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Avoid asking “Are we there yet?” because by Monday, we’ll all be back at our desks, longing for these moments. It’s a phrase I have to remind myself of as heavy raindrops fall around us, bringing a sense of discontent. The sandy, clay soil along Utah’s backcountry discovery route becomes as slippery as used motor oil, making even the most experienced motorcyclists struggle to maintain balance, and perhaps a bit of their sanity too. With numerous water crossings and slick trails, it’s quite a challenge out here. Nevertheless, it still beats a day at the office.
Full Disclosure: Royal Enfield brought me to Salt Lake City, Utah, to test ride the newly redesigned Himalayan adventure motorcycle. They covered my travel expenses, meals, and accommodation.
This was undoubtedly one of the toughest off-road routes I’ve ever navigated, and much like the infamous lip-syncing duo Milli Vanilli, we can attribute our struggles to the rain. Arriving back at our remote lodge after a day with the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, I was sore and covered in mud, feeling the ache from a long day and the anticipation of a well-deserved rest. The consensus among the group was clear: had the weather been dry, we would have experienced fewer spills and just as many thrills, or perhaps better tires could have made a difference. The bike itself performed admirably; it was the tires that fell short.
The previous Himalayan was a commendable first effort from Royal Enfield in the affordable adventure bike market. While it was a capable motorcycle for its price, it fell a bit short on power. Learning from this experience, the brand decided to completely redesign the Himalayan from scratch. The new version features a fresh single-cylinder engine—the brand’s first water-cooled model—boasting increased power, an improved chassis, and impressive engineering, all while remaining budget-friendly. If the original was an old, scruffy goat capable of climbing anything with time, its successor stands as a lively ibex with a thirst for adventure.
The newly designed Sherpa 450 engine may not be groundbreaking, but with 39.5 horsepower, it outstrips its predecessor’s 28 horsepower engine significantly. Royal Enfield is justifiably proud of this new powerplant. In terms of top speed, the bike is now reportedly capable of reaching up to 105 miles per hour, unlike the previous Himalayan’s 410 engine, which struggled to maintain highway speeds. During our ride, we climbed nearly 10,000 feet, and even in thinner air, the new engine had enough power to tackle steep inclines with nearly 300 pounds of rider and gear on board.
While the new model has lost some of the simplicity that marked its predecessor, the underlying philosophy remains intact. Royal Enfield has designed it with a “kick it back on the road” attitude, favoring basic steel construction over more complicated materials that other pricier brands might use. This makes it ideal for adventure riders in remote areas, where you might need to do quick roadside repairs with basic tools.
Despite the basic materials used in its construction, the Himalayan weighs nearly 200 pounds less than many leaders in the Adventure Touring segment. At just over 400 pounds, it’s significantly lighter than a new BMW R 1300 GS Adventure, which tips the scales at 593 pounds! This lightweight design makes it manageable on rough trails, and if you happen to drop it in muddy conditions, you won’t require assistance to lift it.
Designed for a wide range of riders, the Himalayan features three different optional seat heights and a slim profile for a more comfortable standover height. Its design accommodates smaller riders effectively. The air filter has been repositioned above the engine under the fuel tank to lower the seat height, and the brake lights are integrated into the side markers, allowing for an extra half inch of rear wheel travel clearance. These thoughtful engineering choices enhance the overall experience.
I don’t have many complaints about the Himalayan. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall and with an American build, I found that a bike designed for smaller riders still worked well for me. I raised the seat to its maximum height and adjusted the handlebars forward as much as possible. I would have preferred a bar riser to elevate the handlebars a few inches while standing, and the pegs could be wider for my size 13 boots, yet I still managed to ride comfortably throughout the day.
The new Tripper Dash is a welcome addition to the bike, featuring a large round TFT digital display that can mirror your phone via the Royal Enfield app. With this feature, you can control your music, access Google Maps, or make and receive calls without having to remove your phone from your pocket or tank bag. In listening to its customers, Royal Enfield discovered that many Himalayan owners were already using their phones on bikes with various mounts. Instead of risking damage to expensive devices, Royal Enfield chose to implement screen mirroring, a decision I believe was wise.
Ultimately, Royal Enfield could not have foreseen the weather conditions, and if the trails had been dry, the bike would have performed excellently. The most challenging areas were only those with significant mud and ruts. If you plan to use the Himalayan mainly as a road bike, the stock tires will serve you well on most rides. They can handle some serious off-road adventures—just not when everything is wet. However, if you’re venturing into softer sands, expect inclement weather, or simply want to travel faster on trails, consider investing in a set of more aggressive tires for greater capability.
The starting price for this bike is $5,799, peaking at $5,999 if you opt for the additional tube wheels and tires. There’s nothing on the market at this price that can match its performance. It would be hard to find anything on the used market that comes close. Personally, I would choose this bike over a Kawasaki KLR650 or Suzuki DR 650, and that’s before factoring in that both of those options are priced over a thousand dollars more than the Himalayan.
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