Royal Enfield, the iconic Indian motorcycle brand, has been spotted testing a new roadster model based on their 450cc platform. This upcoming motorcycle is expected to be called the Royal Enfield Roadster 450 and will take on rivals like the KTM 390 Duke and Triumph Street Twin when launched.
Royal Enfield Roadster 450 Design Details
Recent spy shots reveal the major design elements of the Roadster 450. The bike features a round LED headlamp upfront similar to the Meteor 350. It gets a muscular fuel tank with extensions and a single-piece seat. The side panels are minimalistic and the rear is slim with a stubby exhaust.
The tail section resembles the new Royal Enfield Himalayan with the number plate mounted high. The Roadster 450 test mule was seen with alloy wheels, telescopic front forks, rear mono-shock, and disc brakes on both wheels.
Royal Enfield Roadster 450 Engine Specs
Powering the upcoming Royal Enfield Roadster 450 will likely be the same 444cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine doing duty in the new Himalayan. When equipped in the ADV, this SOHC motor produces 40hp at 6500rpm and 45Nm of torque at 4000rpm.
However, Royal Enfield could tune it to offer more performance in the Roadster. The engine will come mated to a 5/6-speed gearbox. Expect a sweeter exhaust note than the thumpy Himalayan.
Royal Enfield Roadster 450 Features
The Roadster is expected to come loaded with features like the new Royal Enfield bikes. It will get LED lighting all around including the taillamp and turn indicators.
The instrument cluster will be an LCD or TFT unit with Bluetooth connectivity and call/message alerts. Switchgear could be borrowed from the Meteor 350. Dual-channel ABS will be offered as a standard for braking safety.
Royal Enfield Roadster 450 Handling and Comfort
With its roadster intent, the RE Roadster 450 will boast sportier ergonomics than other Royal Enfields. The bike will have rear-set footpegs and a slightly lower and forward-leaning handlebar. This should allow for a sporty and engaging riding position.
The suspension setup will include beefy telescopic front forks and preload-adjustable mono-shock at the rear. The Roadster 450 is expected to handle winding roads better than the cruiser-oriented bikes in RE’s lineup.
Comfort won’t be compromised though. The seat will be cushioned for ride quality over broken roads. The Roadster 450 aims to strike a balance between dynamic performance and comfort.
Royal Enfield Roadster 450 Expected Pricing and Launch Timeline
Royal Enfield is expected to price the Roadster 450 competitively starting at around Rs. 2.5 lakhs ex-showroom. This will make it a value proposition against rivals like KTM 390 Duke and BMW G310R.
The launch is expected to happen later in 2024 once testing concludes. RE already has the Hunter 350 retro roadster launching in March. The Roadster 450 will diversify the brand’s portfolio further with a modern neo-roadster.
Royal Enfield Roadster 450 Main Competitors
The primary competitors for the Roadster 450 will be the KTM 390 Duke, BMW G310R, Honda CB300R and the Triumph Street Twin.
The Roadster 450’s closest rivals will include:
- KTM 390 Duke: The benchmarks for hardcore small-displacement nakeds, the Duke 390 combines cutting-edge performance with razor-sharp handling. However, its stiff suspension and high-strung engine require more rider focus than the Enfield.
- Honda CB350RS – Retro-inspired styling and Honda build quality define the CB350RS. However, its air-cooled single-cylinder engine lacks performance versus the Royal Enfield.
- Triumph Speed Twin: At the premium end of the segment, the Speed Twin brings Triumph’s renowned twin-cylinder power and handling in a stylish retro-roadster package. Expect it to cost significantly more than the RE.
- Jawa Perak: The Perak’s old-school bobber vibe stands out in this segment. Performance is on par with what we expect from the Roadster 450, but the Jawa’s limited cornering clearance hinders handling.
The upcoming Royal Enfield has garnered a lot of interest among enthusiasts looking for an accessible and stylish modern roadster. With its expected pricing, performance and features, the Roadster 450 will make a strong case in the hotly contested midsize roadster segment when it hits the market. Royal Enfield seems to have a winner on their hands which will further expand the brand’s appeal.
