The Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 marks the brand’s foray into a more sporty retro roadster segment. Built on the same base as the new Himalayan, the Guerrilla is undoubtedly for the roads and has a distinct performance-centric character. Everything about this motorcycle is unique—from the design and ergonomics to the performance and torque curve. We rode it extensively for a week, and here’s everything we have to say.
Design and Features
The Guerrilla 450 stands out with a unique design that differentiates it from other modern retros in its class. While there are clear design parallels to its larger sibling, the Himalayan—such as the sculpted fuel tank, clean tail section, round LED headlamp, and blacked-out Sherpa 450 engine—the Guerrilla brings its own identity. Its standout feature is the beefy set of tyres, with a 120/70 R17 at the front and a 160/60 R17 at the rear. These are the widest ever seen on a made-in-India motorcycle. This pumps up its visual presence and stance. The motorcycle looks and feels substantial.
In terms of approachability, the Guerrilla 450 takes a departure from the Himalayan’s adventure-focused design. The seat height is just 780 mm- the lowest in the segment. It thus appeals to a wider set of riders. Despite being the heaviest in the 300-400 cc liquid-cooled roadster class at 185 kilos, it doesn’t feel difficult to live with. Lifting it off the side stand is easy, and the weight feels evenly distributed. Built on the Himalayan’s chassis, it retains that solid, planted ride. The fuel tank is much smaller compared to the Himalayan- accommodating just 11 litres (the Himayalan gets 17L) and does not interfere with rider comfort.
The ergonomics are quite sorted, with a riding position that suits both short and tall riders. The footpegs have been raised by 30mm, which may cause some discomfort for taller riders after a few hours of riding. Unlike what you would see on the Interceptor, these do not cause discomfort while trying to manually move the motorcycle or pull it backwards. The handlebar placement is neutral and offers a relaxed yet connected ride.
In equipment, the Guerrilla gets a 4-inch, all-digital single-pod instrument panel like that on the Himalayan, selectable ride modes, a USB C charging port, a joystick for easier in-screen navigation, and smartphone connectivity. The downside is that you need to keep your phone screen on for this work- meaning this is essentially a BT-based screen mirroring that’s happening. There are no adjustable levers- something that we would have appreciated if provided.
Performance and Handling
The Guerrilla 450 delivers an engaging riding experience, especially on winding roads. Built on the same chassis as the Himalayan but with a sharper headstock angle and reduced suspension travel (140mm front, 150mm rear), it’s more agile and better suited for road riding. The rear swing arm is shorter and it gets a tweaked sub-frame. The rear sprocket is smaller than the Himalayan’s by two teeth.
The 17-inch wheels at the front and rear, combined with chunky block-pattern CEAT tyres, could remind you of a Ducati Scrambler. Though its off-road appearance is more aesthetic than functional, the Guerrilla performs exceptionally well as a road bike.
The handling is neutral, predictable, and confidence-inspiring, allowing riders to lean deep into corners without hesitation. The tyres grip well in dry conditions, and the bike feels stable and composed, though switching to more road-oriented tyres could enhance the riding experience even further.
Braking is competent, though not the sharpest in its class. It has the signature RE ‘progressive’ feel. The front disc is slightly smaller than the Himalayan’s at 310mm, and while it gets the job done, there’s room for improvement in the stopping power offered. Dual-channel ABS is standard, but unlike the Himalayan, you cannot deactivate the rear ABS. The rear suspension feels firm, but has enough travel to handle most road conditions without getting the rider (and maybe even the pillion) uncomfortable, especially compared to the Hunter 350’s harsher setup.
The engine, the familiar 452cc liquid-cooled unit delivering 40hp and 40Nm of torque, is now tuned for a lively low- to mid-range performance. RE Guerrilla feels quick and responsive, especially with its 11kg weight savings over the Himalayan. The bike pulls strongly once it crosses 3,000rpm, and the power delivery remains fun throughout the rev range. However, the 11-litre fuel tank will demand frequent fuel stops during long rides.
Verdict
The Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 is available in three variants, with the base-spec featuring a semi-digital display, and the mid and top variants offering the same TFT screen as the Himalayan. It feels like a proper retro motorcycle without electronics like traction control or quick shifters, but you wouldn’t complain.
At a price range of Rs 2.39 lakh to Rs 2.54 lakh, it is a strong contender in the modern roadster segment. While not as feature-packed as the KTM 390 or Husqvarna 401, it offers a more accessible and comfortable riding experience with a touch of RE-ness! It’s priced slightly higher than the Triumph Speed 400 but brings a distinct appeal to the table.