Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 first ride review: Segment-dominating ‘Gorilla’ unleashed?

The motorcycle was ridden by Arpit Mahendra and the review is based on his opinions.

Royal Enfield recently launched the much-anticipated Guerrilla 450, starting at Rs 2.39 lakh, ex-showroom. We recently had the opportunity to ride the motorcycle in the outskirts of Barcelona, ​​Spain, where we spent a decent amount of time with the motorcycle. After creating a lot of buzz around its arrival, the all-new roadster is finally here. Now, let’s take a look at its pros and cons, design, features, engine, and most importantly, performance.


Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450: Design

The Guerrilla 450 features a minimalistic yet purposeful design, unlike any other Royal Enfield on the market. The metal and plastic components are kept to a minimum, giving it a clean and purposeful look. At the front, you’ll find a headlamp and familiar Tripper from the Himalayan 450, complemented by 17-inch CEAT tires, co-developed by Royal Enfield.


The sculpted fuel tank and sleek graphics add to its aesthetic appeal. Moreover, the bolts on the engine give it a mechanical feel, which many, including us, appreciate. The upswept exhaust aligns with the minimalistic design, and the low 780 mm seat height makes it accessible for riders of average height, particularly in India. Overall, the design is fantastic, and Royal Enfield’s attempt at something different has paid off.

Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450: Hardware, ergonomics and performance

The most important aspect of the Guerrilla 450 is its performance. As for the ergonomics, the riding posture is inclined forward with wide handlebars and rear-set foot pegs, resulting in a performance-oriented stance without causing discomfort. Even after riding for over 8 hours, the only discomfort experienced was in the seat, which is understandable given the roadster’s purpose as it is different from comfort-oriented tourers.


The same 40 hp, 40 Nm, 450 cc Sherpa engine used in the Himalayan 450 powers the Guerrilla 450, but with tweaks to throttle mapping. Other changes include a sharper rake angle, fewer teeth in the rear sprocket (45 instead of 47), and lighter weight (11 kg less than the Himalayan 450). The rear subframe and exhaust mountings are slightly different, and there are non-adjustable Showa telescopic forks upfront with a link monoshock and preload adjustment at the rear. In terms of fuel capacity, the fuel tank holds 11 liters compared to the 17 liters of the Himalayan 450. The lower seat height and lighter weight make the motorcycle less intimidating and very welcoming for new riders.


Stopping power comes from a 310 mm front disc and a 270 mm rear disc. The Showa suspension units, both front and rear, provide stability and agility, making the Guerrilla 450 agile on streets and corners. The motorcycle feels happy to be flicked around corners, thanks to the combination of suspension, tires, and lighter weight. Even during hard braking or corner corrections, the Guerrilla 450 remains forgiving and stable. Moreover, the tires offer remarkable grip, enhancing stability during panic braking and hard cornering.


Now, the power train. It impresses with smooth acceleration through the gears, maintaining strong performance even beyond 120 kmph. The exhaust, although similar to the Himalayan 450, has slight design changes, giving it a more engaging and throaty sound. However, the only limiting factor is the height of the foot pegs, which can scrape during aggressive cornering, but this is a minor issue given the overall handling prowess. Even when you’re exploring performance in the top end this motorcycle does not disappoint. On a certain closed section of a road, we were able to hit speeds close to 155 kmph and still the motorcycle did not feel as if it had run out of breath.


Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450: Verdict
Overall, the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 is a brilliant, accessible, and forgiving motorcycle perfect for everyday riding. It feels distinct from other Royal Enfield models, sharing some parts with the Himalayan 450 but delivering a completely different experience. With smooth throttle mapping, agile handling, and a powerful yet manageable engine, it’s ideal for daily commutes and occasional spirited rides.


The motorcycle is available in three variants, namely Analogue, Dash, and Flash. The base Analogue variant of the Guerrilla is priced at Rs 2.39 lakh, the mid-level Dash costs Rs 2.49 lakh, and the top-end Flash variant is available for Rs 2.54 lakh. With the competitive pricing of the Guerrilla 450, it has the potential to become another winner in the company’s lineup and is poised to attract a lot of new riders into this segment.