding 220kg.

Comparing the two: Where does the 450 stand?

The 450 excels in off-road situations, where its light weight and narrow frame make it easier to handle on technical trails, offering enough torque to tackle obstacles without overwhelming the rider.

The Himalayan 650, on the other hand, seems to be aimed more at touring riders. The extra horsepower and twin-cylinder smoothness would make it a better companion for long stretches of highway, particularly with luggage and a pillion.

However, the increased weight could hinder its off-road performance, limiting it to less demanding trails.

Power vs weight

While the idea of a Himalayan with an extra 10-15bhp sounds appealing, the potential weight increase raises questions. On technical trails, every kilo matters, and the 450’s biggest advantage is its balance of power and agility. A heavier 650 might lose some of the off-road versatility that has made the Himalayan range so popular. 

• Related: Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 review

After spending considerable time on the Himalayan 450, I’ve grown to appreciate its simplicity, versatility, and all-round nature. While the upcoming 650 will undoubtedly appeal to riders looking for more power and improved distance capability and comfort, I can’t help but feel that it might stray too far from that go-anywhere ethos.

For now, the Himalayan 450 continues to hit a sweet spot for adventure riders who value simplicity and capability over outright power.