Royal Enfield to Step Up Dakar Game

Royal Enfield was recently photographed testing the Himalayan 450, providing us with a glimpse of what’s to come. According to the not-yet-production-ready body panels, the test prototype has not yet reached the final level of testing. Before the Himalayan 450 was caught on tape in its testing state, BikeWale released a wealth of information about the adventure motorbike, and additional information has since surfaced. In comparison to the Himalayan 411, the Himalayan 450 looks to be a more serious off-roader, with a more agile motor.

The Himalayan 450 appears to be a hardcore off-roader compared to the Himalayan 411 and it will likely have a more sprightly powertrain as well. The most interesting part of the latest report is that the Himalayan 450 will spawn a more off-road focused variant known as Himalayan 450 Raid, and it will go on sale around 2025-26 – likely three years following the market debut of the regular model.

It will have several luxury features, including front and rear tubeless spoked wheels, a more powerful engine, and an additional fuel tank. This suggests that the Chennai-based firm may consider competing in the gruelling Dakar Rally in the future, with Hero MotoCorp and TVS Motor Company currently participating. K1X is the internal codename for the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Raid.

The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is slated to be released next year, and it will most likely fight against the KTM 390 Adventure and the BMW G310 GS. It is expected to be powered by an all-new 450 cc single-cylinder fuel-injected liquid-cooled engine with a maximum power output of 40 bhp and peak torque of 45 Nm, based on RE’s premium motorcycles. It is expected to be powered by an all-new 450 cc single-cylinder fuel-injected liquid-cooled engine with a maximum power output of 40 bhp and 45 Nm of peak torque.

When the Himalayan 450 arrives, the normal 411 cc Himalayan may be phased out as well. RE has a slew of new bikes in the works, including the Scram 411, which might be followed by the Hunter 350 in the second half of this calendar year, and a new 650 cc motorbike — either a bobber or a cruiser – in late 2023. The business is also working on the next-generation Bullet 350 and a 650cc roadster with a Classic motif.

Returning to the Himalayan 450, it will most likely feature all-new bodywork, six-speed transmission with slipper and assist clutch as standard, a dual-channel ABS system with switchable rear ABS, ride-by-wire throttle with Road, Rain, and Off-road ride modes, a 20-litre fuel tank, USD front forks, mono-shock rear suspension, 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, a luggage rack with a payload capacity of 15 kg.