First Impressions and Riding Experience: Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450

Before diving in, let me clarify that this isn’t a detailed spec review of the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450. Instead, it’s a reflection on my first impression and riding experience with this new model.

When Royal Enfield announced the Guerrilla 450, I wasn’t particularly thrilled. My expectations were set for something underwhelming. But when the bike was finally unveiled, my skepticism was quickly overshadowed by sheer astonishment.

The Guerrilla 450 made an immediate impact with its vibrant colors, particularly the Yellow Ribbon and Brava Blue variants. From the rear, it resembles the Ducati Scrambler, thanks to its chunky 120/70 front and 160/60 rear tyres with bold block patterns. The rear end, in particular, stands out and looks stunning from behind.

On August 1, 2024, I had the chance to see the bike up close during the dealership launch event. My first thought was, “Since when did Royal Enfield start making such beautiful bikes?” The Guerrilla 450 looked compact and surprisingly lightweight, something you wouldn’t expect from a 450cc machine. Lifting it off the side stand, the bike felt agile and ready to pounce. The build quality of the Guerrilla 450 also caught my eye. Compared to other Royal Enfield models, the fit and finish were noticeably improved. The switch gears and overall craftsmanship felt top-notch.

However, I did encounter a Small issue, the bike ran fairly hot, which stood out even from the perspective of a 650cc owner. Although I’m accustomed to handling heat on larger bikes, the Guerrilla 450’s temperature was relatively high for a machine of this size. This could be a consideration for those planning extended rides or navigating through heavy traffic. 

One feature I particularly admired was the offset fuel tank filler, which adds a unique touch to the bike's design. The instrument cluster is packed with features, and at 780mm, the seat height is manageable even for shorter riders. 

When it was time to ride, I was eager to see how it performed. Mounting the bike was effortless, and the clutch felt light. However, the first gear was shorter than I anticipated, which led to frequent shifts between first and second gear, a bit cumbersome in traffic. The Guerrilla 450 shines in the third and fourth gears, where it really comes alive.

Opening the throttle in third gear was a revelation. The engine’s character transforms dramatically after 3500-4000rpm, becoming peppy and bassy with an impressive amount of grunt. The bike feels eager and responsive, especially given its lightweight frame, which contributes to its nimble handling.

Filtering through traffic revealed the Guerrilla 450’s true strength. Its lightness and power made it a joy to maneuver, and the bike's eagerness to accelerate was evident. Despite the brief ride, the Guerrilla 450 left a lasting impression. With a price range starting at ₹3,06,000 and going up to ₹3,24,000 on-road, this bike seems to be a segment killer, offering a unique character that stands out in the market.