Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 vs KTM Duke 390 – A Powerful New Street Fighter Emerges

Let’s be honest—Royal Enfield has been on a roll lately. The Himalayan 450 proved the company can build something modern without losing its soul. Now, with the Guerrilla 450, they’ve taken that same solid foundation and trimmed the fat to create something simpler, sharper, and frankly, more fun for everyday riders.

This isn’t just a stripped-down Himalayan. It’s a whole different vibe. And if you spend most of your time riding in cities, narrow streets, or weekend backroads, you’re going to like where this is headed.The Guerrilla 450 was officially launched on July 17, 2024.

Design: Minimalism Meets Muscle

One look at the Guerrilla 450 and you know what Royal Enfield is going for — a raw, muscular, no-nonsense street bike that doesn’t try too hard. It’s not overloaded with plastic or fake carbon fibre bits. Instead, you get a solid teardrop-shaped tank, a round LED headlamp, and a stubby tail section. It’s clean, purposeful, and very much a true Royal Enfield roadster.

You’ll also notice how compact and tight the whole package feels — which is a refreshing departure from the larger Himalayan 450 it’s based on. The upright handlebars and mid-set footpegs complete the look and feel of a proper city scrambler/roadster hybrid.

Powertrain: That Sherpa Heart

At the heart of the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 is the same 452cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine used in the Himalayan 450. It puts out around 40 bhp and 40 Nm of torque, which is plenty for city use and weekend fun. The throttle response is crisp, and the 6-speed gearbox paired with a slip-and-assist clutch makes gear shifts effortless.

The power delivery is linear, but there’s still enough grunt in the low and mid-range to have fun in urban settings or while tackling twisty roads. This engine feels alive, not overly refined — which is exactly what you want in a roadster.

What About Tech?

Royal Enfield kept things smart here. You can get the Guerrilla in three variants — Analogue, Dash, and Flash. The Analogue is barebones (semi-digital with a tripper pod), while the Dash and Flash get a proper 4-inch TFT with navigation, call/music integration, and the works.

It’s not overloaded with tech — no IMU-based cornering ABS or traction control nonsense — just stuff that actually adds to the ride. Oh, and there are two ride modes: Eco and Performance, in case you care about that sort of thing.

Other details? USB-C charging port, full LED lighting, dual-channel ABS, and an 11-litre tank. Nothing revolutionary, but all of it works.

So, How Much Does It Cost?

Here’s where it gets interesting. The Guerrilla 450 price in India starts at ₹2.39 lakh (ex-showroom) for the Analogue variant. The Dash comes in at ₹2.49 lakh, and the Flash tops out at ₹2.54 lakh.

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Let’s be honest: that’s a killer price for what you’re getting. It undercuts the Triumph Speed 400, goes toe-to-toe with the KTM 390 Duke in performance, and offers way more charm than most bikes in its segment.

Ride and Handling: Light on Its Feet

This is where the Guerrilla 450 really comes into its own. It’s lighter than the Himalayan by almost 10 kg, weighing in at about 185–186 kg (kerb). That difference, combined with 17-inch alloy wheels and a shorter wheelbase, makes it significantly more agile.

The suspension setup — 43mm USD forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear — is well-tuned for everyday riding. It feels firm enough to be sporty but still soaks up bad roads without sending shocks through your spine.

Braking duties are handled by a 310mm front disc and 270mm rear, with dual-channel ABS. It’s sharp, confidence-inspiring, and more than enough for the power it delivers.

Comfort & Ergonomics: Daily Rider Friendly

With a seat height of 780mm, the Guerrilla 450 is friendly even for shorter riders. The ergonomics are neutral — upright bars, mid-set pegs, and a well-padded single-piece seat that makes long rides doable.

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The 11-litre fuel tank might seem small on paper, but it keeps the weight down and fits the compact design. And let’s be honest — this isn’t a touring bike. It’s made for city blasts, short rides, and occasional highway fun.

Who Should Buy the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450?

If you’ve outgrown your 150-200cc commuter and want something with real presence, torque, and style — without breaking the bank — the Guerrilla 450 fits right in. It’s also great for:

Riders upgrading from older Enfields or 250cc bikes

Commuters who want power with practicality

Enthusiasts who love minimal, retro-modern machines

Anyone looking for a bike that feels like a motorcycle

Final Thoughts

I’ve ridden enough Enfields to know that they’re not always perfect. But the Guerrilla 450 feels like the brand finally listened to its younger riders. It’s light, responsive, connected, and priced just right.

This isn’t the bike for everyone. But if you’re looking for something with a little soul, a lot of style, and enough power to keep you smiling — go take a test ride.

You might not come back empty-handed.

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