Himalayan 450

The Sherpa 450 is Royal Enfield's first liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve engine, and it makes double the power of the old 411 Himalayan. The steel twin-spar frame is new, the 43 mm Showa inverted fork gives 200 mm of travel, and the 21/17 wheel combination is proper adventure geometry. Ride-by-wire brings two ride modes and switchable rear ABS.

The circular 4-inch TFT with Google Maps navigation is an unexpected class-leader. The seat is adjustable between 825 and 845 mm.

The Himalayan 450 is the adventure bike I would recommend to a new rider. It is slow enough to be safe, tall enough to feel like a real adventure bike, and comfortable enough to do full days. The single is smooth by Enfield standards and pulls to 8,000 rpm with a pleasant growl. Off-road it is confident on gravel and trails, limited more by its weight than its suspension.

Highway cruising at 110 km/h is fine; 130 is a stretch.

Valve checks are at 10,000 km on a four-valve DOHC head, more work than the old 411 but still approachable. Royal Enfield's global expansion means parts are cheap and dealers are appearing everywhere. Early builds had a few quality niggles that later production sorted.

The new adventure rider, the budget traveller, and anyone who wants a real adventure bike for the price of a beginner naked. Also a great second bike for an experienced rider who wants something simple for trails.