The Royal Enfield Himalayan 440 is a back-to-basics adventure tourer that effectively takes the place of the erstwhile Himalayan 411, with an updated 443cc, oil-cooled single-cylinder engine borrowed from the Scram 440. Here’s what works in its favour, and a couple of reasons why it might not be the best option.
Reasons to buy the Royal Enfield Himalayan 440
Aggressive pricing
The Himalayan 440’s biggest strength is its price. At just under Rs 2.30 lakh, it undercuts the Himalayan 450 – which starts at Rs 3.08 lakh – by a substantial margin. Interestingly, at its current price point, the Himalayan 440 costs about as much as the top-spec Himalayan 411 did in 2023. That makes the 440 a more accessible entry point into the Himalayan range, especially for buyers who value a simple, characterful touring bike over outright capability.
A smooth, torquey engine
The 443cc single is a clear step up from the old 411cc unit. It’s noticeably smoother, with some vibration present but never intrusive until higher in the rev range. During our time with the bike, we found that the added sixth gear and lighter clutch lever make it even more relaxed to use. Cruising at 100kph is smooth and stress-free, and the bike remains comfortable up to around 110kph. It has an indicated top speed of about 130kph, but that’s not where it feels happiest.
Low seat height keeps it accessible
At 800mm, the seat height makes the Himalayan 440 easier to live with than many adventure tourers, bringing back some of the accessibility that shorter riders might have missed. Its 199kg kerb weight is also manageable. This makes it a good option for anyone intimidated by tall, heavy adventure bikes.
Reasons to skip the Royal Enfield Himalayan 440
Dated suspension
The chassis is essentially unchanged from the Himalayan 411, and its suspension feels dated. It copes well enough on normal roads but does little to absorb the bumps on concrete surfaces and becomes uncomfortable on bad roads. The bike also lacks the composure of modern rivals when ridden fast, while the main stand scrapes when leaning into corners or after hard off-road landings. If comfort is a priority, the Himalayan 450 and the Hero Xpulse 210 are arguably better options.
No tubeless tyre option
Tubeless tyres aren't offered on the Himalayan 440, which is a real downside for a bike intended for long-distance touring. A puncture is therefore a bigger hassle than it would be on a bike with tubeless tyres. The 440 also misses out on several features offered by most rivals.
With input from Rishaad Mody
Autocar India Team 
Stephen Raj Antony
