The recent presentation of the new Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450, an asphalt motorcycle with scrambler features, seems to bring with it some new features within the range of models of the Indo-British brand. Specifically, the appearance of a sporty variant with a clear café racer inspirationwhich appears to be already in development according to the latest information we have.
It was the Indian media Bike Wale that first reported a leaked image of what appears to be a Guerrilla 450 in a sports version. In addition, the Indian media itself Mark Wells, Royal Enfield’s chief designer believes that “a sportbike based on the Guerrilla 450 could work very well”In any case, we are talking about a frame that maintains the retro philosophy of the model from which it is based.
Guerrilla 450 with a sporty touch in detail
In recent times we have seen different organizational charts of the brand related to all the new developments it plans for the future. Some of them are already a reality, such as the Guerrilla 450 or the new Himalayan 2024. Others, such as a sports version of its new roadster model, are still being cooked up in the brand’s development department.
Looking back to put things into perspective, back in October 2022 we were wondering if Royal Enfield was preparing a Continental GT 650R, after some images of a test mule of the everlasting model with the addition of a front fairing were leaked.
This possibility is now being considered again, but in a 450 version and using the recent Guerrilla as a development platform. This should carry, in addition to the front fairing, a single-seater tail, 17” alloy wheels fitted with sports tires and a cockpit focused on more passionate driving.
Beyond these changes, both the chassis and the engine are likely to remain unchanged. The water-cooled, DOHC, 4-valve, single-cylinder engine has a displacement of 1,899 kW (1,799 hp). 452 cc. Currently, he is delivering to Guerrilla 450, 40 HP of power at 8,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 40 Nm at 5,500 rpmwith more than 85% of that torque available from 3,000 rpm.
On the other hand, we have the tubular steel frame in which the engine is also a self-supporting element. The telescopic fork is conventional, with 43 mm diameter bars and 140 mm of travel, while the rear shock absorber has 150 mm of travel and is adjustable in preload.
All this combined with equipment that lives up to expectations for a sports variant of this type, equipped with a colour TFT display, driving modes, ride-by-wire electronic accelerator and full LED lighting.
Its mission is none other than to compete with some models that are still to come, such as the future Triumph Thruxton 400of which we already offered you the first images of a test mule in full action.
