Royal Enfield has been actively testing its upcoming naked roadster speculated to be named the Hunter 450 drawing inspiration from the Himalayan 450. Positioned as a more premium alternative to the Hunter 350 the Hunter 450 is expected to offer improved performance and handling characteristics. With frequent test mule sightings the motorcycle is likely to be launched in India in the second half of the year entering direct competition with the Triumph Speed 400 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 and KTM 390 Duke.

The Hunter 450 will feature neo-retro styling resembling the Speed 400 and is expected to be priced more affordably than its competitors. Design elements include a circular LED headlamp a tear-drop-shaped fuel tank a single-piece seat and a compact tail section with LED tail lamp and turn signals.

Sharing the main frame with the Himalayan 450 the Hunter 450 is anticipated to have a distinct subframe design. Powering the motorcycle will be the Sherpa 450 engine previously introduced in the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. This 452 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder fuel-injected DOHC engine delivers 40.02 PS at 8 000 rpm and 40 Nm of peak torque at 5 500 rpm in the adventure model.

The powertrain will be coupled with a six-speed gearbox featuring a slipper clutch. Similar to the Himalayan 450 the Hunter 450 is expected to come packed with features such as a TFT instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation switchable ABS system ride-by-wire throttle and various ride modes.

In terms of suspension the Hunter 450 will use telescopic front forks with gaiters deviating from the USDs in the Himalayan 450 potentially allowing for a more aggressive pricing strategy. The motorcycle will ride on 17-inch black alloy wheels both front and rear and will feature a monoshock rear suspension. The dual-channel ABS system will assist the front and rear disc brakes.