“I’ve been riding motorcycles for over 26 years now, and my list of owned bikes includes the
Yamaha Enticer, Bajaj 220, CB 350”
BHPian Captain Slow recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
I’ve always yearned for an off-road bike to navigate the challenging terrain of our city roads, reminiscent of the moon’s surface.
The Himalayan appeared to be the perfect match, prompting me to swiftly make an online reservation on the day of its announcement.
Initially, I had booked the Hanle Black variant. However, upon inspecting the bike in the showroom, I found the color to be too flashy for my taste. Consequently, I contacted the dealer and requested a change to the more subtle Kaza Brown.
On the morning of Friday, December 15th, I received a call from the dealership, informing me that my bike was ready for pickup and that I could proceed with the full payment.
Wasted no time and promptly headed to the dealership, conducted a pre-delivery inspection (PDI), and settled the full payment.
It has been five days since I took possession of the bike. Acclaim Motors executed a commendable delivery process.
My points of contact, Syed and Manjuwere exceptionally helpful and proactive (kudos to them).
Now back to the Bike –
I’ve been riding motorcycles for over 26 years now, and my list of owned bikes includes the
Yamaha Enticer, Bajaj 220, CB 350, Interceptor 650, and most recently, the Himalayan 450.
Speaking of the Interceptor 650, my firsthand experience provides insight into what Royal Enfield offers to the general consumer—a fantastic bike coupled with a less-than-stellar after-sales experience (more on that later).
Now, let’s delve into what makes the Himalayan 450 special:
It boasts a water-cooled 452cc single-cylinder engine, marking Royal Enfield’s first foray into liquid-cooled engines. 40bhp (at 8000rpm) and 40Nm of torque
The Engine has abundant low-end torque, making it adept at navigating challenging terrains by effortlessly pulling you out of tight spots, Now yes the engine emits a somewhat an Autorickshaw sound.
It’s not inherently negative, just not precisely what I had anticipated.
Very Classy and feature-rich console.
Weighing in at 196kgs, it’s equipped with two riding modes: Eco, Performance (with rear ABS on), and Performance (with rear ABS off).
The full LED lighting enhances visibility.
Functioning as both a fun off-roader and a competent commuter, it strikes a balance between versatility and performance.
Despite its substantial weight of 196 kg, it feels surprisingly light and easy to ride.
The current price point offers excellent value for money.
With a 17L fuel tank, it ensures substantial riding range.
The seating position is excellent for comfort and control.
The bike’s suspension excels at gliding over potholes, making it perfect for navigating challenging terrain.
Fuel Gauge seems reasonably accurate (compared to the 650 twins)
The ride quality surpasses any other bike in its segment.
Now, let’s talk about the Himalayan 450 in more detail. First impressions? It’s BIG! Myself Standing at 6’1″, even on the main stand, my feet don’t touch the ground.
However, once in motion, it feels like any other bike. The new liquid-cooled engine is a milestone for Royal Enfield, demonstrating impressive performance without overheating in bumper-to-bumper conditions.
For those who complain about heat on their legs, I would advise against riding this bike in shorts or mini skirts.
The overall appearance may seem imposing, but once seated, everything falls into place, making for a comfortable and enjoyable ride.
E20 Fuel compliant!
On the Left side panel, there is a small window to check the coolant levels! (Standard green coolant is used here)
However, there are a couple of aspects I am not particularly fond of:
The engine feels a bit harsh (especially when compared to the 650)
Vibrations – Being a single-pot Engine this is not as refined as the 650.
After-sales service of Royal Enfield can be a hit for Miss! As we shall soon find out.
Ugly Saree Guard! This needs to go ASAP!
The placement of the fuel cap appears rather unconventional. When attempting to open the fuel filler cap, the key chain is bound to scratch or leave marks on the tank. It would have been more practical if the fuel filler cap were made removable, similar to the design of the 650 twins.
Moreover, the fuel tank features a metal rod in the middle, preventing the fuel nozzle from being fully inserted into the tank.
Additionally, the rubber seal on the fuel filler cap seems remarkably similar to that of the 650 twins. We encountered significant issues with this rubber seal deteriorating over time.
Another irksome aspect of the bike is the noise emanating from the fuel pump. Upon starting the bike, a persistent buzzing sound, like “bzzzzz,” becomes apparent. Surprisingly, all 450 models have this sound, none of the reviews has even mentioned this.
Everyone admires the aesthetic appeal and overall feel of this bike! Surprisingly, even the guards responsible for protecting my cars from rats seem to have taken a liking to the new Himalayan 450.They appear quite comfortable perched on the bike, and convincing them to vacate their newfound spot is proving to be quite a challenge.
They enjoyed the new location so much that they decided to throw a party on the bike!
On the day of picking up the bike from the showroom, I noticed a problem with it pulling to the right always
Today, I visited the service center to have the issue inspected. After a couple of individuals from the showroom took test rides, they confirmed a pull towards the right side. Unfortunately, they have requested me to leave the bike with them for further assessment.
Uncertain if this marks a favorable beginning for my ownership report. I hadn’t anticipated having to leave my bike at the service center so soon!
It seems like there might be an issue with the front suspension or rim.
My Interceptor 650 has been incredibly reliable. While I did encounter some issues with the cone set, I managed to address them within a couple of months.
As I post this, the bike is still at the service center, awaiting instructions from RE on the next steps 🙁 Does anyone have a contact at RE who could assist me?)
Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
