Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 vs Guerrilla 450 based on 4 key parameters

During the test rides, these parameters captured my attention the most. For reference, I own a Honda CB300R and a CB350 H'Ness.

BHPian t3rm1n80r recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Went for a very short test ride today on the Himalayan 450 and the Guerrilla 450. Here are my observations based on 4 parameters, because that's what captured my attention the most. I haven't gone through the spec sheet of either of these. The observations are purely based on feelings. For reference, I own the Honda CB300R and the CB350 H'Ness.

Himalayan 450:

• Acceleration: Felt ok. Nothing exciting about it. Didn't feel the kick even after 6000 rpm with the throttle fully open. I think the weight is the culprit here.
• Comfort: Glides over small road undulations at high speeds. Clutch is light.
• Handling: The front does not have any feel to it. But it holds its line well in fast-flowing corners.
• Braking: Decent enough, but not confidence-inspiring. There is nose dive due to the long travel suspension.

Guerrilla 450:

• Acceleration: Was a bit exciting. The engine wakes up in its midrange with a strong pull.
• Comfort: Definitely stiffer than Himalayan, but compliant enough on small road undulations at medium speeds. Clutch is light.
• Handling: Stiffer suspension setup definitely helps here. The front end feel is better than the Himalayan.
• Braking: Very confidence-inspiring. The shape of the brake lever also helps here.

Commonalities:

• Both mask their weight well above 40kmph.
• Engine smoothness, to my surprise, felt better than my CB300R. I think it's because of the lighter accelerator, one doesn't have to grip it that much tightly, thus less vibrations getting transferred to the hand. But there are vibrations on the tank and on the footpegs at higher rpms.
• Engine sound: Very good at mid rpms. But whack open the throttle and they both sound more than they go. Engine sound has a distinct clatter to it. First thought that came to my mind was the diesel clatter.

To summarise:

• Acceleration: Guerrilla 450 > CB300R >~ Himalayan 450 >>> CB350 H'Ness
• Comfort: Himalayan 450 >> Guerrilla 450 >> CB300R >~ CB350 H'Ness
• Handling: CB300R >>> Guerrilla 450 > CB350 H'Ness >~ Himalayan 450
• Braking: Guerrilla > CB300R > Himalayan 450 > CB350 H'Ness
• Clutch feel: CB350 H'Ness > CB300R > Guerrilla 450 ~ Himalayan 450
• Throttle feel: CB350 H'Ness > Himalayan 450 >~ Guerrilla 450 > CB300R
• Parking speed waddling ease: CB300R >> Guerrilla 450 > CB350 H'Ness >> Himalayan 450

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