The 2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan is an all-new adventure bike that keeps the original’s simplicity and approachability while modernizing nearly everything else. A new liquid-cooled engine, a new chassis, and modern electronics make it a far more capable machine than the 411cc model it replaces.
The Sherpa 450 engine is a DOHC, four-valve, 452cc single with a Nikasil-coated cylinder, a forged piston, and an 11.5:1 compression ratio. It makes 39 horsepower at 8000 rpm and 30 ft-lbs of torque at 5500 rpm, up from 24 horsepower. A semi-dry sump adds ground clearance, and the engine is a stressed member of the frame. It feels refined and pulls best above 4000 rpm, with a 6-speed gearbox and an assist-and-slipper clutch.
A ride-by-wire throttle brings Performance and Eco modes, each paired with road ABS or front-only off-road ABS, selected at a stop. The round TFT display offers Google Maps-powered navigation, and a USB-C port is standard.
The new steel frame carries a non-adjustable Showa 43mm inverted fork and a linkage-assisted, preload-adjustable Showa shock, each with 7.9 inches of travel. The suspension is compliant and well-damped on rough fire roads. Tube-type 21- and 17-inch wire-spoke wheels wear Ceat Gripp tires, with tubeless wire-spoke wheels optional. A 320mm front disc with a Bybre two-piston caliper suits off-road speeds best.
The Himalayan feels much lighter than its 432-pound curb weight, flicking playfully through switchbacks. Off-road, its low center of gravity and narrow midsection build confidence, seated or standing.
The two-position seat sits at 32.5 or 33.3 inches, and an optional low seat cuts 0.8 inches. Crash bars, a skid plate, a centerstand, and a replaceable subframe are standard, the fuel tank holds 4.5 gallons, and payload capacity is 436 pounds.
The Himalayan is for new and experienced riders who want an affordable, friendly adventure bike for commuting, back roads, and dirt exploring. Royal Enfield offers it in five colors, starting at $5799.
Benda motorcycles are beginning to make a ripple on US shores with four intriguing and competitive models, courtesy of its partnership with Keeway Group. We were impressed with the Napoleonbob 500 and have now gotten our gloves on the persuasive, entry-level 2026 Benda Chinchilla 300, with its modest MSRP of $4999. It would be difficult to design a more welcoming entry-level cruiser than this easy-handling, visually appealing boulevard bobber. Editor Don Williams and Associate Editor Kelly Callan discuss the Benda Chinchilla 300 and how it actually rode for them.
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Our guest this episode is Jesse Merriman, Chief Technician for Jeremy McWilliams at the Arch Motorcycle racing project. Arch Racing was founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reevs to compete in the Moto America Super Hooligan race series. Teejay Adams chats with Jesse about the Arch motorcycle and the challenges of extracting the absolute most from an air-cooled V-Twin racing engine and custom chassis.
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Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well.
Don’t forget to leave us your comments on our social media—we’re on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear those ideas too!
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![2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan Buyer’s Guide [Specs, Price]](https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2024-royal-enfield-himalayan-review-15-768x512.webp "2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan Buyer’s Guide [Specs, Price]")
