Royal Enfield has ventured into the rally scene with the new Himalayan 450 Rally Racer. This model is a modified version of the Himalayan 450 and was seen for the first time during the Spanish Cuenca rally with CS Santosh at the helm. While still in early development stages, this rally bike holds significant promise for off-road enthusiasts.
Key Highlights:
- Engine Likely Tuned: Engine might deliver over 50hp with possible internal upgrades.
- Modified Suspension: Long-travel suspension and rally-spec tyres for better off-road performance.
- Stripped-down Design: Lighter, purpose-built, and with rally-spec features like a full-system Akrapovic exhaust.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Rally Racer Features & Specifications:
| Feature/Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | Likely 450cc, stock exterior, but possible internal upgrades; power output possibly over 50hp |
| Exhaust | Full-system Akrapovic exhaust |
| Suspension | Long-travel suspension suitable for rally terrain |
| Tyres | Rally-spec tyres designed for off-road performance |
| Radiator Guard | OEM radiator guard (no visible changes) |
| Frame | Stripped-down frame with RE’s rally kit; cage around fuel tank removed |
| Front Tower | Rally tower for road books and essential rally navigation tools |
| Brakes | Likely upgraded for rally performance, but details yet to emerge |
| Weight Reduction | Overall design stripped down for lightweight agility |
| Development Stage | Early stages, more improvements expected in future iterations |
| Usage | Built specifically for rally racing, not for road use at this stage |
Prices Across Different Models
Since the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Rally Racer is still in early development and not yet available commercially, there’s no official price. However, it is expected that its price will exceed that of the regular Himalayan 450, which is projected to range between ₹2.6 – ₹2.8 lakh (ex-showroom).
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Rally Racer vs Himalayan 450 (Road Version)
Here’s a quick comparison between the rally version and the standard Himalayan 450:
| Aspect | Himalayan 450 (Road Version) | Himalayan 450 Rally Racer |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Adventure touring | Rally racing |
| Engine Output | Approximately 40-45hp | Likely over 50hp |
| Suspension | Standard | Long-travel suspension for rally terrain |
| Tyres | Road tyres with off-road capabilities | Full rally-spec tyres for rough, off-road terrain |
| Exhaust | Stock exhaust | Full-system Akrapovic exhaust |
| Weight | Heavier, with touring components | Stripped down for agility |
| Frame | Full frame with a cage around fuel tank | Stripped-down frame with rally essentials |
| Rally Features | No specific rally equipment | Equipped with a rally tower for road books and navigation |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Rally Racer?
The Himalayan 450 Rally Racer is a rally-specific version of the Himalayan 450, designed for off-road and competition use. - Where was the Himalayan 450 Rally Racer seen for the first time?
It was seen at the Spanish Cuenca rally with rider CS Santosh. - What are the key changes in the rally version?
Changes include long-travel suspension, rally-spec tyres, a full-system Akrapovic exhaust, and a stripped-down frame. - Is the Himalayan 450 Rally Racer available for sale?
No, it is still in the early stages of development and not commercially available. - What engine does the Himalayan 450 Rally Racer use?
It uses a 450cc engine, likely with internal upgrades, potentially delivering over 50hp. - How does the rally version differ from the road version?
The rally version is lighter, has a more powerful engine, better suspension, and is designed solely for off-road performance. - What is the estimated price of the Himalayan 450 Rally Racer?
There is no official price yet, but it is expected to cost more than the Himalayan 450 road version, which is around ₹2.6-₹2.8 lakh. - What tyres does the rally version use?
The rally version uses rally-spec tyres suited for off-road competition. - What suspension changes are made?
The bike is equipped with long-travel suspension to handle rough rally terrains. - What is the purpose of the rally tower on the bike?
The rally tower holds navigation tools like the road book, which is essential in rally racing. - Is the exhaust stock in the rally version?
No, the rally version uses a full-system Akrapovic exhaust for improved performance. - Does the rally bike have a radiator guard?
Yes, the rally version retains the OEM radiator guard. - What other modifications are expected in the future?
As the bike is still in development, further enhancements to the engine, frame, and other components are expected. - Can I use the rally version for regular road use?
No, the rally version is designed specifically for competitive off-road rallying. - When will the bike be fully developed?
A more complete version is expected to appear in the coming months as the bike continues development.
