Four Himalayan 450 motorcycles handed over for military training use; revives historic Royal Enfield–British Army connection
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Now Part of British Army Training
In a significant development, Royal Enfield’s UK division has partnered with the British Army, supplying four Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 motorcycles to the Army Motorised Adventure (AMA) group for training exercises.
- The Himalayan 450 will be used for various off-road training scenarios
- These bikes were already seen in action at Army Motorsport Day on 10 September, held at Thruxton Circuit
A Century-Long Legacy Reignited
This is not the first time Royal Enfield machines have served the British military. The relationship dates back to 1914, when Royal Enfield began supplying:
- Military motorcycles
- Bicycles
- Generators
- Aircraft gun predictors
One of the most iconic contributions was the Royal Enfield Flying Flea, a compact motorcycle dropped behind enemy lines during World War II to assist paratroopers.
Why the Himalayan 450?
The Himalayan 450 is a middleweight adventure tourer, well-suited to military needs due to its robust design and off-road capability. It is powered by:
- A 452cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine
- Output: 39 hp @ 8,000 rpm and 40 Nm torque @ 5,500 rpm
- Known for mid-range torque, ideal for long-distance and rugged terrain
Technical Highlights of the Himalayan 450
The motorcycle features an entirely new chassis and suspension setup, offering enhanced stability and handling:
- Steel twin-spar tubular frame with twin-sided swingarm
- Showa 43mm USD forks and link-type monoshock
- 200mm suspension travel front and rear
- 320mm front disc and 270mm rear disc with upgraded braking components
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Royal Enfield
This partnership could signal more such collaborations, further cementing Royal Enfield’s position not just as a commercial manufacturer but also a strategic defence mobility partner. It reinforces Royal Enfield’s heritage in military history while showcasing the modern reliability and performance of its newest machines.
