Its production-ready variant has been spotted without camouflage in Europe
Since its inception in 2015, the Royal Enfield Himalayan has garnered plenty of popularity around the world. It rides well, looks purpose built, and offers unmatched value for the money in the sub-500cc adventure bike segment. For 2023, the Indian bikemaker is set to dial all this to eleven with the Himalayan 450. The upcoming ADV isn’t a generational update, but an overhaul over the current model, as revealed by its repeated test sightings. The latest test mule has now been spotted testing in Europe and gives us a close look at the updates. Plus, it appears ready for production with little to no camouflage. Time to dive in.
Unlike the older images, the test mule spied this time shows off the Himalayan’s new bodywork. This gives us a clear look at the new front shrouds, fender, and side panels (under the seat), all of which appear a lot brawnier than the existing model. Also visible is the all-new fuel tank, complete with a new tubular crash protector and shrouds extending to the forks. A little zoom shows ‘Royal Enfield’ letterings on the tank panels and a new, shorter windscreen up top. We believe the tank will hold a few liters more than the current Himalayan’s 15-liter capacity.
Besides these, the attention to detail looks spot on here. The all-LED headlight (identical to the Super Meteor 650), new LED indicators, muscular fork protectors, and new sump guard all create a premium aesthetic. This is topped by the three-in-one rear lights (turn signals, brake lamp, and hazard lights; just like the BMW S 1000 RR) and a new single-pod instrument cluster. The latter will have day/night display modes, all necessary information, and smartphone connectivity built-in–a massive step over the dual-pod semi-digital unit on the 411. We even expect some sort of electronic aids–either traction control or ride modes–as previously indicated by the motorcycle’s new switchgear.
In its looong history, RE has never built a liquid-cooled motorcycle, but that's about to change with the Himalayan 450. The ADV will employ Royal Enfield’s first liquid-cooled powerhouse, evident from the radiator and lack of fins. The capacity should be about 449 cubic centimeters, with a peak power output in the 40 horsepower and 30 pound-feet ballpark. If so, this will be a solid 16-HP gain over the current model, enough to help it worry the likes of the 43-HP KTM 390 Adventure and 34-HP BMW G 310 GS. Expect the engine tune to be identical (focusing on low-end grunt rather than a peaky delivery) while a six-speed gearbox and slipper clutch will round off the engine updates.
Like the mill, the underpinnings are a cut above the 411 too. Gone are the telescopic forks and in come long-travel upside-down forks (probably from Showa). This is topped by a new near-horizontal monoshock and a different chassis. The 21/19-inch spoke wheel combination remains as is, though. And for good reason, as it will enable proper bashing in rugged terrain. Plus, all its rivals feature 19/17-inch combinations, so you’ll have something to gloat about. We just hope the wheels come wrapped in tubeless tires and RE finds a way to slash down some weight. After all, its near-440-pound weight is the biggest Achilles heel for the current Himalayan. The single disc brakes appear unchanged, still featuring ByBre calipers.
With the latest sighting in Europe, it’s quite clear the Himalayan 450 is just around the corner. We think the launch will take place in a few months at RE’s home turf, followed by an international unveil soon after. America will probably be the last to receive the new 450 since you still can’t buy the Super Meteor 650 here. Anyway, whenever it’s here, the Himalayan will cause a stir in the sub-500cc ADV segment.
The current Himalayan costs $5,449 in America, so even if RE bumps the price by a grand, we still believe it’ll be a solid value for the money. A $6,500 MSRP will be a whopping $900 and $800 less than the 2023 KTM 390 Adventure SW and Honda CB500X. Sure, the G 310 GS will still be more affordable at $5,695, but it lacks the off-road credentials of the Royal Enfield. So what are your thoughts on the upcoming motorcycle? Anxiously waiting or not interested? Comment down below.
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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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