Settling In
It’s been over four months and over 2000kms since we brought in the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 to the BRM long-term fleet. And it has already become part of my everyday routine. From early morning commutes to late evening rides through the city, the bike has slotted into my lifestyle without fuss. That’s one of the things I appreciate most so far; its sheer usability.
And that only makes me want to ditch the car for the Guerrilla even more. Riding through the mix of urban backstreets, flowing 70-80kmph roads or even gravel shortcuts, it hasn’t skipped a beat. Four months later, it is safe to say Royal Enfield have nailed the urban scrambler brief with this one.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The Guerrilla’s riding triangle is relaxed but alert. With wide bars, slightly rear-set pegs and that low 780mm seat, it feels planted and confidence-inspiring. The suspension, 43mm USDs at the front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear, has done a fine job soaking up potholes, speed bumps and cracked tarmac without flinching. I even enjoyed the occasional trail roads I dared take it through. While it might not be as capable as the Himalayan, it does the job of having you giggle in your lid well.
Now, I am just a wee bit shy of being 5’10”, though I can see how someone taller might prefer the more upright Himalayan 450 which would also offer more room. But for daily duty, the Guerrilla’s setup is ideal. The seat itself could use a bit more cushioning for longer hauls, but around town and for short weekend blasts, it’s been spot on.
Just the Right Amount of Punch
The 452cc Sherpa engine is a highlight. It pulls cleanly from down low and feels smooth through the mid-range. Throttle response has a playful edge to it, not snatchy or overly aggressive, but a definite step livelier than the Himalayan.
The six-speed gearbox is slick enough, and I’ve grown quite fond of how it delivers its torque. There’s just enough urgency off the line to have fun between traffic lights, and on the open road, it cruises happily at 100-110km/h without fuss. At those speeds, there’s a slight buzz through the bars, but nothing uncomfortable.
A few weekends ago, I pointed the Guerrilla toward the coast; an 180km round trip of mixed highways and twisty B-roads. It handled everything without complaint. Wind protection isn’t much, of course, but the upright posture means the wind hits you evenly and predictably.
What really surprised me, though, was how planted it felt in corners. Even on stock CEAT tyres, the bike tracked well and didn’t feel nervous. The lighter weight over the Himalayan is noticeable here. It flicks from side to side easier, and the tighter wheelbase makes for quicker responses. It’s no sportbike, but it’s far from sluggish.
Where the Guerrilla really shines is in the daily stuff. Its relatively narrow width makes filtering through traffic stress-free, and the feather-light clutch is a blessing in rush hour. The TFT dash has been easy to read, and the Bluetooth navigation is handy, though it does take a few tries to sync correctly. The LED headlight is decent but could be brighter, especially for late-night rides in low-lit areas
So far, the Guerrilla’s holding up well. No rattles, no odd noises, no drop in performance. The chain needs some attention now and then, but that’s expected.
Verdict So Far
If the first 2000km are anything to go by, Royal Enfield has done a commendable job with the Guerrilla 450. It strikes a fine balance between everyday practicality and weekend fun, while offering a characterful engine and approachable handling.
There’s still a lot to explore; longer rides, some dirt, and a few bolt-on bits. But for now, it’s doing exactly what we hoped it would: being a fun, reliable and stylish companion on the road.
Details
Make: Royal Enfield
Model: Guerrilla 450
Odometer: 6500kms
Kms ridden: 2200kms
Specs
Engine: 452cc, single-cylinder
Power: 39.47 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Torque: 40 Nm @ 5500 rpm
Gearbox: 6-speed
Seat height: 780mm
Kerb weight: 185kg
