Royal Enfield’s Guerrilla 450 has landed in my garage, and let me tell you, the timing couldn't have been more… dramatic. Just as I was waving goodbye to the humble confines of my scooter and embracing the rather formidable Guerrilla, Mumbai decided to unleash its annual aquatic assault. The heatwave gracefully turned into a full-blown water wave, turning every commute into a splashy adventure.
Yet, the Royal Enfield Guerrilla has swiftly claimed a spot among my favourite Royal Enfields. Why, you ask? Because underneath that burly street roadster facade beats the heart of a Sherpa 450. Yes, it’s the same beloved engine from the Himalayan 450, but here, it’s been given a wicked glint in its eye. The clever folks at Royal Enfield have tinkered with the sprocket teeth, making the Guerrilla feel more gloriously torquey. And honestly, after a few blissful (and slightly naughty) moments, I’m inclined to believe them. Perhaps that’s why Red Bull’s stunt rider chose the Guerrilla – it’s a wheelie machine just begging to be unleashed. The motorcycle is fairly happy to pop a wheelie on demand, and I’d be lying if I said the thought of doing it now and then doesn’t cross my mind. But would I do it on a public road? Never! Have I ever done it? Well, under certain highly controlled circumstances, one might never know.
However, it hasn’t all been high-riding thrills for the Guerrilla, especially during Mumbai’s monsoon season, which, when combined with our notoriously silky concrete roads, becomes a proper test of nerve. The 160/60 R17 thick rubber from CEAT looks the business, no doubt. Royal Enfield is clearly flaunting those chunky tyres, and even I wouldn't dare hide them with a tyre hugger. Aesthetically, they’re a triumph. Performance-wise? The grip they provide isn’t quite as impressive as their imposing looks.
The cost of this visual swagger? A liberal mud spray pattern across my back. Let’s just say my jackets have acquired a certain patina of Mumbai monsoon. And if you happen to be riding pillion, consider yourself the ultimate human mudguard. Despite these minor, shall we say, hygiene challenges, the Guerrilla 450 is proving to be a surprisingly agile and engaging machine, certainly shaking off any notions of Royal Enfield being solely for slow rides to the far away Chai/Maggi spot.
