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2023 Himalayan 450 vs Himalayan 411: An owner's detailed analysis

7th December 2023, 08:43 by Ananth Iyer

Hands down the best big-bike feeling small bike out there in the market. Simply nothing, from any Indian or International cuts the stance and presence this baby offers!

BHPian VijayAnand1 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

So, had the opportunity to see the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Hanle Black in flesh. All the showrooms in Coimbatore as per the the sales guys were allotted Hanle Black as the preferred choice of display motorcycle. This combination being my personal favorite, it made the experience fruitful. Test rides shall commence in a week or so is what I've been told, so that's an experience to beckon.

Location: Coimbatore

Initial impressions were smorgasbord to say the least. From the purview of being an ex-Himalayan owner, perforce to say this bike is simply light-years ahead..
Grab your cuppa, stretch your knuckles, sit back tight on your seat and scroll through to know why... > > >

Striking a pose...

Feels like a garisson to say the least, once perched. Hands down the best big-bike feeling small bike out there in the market. Simply nothing, from any Indian or International cuts the stance and presence this baby offers!

Delving deeper on the finer aspects of the Himalayan 450. The internet is flooded with TFTs, ride experience, top speed and why wouldn't I. The fever pitch is extremely fervent, but it's about time the dust shall settle. Being the guy I am, squinting my eyes, tongue to the side, sliding my hands to pick up my mobile to get the detailed glimpses of her.. Ah dear! Me and my melodrama.. Let's cut to the chase..

Excel Rims - EXCEL-LLENT Rims

Funny anecdote. None of the folks in the showroom knew what company the rim was made of, neither they've heard of it, nor were they informed. The rims are simply a work of art and of "exceptional" quality. The tactile feel, the smoothness, the fit, finish, simply unbeatable in this segment for a long time to come. I wouldn't dare compare this to the old-Himalayan's rim set. Simply a disgrace to even keep it side by side.. My phone sincerely didn't do justice to the lights at play but we both tried. Note: AKRONT (A Spanish firm) makes the wheels for tubeless spoke setup.

Sheer Golden Beauty, this..

Notice the marking 21x2.15. 21 inch, 2.15 rim width - rim bead to rim bead

Notice, the superb, shiny finish.

Notice, the punches around the spoke nipples. Crisp!

II. DID-Chain. Reminiscent, I'd have mentioned the same on my V-Strom thread 250 SX thread which uses DID made chain.

DID Chain. Notice the VFP-520. 520 is the chain's .520 pitch

Notice the rubber stopper. This is chain slap preventer of sorts. Prevents excessive chain slapping.

Notice the gap between squeezing my fingers

Attention to Detail - Notice the almost invisible RE logo embossed on the lower part mirrors. Brilliant. The mirror stalks appear meaty and super solid. Thumbs up!

The apt Himalayan logo justified for a truly apt bike. Notice the dual sparkle paint job. Personally dual-sparkle paint bring the best out of any vehicle.