At EICMA 2023, Royal Enfield presented the world with the launch of the Himalayan 450. The new generation Himalayan looks almost nothing like its predecessor, boasting a completely new base and a new engine that is unlike anything we’ve seen from RE before. While the first generation Himalayan was an ADV that could go anywhere, the new Himalayan is sportier and, dare I say it, more complete.
That said, the rumors are stirring once again, as recent reports suggest that Royal Enfield is working on a beefed-up version of its adventure bike called the Himalayan 450 Raid. With the internal name of Project K1X, the Himalayan 450 Raid will be an off-road focused version of the already off-road capable new Himalayan 450. It is expected to come with a number of refinements designed to make it a better performing bike when it comes to tackling tough terrain.
A report in the Indian automotive publication Rush Lane suggests that the next Himalayan 450 Raid will come equipped with fully adjustable front and rear suspension, as well as increased ground clearance. In addition, it will also be lighter, but the report does not provide any weight figures. However, for reference, the Himalayan 450 has a weight of 196 kg, so yes, it is a bit heavy when it comes to an ADV model of this type, as its closest rival, the 390 Adventure, has a weight of 171.9 kg.
In addition to the improved suspension and reduced weight, the Himalayan 450 Raid is expected to be equipped with all kinds of off-road accessories. For example, a rally sump that protects the lower part of the engine from damage when crossing rough terrain. Hand guards allow riders to pass through bushes and light vegetation with ease, while tubeless spoked wheels inspire confidence when tackling all types of terrain.
While all this is interesting for ER enthusiasts looking for an off-road bike, it looks like we’ll have to wait a while before we see this bike hit the international market. The Himalayan 450 Raid is expected to make its debut at EICMA 2026 and be launched in India in the first few months of 2027.