Royal Enfield is in the process of developing an even more extreme version of the recently launched Himalayan 450.
According to reports, this variant is known as the Himalayan 450 Raid and is internally known as the Project K1X.
This variant is expected to be based on the 450 platform but will undergo modifications in terms of cycle parts to significantly enhance its off-road capabilities, as reported by Bikewala.
The primary focus of the Himalayan 450 Raid is to excel in off-road conditions, prioritizing rugged performance over road suitability. The current model boasts 43mm USD front forks and a mono-shock rear suspension, but the upcoming variant is set to take these capabilities to a more extreme level.
The bike will have a fully adjustable suspension both in the front and back. This equipment will allow for much greater ground clearance. A lot of emphasis is also being placed on reducing the kerb weight, as the brand plans to install rally-ready components on it. Meanwhile, the kerb weight of the existing Himalayan 450 is 196 kg.
Furthermore, the rally sump and engine guards, as well as the knuckle guards, will most likely be standard on the Himalayan 450 Raid. The exhaust system will also be new, and this is expected to increase the bike’s power. The popular tubeless spoke wheels will also be included as standard. The motorcycle’s appearance, however, will not change significantly. The Himalayan 450 Raid will most likely be released in only one colour.
Royal Enfield has implemented tubeless spoke wheels in its standard models for international markets, but this feature is not yet available in India. The introduction of tubeless spoke wheels in India requires approval from the Bureau of Indian Standards, which is a time-consuming process.
Tubeless spoke wheels are highly favoured as they offer a balance between off-road and on-road performance, providing enhanced versatility for riders. Despite the delay in availability in the domestic market, the inclusion of tubeless spoke wheels aims to offer an optimal riding experience for Indian consumers once approved.
The Himalayan 450 Raid, which Royal Enfield had earlier planned to launch in early 2026, has now been postponed several months, reports state. It’s quite possible that the bike will make its formal debut at EICMA 2026, and that it will then be launched in India in early 2027.
The 450 Raid will be more expensive than the standard model due to its updated equipment and features. The existing model is priced between Rs 2.85 lakh and Rs 2.98 lakh. The Himalayan 450 Raid could be priced at around Rs 3.5 lakh. This will be roughly the same price as the next-generation KTM 390 Adventure.
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