I took the new 450 for a road test around North Goa
TLDR: The Himalayan 450 is faster, smoother and more comfortable than the 411. 452cc liquid-cooled engine, 40 HP, handles well on tarmac and dirt. A few trade-offs. The 196 kg weight means you’ll earn every off-road drop, and the 825mm seat height will annoy shorter riders at traffic lights. I’d pick it over the 411 for touring. 9/10.
Baga Creek to the Western Ghats
I picked up the Himalayan 450 at the Royal Enfield Garage Cafe in Baga and pointed it north through Goa, then up into the Western Ghats where the roads get interesting. Tight bends, broken tarmac, the occasional cow standing in the middle of the lane like she owns the place.
The 411 carried me across the Himalayas last summer. It started every morning, survived every pothole, and cost almost nothing to fix. I wasn’t looking for a replacement.
The 450 changed my mind inside the first hour.
Read my Himalayan Kingdoms Motorcycle Adventure journey report
First Impressions
The 450 looks more refined than the 411. Still rugged, still adventure-tourer. Sleeker bodywork and a more modern stance. Some riders say it looks like a bird. I can see that.
Wide handlebars, a well-cushioned seat, upright posture. As a tall rider, I love the view from up top. One adjustment to the gear pedal angle to suit my size 11 Belstaff boots and I was set.
The TFT dashboard is a genuine step up. Full colour, readable in direct sunlight, Bluetooth navigation built in. First time Royal Enfield has done this. About time.
I’m running a small group through Spiti Valley this summer on the 450. See the route and dates here.
Engine and Performance
This is where the 450 earns its money. The 452cc liquid-cooled single is a different animal to the old 411.
40 HP at 8,000 RPM. 40 Nm of torque at 5,500 RPM. That’s nearly double the 411’s 24.3 HP. Overtaking lorries on the NH66 stopped being a white-knuckle gamble. Highway cruising at 110-120 km/h feels relaxed, no vibrations. Top speed sits around 140 km/h.
Off-road, the low-end torque pulls you through steep climbs and loose terrain without drama. The six-speed gearbox helps on the highway too. The 411’s five-speed always felt like it needed one more gear.
Read my 15,000 km expedition review of the Royal Enfield Himalayan 411
Handling and Off-Road
If the 411 was built for dirt, the 450 does it better.
The suspension is a big upgrade. Upside-down forks with 200mm of travel soak up the rough stuff. Ground clearance is 230mm, plenty for rocks, ruts and river crossings. The 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels handle sand, gravel and broken tarmac the way adventure wheels should.
At 196 kg kerb weight, it’s roughly the same as the 411. Still heavy for its class. But there’s comfort in that weight. It holds the road, feels grippy and planted. On the tight mountain bends through the Ghats, it tracked well and inspired confidence.
The chassis feels more balanced than the 411. The weight distribution is better, which makes slow-speed manoeuvring off-road less of a wrestling match.
Tech and Features
Full-colour TFT display with turn-by-turn Bluetooth navigation. Switchable rear ABS so you can lock the back wheel when you need to. Full LED lighting. USB charging port.
What it doesn’t have: ride modes, traction control, or a quickshifter. If you want those, the KTM 390 Adventure is your bike. The 450 doesn’t need them. The engine mapping is well balanced and I never once wished for a mode switch.
Fuel Efficiency and Range
The 17-litre fuel tank is a welcome upgrade from the 411’s 15 litres.
Real-world mileage sits at 30-35 km per litre, depending on how aggressively you ride. That gives you a range of about 500 km on a full tank. For remote touring in Ladakh or Spiti, that’s a game-changer. The fuel station at Keylong means less range anxiety than there used to be on the Manali-Leh highway.
Still, I’d carry a jerry can with five litres of XP95 for the really remote stretches. Belt and braces.
Himalayan 450 vs 411: Worth the Upgrade?
I’ve put serious kilometres on both bikes. The 411 across Ladakh and Kashmir, the 450 in Goa and the Ghats. Here’s how they compare.
| Feature | Himalayan 411 | Himalayan 450 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 411cc air-cooled, 24.3 HP | 452cc liquid-cooled, 40 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 40 Nm |
| Top Speed | ~110 km/h | ~140 km/h |
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 6-speed |
| Seat Height | 800mm | 825mm (adjustable to 845mm) |
| Weight | ~199 kg | ~196 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 15 litres | 17 litres |
| Dashboard | Analog-digital | Full-colour TFT |
| Navigation | None | Bluetooth turn-by-turn |
| ABS | Dual-channel | Dual-channel, switchable rear |
| Price (India) | ~₹2.15 lakh | ~₹2.8 lakh |
| Price (UK) | ~£4,949 | ~£5,599 |
| Price (US) | ~$5,449 | ~$5,999 |
The 411 is still a solid bike. It’s cheaper, simpler, and every mechanic from Manali to Kanyakumari knows how to fix it. If you’re on a budget and want something proven, it’s hard to beat.
But the 450 is better in every measurable way. More power, better suspension, longer range, modern tech. The liquid-cooled engine handles altitude better too. Less overheating on those long climbs up to Tanglang La.
I’ll be using the Himalayan 450 for my motorcycle tours in India. The 411 served me well, but the 450 is the better machine for riders who are hiring bikes for a short-term trip.
Read about My Life-Affirming Motorcycle Adventure to Ancient Himalayan Kingdoms
Himalayan 450 vs KTM 390 Adventure vs Triumph Scrambler 400X
Three budget adventure bikes, three different personalities.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 (~₹2.8L / £5,599 / $5,999)
Best for: off-road touring and long-distance adventure. Strong torque, rugged build, big fuel tank. The workhorse.
KTM 390 Adventure (~₹3.37L / £7,995 / $7,399)
Best for: fast adventure touring with a tech focus. More power, ride modes, quickshifter. Lighter and faster on tarmac. But pricier and more complex to maintain.
Triumph Scrambler 400X (~₹2.99L / £5,795 / $5,695)
Best for: retro styling and mixed riding. More agile than the Himalayan, premium feel. Better in the city, less capable in serious off-road.
For remote touring in India, where the roads are broken, the altitude is high and the nearest mechanic rides a bicycle, the Himalayan 450 is the smartest choice.
Read my road test review of the Triumph Scrambler 400X
Pros and Cons
What I liked:
- 40 HP engine is a massive improvement. Highway cruising and off-road climbing are transformed.
- 17-litre tank gives genuine all-day range.
- TFT display with navigation works well.
- Suspension handles rough terrain and broken roads without complaint.
- Comfortable riding position for long days.
What could be better:
- 196 kg is still heavy. If you drop it off-road, you’ll earn that pick-up.
- 825mm seat height is tall. Riders under 5’7″ will feel it at traffic stops.
- No traction control. The KTM has it. At this price, it’s a fair ask.
- No slipper clutch. Downshifts need more attention than they should.
- Aftermarket parts are still limited. The 411 has a massive accessory ecosystem. The 450 will catch up, but it’s not there yet.
Should You Buy the Himalayan 450?
Buy it if:
- You want a capable adventure bike without spending KTM money.
- You ride a mix of highway and off-road.
- You’re planning a Ladakh trip. This is the bike for it. The liquid-cooled engine handles altitude, the range covers the gaps between fuel stops, and the suspension eats the broken roads.
- You’re a beginner. Despite the extra power, the engine is smooth and predictable. Easy to learn on.
Look elsewhere if:
- You want tech features like ride modes, traction control and a quickshifter. Get the KTM 390 Adventure.
- You want something lighter for serious single-track. The Hero Xpulse 200 at 158 kg is a better trail tool.
- You’re under 5’7″ and ride mostly in city traffic. The seat height will be a daily annoyance.
My rating: 9/10. If I had to pick one bike for a Himalayan expedition tomorrow, this is it. And I have, because it’s what I’m riding this summer.
Planning your own India ride? Read How To Plan An All-India Motorcycle Trip
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Full Specifications (2025)
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 452cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC |
| Power | 40 HP @ 8,000 RPM |
| Torque | 40 Nm @ 5,500 RPM |
| Fuel System | Electronic fuel injection |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Top Speed | ~140 km/h |
| Mileage | 30-35 km/l (real-world) |
| Frame | Steel trellis |
| Weight | ~196 kg (kerb) |
| Seat Height | 825mm (adjustable to 845mm) |
| Ground Clearance | 230mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,510mm |
| Front Suspension | 43mm USD forks, 200mm travel |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock with linkage, 180mm travel |
| Front Brake | 320mm disc, dual-piston caliper |
| Rear Brake | 270mm disc, single-piston caliper |
| ABS | Dual-channel, switchable rear |
| Front Tyre | 90/90-21 (spoke wheels) |
| Rear Tyre | 140/80-17 (spoke wheels) |
| Fuel Tank | 17 litres |
| Range | ~500 km per tank |
| Display | Full-colour TFT with Bluetooth |
| Navigation | Turn-by-turn Tripper |
| Lighting | Full LED |
| Charging | USB port |
| Traction Control | No |
| Ride Modes | No |
| Price (India) | ~₹2.8 lakh |
| Price (UK) | ~£5,599 |
| Price (US) | ~$5,999 |
FAQs Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Review
Is the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 reliable?
Too early to say for sure. The engine is new. But Royal Enfield’s service network in India is massive, parts are cheap, and servicing runs ₹2,000-3,500 every 5,000 km. That’s less than the KTM 390 Adventure. I haven’t had a single issue so far.
Is the Himalayan 450 good for Ladakh?
It’s what I’d take. The liquid-cooled engine handles altitude better than the air-cooled 411. The 17-litre tank covers the long gaps between fuel stations up there. Suspension eats the broken roads. I’ll be running it on my Spiti tours this year.
Is the Himalayan 450 good for beginners?
Yes. The power delivery is smooth. Nothing sudden. The seat height is tall at 825mm though, so if you’re under 5’7″, sit on one before you commit. The bike is forgiving and easy to ride at any speed.
What is the Himalayan 450 top speed?
Around 140 km/h. Comfortable cruising sits at 110-120 km/h. That’s plenty for Indian highways and a world away from the 411’s 110 km/h ceiling.
How much does the Himalayan 450 weigh?
196 kg kerb weight. Similar to the 411, but the weight distribution is better. It feels lighter on the road. It does not feel lighter when you drop it in a river crossing. Ask me how I know.
Is the Himalayan 450 expensive to maintain?
No. ₹2,000-3,500 per service (~£20-35 / $25-45). The liquid-cooled engine needs coolant changes (~₹800-1,200) that the air-cooled 411 didn’t, but it’s still cheaper than a KTM.
Is the Himalayan 450 comfortable for long rides?
I’d ride this all day. Upright seating, wide bars, well-padded seat. The suspension absorbs rough roads without beating you up. The 500 km tank range means fewer fuel stops and less time standing around petrol stations arguing about whether they accept Google Pay.
Have you ridden the Himalayan 450? Drop your review in the comments.
