Quick Read
- Massive Price Hike: Cross-spoke wheels for Himalayan 450 now cost ₹40,645 for existing owners (a 300% increase).
- New Buyers Unaffected: New bike buyers can still get the wheels for ₹11,000 during purchase.
- Options Available: Cross-spoke wheels come in black, olive, and gold to match multiple bike colorways.
- Enhanced Performance: These wheels are great for off-road capabilities and are easier to repair than traditional spoked wheels.
- Himalayan 450 Specs: Powered by a 452cc liquid-cooled engine with 40hp, priced between ₹2.85 – ₹2.98 lakh (ex-showroom).
Massive Price Hike for Himalayan 450’s Cross-Spoke Wheels
Royal Enfield has raised the prices for its popular cross-spoke wheels (tubeless spoke wheels) for the Himalayan 450, with existing owners now paying ₹40,645 per pair. This marks a staggering 300% increase from the earlier accessory pricing of ₹12,424!
What Changed?
Previously, buyers purchasing these wheels as an accessory paid ₹12,424, while adding them during the bike’s purchase cost ₹11,000 via the RE configurator. This price still applies to new bike buyers—but for existing owners, the new pricing could be a dealbreaker.
While Royal Enfield offers price protection for riders who ordered the Himalayan before these wheels were introduced, the latest increase makes it a tough sell for many.
What Are Cross-Spoke Wheels and Why Are They Worth It?
The Himalayan 450 is beloved for its versatility, especially for off-roading enthusiasts. The bike comes equipped with tubed wire-spoked wheels (21-inch front and 17-inch rear), which are durable but challenging to repair in case of a puncture. Tubeless cross-spoke wheels, on the other hand, offer significant advantages:
- Easier Repairs: Repairs can be done with a simple patch or puncture repair kit without removing the entire assembly.
- Durability Under Stress: Cross-spoke wheels flex and absorb impacts without cracking, making them ideal for rugged terrain.
- Custom Styling: Available in black, olive, and gold to match the Himalayan’s five colorways (Kaza Brown, Poppy Blue, Kamet White, Himalayan Salt, and Hanley Black).
Himalayan 450 Specifications
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is a dual-sport adventure bike designed for both on-road and off-road performance. Key specs include:
- Engine: 452cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder producing 40hp and 40Nm of torque.
- Frame: Steel twin-spar frame for improved stability.
- Suspension: Showa inverted cartridge forks in front and a monoshock at the rear.
- Brakes: Disc brakes for both front and rear wheels.
- Price: Ex-showroom prices range from ₹2.85 – ₹2.98 lakh.
Larger Impact of the Price Hike
Existing Himalayan 450 owners will now need to shell out approximately 10% of their bike’s cost to upgrade to cross-spoke wheels. While many will see these as unjustifiably expensive, others may still opt for them due to the performance benefits they offer.
For new buyers, however, the cost remains affordable at ₹11,000 when bundled with the bike. This highlights Royal Enfield’s strategy to offer value for first-time customers while targeting additional revenue from existing owners.
Will the price hike deter current owners, or will the off-road benefits make the splurge worth it? Only time will tell.
Final Thoughts
Despite the steep pricing change, cross-spoke wheels remain a valuable upgrade for riders who frequent rugged terrain. Whether it’s worth the splurge comes down to how much you value convenience and enhanced performance.
What are your thoughts on this massive price hike? We’d love to hear from Himalayan 450 owners in the comments below!
