A lot can change in three years, as it turns out. Back in October 2023 at the Himalayan 450 launch, I would have confidently told you that the older Himalayan’s 411 time was up and that the 450 served as a fitting replacement. Fast forward to 2026 and I will now willingly concede that there is very much a place for the new Himalayan 440 in this market.
What’s new and why is it back?
A tempting price as well as meaningful improvements
Price plays a big role behind this change in reasoning. 3 years ago, the entry level 450 was about Rs 40,000 more than the top 411 - a not insignificant, but justifiable increase . Today that gap has nearly doubled thanks to the agonizingly short-sighted new GST policy that levies a brutal 40 percent tax rate on motorcycles that use engines bigger than 350cc. RE is clearly feeling the heat from the new wave of sub 350cc competition because the reborn 440 is priced super aggressively. In fact, at 2.29 lakh ex-showroom Chennai, it costs exactly the same as the top 411 did in 2023, despite packing significant improvements. Beyond the price, it’s those very improvements that have convinced me that this bike has earned its return in 2026.
The Himalayan 440 is based on the Scram 440 and it brings in the same improvements we saw there last year. The oil-cooled single has been bumped up to 443cc and RE has also strived towards increasing the refinement. An added 6th gear and as well a lighter clutch lever increase the bike’s appeal on the highway and in the city. Work has also been put into improving braking performance and feel.
Himalayan 440 Design and Style - 7/10
New colours, but familiar design
There are three new colour schemes as well, but beyond that, the bike retains its quirky oddball styling, although it does gain a new (average at best) LED headlamp and an updated instrument cluster based on the Scram 440.
Hopping onto the Himalayan 440 after all these years is like being re-acquainted with an old friend. It more or less looks the same and also feels the same to sit on. The low 800mm seat height in particular is one of the biggest appeals with this bike and it brings back some of the short rider accessibility that was sacrificed by the Himalayan 450.
Himalayan 440 Engine and performance - 8/10
A smooth and characterful engine brimming with torque, but it's not about speed
The engine retains that same relatively slow thump as its predecessor, but there is certainly an improvement in refinement. You can very much hear and feel the engine through the entire bike, but there are no intrusive vibrations until you build the revs quite high. Unfortunately, the Himalayan no longer has a rev counter so I can’t tell what rpm it starts to feel stressed at, but peak power comes in at just 6250rpm, so the number isn’t that high.
Nevertheless, with this improved vibration control as well as the added 6th gear, a 100kph cruise is now a smooth and stressfree affair. You can stretch that up to about 110kph before the engine’s discomfort starts to become apparent. Top speed is around an indicated 130kph, but this is not the bike’s happy place.
Our performance and efficiency test revealed numbers that you would expect and while this Himalayan is certainly not a fast bike, it's not slow either. That being said, the 440 is an absolute joy when ridden at a sedate pace. The new-found smoothness, dialed-in throttle connection and oodles of torque make it one of the nicest bikes at this price point to calmly explore the great outdoors. Its 25.4hp power figure is on par with many rivals in the class, but the 34Nm of torque is what makes the difference to the riding experience - as well as the pleasing exhaust sound that occasionally includes loud pops on deceleration. Then again, its 199kg kerb weight is an equally big differentiator to the rest of the segment.
Himalayan 440 comfort, handling and off road - 7/10
Welcoming to short riders and decently capable, but feels its age
The chassis is pretty much unchanged and that means that the Himalayan 440 is very similar to the 411 in terms of dynamics. This is where you become aware that the 440 feels more like a refined version of an old motorcycle, rather than an all new one. It can carry a decent pace on or off road, but it doesn’t appreciate being ridden fast. The main stand starts to scrape at lean on road - or when you land it with some conviction off road - which serves as a reminder to ease off. Keep pushing and you’ll realise that the chassis doesn’t have the same composure as more modern rivals and the suspension certainly doesn’t come anywhere close to the lofty standards set by the 450.
Over normal roads, suspension comfort is good. However, the 440 did not isolate me as well as I’d have liked from the incessantly bumpy concrete surfaces that now sadly snake across large parts of Maharashtra. After an 8-hour ride over mostly concrete roads at highway speeds, I returned home with a slightly sore back. If absolute comfort is a priority, bikes like the Xpulse 210 or Himalayan 450 are where you want to look. As for braking, it is by no means outstanding, but the 440 gets the job done and there is switchable ABS, which is nice.
Himalayan 440 Features and Safety - 7/10
It's a simple bike but provides most of the essentials
The Himalayan 440 retains its original identity as a rugged, go anywhere, yet simple and basic motorcycle. In terms of features, you get a USB C port, RE’s Tripper navigation display and the aforementioned switchable ABS. Compared with most rivals, it does have fewer frills, but the only real ‘luxury’ that I miss is tubeless tyres. It would be nice to have the option of paying extra for them like you can on the Himalayan 450.
Himalayan 440 Price and verdict - 8/10
Well priced and a unique riding experience
Essentially, this is a back to basics motorcycle and it feels that way in person. If maximum bang for your buck is what you’re after, then the TVS Apache RTX will completely outdo the 440 in nearly all parameters for similar, if not less money. The same goes for speed and aggression - there are better options at this price point. However, if you want a gentle, well-mannered and characterful motorcycle that makes for a convincing travel partner at a reasonable price, then the new 440 definitely packs genuine appeal.
Dinshaw Magol
