autoX Awards 2024: Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Performance,

2024 autoX Awards: The updated Royal Enfield Himalayan impressed us whether it was in the majestic Spiti Valley or the bustling streets of Delhi. The original Himalayan marked a bold new direction for Royal Enfield and it proved popular. The Himalayan 450 builds on this heritage with a larger engine, new design and added features.

No longer just a solid utility vehicle, the Himalayan now has a rather elegant design and a more curvy tank, which gives it the appearance of a large bike. It even comes with LED headlights and a stylish LED flash that complements its modern design. Despite the significant updates, the ergonomics remain unaffected, making it easy to ride whether you’re sitting or riding. Royal Enfield has also launched a more sophisticated digital instrument cluster and updated ADV. Yes, it can be a little tricky to navigate its features, but the display is clear and informative. Once configured correctly, Google Maps’ car-style display is actually very useful for adventurous riders.

The new Sherpa 450 engine produces 39.5 hp and 40 Nm of power, making the updated Himalayan extremely powerful. In our off-road testing alongside the more expensive Ducati DesertX, the domestic Himalayan proved it can keep up with the Italian stallion in many ways. Its long-travel suspension handles smooth curves and tricky trails with ease. As an ADV, it comes with switchable ABS, and the RE also includes a ride-by-wire system that allows for two different riding modes. Additionally, it now comes with the long-awaited tubeless spoked wheels, which is a big plus for serious adventure riders.

Also read: Royal Enfield Himalayan Review: The Flying Sherpa!

Surprisingly, the Himalayan achieved impressive track results. It’s only slightly slower than its more compact, road-biased sibling, the Guerrilla 450. What makes the deal even sweeter is its competitive starting price of Rs 2.85 lakh (ex-showroom).

Unlike most purpose-built machines, the Himalayan strikes a good balance between its purpose (i.e. off-roading) and its additional use (daily commuting). It goes beyond the stereotype that “large ADVs are only suitable for Ladakh travel”. While beginners may find its proportions intimidating and prefer the Guerilla to it, the fact is that the Himalayan is relatively easy to live with. In fact, our panel of judges had a lively debate over which of the two new Royal Enfield models is the better product, as they share the same engine and some other components despite serving very different purposes. Ultimately, the Himalayan’s versatility makes it one of the best bikes on our list this year.