-New 450cc roadster will come in the market
-Powered by Himalayan's liquid-cooled engine
-Will compete with Triumph Speed 400
Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 is on the horizon and is expected to be launched soon. The company has recently sent an invitation for the first ride test of the bike to be held in July. Knowing Royal Enfield and their tendency to time their launches close to the first ride experience, expect the Guerrilla 450 to hit the market in late June or mid-July.
The Guerrilla 450 marks Royal Enfield's entry into the 400cc roadster motorcycle segment. The bike is expected to be based on the platform of the Himalayan 450, which means its frame should be taken from the adventure bike, while the subframe is likely to be different to fit its roadster bike application.
It will be powered by a 452cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that makes 39.47bhp at 8,000rpm and 40Nm at 5,500rpm. Royal Enfield may alter the engine position and possibly the gearing to suit the performance and rideability of a roadster.
Pictures of test mules captured in the past suggest that the Guerrilla 450 will have a simple yet purposeful design. Be it the circular LED headlight, the tear-drop shaped fuel tank, or the short tail section that looks similar to the Himalayan, the bike has that quintessential roadster bike presence. A variety of colors and accessories are expected to be available with the bike.
The features list should also be extensive and include LED lights all around, dual-channel ABS, and color TFT from the Himalayan or analog dials from the Hunter 350/Super Meteor. While it's too early to say, we wouldn't be surprised to see Royal Enfield adding ride modes or perhaps traction control, as this seems to be common with recently launched 400cc bikes.
Royal Enfield is expected to position the Guerrilla 450 in the same position as the Triumph Speed 400, which is priced at Rs 2.33 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi.