A Rider’s Calling
There is something deeply spiritual about riding, the hum of this engine, the wind pressing against your jacket and the open road ahead you. I have owned bikes before, but in late 2024, when I brought home the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 in black, it felt like I was not just buying a machine but I was choosing a lifestyle.
This is not a review based on a weekend test ride. This is my story as an actual owner someone who rides the Himalayan 450 every week, through city chaos and hill climbs, with lessons and laughter on every journey.
Why I Chose the Himalayan 450
After 6 months of scrolling forums, reading reviews, and watching YouTube breakdowns, I narrowed my search to one question:
Which bike can handle highways, potholes, hills and long trips without breaking me (or itself)?
The answer came loud and clear: The Himalayan 450 “a true adventure tourer built for India”.
What sealed the deal:
- Brand-new Sherpa 450 engine: Liquid-cooled, 40 HP, refined AF
- Fully digital TFT with turn-by-turn navigation
- Switchable ABS for off-road confidence
- 21-inch front + 17-inch rear wheels for rocky trails
- Comfortable ergonomics even after 200+ km stretches
First Ride Impressions: City to Highway
The day I picked her up from the showroom, it was rained. Not ideal but somehow poetic.
Even in city traffic, the bike did not feel bulky. Gear shifts were very smoother than I expected. Once I hit the highway it was just wow. At 80–100 km/h, the Himalayan 450 cruises with silent confidence.
Torque delivery is beautiful. You do not need to push it. It pulls cleanly across all gears.
Yes, it’s not a rocket. But it is a mountain goat with a PhD in endurance.
First Ride to the Hills: My Real Test
I took her to Lansdowne on a weekend, roughly 250 km from Noida. This included:
- Smooth expressway stretches
- Broken village roads
- Hairpin bends and steep climbs
And this is where the bike truly came alive:
- The wide handlebars gave great control on tight corners
- The upright stance kept me relaxed, not hunched
- Dual channel ABS kicked in on slushy patches (lifesaver!)
- Suspension-soaked bumps like a champ
Bonus? I still had the energy to walk the hills after the ride. That did not happen on my older one.
Service & Maintenance Experience So Far
I have done two services till now. Both under ₹5,000.
RE’s showrooms are better trained than before at least in Noida. They checked it thoroughly:
- Chain slack
- Brake fluid levels
- ECU diagnostics
And yes, they cleaned her well. I give them 9.5/10.
What I Added Post-Purchase
I invested in some accessories, which I highly recommend to each rider.
- Sump Guard: Replaced the stock one with a sturdier aluminum bash plate
- Hand Guards: Saves levers from damage in tip-overs
- Tail Bag + Tank Bag (Viaterra): For longer rides
- Phone Mount with USB Charger: Lifesaver for navigation
- Aftermarket Windscreen: Slightly taller, helps with windblast on highways
All combined cost: ₹25,000 – well worth it.
Downsides? Not Many, But Here They Are:
Let’s be honest — no bike is perfect.
- Seat Cushioning Could Be Better: I use a gel pad on longer rides
- Heat near Left Thigh in Traffic: Noticeable but manageable
- TFT Display Reflects Sunlight: Tough to read in direct noon light
- No Centre Stand: Miss it during chain cleaning
But nothing made me regret the purchase.
My Daughter’s Reaction
When I first revved the engine outside our home, my daughter came running out.
“Dad! This sounds like a rocket!”
Now every Sunday, she waves me off like I am going on a space mission. That’s what makes it priceless.
Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely. If one is looking for a reliable touring partner that does not shy away from potholes, gravel, or ghats — the Himalayan 450 is the real deal.
It is not just a bike. It is a bridge between your mundane weekdays and your wild, soulful weekends.
Final Verdict – Rating: 9.8/10, Best For: Riders who crave comfort and capability
Avoid If: You are a speed junkie or a pillion-only commuter.
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own, based on real-world experience and research done . Always take a test ride and choose gear that fits your body
