Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 Test Report 2024

The new Royal Enfield Himalayan has made a positive mark in the adventure bike world - because it impresses across the board. This is partly due to the new Sherpa 450 single, which is also found in the Guerrilla 450. The platform is the same, as both vehicles were developed in parallel. Only the mapping and gearing were adjusted for the naked bike. Further changes can be found in the vehicle's geometry. And for those wondering: Royal Enfield indeed spells the word Guerrilla with a double-R! For all technical details, click here: New Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 2024.

The engine, already known from the Himalayan and now remapped, fits well into the 184-kilogram package of this naked bike. The single is smooth to ride from 2,500 rpm, feels comfortable in the mid-range, and provides enough thrust, while it loses a bit of steam at higher revs - nothing unusual for a single. The gearbox shifts pleasantly soft and precise. On the highway, the Guerrilla 450 cruises comfortably at 130 km/h and remains stable, although the vibrations become stronger at this speed, which can be uncomfortable over time. It is doable, but the vibrations are annoying in the long run - which is also not particularly surprising for a single of this displacement. In the city, you will appreciate the light clutch and the easy-to-shift gearbox. Speaking of the city...

Stop-and-go traffic is no problem at all because the bike is easy to start thanks to the clutch, and the heat development remains within limits. This is an advantage when the Spanish sun pushes the thermometer up to 36 degrees Celsius. The suspension shows its comfortable side, absorbing bumps well, and speed bumps are not transferred 1:1 to the rider's back. Additionally, the low seat height of 780 mm and the narrow profile make the Guerrilla 450 easy to handle in the city. Even shorter riders will find a secure footing. Thanks to its compact dimensions and low weight, it is well-suited for urban environments. You can comfortably lane split at traffic lights and pass traffic jams with ease.

Royal Enfield has now managed to appeal to the European eye as well. The styling is retro, but at the same time, you can see that a modern bike stands before you. The lines are beautifully drawn. You find everything you expect from such retro bikes: a pretty round headlight, clear, sweeping lines, but at the same time modern elements like LED headlights, LED taillights, and LED indicators. The Guerrilla 450 is available in several variants and many different colors. And if that's not enough, Royal Enfield's original accessories offer many options for customization, allowing you to design your bike exactly as you wish.

The feel of the controls is absolutely fine, especially for this price range. A real highlight is the new TFT display, which is also used in the Himalayan. It shows all information clearly and understandably. The biggest advantage is that you can connect your smartphone with the Royal Enfield app and display Google Maps on the screen. This is particularly practical for navigation, as you no longer need to mount a phone on the handlebars. An elegant solution that makes using the bike easier. If you still need power, there is a USB-C socket on the handlebars.

In terms of looks and features, there is nothing to criticize about the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450. However, you can tell that it is an affordable bike when you look at the brake and clutch levers, which are not adjustable.

Sitting astride the new Guerrilla 450, you take a seat at a height of 780 mm. An accessory seat that is 22 mm higher is also available, recommended for taller riders. However, even with the standard seat, the ergonomics fit a rider who is 1.75 cm tall. We have a pleasantly relaxed knee angle, and the wide and especially comfortably thick handlebars are exactly where you expect them to be. The bike is very slim, which allows for a secure stance. The 11-liter fuel tank is very flat in front of the rider, but still high enough to ensure a secure knee angle.

Leaving the city behind, the Royal Enfield showcases its all-round talent. Even though it is a comfortable bike, it proves that it can be ridden sportily. The chassis is not set too soft nor does it feel unstable. The Guerrilla 450 handles twisties well and offers genuine riding pleasure. Royal Enfield has not developed a wannabe scrambler here, but rather their own interpretation of a naked bike, which is evident through the 17-inch CEAT tires front and rear - this allows for dynamic riding performance.

The brakes are also adequate for this class. They are nothing special and require a bit of force on the lever, but nothing unusual for this category. The braking performance is sufficient to feel safe, especially thanks to the dual-channel ABS installed. On country roads, the Guerrilla 450 shows itself to be very dynamic and accessible. There are no negative surprises, which is why we are talking about a bike that will be fun for both beginners and experienced riders.

A motorcycle in the fiercely competitive A2 class can ride as well as it wants and look as cute as it can - if the price isn't right, the manufacturer has a problem. Royal Enfield has this issue under control, as the new Guerrilla is attractively priced. The simplest paint job is priced at 5,290 euros, while the Flash version we rode in the Yellow Ribbon color costs 5,540 euros. You can find the exact prices for Germany listed here:

Comparing it to the similarly designed and powered Triumph Speed 400, the entry-level version of the Royal Enfield costs 700 euros less than the British bike - a difference that could be decisive.