Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Updated Side Stand Launched at Rs 3,250
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Gets Updated Side Stand: What Riders Need to Know
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 was launched in India in November 2023 and quickly became popular among touring and off road riders. Many owners praised its strong engine, suspension setup and real world adventure capability. However, riders also reported one practical issue during daily use. The motorcycle leaned too much when parked on its side stand.
After receiving feedback from owners, Royal Enfield has introduced an updated side stand with a revised design. The new unit reduces the excessive lean angle and improves overall parking stability.
What Was the Problem with the Earlier Side Stand
Soon after deliveries began, riders noticed that the Himalayan 450 leaned heavily when resting on the side stand. On flat roads this did not create a major concern, but adventure motorcycles are often parked on uneven surfaces such as gravel, slopes or soft soil.
The Himalayan 450 weighs around 196 kg. Because of this weight, the steep lean angle made it difficult for many riders to lift the motorcycle back to an upright position. The issue became more noticeable when the bike carried luggage or touring equipment. Shorter riders and those riding long distances found it tiring to disengage the side stand repeatedly.
Some owners also worried about stability while parking on loose terrain, where excessive lean could increase the chance of the motorcycle tipping over.
New Side Stand Design and Improvements
Royal Enfield has redesigned the side stand with a straighter and less curved structure. This change allows the motorcycle to rest in a more upright position when parked.
With the reduced lean angle, riders now need less effort to bring the bike off the stand. Parking becomes easier on slopes and uneven ground, which suits the Himalayan’s adventure focused usage.
The company has also updated the pull tab design. The earlier tab had sharper edges that could sometimes catch riding boots or gear. The new triangular shaped tab offers smoother operation and better accessibility while wearing riding boots.
These changes focus on everyday usability rather than performance, but they make a noticeable difference during real world riding.
Price, Retrofit Option and Availability
Royal Enfield offers the updated side stand as a retrofit upgrade for all existing Himalayan 450 owners. The new component is priced at ₹3,250.
Since the mounting points remain unchanged, installation is simple and can be completed quickly at authorised Royal Enfield dealerships. Owners can visit their nearest showroom to get the replacement fitted.
The updated stand is currently reaching dealerships in phases, so availability may vary depending on location. Riders are advised to confirm stock with their nearest service centre before visiting. The company expects nationwide availability soon.
May Become Standard in Future Models
Some industry reports suggest that Royal Enfield may introduce this revised side stand as standard equipment in future production models, possibly from the 2026 Himalayan 450 lineup. However, the company has not officially confirmed this update yet. Until then, existing owners can upgrade their motorcycles through authorized dealerships.
Engine, Features and Specifications
The Himalayan 450 continues to be powered by a 452 cc single cylinder liquid cooled engine. This motor produces 39 bhp of maximum power and 40 Nm of peak torque. It comes paired with a 6 speed gearbox designed for both highway touring and off road riding.
Key features include ride by wire throttle, multiple riding modes and switchable ABS, which help riders adapt to different terrain conditions.
Royal Enfield offers the motorcycle in five colour options including Kaza Brown, Slate Himalayan Salt, Slate Poppy Blue, Kamet White and Hanley Black.
Is this Helpful to Riders
A side stand may appear like a small component, but it plays an important role in everyday ownership. Adventure motorcycles frequently operate in unpredictable environments where stable parking becomes essential.
By addressing rider feedback and improving the parking stance, Royal Enfield has enhanced the practicality of the Himalayan 450 without changing its core character. The update reduces rider effort, improves confidence while parking and lowers the risk of accidental drops.
This improvement shows how real world owner feedback helps refine modern motorcycles. With the updated side stand, the Himalayan 450 becomes easier to manage during daily rides as well as long distance adventures.
Image source: Srinivas Ganesh
Hari Babu
I'm Hari Babu, a freelance automotive journalist with over three years of experience. I cover stories from national highways to rural roads and currently serve as Chief Editor of Gaadi Journal News Network.
