Quick Read
- New Sherpa Engine: 452cc liquid-cooled engine producing 40PS power and 40Nm torque. Refined performance ensures smooth rides for traffic and open roads alike.
- Aggressive Pricing: Starts at ₹2.39 lakh for the base variant; top-end Flash variant offers features like Tripper Dash and ride modes at ₹2.54 lakh.
- Designed for Riders: Comfortable riding position, mid-set footpegs, and wide handlebars for long hours of fatigue-free rides.
- Impressive Handling: Twin-spar frame, Showa suspension, and wide tubeless tires ensure confident cornering and stability.
- Tech That Matters: Google Maps navigation, Bluetooth features, intuitive ride modes, and non-gimmicky tech for practical everyday use.
- All-Rounder Performance: Perfect for daily commutes and weekend adventures with a balanced mix of performance and efficiency.
Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 Review
The Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 is a bold new addition to the 400cc naked street bike market. Built by the Chennai-based manufacturer, this modern roadster offers exciting performance, head-turning style, and thoughtful features that blend retro appeal with cutting-edge design. After spending a weekend testing the Guerrilla 450 on the winding roads outside Pune, it’s clear that Royal Enfield is stepping into a new era of innovation and excitement.
Not Your Typical Royal Enfield Engine
The Guerrilla 450 is powered by the new liquid-cooled 452cc Sherpa engine, which delivers 40PS at 8000rpm and 40Nm of torque at 5500rpm. This engine isn’t just about numbers; it excels in real-world usability. The smooth acceleration from low revs and robust mid-range performance make it perfect for everyday riding.
Refinements in this engine mean a more polished experience than Royal Enfield’s older air-cooled motors. Over my 200-kilometer test ride, I noticed subdued vibrations and satisfying precision in the 6-speed gearbox, which incorporates a slip-and-assist clutch for smoother transitions.
Affordable and Feature-Packed
The Guerrilla 450 is competitively priced:
- Base Analogue variant starts at ₹2.39 lakh.
- Mid-spec Dash variant priced at ₹2.49 lakh with the new Peix Bronze color option.
- Top-end Flash variant costs ₹2.54 lakh, offering premium features like the Tripper Dash with Google Maps and Bluetooth integration.
With these offerings, the Guerrilla 450 provides excellent value compared to rivals like the Triumph Speed 400 and KTM 390 Duke. The premium features on higher variants, such as ride modes and navigation, add significant utility for a modest increase in cost.
Built for Sharp Handling
Royal Enfield’s legacy of straight-line cruising is being rewritten with the Guerrilla’s emphasis on cornering. The bike’s twin-spar frame, paired with Showa 43mm telescopic front forks and a linkage-type rear monoshock, provides excellent stability and agility. With wide tubeless tires measuring 120/70-17 at the front and 160/60-17 at the rear, the Guerrilla ensures a confident grip, even on uneven surfaces.
The low 30.7-inch seat height and thoughtful weight distribution make the bike feel lighter than its 185kg wet weight suggests, which makes it approachable for newer riders yet incredibly fun for experienced ones.
Practical Tech for Real-World Riding
The higher variants of the Guerrilla 450 feature Royal Enfield’s Tripper Dash, which includes:
- Google Maps navigation.
- Music control and message notifications.
- Two ride modes (Eco and Performance), easily toggled via intuitive handlebar controls.
These features are practical and cater to everyday needs instead of overwhelming riders with unnecessary gimmicks. The dual-disc braking setup with dual-channel ABS provides safe and reliable stopping power in varied road conditions.
Everyday Versatility
From congested city streets to open highways, the Guerrilla 450 excels in transitioning seamlessly between different riding scenarios. Its 11-liter fuel tank offers an estimated 325 km range, balancing practicality with spirited performance for both commuters and adventure seekers.
Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 Verdict
The Guerrilla 450 marks a significant shift for Royal Enfield, combining retro styling with modern performance and practicality. It provides enough character for loyal fans while offering innovation that could attract a whole new audience.
While there’s room for improvement in areas like switchgear quality and headlight performance, these are minor cons compared to the overall package. The refined engine, confident handling, useful tech, and affordable pricing make the Guerrilla 450 a compelling choice in the competitive 400cc naked segment. It’s not just a contender; it’s a true disruptor.
Whether you’re upgrading from a smaller bike or looking for your first roadster, the Guerrilla 450 makes a strong case for itself. The question is no longer if Royal Enfield belongs in this segment, but how quickly others will respond to its game-changing approach.
