The Guerrilla’s Challenge: Comparing the Royal Enfield 450 to its Closest Competitors

The Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 enters a fiercely competitive mid-sized motorcycle segment dominated by established players like the Harley-Davidson X440, Triumph Speed 400, Husqvarna Svartpilen 401, and Hero Mavrick 440. Each motorcycle brings its unique strengths and caters to different …

The Guerrilla’s Challenge: Comparing the Royal Enfield 450 to its Closest Competitors Read More »

The Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 enters a fiercely competitive mid-sized motorcycle segment dominated by established players like the Harley-Davidson X440, Triumph Speed 400, Husqvarna Svartpilen 401, and Hero Mavrick 440. Each motorcycle brings its unique strengths and caters to different rider preferences.

Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450

Royal Enfield’s Guerrilla 450 marks a departure from the brand’s traditional cruiser image, aiming for a younger, sportier demographic. With a focus on agility and performance, the Guerrilla 450 offers a unique proposition in the mid-sized motorcycle segment.

Design and Variants

The Guerrilla 450 boasts a fresh, roadster-inspired design with a muscular stance and a youthful appeal. Available in three variants – Analogue, Dash, and Flash – priced at Rs 2.39 lakh, Rs 2.49 lakh, and Rs 2.54 lakh (ex-showroom) respectively, it offers a choice for different rider preferences.

Powertrain

Sharing its 452cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine with the Himalayan, the Guerrilla 450 delivers 39.47 bhp and 40 Nm of torque. However, it benefits from a different tune and gearing for a sportier character. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox and a slip-and-assist clutch. While exact figures are yet to be confirmed, the Guerrilla 450 is expected to be more fuel-efficient and potentially faster than the Himalayan due to its lighter weight (185 kg compared to 196 kg).

Features and Technology

The Guerrilla 450 offers a range of features, including ride-by-wire throttle and two riding modes (Eco and Performance). The higher-spec variants come with a four-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity, while the base model features a digi-analog instrument cluster with optional Tripper navigation.

Chassis and Suspension

Built on a steel tubular frame, the Guerrilla 450 employs a telescopic front fork and a link-type monoshock at the rear. The motorcycle features 17-inch alloy wheels with road-focused tires. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes at both ends with dual-channel ABS.

Triumph Speed 400

The Triumph Speed 400 marks a significant entry point into the Triumph lineup, showcasing the brand’s renowned build quality and premium finish in a compact package. This India-made motorcycle blends classic roadster aesthetics with modern features, creating a minimalist yet sophisticated look.

Design and Features

Priced at Rs 2,34,497 (ex-showroom Delhi), the Speed 400 is available in three color options: Carnival Red/Phantom Black, Caspian Blue/Storm Grey, and Phantom Black/Storm Grey.

The motorcycle features LED lighting, a semi-digital instrument cluster, and switchable traction control. While it misses out on smartphone connectivity, the instrument cluster provides essential riding information. Triumph offers a range of accessories to personalize the bike.

Powertrain and Performance

Powered by a 398cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine producing 39.5 bhp and 37.5 Nm of torque, the Speed 400 delivers a claimed mileage of 29.8 kmpl and a top speed of around 150 kmph with a flat torque curve. A six-speed gearbox with a torque-assist clutch ensures smooth gear shifts. The motorcycle has a kerb weight of 176 kg and rides on 17-inch alloy wheels.

Chassis and Brakes

The Speed 400 employs a robust chassis and braking system, featuring a 300mm front disc and a 230mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS. The bike has a 13-liter fuel tank and a seat height of 795mm, making it accessible to riders of various heights.

Harley-Davidson X440

Harley-Davidson’s foray into the accessible cruiser segment arrives in the form of the X440, a motorcycle co-developed with Hero MotoCorp. The X440 embodies Harley-Davidson’s iconic design language, characterized by a round headlight, muscular fuel tank, and a commanding road presence. Despite its more affordable positioning, the motorcycle doesn’t compromise on visual appeal, offering a premium look and feel.

Available in three variants – Denim, Vivid, and S – the X440 is priced at Rs 2,39,500, Rs 2,59,500, and Rs 2,79,500 (ex-showroom) respectively. The base Denim model offers a classic look with spoke wheels and a single-tone paint scheme. The mid-spec Vivid adds alloy wheels, dual-tone colors, and enhanced styling elements. At the top of the range, the S variant boasts premium finishes, machined components, and advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity.

Heart of the X440

The X440 is powered by a 440cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that delivers 28 horsepower and 38 Nm of torque. It offers a claimed mileage of 35 kmpl and a top speed of around 135 kmph.

Weighing 190.5 kg, Harley-Davidson claims a strong low-end torque delivery, making it suitable for both city commuting and open road cruising. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox equipped with a slip-and-assist clutch.

Modern Features and Technology

While rooted in classic design, the X440 doesn’t shy away from modern conveniences. The top-spec S variant features a Bluetooth-enabled TFT instrument cluster with navigation, call, and SMS alerts. The other two variants offer a more basic digital instrument console.

Ride and Handling

The X440 is built on a steel trellis frame and employs conventional suspension components, including telescopic front forks and twin rear shocks. Braking duties are handled by single-disc brakes at both ends, aided by dual-channel ABS.

With the X440, Harley-Davidson aims to attract a new generation of riders while preserving its legendary heritage. The combination of classic styling, modern features, and accessible pricing positions the X440 as a compelling entry point into the world of Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Husqvarna Svartpilen 401

Husqvarna Motorcycles has redefined the urban scrambler segment with the Svartpilen 401. Blending classic design cues with cutting-edge technology, this motorcycle offers a unique riding experience. Priced at Rs 2,92,000 (ex-showroom Delhi), this single-color roadster stands out with its distinctive design and impressive features.

Performance and Handling

Powered by a 398.6cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine producing 46 bhp and 39 Nm of torque, the Svartpilen 401 delivers a thrilling ride. Paired with a six-speed gearbox and a quickshifter, it accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in 5.38 seconds and reaches a top speed of approximately 160 kmph!

The motorcycle’s handling is enhanced by a new trellis frame, borrowed from the KTM Duke, and premium WP Apex suspension components. The braking system includes 320mm and 240mm disc brakes with dual-channel ABS, ensuring confident stopping power.

Design and Features

The Svartpilen 401 boasts a striking design with a round LED headlight, a new underbelly exhaust, and revised side panels compared to its predecessor. The bike comes equipped with a five-inch TFT display offering smartphone connectivity and features like ride-by-wire, traction control, and Supermoto ABS. With a 13.5-liter fuel tank and a weight of 171.2 kg, the Svartpilen 401 offers a balance of performance and practicality.

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 caters to riders seeking a motorcycle that combines classic charm with modern technology and performance.

Hero Mavrick 440

Hero MotoCorp’s most powerful and expensive motorcycle to date, the Mavrick 440, aims to disrupt the mid-sized motorcycle segment. Sharing a platform with the Harley-Davidson X440, the Mavrick boasts a distinct roadster design and comes in five color options: Arctic White, Fearless Red, Celestial Blue, Phantom Black, and Enigma Black.

Priced competitively at Rs 1,99,000 for the base model, Rs 2,14,000 for the mid-variant, and Rs 2,24,000 (all ex-showroom, India) for the top-spec variant, the Mavrick 440 offers a range of choices for potential buyers.

Powertrain

At the heart of the Mavrick 440 is a 440cc, air- and oil-cooled, single-cylinder engine producing 27 PS and 36 Nm of torque. This powerplant is mated to a six-speed gearbox with a slip-and-assist clutch. The motorcycle delivers a claimed mileage of 30 kmpl and a top speed of around 110-150 kmph.

Features

The Mavrick 440 comes equipped with an LCD instrument cluster offering essential information like speed, tachometer, trip meters, and gear position indicator. Bluetooth connectivity enables features like call and text alerts, navigation, and vehicle tracking on the top-spec variant.

Striking a balance between comfort and practicality, the bike boasts a seat height of 803mm, a ground clearance of 175mm, a 13.5-liter fuel tank and a kerb weight of the alloy wheel variant is 187 kg.

The competition brings its strengths; The Triumph Speed 400 boasts premium finishes and accessible pricing, while the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 delivers unmatched performance with its high-tech features and powerful engine. Hero’s Mavrick 440 emerges as a budget-friendly option, sharing the platform with the Harley-Davidson X440 but offering a more aggressive roadster design.

Ultimately, the choice for riders depends on their priorities. The Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 is a well-rounded option for those seeking a balance between performance, features, and value. With its competitive price point and youthful appeal, it has the potential to carve a significant niche in the mid-sized motorcycle segment. With many options now available, ranging from classic-inspired cruisers to modern roadsters, the Indian rider is spoilt for choice. The battle for supremacy in this segment is far from over, and as technology and consumer preferences evolve, we can expect even more exciting offerings soon.