Royal Enfield’s Darkly Dazzling New Adventure Moto Rallies Up a Beloved Entry-Level Classic

The brand’s beginner-friendly trail bike was already a banger. A rugged yet head-turning new treatment just ups the ante.

Close-up of a Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle fuel tank with a camouflage pattern.

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By Steve Mazzucchi

Published 2 hours ago

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I believe it is safe to say at this point that my deep affection for Royal Enfield’s Himalayan adventure bike is no secret.

I’ve drifted a modified version (no front brakes!) through Slide School in upstate New York, coaxed its little brother, the Scram 411, through the Himalayas themselves and finally tried the 450 in Texas Hill Country.

Black and white photo of a rider in full gear on a Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle on grassy terrain with smoke in the background. — The new Mana Black edition is the best-looking Himmy yet — and maybe the best-looking sub-$10K ADV ever?

Every ride was a blast, a big reason why every bit of news about this iconic overperformer gets me stoked.

The latest has me as stoked as ever: the new Mana Black treatment combines a delightfully dark aesthetic with a number of rugged extras that essentially turn it into a factory-accessorized rally edition.

Beginner-friendly banger

Before we get into this sweet new treatment, it’s worth noting that the base model of the bike is no slouch.

As I’ve noted in the past, the Himalayan 450’s Sherpa engine — also found on the Guerrilla 450 — is a big improvement over its predecessor.

Motorcyclist wearing a helmet and gear riding a Royal Enfield Himalayan on a rugged terrain with dust clouds. — The Sherpa engine provides the oomph its predecessor lacked, adding confidence to every off-road escapade.

Royal Enfield’s first liquid-cooled option, the 452cc single cylinder, makes nearly 40 horsepower at 8,000 rpm while its torque curve offers a usable band between 3,000 and 8,000 rpm, enabling you to get out of tough spots off the beaten path.

Boasting a six-speed gearbox and a slip-and-assist clutch, the 450 also offers two distinct riding modes, better front suspension courtesy of an inverted Showa unit, mullet-ized wheels (21 inches in front, 17 in back), a beefed-up twin-spar steel frame and improved ergonomics.

Close-up of a matte black Royal Enfield motorcycle fuel tank and handlebars on a rough asphalt surface. — This funky Dutch angle showcases the Himmy’s hornet-like waist, which makes it more approachable to shorter riders.

It’s approachable too, thanks to a design streamlined to reduce standover height and two numbers that are lower-than-average for an ADV: 31.5-inch seat height and 432-pound curb weight.

While I still get excited about the prospect of a bigger Himmy — and one is coming — the 450 really is an entry-level dream.

Mana from Heaven

Taking its name from the iconic mountain range’s own 18,478-foot Mana Pass, the new Himalayan aims to be as formidable as this passageway.

If it’s anything like the many high mountain passes I encountered on my own gnarly Himalayan adventure, that means it must be ready for anything, from loose rock to deep water to sections of “road” that are simply unfinished.

Black and gray adventure motorcycle with knobby tires parked on dirt with a person wearing a backpack standing behind it. — Even as the bike evolves, you’ve gotta admire Royal Enfield’s commitment to those charming retro round mirrors.

The paint scheme alone is fierce, a Steal Black finish with matte detailing — minimalistic, raw, all business.

What really ups the ante with the Mana Black, however, is that it comes fully fitted with exclusively curated adventure accessories with a strong rally bent.

Close-up of a motorcycle handlebar grip with control switches and a rearview mirror in black and white. — The hand guards don’t only shield your hands; they also protect the levers if/when the bike goes down.

Specifically, it comes complete with Black Rally hand guards and a Black Rally seat for enhanced grip and long-distance comfort. Complementary features include a rugged Rally mud guard and tubeless spoked wheels that blend toughness and modern convenience.

Of course, the fact that the final product looks totally badass without breaking the bank makes it tempting as hell — even if you don’t live anywhere near an actual mountain.

Availability and pricing

The 2026 Royal Enfield Himalayan Mana Black Edition will be available at a price of €6,600 in Italy and ￡6,400 across the UK.

No word yet on a US release, but we can cross our fingers for it. Those European figures hint toward a US price of maybe $8,000. That’s $2,000 more than the base price, but tempting nonetheless.

Matte black and gray camo Royal Enfield Himalayan adventure motorcycle with knobby tires on a white background.

2026 Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 (Mana Black Edition)

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About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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