The new Himalayan 450 flaunts a fully digital instrument cluster, a first for Royal Enfield
A few months ago, Royal Enfield’s much-anticipated Himalayan 450 was spotted testing in India. The spy shots revealed plenty of details about the ADV, which suggested it’s all set to take on KTM and BMW in the 300-400cc ADV category. Things, however, seem even better now, as the Himalayan 450 has been spied again, this time with some swanky additions.
In Royal Enfield's 122-year-long history, no RE-badged motorcycle has boasted a digital instrument cluster. But that’s about to change because the latest test mule of the Himalayan 450 flaunts a fully digital instrument cluster. The single pod unit comprises a massive round LCD expected to display all necessary information like odometer, tachometer, speed, economy, and distance to empty. What’s not present here, though, is Royal Enfield’s Tripper navigation pod, and it’ll be interesting to see whether RE has infused turn-by-turn navigation in the new LCD. After all, navigation makes the most sense on an ADV that’s meant for globe-trotting.
Besides the new LCD, the spy shot also gives us a closer look at the Himalayan 450’s suspension. The ADV employs non-adjustable Showa Big Piston upside-down forks – like the Super Meteor 650 – paired with a rear monoshock and spoke wheels. The latter is clamped by bigger disc brakes (versus the existing Himalayan) to counter the bump in performance.
And this brings us to the heart of the matter. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 will be powered by an all-new 450cc engine, expected to produce about 40 horsepower. This will be made possible by a modern engine construction with liquid cooling – also a first for the Indian giant. Additionally, the new mill will eventually find purpose in four other 450cc Royal Enfields, comprising a roadster, scrambler, cafe racer, and even a Dakar-spec enduro motorcycle.
Finally, all this will be topped by a familiar design, as the Himalayan 450’s round headlight, tall windscreen, spoke wheels, and seat pan are reminiscent of the existing Himalayan. However, the all-LED lights, lack of fork gaiters, and a blacked-out exhaust differentiate it from its smaller sibling.
According to trusted Indian sources, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 could debut in mid-2023. It’ll first be launched in the Indian market, followed by Britain and Europe, and then in America likely by end of 2023. Once here, the new Himalayan will compete in the fierce entry-level ADV segment alongside the Honda CB500X, BMW G 310 GS, and the KTM 390 Adventure. Would you pick an Indian company over trusted Japanese and European offerings? Let us know in the comments.
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Punya is an avid motorcyclist who’s always up for a ride to the canyons or the racetrack. He insists his riding skills are better than his writing skills, even though he’s worked with some world-renowned automotive websites.
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