Are you an adventure bike enthusiast looking for the best off-road experience under Rs 5 lakh? Are you confused about which one to choose between the new Kawasaki KLE 500 and the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450? If so, you’re not alone! This comparison has become a hot topic of discussion among Indian bike enthusiasts. While the Kawasaki KLE 500 boasts twin-cylinder power and rally-inspired design, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 already has a strong foothold in the market with its rugged looks and proven performance. Let’s present a detailed comparison of these two adventure bikes today.
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Design
Both the Kawasaki KLE 500 and Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 appear to be adventure bikes, but their design approaches are completely different. The KLE 500 has a sharp and rally-inspired look, with sleek lines, a tall adjustable windscreen, and slim side panels. Its bodywork is lean, giving it a modern and sporty feel. Being a Japanese bike, its finish is excellent, and the large exhaust makes its rear view even more attractive.
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, on the other hand, has a more rugged and retro-themed design. It features a round LED headlight, a broad fuel tank, a signature beak-style front fender, and a tall, muscular stance. While the KLE 500 is perfect for fast-paced rallies, the Himalayan 450 feels more appropriate for real-world exploration. Both bikes are perfect in their own ways—one like a sports car and the other like a tough Jeep.
Engine and Performance
Both bikes come in different engine configurations. The Kawasaki KLE 500 is powered by a 451cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine, similar to the Ninja 500. This engine produces 45.4 PS of power and 42.6 Nm of torque. Being a twin-cylinder engine, its performance is smooth and refined, especially on the highway.
The Himalayan 450, on the other hand, is powered by a 452cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces 40 PS of power and 40 Nm of torque. Being a single-cylinder, this engine is visually compact and delivers excellent torque during off-roading. Both engines are adept at their respective roles—one is perfect for highway cruising, while the other is ideal for off-road adventures.
Suspension and Handling
Both bikes come with long-travel suspension. The Himalayan 450 features 43mm Showa inverted forks and a rear monoshock that offers up to 200mm of travel. The KLE 500 features 43mm KYB inverted forks that offer 210mm front and 200mm rear wheel travel. Both bikes ride on 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels shod with dual-purpose tires. Braking duties are handled by the Himalayan with 320mm front and 270mm rear discs, while the KLE 500 features a 300mm front and 240mm rear disc setup.
Features and Technology
The Kawasaki KLE 450 comes with LED lighting, a tall adjustable windscreen, switchable ABS, and a 4.3-inch TFT screen with smartphone connectivity. It also features hand guards, a larger skid plate, and engine protection. Its 16-liter fuel tank is slightly smaller than the Himalayan’s 17-liter tank.
The Himalayan 450 features a 4-inch TFT display with advanced features like Google Maps navigation, ride-by-wire throttle, multiple riding modes, and switchable rear ABS. It features full LED lighting, with the taillights also serving as indicators. The Himalayan 450 appears to have a slight edge in terms of features.
Price and Value
This price competition is in a completely different league. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is priced from ₹3.05 lakh to ₹3.19 lakh. The Kawasaki KLE 500 is expected to be priced around ₹6.5 lakh (ex-showroom) in India. It’s clear that the Himalayan 450 has a significant price advantage over the Kawasaki. The Himalayan 450 is already available in India, while the KLE 500 is expected to arrive next year.