- Based on Guerrilla 450
- Gets performance upgrades
- Royal Enfield Himalayan 750 spied recently
Royal Enfield has taken the wraps off an exclusive new flat track machine, the FT450, a limited-production special derived from their Guerrilla 450 platform. Unlike many factory prototypes, this one isn’t just for show—enthusiasts will be able to ride it as part of Royal Enfield’s 2025 Slide School program.
This latest creation is the result of a collaboration between Royal Enfield, Dirt Craft, and flat track legend Gary Birtwistle, and is designed specifically for honing slide skills on the dirt. Built around the 450cc liquid-cooled Sherpa engine found in the Guerrilla 450, the FT450 is stripped back for competition use. It features minimalist bodywork, revised ergonomics, and 19-inch wheels on custom hubs, all aimed at optimizing the bike for flat track use.
The FT450 comes equipped with a full performance exhaust system and a FuelX tuning module, both of which are expected to increase output beyond the stock 40bhp and 40Nm figures. However, Royal Enfield hasn’t officially confirmed the new performance numbers.
Although there are currently no plans to offer the FT450 as a production model, the road-going Guerrilla 450 that it’s based on is available in dealerships from £4,850. For those inspired by the flat track aesthetic, Royal Enfield is also offering a GMA flat track accessory kit for the Guerrilla, priced at around £697. This pack includes a bench seat, radiator and sump guards, and bar-end mirrors, allowing road riders to channel the FT450’s style.
Royal Enfield hasn’t stopped at flat track specials. The company recently teased an all-new twin-cylinder Himalayan, signaling its next big move in the adventure touring segment. Spy shots shared on social media show the prototype undergoing real-world testing in the Himalayan region, and it appears to be nearly ready for production.
The upcoming model is expected to be powered by the 648cc air/oil-cooled twin-cylinder engine that currently serves in the Interceptor, Continental GT, and the new Shotgun 650. A closely related electric version of the bike has also been seen in testing, though it remains in earlier stages of development.
From what’s visible, the new Himalayan diverges from conventional ADV norms. It forgoes the typical beaked front styling for a more streamlined look. Suspension setup appears to include a long-travel linkage-type monoshock at the rear and inverted forks up front. Spoke wheels in a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear combo further support its off-road intent.
One significant update over the 450cc version is the addition of twin front disc brakes, suggesting a stronger on-road touring focus and added braking performance. In contrast, the smaller Himalayan 450 makes do with a single-disc setup.
With the FT450 aimed at riders looking to explore flat track skills and a larger Himalayan 650 on the horizon, Royal Enfield is clearly broadening its global appeal. The twin-cylinder ADV would fill an important gap between the brand’s smaller displacement offerings and its retro-styled 650cc models. For riders in Europe, North America, and emerging markets like India, this signals that Royal Enfield is serious about catering to a wider range of riders—from dirt school novices to long-distance adventurers.
