Royal Enfield Hunter 450 is expected to launch in early 2024 following the arrival of the Himalayan 450 this year in India with an all-new liquid-cooled engine
It comes to no enthusiasts’ surprise that Royal Enfield has been working on a number of new 450 cc motorcycles as spy images have flooded the internet in recent times. Following the launch of the Super Meteor 650 earlier this year, Royal Enfield is expected to bring in the single-seater Classic 350-based bobber, new-gen Bullet 350 and Himalayan 450.
The dual-purpose adventure tourer will be the first 450 cc motorcycle to arrive and it will be followed by a naked roadster in early 2024 according to reports. The Chennai-based manufacturer appears to be developing as many as five new 450 cc motorcycles while the 650 cc range will also be expanded with the addition of new models.
The naked roadster will boast a lower seat height compared to the Himalayan 450 and will feature alloy wheels, wire-spoked wheels and alloy wheels across different trims. Spy pictures indicate the presence of modern/retro styling, minimalistic body panels, a slim fuel tank, a circular LED headlamp, an LED tail lamp, LED turn indicators, offset rear monoshock suspension, upside-down front forks and so on.
The upcoming 450 cc motorcycle will be powered by an all-new 450 cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine developing a maximum power output of around 40 bhp. It will be paired with a six-speed transmission while a slipper and assist clutch will be standard. They will sit on a brand new architecture that will be significantly lighter than the one found in the Himalayan 411.
The roadster could be dubbed the Hunter 450 as in essence it has several commonalities with the popular Hunter 350, which was launched last year. The Royal Enfield 450 cc range will also comprise a more hardcore version of the Himalayan 450, a scrambler and a faired cafe racer likely based on the long-mooted faired Continental GT 650.
The naked roadster will likely feature a circular all-digital instrument console with Tripper navigation system, new switchgear unique to the 450 cc range and a wide handlebar setup. It could undercut rivals such as KTM 390 Duke and other naked streetfighters including BMW G310 R.