Royal Enfield Gorilla 450: Mileage, Comfort, and Everyday Use
Hello from sunny Barcelona! After spending a day with the brand-new Royal Enfield Gorilla 450, I’m here to share my detailed insights on what it’s like to live with this bike. Having already reviewed the bike at its launch, this time I delved into the riding experience, mileage, and daily usability of the Gorilla 450. Spoiler alert: it’s an impressive machine that combines retro charm with modern practicality.
First Impressions
Design and Ergonomics
The first thing that strikes you about the Gorilla 450 is its stance. Unlike its sibling, the Himalayan, the Gorilla 450 features 17-inch alloy wheels on both ends, giving it a lower and more compact appearance. This design choice not only enhances its road-going capability but also makes it look agile and sporty.
- Wheel Size: 17-inch alloy wheels
- Weight: 184 kg (11 kg lighter than the Himalayan)
- Seat Height: 780 mm






The low seat height is a game-changer, especially for shorter riders. Even if you’re around 5’5″, you’ll find it easy to plant both feet on the ground. The footpegs are slightly rear-set, and the handlebars are positioned lower, providing a more aggressive yet comfortable riding posture. This setup ensures that the bike is not just fun to ride in the twisties but also manageable in city traffic.
Build Quality
Royal Enfield has done a commendable job with the build quality. The bike feels solid and well-put-together, with no unnecessary panel gaps or loose components. The paint finish is top-notch, and the overall fit and finish reflect the brand’s commitment to quality.
Engine and Performance
Power Delivery
The Gorilla 450 shares its 450cc engine with the Himalayan, producing 40 PS and 40 Nm of torque. However, the engine mapping has been tweaked to suit its road-focused nature. Initially, the throttle feels somewhat lazy, reminiscent of the Himalayan. But as you twist it further, the engine comes to life with an aggressive surge of power.
- Power: 40 PS
- Torque: 40 Nm
- Throttle Response: Initially mild, then aggressive

This bike loves to rev, delivering 80% of its peak torque from 2,000 to 8,000 RPM. This wide torque band makes it incredibly versatile, whether you’re navigating city streets or tackling hilly terrain. In Barcelona’s hills, the Gorilla 450 was a joy to ride, thanks to its punchy motor.
Gearbox and Gearing
The six-speed gearbox is identical to the Himalayan, with the same gear ratios. However, the Gorilla 450 features a smaller rear sprocket, giving it taller gearing. This translates to a more relaxed highway cruising experience.
- Gearbox: Six-speed
- Rear Sprocket: Smaller for taller gearing
At 100 kph in sixth gear, the engine runs at a comfortable 5,000 RPM, slightly lower than the Himalayan. This setup ensures that you can cruise all day long without feeling stressed, and there’s plenty of torque available for quick overtakes.
Vibrations and Refinement
One aspect where Royal Enfield has made significant improvements is in vibration control. The Gorilla 450 has fewer vibrations compared to the Himalayan, especially between 5,000 to 6,000 RPM. While it’s not entirely vibration-free, it’s a noticeable improvement that enhances the overall riding experience.
Handling and Suspension
Chassis and Geometry
The Gorilla 450’s chassis is derived from the Himalayan, but with several key modifications to improve its road manners. The rake angle has been brought in by 4 degrees, and the trail is shorter by 27 mm. Combined with a shorter swingarm, these changes result in a wheelbase that is 70 mm shorter than the Himalayan.
- Rake Angle: 4 degrees steeper
- Trail: 27 mm shorter
- Wheelbase: 1,440 mm (70 mm shorter than Himalayan)
These changes make the Gorilla 450 more agile and quicker to change directions while maintaining stability. Even with the chunky 120-section front and 160-section rear radial tires, the bike feels nimble and planted.
Suspension Setup
Unlike the Himalayan, the Gorilla 450 does not come with upside-down forks. The suspension travel is also reduced, which makes sense for a road-oriented bike. On Barcelona’s roads, the suspension felt firm yet compliant, soaking up minor bumps with ease. However, how it handles rougher Indian roads remains to be seen.
- Front Suspension: Standard forks
- Rear Suspension: Twin shocks
- Suspension Travel: Reduced compared to Himalayan

Braking Performance
The Gorilla 450 is equipped with a slightly smaller front disc brake compared to the Himalayan but still offers sharp and effective braking. The dual-channel ABS works flawlessly, providing confidence-inspiring stopping power. Unlike the Himalayan, the Gorilla’s rear ABS is non-switchable, which is a small compromise for its road-focused design.
- Front Brake: Smaller disc, sharp feel
- Rear Brake: Non-switchable ABS
- Overall Braking: Effective and confidence-inspiring
Mileage and Efficiency
Royal Enfield claims a mileage of 29.5 km/l for the Gorilla 450 based on WMTC testing, slightly higher than the Himalayan. In real-world conditions, expect the bike to deliver around 29-31 km/l in mixed city and highway riding.
- Claimed Mileage: 29.5 km/l (WMTC)
- Real-World Mileage: 29-31 km/l
The fuel tank capacity of the Gorilla 450 is 11 liters, which is smaller than the Himalayan’s. This translates to a range of approximately 300 km on a full tank. While this might seem modest, it’s sufficient for daily commutes and short weekend rides.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 11 liters
- Range: ~300 km
Daily Use: The Commuter’s Perspective
Ergonomics and Comfort
The Royal Enfield Gorilla 450 is designed with accessibility in mind. The low seat height of 780 mm ensures that even shorter riders can comfortably plant their feet on the ground. The seating position is slightly more aggressive than the Himalayan, with rear-set footpegs and lower handlebars. This setup strikes a balance between comfort and sporty riding posture, making it ideal for city commutes and spirited rides alike.
- Seat Height: 780 mm
- Seating Position: Slightly aggressive, balanced
Practical Features
The Gorilla 450 is surprisingly well-equipped for a retro roadster. The top variants feature a 4-inch color TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity and Google Maps navigation, adding a modern touch to the bike’s classic appeal. The base variant comes with a semi-digital instrument cluster from the Super Meteor 650, which is functional and easy to read.
- Display: 4-inch TFT (top variants), semi-digital (base variant)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Google Maps navigation
Additionally, all variants come with two riding modes (Power and Eco), which adjust the throttle response to suit different riding conditions. The inclusion of a USB Type-C charger under the handlebar is a thoughtful touch, ensuring that riders can keep their devices charged on the go.
- Riding Modes: Power and Eco
- USB Charger: Type-C under the handlebar
Storage and Utility
The Gorilla 450 doesn’t offer much in terms of built-in storage, but its design allows for the easy addition of aftermarket accessories like saddlebags and luggage racks. This makes it a versatile choice for those who need a bit more carrying capacity for daily use or longer trips.
Riding Experience: Urban and Beyond
City Commutes
In urban settings, the Gorilla 450 shines with its nimble handling and responsive engine. The bike’s compact size and low weight (184 kg) make it easy to maneuver through traffic, while the aggressive throttle response ensures that you can quickly get ahead of the pack when needed. The firm suspension setup provides a good balance of comfort and feedback, making daily commutes enjoyable.
- Weight: 184 kg
- City Handling: Nimble and responsive
Highway Rides
On the highway, the Gorilla 450 continues to impress. The taller gearing, courtesy of the smaller rear sprocket, allows for relaxed cruising at higher speeds. At 100 kph in sixth gear, the engine runs at a comfortable 5,000 RPM, slightly lower than the Himalayan. This makes long-distance rides less stressful, with plenty of torque available for effortless overtaking.
- Cruising Speed: 100 kph at 5,000 RPM
- Highway Stability: Excellent
Weekend Getaways
For weekend rides and short tours, the Gorilla 450 is more than capable. Its agile handling, combined with the punchy engine, makes it a fun companion on twisty roads. The firm suspension provides confidence when leaning into corners, while the comfortable seating position ensures that you don’t feel fatigued after a few hours of riding.
- Touring Capability: Good for short tours
- Comfort on Long Rides: Comfortable seating, balanced ergonomics
Conclusion: A Well-Rounded Retro Roadster
The Royal Enfield Gorilla 450 is a compelling package for anyone looking for a versatile and engaging motorcycle. Its combination of retro charm and modern features makes it an attractive option in the crowded roadster market. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an accessible and easy-to-ride bike or an experienced rider seeking a fun and practical machine, the Gorilla 450 is worth considering.
- Pros:
- Agile handling
- Punchy engine
- Modern features
- Comfortable ergonomics
- Cons:
- Slightly firm suspension on rough roads
- Limited built-in storage
With prices starting from Rs. 2.39 lakh, the Gorilla 450 offers excellent value for money, going head-to-head with rivals like the Harley-Davidson X440 and Triumph Speed 400. It’s a bike that’s easy to live with on a daily basis, yet exciting enough to bring out the joy of riding every time you hit the road.
So, if you’re in the market for a new retro roadster, the Royal Enfield Gorilla 450 is a strong contender that ticks all the right boxes. Take it for a test ride and experience the thrill for yourself – you won’t be disappointed!