When you think of Royal Enfield, you think of slow motorcycles with basic features and old-school designs. But the bikemaker is working hard to change the perception and the new Super Meteor 650 is a fitting proof of this. For its next shake-up, though, all eyes are on the upcoming Himalayan 450. It intends to be the snazziest Royal Enfield yet, ripe with multiple firsts for the Indian bikemaker. Here’s a lowdown.

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The Upcoming RE Himalayan 450 Will Exude Technological Advancements

The Himalayan 450 has been spied testing on its home turf, and the latest spy shots give us a coherent look at its cockpit. It’s unlike any other Royal Enfield yet, thanks to a large circular digital display. We expect this to be a TFT, loaded with smartphone connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, and all necessary readouts (distance to empty, fuel efficiency, telltale lights). This will be the first full-digital instrument cluster for Royal Enfield, that too, with integrated connectivity, unlike the Tripper navigation accessory on most existing models.

A closer look also reveals the next generation of RE’s unique rotary switchgear, plus an eerie rectangular button below the killswitch. Though Indian sources suggest this is a cruise control switch, we can’t help but disagree thanks to the absence of extra switches for setting the speed. Instead, this looks closer to a ride-mode switch. It surely is another first for RE, though. Cockpit aside, you can also spot new arrowhead LED indicators and an all-LED headlight.

The Upcoming Himalayan 450 Will Be The First Liquid-Cooled Royal Enfield

Royal Enfield Himalayan
Royal Enfield
Royal Enfield Himalayan Close-up Shot

Yes, you read that right. The advancements trickle down to the ADV’s powerhouse, as it boasts Royal Enfield’s first liquid-cooled mill, expected to displace 450 cubic centimeters. The big giveaway here is the radiator hidden behind the curved protective guard and bespoke engine cases we haven’t seen on any other RE yet. All this will ensure a near-40 horsepower output (considerably more than the 24-HP Himalayan 411) which will bring it right on par with the Europeans - the KTM 390 Adventure and BMW G 310 GS. A six-speed gearbox and slipper clutch will be present too.

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What about underpinnings, you ask? Well, the Himalayan will roll on non-adjustable Showa upside-down forks and monoshock, identical to the Super Meteor 650 but with increased travel, of course. This will be paired with a 21-inch/17-inch spoke wheel combo, wrapped in tube CEAT tires and clamped by a single disc brake at each end. Finally, all this will be topped by a rugged design language, complete with a motocross-inspired front fender, burly crash protection, split seats, and a bulbous fuel tank. Some spy images also reveal an upright riding posture, perfect for long-distance rides.

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 - When Will It Arrive?

Royal Enfield Himalayan riding shot
Royal Enfield
Royal Enfield Himalayan riding through a forest

Royal Enfield has sped up the Himalayan’s testing, that too, with near production-ready test mules. So a launch seems quite imminent, likely in the next couple of months. Like the Super Meteor, it’ll first set foot in India, followed by Europe, and then America in early 2024. Royal Enfield USA’s target will be to undercut the 390 Adventure in all markets, so we think it’ll cost around $6,500 in America–$1,000 more than the Himalayan 411 and $900 less than the 2023 KTM 390 Adventure SW.