Guerrilla in Our Midst

Royal Enfield is a brand that embraces the modern classic approach to design. But lately it has been thinking outside of the box some, with models like the Shotgun 650 based on its twin-cylinder parallel twin engine.

Now there’s a new standard bike, the Guerrilla 450, that uses the latest Himalayan as its basis. Only it doesn’t get all the bits and bobs to make it off-road ready. And it looks more modern than classic. 

At its core is the Sherpa 452cc single-cylinder engine first seen in the Himalayan 450. Here it features slightly more style for its road orientation. Output is the same 30kW at 8000rpm and 40Nm at 5500rpm as the Himalayan, making it LAMS legal. However, this bike has a slightly longer wheelbase. Kerb weight is 185kg and fuel tank capacity is 11L.

Construction is all steel – there’s no plastic. RE feels modern roadsters are too same-same. 

This bike rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels, and comes with a fixed 43mm telescopic front fork and a Showa shock with adjustable preload. The bike sports Enfield’s four-inch round TFT Tripper Dash that also debuted on the new Himalayan 450. This is different from the Tripper navigation pod that’s a feature on other RE models. Other features include an LED headlight, ride modes, and a USB-C charge port. 

Seat height is set at an easy 780mm. With mid-mount foot controls and an upright seating position, it’s a naked bike that’s meant to look good and be comfortable to ride for most people.

In New Zealand, the Guerrilla will be available in Brava Blue, the only hue with a color-matched frame. Enfield says that the graphics on the tank are masked and painted by hand in Chennai. They’re not just add-on stickers.

Yellow Ribbon is a gold and black colour scheme with purple highlights and there’s also Playa Black for Kiwis. Preorders open at 1pm today, with pricing announced later on this arvo. A three-year unlimited kilometre warranty includes three years of roadside assistance. Deliveries begin in October.

PS: The first five customers to place their refundable $500 deposit in Australia and New Zealand will be guests of RE at the Australian launch in October.