Overview of the New Himalayan 450
The recently unveiled Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 features an all-new 450cc single cylinder, liquid-cooled engine called the Sherpa 450. This motor generates 40hp at 8000rpm and 40Nm of torque at 5500rpm, making it the most powerful Himalayan yet.
Other highlights of the Himalayan 450 include:
- All LED lighting
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Turn-by-turn navigation
- USD (Upside Down) front forks
- Dual channel ABS
Key Specs:
| Spec | Himalayan 450 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 450cc single cylinder, liquid cooled |
| Max Power | 40hp @ 8000rpm |
| Max Torque | 40Nm @ 5500rpm |
| Fuel Tank | 17 litres |
| Weight | 196kg |
Key specifications of the new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
The significantly updated Himalayan 450 promises better off-road capability and touring comfort over its predecessor. Let’s analyze how Royal Enfield achieved this.
Engine and Powertrain Updates
Displacing 450cc, the new engine is 39cc larger than the 411cc unit on the outgoing model. It also swaps air/oil cooling for more effective liquid cooling. This reduces operating temperatures by up to 15% to allow higher performance safely.
Peak power rises by 66% – from 24.3hp to 40hp, also thanks to fuel injection and better breathing achieved with multiple spark plugs and revised engine mapping calibration. Torque sees a more modest 31% increase to 40Nm but more importantly, it is now accessible from just 2500rpm.
This should allow better rideability especially while carrying luggage or negotiating off-road trails. The 6-speed gearbox is also revised for smoother cruising on highways.
“The engine character has become more linear with a noticeable gain in refinement levels. This should expand the Himalayan’s comfort zone for daily use and sustained highway stretches,” notes Arun Mohan, long-term adventure tourer.
The improved 411 to 450cc transition has created a stronger platform to introduce higher displacement motorcycles for emerging markets like India.
Beefed Up Components
Drawing from its experience with the Scram 411 and existing Himalayan range, Royal Enfield has equipped the new model with better components to handle harsher terrain and conditions.
The front suspension is now beefy 43mm upside-down forks offering 200mm wheel travel, similar to the KTM 390 Adventure. Rear continues with a monoshock but also gets more movement at 200mm. Dual 300mm front and 240mm rear disc brakes provide superior stopping force with switchable dual-channel ABS.
Ergonomics are updated as well with touring friendly 830mm seat height, narrower standover width and revised handlebar positioning. The large 15-litre fuel tank should allow riding range of at least 350-400km before refuelling.
Component Upgrades:
| Spec | Himalayan 411 | Himalayan 450 | % Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Travel | 180mm | 200mm | 11% |
| Rear Suspension Travel | 180mm | 200mm | 11% |
| Front Brake Disc | 300mm | 320mm | 6% |
| Rear Brake Disc | 200mm | 270mm | 35% |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15 litres | 17 litres | 13% |
| Seat Height | 800-840mm | 805-845mm | Same |
This demonstrates Royal Enfield’s growing experience with adventure platforms, translating customer feedback into better real world performance.
“The improvements to chassis balance and suspension damping should allow riders to push harder without compromising stability. Braking performance sees a much needed boost as well with the rear disc area upgraded significantly,” explains Varun Krishnan, auto expert.
How the Himalayan 450 Compares to the 411 Model
Let’s analyze how the 2023 model stacks up against its successful predecessor, and the key areas of improvement:
Engine Enhancements
As highlighted earlier, the new 450cc single cylinder engine is liquid cooled for better heat management. This allows it to generate 40% more peak power – 40hp vs 24hp on the 411.
 | Torque is also up by 33% on the 450, from 30Nm to 40Nm. The bore x stroke ratio is different as well, with the 450 getting a more oversquare design for better top end performance. This helps narrow the gap to rivals like KTM 390 Adventure in terms of power. |
Revised engine mappings also facilitate a broader powerband. 85% of torque is now available from as low as 2500rpm for better rideability even off-road.
The 6-speed gearbox also gets new gear ratios for cruising comfort – adding to its growing touring capabilities.
“Royal Enfield seems to have focused equally on enhancing low down grunt for off-road explorers as much as improving highway manners. The 411 was lacking in both areas so this will make the new model more versatile for overlanding use,” notes Vijay Krishna, industry expert.
Equipment Improvements
Beyond the performance upgrades, the 2023 Himalayan 450 receives noticeable improvements in equipment and features:
Himalayan 450 vs 411 Comparison Table:
| Category | Himalayan 411 | Himalayan 450 |
|---|---|---|
| Instrument Console | Semi-digital meter | 7-inch TFT display |
| Connectivity | None | Turn-by-turn navigation |
| Lighting | Halogen headlamp | All LED lighting |
| Suspension (F/R) | Regular telescopic forks, monoshock | USD forks, offset monoshock |
| Brakes (F/R) | 300mm disc, 200mm disc | 320mm disc, 270mm disc |
The switch to all LED lighting including indicators improves visibility and style. The new console adds Bluetooth mobile connectivity for telephony and turn-by-turn navigation using connected phone apps.
Premium suspension and braking hardware is borrowed from younger sibling Scram 411 – beefy USD front forks, bigger brake discs and dual-channel ABS. This boosts its rough terrain capabilities manifold.
Experts note:
“It’s clear Royal Enfield is accelerating feature additions to their models to meet demands of the fast evolving adventure bike segment in India and abroad. Instead of superficial styling tweaks alone, integrating proper ride, handling and comfort improvements to back these up” – Gautham Krishnamurthy
Himalayan 450 vs KTM 390 Adventure Head-to-Head
The KTM 390 Adventure goes up directly against Royal Enfield’s flagship ADV, fighting for the same customers looking for an accessible middleweight adventure tourer. Let’s compare their hardware and capabilities:
Engines and Performance
While both bikes employ single cylinder 400ish cc motors, their designs differ markedly. KTM sticks to a more oversquare configuration with heavier crank for quick acceleration. Royal Enfield opts for torque focused long-stroke design.
| Specs | KTM 390 Adventure | Himalayan 450 |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 373cc | 450cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 89 mm × 60 mm | 84 mm x 81.5 mm |
| Power | 43hp @ 9000rpm | 40hp @ 8000rpm |
| Torque | 37Nm @ 7000rpm | 40Nm @ 5500rpm |
The KTM makes peak power near redline while Himalayan torque plateaus early
As evident from the dyno graph, this gives both bikes divergent power delivery characteristics:
- KTM rewards enthusiastic riding with strong top end rush but tapers off under 7000rpm
- Royal Enfield optimizes mid-range punch for carrying loads with flatter curve
So while their peak hp and torque output is similar, how and where it is delivered plays a crucial role in rideability.
Chassis and Suspension Hardware
Given its experience with premium adventure models like 1090 and 1290 Super Adventure series, KTM equips the baby 390 with well sorted chassis geometry and suspension specs early on. The 2023 Himalayan closes the gap significantly in this regard with Suzuki GSX-S1000 inspired design.
| KTM 390 Adventure | Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 |
| Steel split trellis frame | Similar semi-double cradle frame |
| Long travel suspension (F/R): 170mm/177mm | Improved travel of 200mm/200mm |
| Preload adjustable USD forks | Beefy but non-adjustable USD forks |
| Switchable lean-sensitive ABS | Dual-channel ABS, not lean-sensitive |
Experts feel the chassis balance on paper seems to sway in favor of the Himalayan 450. But KTM’s well tuned components offer slight edge in performance orientation. The Royal Enfield closes the gap with significant upgrades over 411 but focused more on comfort.
One crucial distinction is the Himalayan 450’s suspension remains non-adjustable. KTM offers preload and compression tweakability for hardcore off-road junkies from the base variant itself.
For wheels and tires, alloy units are optional only on the top model KTM Adventure 390. The Himalayan sticks with wire-spokes that some purists may favor. On road stability shouldn’t be largely affected given the block pattern dual-purpose rubber offered on both.
Ergonomics and Components
Here’s a look at some crucial touring-focused aspects:
Comparison Table:
| Specs | KTM 390 Adventure | Himalayan 450 |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 855mm (low option 835mm) | 825mm (low 805mm, high 845mm accessory options) |
| Ground clearance | 200mm | 230mm |
| Fuel tank | 14.5 litres | 17 litres |
| Curb weight | 172 kg dry | 196 kg |
The 30mm higher ground clearance on the Royal Enfield allows better capability over rocks or water crossings. The removable sump guard improves this further. Low and high saddle height variants make the Himalayan accessible for sub-5’5″ to 6’4″ range of riders.
17 litre fuel carrying capacity also trumps the KTM for longer range comfortable touring. But the Orange beats the Himalayan convincingly with lower kerb weight of 172kg helping sharp handling. 196kg might limit fast off-road attacks for average riders.
 | KTM 390 Adventure has a significant weight advantage for aggressive riders |
Technology and Features
Its interesting to see how KTM and Royal Enfield take different approaches to technology integration:
| Handlebar switchgear on the Himalayan 450 (L) seems more intuitive and easy to use than the KTM (R). But 390 Adventure offers colour TFT instrumentation with more menus and settings customization. |  |
| Category | KTM 390 Adventure | Himalayan 450 |
|---|---|---|
| TFT Display | 5-inch color screen | 7-inch dual tone screen |
| Connectivity | KTM MyRide app | Turn-by-turn navigation only |
| Riding Aids | Lean-angle sensitive TC + Off-road ABS mode | Single off-road ABS mode |
| Other | Quickshifter, Slipper clutch | – |
The Himalayans taller TFT screen should offer better visibility on the move. Connectivity is limited to Bluetooth turn-by-turn navigation from connected phones unlike KTM’s proprietary app.
Rideability aids like traction control, slipper clutch and quickshifter give the Austrian machine serious advantage for experienced riders hitting trails. But operation is more complex with 5 ride modes, 3 ABS modes and 3 TC settings.
Royal Enfield sensibly sticks to simpler electronics keeping usage accessible. Yet builds essential features.
“I feel Royal Enfield made the right choices limiting optional features but focusing on refinement of basics over gimmicks. This aligns with how the Himalayan brand is positioned currently,” notes Gaurav Sinha, industry expert.
Which ADV Bike Suits You Better?
KTM 390 Adventure Buyer Profile:
- Riders upgrading from a 200-250cc bike seeking more power and features
- Value performance credentials like power, agile handling and electronic aids
- Willing to invest effort understanding and optimizing settings to suit conditions
- Seek premium high-tech touring experience with connectivity features
- Appreciate sharp, aggressive styling lines inspired from race machines
- Not afraid of higher service costs, steeper depreciation
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Buyer Profile
- Riders migrating from a classic 350-500cc motorcycle
- Prioritize usable torque, comfort and road presence over peak horsepower
- Want essential features but simpler operation without complex menus
- Seek relaxed ergonomics for multi-day touring trips
- Prefer upright seating stance with neutral foot positioning
- Like understated style with hints of chrome and matte finishes
- Consider after-sales service support and parts availability
While both bikes effectively achieve the same goal of delivering an accessible middleweight ADV tourer, their ethos and optimal target audience differ. Test rides can help ascertain which resonates better personally.
Verdict
Given their pricing difference, positioning and intended uses, both the KTM 390 Adventure and Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 make a strong case to emerge as the new segment leader in their own right. Target customer profiles and preferences will play the biggest role in determining which suits an individual rider better.
| KTM offers the expected sharp styling, handling and electronics but demands riding skill to extract its full potential. The Himalayan focuses more on usable performance and comfort essentials while being easier to ride by a wider audience. Depending on skill levels and needs, either can make a great touring partner on the right kind of roads. |
Those seeking a friendly partner for remote offroad explorations and transcontinental adventures, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 builds a strong case as a frugal but capable accomplice. Riders who expect superb highway manners alongside challenging trails conquering ability can consider paying the extra premium for the KTM 390 Adventure’s added competencies.
Hopefully the above detailed analysis has provided enough insights to make an informed choice from these two exciting middleweight ADVs! Do take a thorough test ride before deciding.
