The Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 has finally made its much-anticipated debut, and it’s already turning heads. This neo-retro roadster marks a bold new chapter for Royal Enfield, blending rugged appeal with modern tech and the proven Himalayan 450 engine platform. From its sharp street presence to punchy performance, the Guerrilla 450 is designed to attract young urban riders who want retro charm without compromising daily rideability.
Let’s break down what makes the Guerrilla 450 an exciting addition to the mid-capacity motorcycle segment in India.
Table of Contents
Key Highlights at a Glance
- Launch Price: ₹2.39 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
- Engine: 452cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder
- Power: 40 PS @ 8000 rpm
- Torque: 40 Nm @ 5500 rpm
- Expected Mileage: 30–32 km/l
- Variants: Base, Mid, and Top-spec
Design and Styling – Neo-Retro Streetfighter
Royal Enfield has nailed the aesthetics with the Guerrilla 450. It’s a sharp-looking street bike that blends vintage design cues with modern minimalism. The round LED headlamp, muscular fuel tank, and upright riding posture give it a commanding streetfighter stance while retaining the brand’s classic DNA.
Key Design Elements:
- Sculpted 13L tank with RE badging
- Split seat setup with single-piece grab rail
- Upside-down front forks (top-spec)
- Dual-tone color options with matte finishes
- Alloy wheels with tubeless tyres
The bike looks more aggressive and compact than the Himalayan 450, making it more suitable for city and short highway stints.
Engine and Performance – Built on the Himalayan’s DNA
Under the tank lies the Sherpa 450 engine—a 452cc single-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled unit that also powers the Himalayan 450. In the Guerrilla, the engine has been tuned for better urban dynamics.
Performance Specs:
- Max Power: 40.02 PS @ 8000 rpm
- Max Torque: 40 Nm @ 5500 rpm
- Gearbox: 6-speed with slip & assist clutch
- Top Speed: Approx. 140 km/h
- 0–100 km/h: ~8 seconds
The engine offers strong low and mid-range grunt, ideal for overtaking and spirited riding. While not a corner-carver like a naked sportbike, it’s definitely more agile than RE’s previous roadsters.
Ride and Handling – City-Focused with Touring Ability
The Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 sits on a steel twin-spar frame, just like the Himalayan, but tuned for road use. With a shorter wheelbase, lighter kerb weight (181 kg), and 17-inch wheels at both ends, the bike feels planted yet responsive.
Suspension Setup:
- Front: 43mm USD forks (top variant)
- Rear: Monoshock with linkage
- Brakes: 320mm front & 270mm rear disc
- Tyres: CEAT tubeless radial
The bike is tuned for everyday comfort without sacrificing performance. Whether navigating potholes or short highway rides, the suspension soaks it all up gracefully.
Features and Technology – Simple Yet Smart
Unlike the Himalayan’s wide TFT, the Guerrilla gets a more compact digital console. However, it packs everything a rider needs.
Feature Highlights:
- Round digital instrument cluster
- Bluetooth navigation (in top model)
- Ride-by-wire throttle
- Dual-channel ABS
- USB-C charging port
- Hazard lights
- LED headlamp and tail lamp
While there’s no fancy rider modes or traction control, what’s offered is practical and reliable for the average user.
Comfort and Ergonomics – Upright and Street-Ready
Royal Enfield has ensured that the Guerrilla 450 doesn’t just look good—it feels great to ride too.
- Upright handlebars and mid-set footpegs
- Comfortable seat cushioning for long rides
- Wide seat for better pillion comfort
- Manageable seat height of 795mm
Whether you’re commuting daily or weekend touring, the ergonomics are designed to offer long hours of fatigue-free riding.
Variants and Pricing Strategy
The Guerrilla 450 comes in three variants:
| Variant | Key Features | Price (Ex-Showroom) |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Telescopic forks, single-tone color | ₹2.39 Lakh |
| Mid | USD forks, dual-tone paint, better graphics | ₹2.49 Lakh |
| Top | Bluetooth nav, premium color themes | ₹2.59 Lakh |
Royal Enfield’s pricing strategy is aggressive, undercutting many competitors in the neo-retro 400–500cc segment.
Competitors and Market Positioning
The Guerrilla 450 enters a hotly contested space with competitors like:
- Yezdi Roadster
- Honda CB350RS
- Jawa 42 Bobber
- Bajaj Dominar 400
- Hero Mavrick 440
What gives the Guerrilla an edge is its liquid-cooled engine, advanced chassis, and modern-retro design language—all at a competitive price.
Who Should Buy the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450?
- Urban riders wanting an eye-catching daily commuter
- Younger buyers seeking style and punchy performance
- Existing RE owners upgrading from 350s
- First-time buyers who want a middleweight that isn’t intimidating
If you’ve always wanted a roadster that blends Royal Enfield’s heritage with new-age tech, this bike ticks all the boxes.
Our Verdict – Royal Enfield’s Most Balanced Roadster Yet?
The Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 is a big step forward. It’s nimble enough for daily commutes, powerful enough for highway fun, and stylish enough to turn heads. Unlike the brand’s more touring-focused models, this is a pure street bike—but with just enough versatility for weekend rides.
Pros:
- Strong engine performance
- Eye-catching retro-modern design
- Value-for-money pricing
- Comfortable and practical for Indian roads
Cons:
- No ride modes or traction control
- Basic instrument cluster (vs. competitors)
Overall, the Guerrilla 450 is Royal Enfield’s boldest city bike yet.
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