P100
RIDE REVIEW I 2024 ROYAL ENFIELD HIMALAYAN 450
single-cylinder air-cooled engine
that pumped out 23 horsepower.
It arrived in the U.S. in 2018
and was warmly received for
its casual, laid-back backroads
cruising and around-town hauler
mannerisms more than it being a
genuine high-mileage, all-terrain
adventurer. Its $4300 price tag
was easy to swallow, too, as
were its nostalgic looks. Since
then, the original Himalayan has
been updated a few times and
has seen modest price increases
over the years, but now gets
a complete makeover, which
includes a brand-new, more
powerful engine and, yes, a price
increase. The new Himalayan
was first launched late last year
for the European market.
gine size and where it's built turn
you off? Read on and find out.
BACKGROUND
Over its 124 years in the mo-
torcycle industry, Royal Enfield,
with its English heritage, has
been known for its traditional
approach and minimal changes.
Since establishing its Chennai
plant in India in 1956, the com-
pany has focused on serving the
Indian market while gaining rec-
ognition in Europe and the U.S.
The first Himalayan was intro-
duced in 2015 and launched in
2016. It was powered by a 411cc
Well, there are a couple of pos-
sible catches. First, the Himala-
yan is a single, and a relatively
small 450cc single, that you
might find not beefy enough for
hard-core adventuring. That right
there might be enough to scare
you off. Secondly, the Royal
Enfield's are built in India, which
a lot of people aren't comfortable
with yet, just like when Japanese-
built bikes first started flooding
the U.S. market many years ago.
Otherwise, these are probably
the main issues that could make
you walk away from the Himala
-
yan despite its tempting $5799
base price. (You could pay a little
more depending on your chosen
colorway; the highest is $5999.)
But should the Himalayan's en
-
The new Himalayan 450 might
not be a looker but it's a
good all-around performer
