Riding the all-new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 across Utah’s high-altitude plateaus was an adventure I couldn’t resist. With its 452 cc liquid-cooled “Sherpa” engine pumping out 39.5 HP and 29.5 ft-lbs of torque, this bike promised far more grunt than its predecessor—and I was eager to find out just how far it could go.
I chose a mix of asphalt, rocky trails, mud whoops, and steep inclines near Daniels Summit Lodge. Stock 90/10 dual-sport tires and Showa USD forks offered a balanced starting point, while a six-speed gearbox meant plenty of gears to exploit the engine’s torque curve. Packing a minimalist toolkit and hydration, I was ready to push limits.
Asphalt Performance
On smooth highway stretches, the Himalayan 450 felt alive. The bike cruised effortlessly at 70–75 mph, with bursts up to 85 mph before the windblast and engine vibrations became noticeable. Above 7,000 rpm, the single-cylinder motor hummed with manageable shakes, and the revised chassis inspired confidence leaning into fast sweepers. Braking felt reassuring thanks to a 320 mm front disc and dual-channel ABS, though the rear pedal remained a touch vague under heavy use.
Off-Road Challenge
Switching to dirt, I hit a series of 60 mph mud whoops that would’ve unsettled the old Himalayan. Instead, the long-travel suspension soaked up impact and kept the bike stable through rapid landings. On a slick, rutted climb, traction control and rider weight shifts carried me upward without drama, even as fellow riders on similar machines struggled or took spills.
Real-World Top Speed
In traffic or at low speeds, engine heat became noticeable—common for big singles—but never enough to force a stop. GPS-verified runs pegged top speed around 90 mph, aligning with forum reports of 85–95 mph ceilings in ideal conditions. Riders often report a 3–5% speedometer over-read, so I relied on GPS data for accuracy.
Across various owners and riding conditions, many echo these findings: a comfortable cruise at 70–75 mph, peak runs near 90 mph. Common modifications include taller sprockets for a bit more top-end, windscreen upgrades to tame buffeting, and tire swaps for softer terrain.
Conclusion
Pushing the Himalayan 450 to its limits revealed a machine transformed: more powerful, more capable off-road, and surprisingly refined at speed. It’s a bike that invites riders to test boundaries without betraying its modest $5,799 starting MSRP. Whether carving highway corners or slinging through whoops, the new Himalayan earns its place as one of the best-value adventure bikes on two wheels.
