When it comes to motorcycles, few brands evoke as much passion and loyalty as Royal Enfield. Their latest offering, the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450, has been creating quite a buzz in the biking community. This neo-retro roadster, based on the same platform as the Himalayan 450, promises to blend classic aesthetics with modern performance. In this review, we’ll dive deep into what makes the Guerrilla 450 a standout, addressing common questions and concerns along the way.
Design and Aesthetics
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 is its striking design. The bike exudes a classic charm with its round headlamp, teardrop fuel tank, and minimalist bodywork. However, don’t let the retro looks fool you; this bike is packed with modern features.
- LED Lighting: The Guerrilla 450 comes equipped with LED lighting all around, ensuring better visibility and a contemporary touch.
- Colour Options: It is available in several colour options, including Smoke Silver, Playa Black, Gold Dip, Brava Blue, and Yellow Ribbon, catering to a variety of tastes.
- Compact Dimensions: Compared to the Himalayan 450, the Guerrilla 450 has a more compact and city-friendly design, making it easier to manoeuvre through urban traffic.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the Guerrilla 450 is the new 452cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, also known as the Sherpa engine. This engine is designed to deliver a balance of power and efficiency, making it suitable for both city commutes and highway cruising.
- Power Output: The engine produces 40.02 PS (39.5 bhp) at 8,000 rpm and 40 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm, providing ample power for various riding conditions2.
- Transmission: It features a 6-speed gearbox with a slip and assist clutch, ensuring smooth and effortless gear shifts.
- Riding Modes: The bike offers two riding modes – Eco and Performance, allowing riders to adjust the bike’s behaviour based on their preferences and riding conditions.
Chassis and Suspension
The Guerrilla 450’s chassis is a steel tubular frame that uses the engine as a stressed member, contributing to the bike’s rigidity and handling.
- Front Suspension: It is equipped with 43mm telescopic front forks with 140mm travel, providing a comfortable ride over various terrains.
- Rear Suspension: The linkage-type mono-shock rear suspension with 150mm travel ensures stability and comfort, even on rough roads.
- Wheels and tyres: The bike rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, with a 120/70 R17 front tyre and a 160/60 R17 rear tyre, offering a good balance of grip and agility
Braking System
Safety is paramount, and the Guerrilla 450 doesn’t disappoint in this regard.
- Front Brakes: It features a 310mm front disc with a double-piston calliper, providing strong and reliable stopping power.
- Rear Brakes: The rear brake is a 270mm disc with a single-piston calliper, complementing the front brakes for balanced braking performance.
- ABS: The bike comes with dual-channel ABS as standard, ensuring better control and safety during sudden braking
Dimensions and Ergonomics
The Guerrilla 450 is designed to offer a comfortable and accessible riding experience for a wide range of riders.
- Wheelbase: With a wheelbase of 1440mm, the bike offers stability and a planted feel on the road.
- Ground Clearance: A ground clearance of 169mm ensures that the bike can handle uneven surfaces without any issues.
- Seat Height: The seat height is set at 780mm, making it accessible for riders of varying heights.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: The bike has an 11-litre fuel tank, providing a decent range for long rides.
- Kerb Weight: Weighing in at 185 kg, the Guerrilla 450 strikes a balance between stability and agility
Features and Technology
Royal Enfield has equipped the Guerrilla 450 with a host of modern features to enhance the riding experience.
- Instrument Cluster: The bike comes with a semi-digital instrument cluster on the base variant, while higher variants feature a TFT display with smartphone connectivity and Google Maps navigation.
- USB Charging: A USB Type-C charging port is provided, allowing riders to charge their devices on the go.
- Variants: The Guerrilla 450 is available in three variants – Analogue, Dash, and Flash, each offering different levels of features and pricing.
Pricing and Availability
The Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 is competitively priced, making it an attractive option for a wide range of riders.
- Analogue Variant: Priced at Rs 2,39,000, this is the base variant with essential features.
- Dash Variant: Priced at Rs 2,49,000, this variant adds more features and technology.
- Flash Variant: The top variant, priced at Rs 2,54,000, offers the most comprehensive set of features
Conclusion
The Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 is a compelling addition to the brand’s lineup, offering a blend of classic design and modern performance. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a newcomer, this bike promises to deliver an enjoyable and reliable riding experience. With its competitive pricing and a host of features, the Guerrilla 450 is set to make a significant impact in the mid-capacity motorcycle segment.
Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth reviews as we continue to explore the capabilities of this exciting new motorcycle. If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, feel free to leave a comment below. This concludes the first part of the article. Let me know when you are ready for the next part!
FAQs
1. How does the Guerrilla 450 compare to the Himalayan 450?
While both bikes share the same platform and engine, the Guerrilla 450 is more road-oriented and compact, making it better suited for city riding. The Himalayan 450, on the other hand, is designed for off-road adventures with its higher ground clearance and longer suspension travel.
2. Is the Guerrilla 450 suitable for long rides?
Yes, the Guerrilla 450’s comfortable ergonomics, powerful engine, and decent fuel tank capacity make it a good choice for long rides. The availability of riding modes also allows riders to optimise performance for different conditions.
3. What are the maintenance requirements for the Guerrilla 450?
Royal Enfield bikes are known for their robust build quality and ease of maintenance. Regular servicing as per the manufacturer’s schedule, along with timely oil changes and checks, will keep the Guerrilla 450 in good condition.