Test rode the 2023 RE Himalayan 450 & came away impressed: Here’s why
The brakes felt pretty decent by RE standards and are a huge leap forward
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I got a chance to test ride the all new Himalayan 450 today and I have come back thoroughly impressed with the kind of improvements that RE has managed in this current generation. Here’s a short list of my observations from a quick test ride (courtesy – Sai Ram Autocraft RE near Mahadevapura, Bangalore).
- The bike looks like a big bike from all quarters and when you sit on it, it feels as if you’re sitting on a throne( way more comfortable one than the Iron throne). The ergonomics are spot on and I had absolutely no issues with the footrest position (my height is 169cms for reference). 196kgs of metal (and some plastics) sure made their presence felt especially when moving it around with the engine off.
- The bike felt proper fast and extremely nimble even with those large 21 inch front wheels. The low end torque delivery is predictable and comes in waves as the revs climb steadily from ~2500 rpm onwards.
- Vibrations are definitely there but compared to the previous gen it has reduced by almost 60-70% in the lower revs. At the top end, the engine felt a bit thrashy.
- The gearshifts are extremely smooth but in terms of the throttle response I felt a slight delay between the actual throttle input and the corresponding increase in engine rpm. This is masked well in lower gears but while riding at let’s say 3rd/4th gear at 30-40kmph, this delay was more noticeable.
- The radiator fan went on for a couple of times but it didn’t roast my leg at all. The mirrors slightly vibrate as you get near to the top end but that is still manageable.
- The suspension, just like in the previous gen, is simply delightful. The bike made the Outer Ring Road feel like Agra Lucknow Expressway ! The potholes are almost nonexistent when you’re on the Himalayan and the stock tires provide enough grip in a dirt/gravel(faced a small under construction stretch and couldn’t help revving it out).
- The seat felt plush and it was definitely one of the most comfortable rides I have had in quite a long time.
- The brakes felt pretty decent by RE standards and are a huge leap forward (from the older Himalayan brakes). The ABS was bit too intrusive on gravel patches but the TC worked pretty well. I was riding in the Performance mode with both ABS/TC turned on.
- The console is gorgeous to look at and the viewing angle is perfect (even when you’re up on the pegs).
Eagerly waiting for an opportunity to take it to some local trails around BLR.
Thanks to BHPian @rhik94 & my colleague Ujjwal for accompanying me to this test ride !
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