Adventure tourers are amongst the most popular motorcycles in the Indian market, thanks to their versatile capabilities. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is one such motorcycle, which was launched recently. The Himalayan 450 competes against the likes of BMW G 310 GS, the most affordable adventure tourer in the BMW Motorrad range. Here is a comparison between the two motorcycles to find out how they fare against each other.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 vs BMW G 310 GS: Design Showdown
Visually, both motorcycles are fundamentally different. The Himalayan is all about functionality, but it looks more sophisticated than the original Himalayan 411. It features a round headlight and a large fuel tank with an exterior cage for mounting items.
A simple look at the Himalayas shows that it is ready to face anything. On the other hand, the BMW G 310 GS is more road-oriented as it has a 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel. As a result, the motorcycle’s road presence is not as strong as that of the Himalayan. However, it can grab eyeballs with its striking design language.
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Powering the Adventure: A Look at the Engines
Both Himalayan 450 and G 310 GS are equipped with a single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, but the former features a larger 450cc unit that churns out a maximum power of 39.5bhp at 8,000 rpm and 40Nm of peak torque at 5,500 rpm. The BMW, on the other hand, generates 33.5bhp at 9,250 rpm and a peak torque of 28Nm at 7,500 rpm. The power plants of both motorcycles are mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slip-and-assist clutch.
Hardware Showdown: Frame, Suspension & Braking
The Himalayan 450 is built on a twin-spar tubular frame suspended at the front by 43mm inverted forks and a rear monoshock. A disc at the front and another at the rear take care of the braking duties. The motorcycle comes with a dual-channel ABS, switchable at the rear wheel. On the other hand, the G 310 GS is built on a tubular steel trellis frame suspended by a 41mm inverted fork and a monoshock at the rear. A disc at the front and rear performs braking duties. The G 310 GS also has dual-channel ABS.
Features Face-Off
The Himalayan 450 gets an all-new TFT instrument cluster. A joystick is provided to control the instrument panel. The Bluetooth connectivity enables Tripper Navigation and full maps. The BMW motorcycle is equipped with an LCD instrument panel, an adjustable clutch and brake levers, and alloy wheels. Both motorcycles are fully equipped with LED lighting.
Balancing Your Budget: Price Points of the Two Contenders
The Himalayan 450 comes at a starting price of ₹2.85 lakh, which goes up to ₹2.98 lakh (ex-showroom). The BMW G 310 GS, on the other hand, costs ₹3.30 lakh (ex-showroom).
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 vs BMW G 310 GS: The Verdict
The budget-conscious buyers can go for Himalayan 450. Moreover, its larger engine, off-road-focused suspension, and rugged design make it ideal for conquering tough terrain. As for the BMW G 310 GS, it’s capable of handling some light off-roading. Some riders may find its sharper handling and premium feel appealing. However, be prepared to spend a bit more. Ultimately, choosing between the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and BMW G 310 GS should come down to your personal preferences and requirements.
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