Royal Enfield Guerilla 450 Review - First Ride

[@FoulolRon62]

So I'm a 62 y/o aussie and recently downsized from a 900cc T100 to a Guerrilla. I have some health issues and needed something lighter and more manageable. I have to say I am having a ball on it. Absolutely loving this little bike and have zero regrets. Cheers mate!

[@Peter-wc4kr]

Have you had it on our 110kph motorways and if so how does it perform particularly with the wind large semis produce which some lighter bikes do not handle well?

[@keiththompson8289]

In my 70th year this may be all the bike that I need. I know that the Triumph is just as good in it's own way, but I like that my local RE dealer is like an old fashioned bike garage, no flashy showroom, just space nicely laid out inside a 1950's industrial unit. Nice review as ever MF.

[@petegorillo6254]

As usual good review. I’m 58 and I’m very tempted to get one. RE have absolutely nailed this in all respects - performance , looks and value for money are bang on !

[@skotty1962]

Hi from Australia. Just bought a Himalayan 450. Love this engine in these bikes. 62 this year.

[@ddavexn]

I took one out a few weeks ago and absolutely loved it. I'm 65 and found it very comfortable and it's definitely a perky little rascal. I'll be ordering one in the New Year.

[@SS-ck3ew]

Thank you so very much for your observations as we are close in age. SS in the USA!

[@tonyjourneyman1944]

For the last 10 years I've whittled down the capacity bikes I ride from over one litre to under one litre. Currently I'm riding a 750cc. I think I'll be around 500cc within the next few years. It's great that these smaller capacity bikes are getting so good.

[@bigal6684]

What a success story for Royal Enfield in general. In my opinion they have managed to deliver Japanese level quality in bikes that are really very likeable.

[@billcotton1551]

TMF, I was able to get a look at the 450 Himalayan last weekend. Fit and finish looked great , and had a sticker price less than my CRF 300l Rally. Royal Enfield is killing it with these new bikes.

[@danieldayton3064]

Agreed, Andy--this is precisely the sort of bike that appeals to my aging 66-year-old frame!

[@specialcircs]

I love the blue and white colour scheme on this bike, came very close to buying one, then fell in love with, and bought, a Moto Guzzi V7 Stone!

[@BassMunn]

I'm seriously considering a Himalayan, but these little Guerilla's are so cool, love that colour scheme too. I had a good look over one on the weekend and their fit and finish looks first class to me. Very comfortable too and I'm 6ft

[@shmac96]

Just sitting on one you fall in love with it. Like buying a new pair of shoes you dont really need but you know will enjoy. Another great video! Thank you TMF!

[@PhilWinter-r8z]

Hi Andy. Even those in their 80's follow you 😇.

[@ianhalliwell8604]

For me the Guerrilla is a much better choice than the Triumph. Most Triumph owners seem to go on about its gearing and change the sprocket on theirs, no such problems with the RE also it's more powerful and slightly cheaper. Well done Royal Enfield.

[@savr1200gs]

I have the triumph and your right the gearing isn't ideal. The Guerrilla wasn't out when I bought the triumph so now prospective buyers have a great option

[@afc85]

Plus the dashboard is so much nicer on the RE

[@podunkman2709]

This one looks like motorcycly whereas Triumph seems to be some diversity project result.

[@spangoz1000]

Given the Triumph and the Enfield are roughly on equal terms, the choice for me would be how close I am to a dealership and the the badge you want to be riding. In my case its both with the Triumph.

[@SuperchargedLlama]

I believe the dealer proximity would swing it on Triumph's favour for many people. It's a very good observation you've made there.

[@mauriceridesout]

Not for me 15 mins to my R Enf dealer.

[@johnmacdonald1878]

My local dealer sells Triumph, Royal Enfield and Indian. 😀

[@PhilipBallGarry]

My local Triumph/BMW dealer recently closed. Very sad 😢. I've had several of both from them over the years too. But, I have two RE dealers within a 5 mile radius. Lovely little bike, the Guerilla 450 😊

[@redjacc7581]

proper front mudguard!

[@sergentcolon1]

I test rode one and agree completely with your comments, it’s a great bike.

[@fazerdude1965]

Certainly worth a look, bike actually looks great, saw it at the Nec and was impressed

[@davidbesant]

I have the Himalayan 450 and, since I never go off-road, you'd think I'd regret not waiting for the Guerrilla. However, the overall taller stance of the Himalayan suits my own frame. I also love the USD forks on the Himalayan. Still think the Guerrilla is a cracking bike and deserve to sell well.

[@ml2799]

Thanks Andy, I need to test ride one of these as no one seems to say a bad word about them. Love that colour scheme too! Have a great Christmas 🇬🇧🍻

[@garethtemple6242]

Great bike for the money. I saw one in the flesh a month or so ago and i was really impressed with the looks and what I could see of the build quality. It's good to see bikes of this sort of capacity making a bit of a comeback. When I was first riding in the late 70s, these would have been called a "middle weight". Nowadays we seem to have begun using that term to describe bikes of about 900cc.

[@Markevans63]

Ive been waiting for this one, got a test ride booked for the new year and you're right im 61 👍

[@jthemighty690r]

Rode one of these in the summer while a mate took his turn on the Himmy. This little thing is a hoot! Has a real mischievous feel to it and made me grin a lot as you can chuck it around. Would love to add one to the garage. Cheers Andy, good coverage as always.

[@bobjohnson9597]

Tough and Beautiful bike in my opinion. I just bought the Triumph Scrambler 400 and am completely happy with the Scrambler. I am sure that I would have been just as happy with the Gorilla and I am so happy that they are both made. My bike is even comfortable on the interstate and I’ll bet the Gorilla would also be compitent on the Interstate. The Scrambler is a lot more fun in the backroads and the dirt than my old 2022 Kawasaki KLR 650. I always wanted a Royal Enfield but the Gorilla wasn’t available when got my Scrambler. Bravo to both Royal Enfield and Triumph for making bikes that people can actually use for more than racetrack or interstate. Congratulations to you. Thanks for the awesome video. Oh I'm over 60 years old and Am the correct demographic for these bikes.

[@cpuuk]

The fact that you are fifty-something should make zero difference as a reviewer, but maybe one of your 272,000 subs might be interested in buying one? As a sixty-something I am very interested in this type of bike as a runabout.

[@MrAlunJ]

35 y/o here. Have one of these on order, in fact should be with the dealer any day now. Having taken two years out from riding after owning a few MT-09’s. Had my heart set on the triumph scrambler 400x but then liked the look of these and after a test ride had a massive grin on my face. It’s a fun little bike and I’m looking forward to getting mine.

[@BikerTorque]

It’s the kind of bike you just jump on and ride. Love it. Agree about the power modes, very funny indeed.

[@Tommy-Atkins]

RE should put this engine in the Classic 350 frame!..Classic 450 single with 40hp…bliss! 😘👌….

[@martynlaverick3405]

I think they may have their target demographics a bit wrong. I’m 64 and looking at Royal Enfields as a second every day fun run about. Great pricing as well. I suspect there are many more older generation who love these bikes.

[@peterblatchford383]

Possibly the best RE yet. I have rented the old 359 and 500 whilst travelling in India and didn’t really gel with either. Test rode an Interceotor and was really impressed but not quite enough to buy one. I had a good look over one of these at my local dealer and genuinely think it looks like their best quality yet - very tempted. Thanks for your review.

[@M4rky71]

Smashing bike and test. Tragic how many cars were parked in the station car park and how busy the roads are. Clearly the government have won the war against home working.

[@kgc1963]

I'm no youngster at 61 so must be young at heart as I really like the guerilla especially in the white and teal colour scheme. Also really like the triumph 400x. Waiting for the bear 650 to be available for test ride before making decision on next bike purchase 😃

[@Alancclive]

Dear Andy, as an actual owner of a Triumph 400x scrambler I didn’t even consider the dimples in the fuel tank as a negative in its design. Funny what some people find as a thing worthy of pointing out to those interested in these amazing motorcycles.

[@scotty2307]

I knew you were going to like this bike. I was hoping for a Guerilla review, and you delivered. Ian Hughes reviewed one some months ago, and every time he twisted the throttle he giggled like a schoolgirl. A week or two later he bought one. I was a bit worried about how that would feel with the foot pegs so far back. It looks like it is just fine. Royal Enfield set out to dominate the world market some years back, and I think they have a good start. I don't see any RE dealerships going belly up. For anyone who doesn't know, they now have 2 factories in South America. 1 in Argentina, and 1 in Brazil, just to keep up with South American demand. I really wish that RE made the Himalayan in some fun color schemes like their other bikes. I am getting one in Hanley Black, but would choose a bright bi-color one if they offered it.

[@Banditmanuk]

It's great to see so many exciting, good looking, value for money bikes emerging. My wife Carol really likes the look of the Yellow Stripe colour scheme. Fits her 5ft 7 perfectly.

[@Beanerds]

Thank you Brother for another top review . Merry Christmas Mate from Australia .

[@robertpearce2244]

I agree with my antipodean cousin 😊 I love my Guerilla and find its perfect for New Zealand roads 🤩 Great review TMF, don’t you worry about being ‘too old’ for the bike, I’m 55…! Merry Christmas to you and your family 🙏💟

[@pauledwards1807]

Great review of the Royal Enfield I rode one about six weeks ago and found I was completely at home with the motorcycle with regards to handling and braking,& goes well. Ps I am 65!!!! Old! & enjoyed it.

[@gillianbrodie6807]

Thanks for the video. I think Royal Enfield have lost the plot a bit, thinking this bike's just for young people! Young at heart people yes! I'm 72 and would like one to go alongside my GS1300 next year! Keep up the good work. 😃👍🤗

[@sd3457]

In defence of RE, the younger demographic is a market that they were really missing with their very retro-biased product offering. I don't think you should feel offended that they're not marketing it to you... My 2c (at mid 50's) is that this bike is much better looking than the Triumphs and fits it's size better than the Triumphs that look sort of under-fed versions of their bigger bikes.

[@rickydowns1289]

I liked it so much I bought one, downsized from a 650cc no regrets, a bike with charm and character.

[@greengreenie55]

Good review. I've noticed the mid weight bikes getting better and more manufacturers producing them. A mate has got a RE and is most impressed with it.

[@martinehulme8743]

I'm 55 and love this, hey what do re know, I've rode the guerilla and really liked it, I had a hunter 350, loved the looks but was too sluggish, this bike is much better... Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 x

[@seaninness334]

I'm no stranger to the joy of riding a smaller bike to it's limits. I fully intend to go back to a bike like this at some point. I'm not there yet but I am looking. RE has stepped up it's game and we are all the richer for it.

[@treesthatleave876]

A good looking bike indeed, Nice paint job which is eye catching. Though I prefer the way your Royal Enfield looks Andy. That display is nice and clear and I like the faux needle on it.

[@paullacey2999]

Been watching RE product line ever expanding,they are smashing it out the park these days❤

[@johnridley5507]

Just a shout out to yourself, received my Aoocci car play today so far pretty cool thanks for the video review

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

My pleasure!

[@yorkshireperson]

Best looking bike Royal Enfield have done in my opinion, would be a great summer run around.

[@simonbowen6653]

Usual top review Andy. Clearly Royal Enfield don't know their UK demographic. My T100 is getting heavy for me to lug around and this is something I'm definitely going to test ride in the new year. Merry Christmas to you and Carol.

[@mrgrumpy.]

I new i wanted a triumph 400x from its review's price and of course it's looks but after a test ride I had my doubts I test rode a guerrilla and as you said had a grin from ear to ear so bought one the next day!!! It's name is squirt and It makes me smile 😎

[@matthewcoleman8267]

That must have been filmed on the final sunny day we've had this year!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Indeed!

[@paulholmes1682]

If I was to chose between the Triumph 400 and the Guerrilla, an important factor for me, is that my local Triumph dealer has just closed and local Enfield dealer is open. Surely the large number of dealers recently closing down across the country will have an effect on sales, just a thought🤔

[@reinmansmith]

I do love the look of this bike, especially in that colour scheme 🤩 I’m sure this will fly out of the showrooms at that price 👍

[@stevesteve1965.]

I'm 59..If I had room for 4 bikes I'd certainly have this and the Himalayan to join my other 2 bikes just simply because they look like so much fun.

[@markhornett7968]

Hello, ive been watching for a long time so tht id comment on this. I'm not in the market for one of these at all, BUT, I rate your reviews and honesty on all the bikes. Very well spoken and put together vids. That's not easy and I appreciate that. The tour vids are great too. Keep up the good work. You & Mrs Flyer give good pointers for me and my Mrs H. 😊

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you very much Mark!

[@johns2028]

WOW, that looks GREAT! Love the review. No idea how reliable these are but they sure look fantastic! John

[@GarrettMaple]

If I had room for it I’d definitely buy one of these just to hack about on. Such a cool little bike and great value for money. One of the standout bikes at Motorcycle Live this year IMO.

[@hudsonrilke]

Nice. That tank is stunning

[@christinelee9857]

Browsed one of the bike magazines today, they seemed to think the triumph 400 and the zontes something or other were better. Sat on the triumph in a localish showroom and the salesman pointed out that I couldn't reach the side stand. He then suggested a bonnie, he was right a better fit, fortunately I dithered as they are now closed. Now got a credit card to buy a guerilla when I can fit in a test ride.

[@888buzzz]

Thanks for another good review. What’s the valve adjustment interval? How do total maintenance requirements compare to the Triumph 400?

[@jimmyjam8795]

I bellowing they need checking/ adjusting at 10000km, again at 20000km, then again at 40000km.

[@glendyble4725]

RE Dealer costs for the guerrilla are about £450 (2nd/3rd services) - dont know how that compares with Triumph ?

[@lifesjourneyat50]

Nice review as usual…good looking bike!

[@PNH63]

It’s definitely a older riders bike and not for younger ones, RE have still got a lot to learn if they think differently!

[@tomstockell9481]

Excellent vid thanks TMF 👍

[@davidnunnerley9084]

Looks like a great bike. Easy to ride and to live with. Good choices on colour schemes. No brainer. I could quite happily have one. It also says quite a lot when you couldn’t find anything to dislike about it. Normally there would be some slight niggles , even on far more expensive bikes. Good job.

[@ricatiman]

As a 72 year old rider,I liked it so much that I went to the Royal Enfield website here in Canada to check on pricing, but, they don't sell it in North America. The Triumph 400s are always sold out here, with a many months long waiting list here. And regarding "Retro Bikes" in general. As a lifelong rider since the 60's, I like them. To me, they just look like Motorcycles ! Hey Royal Enfield - I sent an email to the Canadian distributor asking to buy one. Will you sell me a Guerilla 450???

[@Themotograndpa]

Stunning looking bike love the colour Andy keep up the great reviews 👍

[@_Archambaud]

👍it's only the service intervals that stop me buying one

[@sekc-chua]

Nice review! Can't say I have heard of this particular model. Looks interesting.

[@Biggles83]

Lovely looking bike.. lower capacity cheaper bikes definitely seem to be the way forward for many

[@davidholden2658]

The most basic model for £4850 doesn't include the fancy display it has an analogue dial. You need to spend £4995 to get the TFT display. They're really nice bikes though, I test rode one and thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@Channel11Original]

For balance, I’m 58 and love my Ninja 1000SX!

[@debbieclegg2485]

The thing with bikes, once the bash hat is on... any age, any bike .. no limits 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@triumphthunderbird1]

RE and Triumph are providing motorcyclist with superb choices. The Scrambler XC would be my choice given my frame. I prefer the looks of the Scrambler too. However, I am not ready for a small capacity bike just yet. My rocket has more capacity than 5 of these bikes 😂 Great review as always!!

[@luckyintervale]

Just nabbed a ‘23 Scrambler XC as an upgrade over my Street Scrambler. XC is brilliant!

[@slacker2101]

As a 77 year old, I ride a Guerrilla which replaced a Harley when I found it just too heavy to maneuver. Not just for young folks then.

[@bigal6684]

@slacker2101 It is perhaps ironic, but totally logical that: "entry level" machines would also appeal to us more mature riders.

[@garyhull5617]

Maybe "Exit Level Bikes".......?

[@florme6494]

Sounds like a fantastic bike. Royal Enfield are really on the up. So many fantastic bikes to the point it makes it hard to choose. When you do narrow it down then the colour becomes the next fantastic problem to have. My naked bike collection consists of the classic Royal Enfield Bullet 350 for those relaxing, not in a rush, comfortable, taking in the scenery moments. The a Suzuki GSX-8S for the spirited rides where the quick shifter comes to its own. This bike is probably the in between style, probably all you need.

[@Vegplot]

It's great there is a good contender for this segment, which I hope will continue to grow with small capacity, good quality and relatively low cost machines. I hope both Triumph and RE continue - and others - to improve their products (not with unnecessary rider aids) but to offer better luggage options for instance. These smaller machines are quite capable for touring or adventure travels and are exceedingly cheap to run.

[@yakekaj]

Looks great, if i lived in warmer/dryer climes and didnt have shaft drive for convenience this would be top of my list🤘

[@arcticcraic]

Looks like the perfect second bike.

[@timparker9235]

I think that review was well balanced and on the money for what people would want to hear when thinking of the Triumph or RE. It certainly was my favourite looking bike at the NEC show. Any plans on reviewing the Honda GB350 Andy? that's one value for money motorcycle by the looks of it

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes I plan too - stay tuned!

[@stuarthall2523]

Nice review, as usual. I chuckled a bit at your comment about only a single disc on the front. I’m old enough to remember RE’s with single and twin leading drum brakes.😂

[@arthurdunga345]

your right royal enfield have come a long way that don't look bad at all that machine

[@samhill3496]

It has a centerstand. Wooo! 300 dollars saved and handy. Like the bike. Good looking. Great looking paintwork and not cheap looking decals stuck on like the Triumphs I like so well. Pretty cheesy on their part. May well have a Himalayan by spring. Go looking soon. Found a dealer that isn't a convict. I saw way while back they had sold 250,000 maybe of one model, not sure but they crank them out. Everytime I see a shot of the assembly line there are at least four or five workers standing at the bike doing something. Affordable labor, yeah but they work and turn out a good product. If they do in the next ten years what they have done in the last ten years they will be a force to be reckoned with. Certainly many manufacturers who would like to sell half those numbers. All good 5832 from east Kentucky USA

[@veritasvincit2745]

I've got a Continental GT 650 and I'm very satisfied with it but these Guerrillas are just great. Although it's a smaller engine on the Moto Morini it'd be interesting to see how the Guerrilla fares against the new 3 1/2 on the road.

[@ragerider6283]

Great review & bike. A nice looking fun little bargain.

[@grumpsrides42]

Having test rode/reviewed the Guerilla, I absolutely love it! I agree with everything you said, great fun, easy to ride, good looking, definitely value for money. My only complaints were, the side stand is too short, and the engine, I found a little 'too revvy', for my tastes. Exactly the same as the 450 Himalayan. I am an Enfield fan TBH, I own a 650 Interceptor and a 411 Himalayan. If I were to replace the Himalayan, the Guerilla would be top of my list, as a possible replacement! Awesome bike, love it!

[@alanprice9938]

Yes I think this one looks very nice. No intention to be political, and I’m more than happy to buy bikes from around the world, but I think I’m more comfortable with the RE as it doesn’t pretend to be British in quite the same way as the triumph does. Really nice job. Nice to know I’m younger than your normal demographic too 😃😃

[@anthonyward1698]

Good to know I’m widening the range of your demographic! You said it was 55-75. I’m ‘only’ 52, so I must be one of those young types that RE aim this bike at 😂

[@garyeverett8757]

Good review Andy. Looks a nice motorbike.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks 👍

[@houseofroos]

Great looking machine !

[@mattbradley7985]

Interesting with the target audience from RE. Reminds me of when Jaguar marketed the S Type at a younger audience. What happened…the older generations bought them to down size from their big Jaaaags. Same will happen with the RE. Great bike and video.

[@PAGallagher]

A great review but I did laugh when I heard that RE thought you were a bit old 😁🤣I've had my Guerrilla for 3 months now and with nearly 2500 miles on the clock, I love it to bits for all the reasons you mention in your review but please don't tell RE that I'm a year off 70 ........ they might come and take the bike off me ........ they might even try and confiscate my XSR 900 😮All the best, Phil (Somerset) ☺

[@jamesread9014]

Like the look of the bike and your road test. I would be interested in the servicing cost comparison with Triumph. The Deep South, South Island - New Zealand

[@Eileen-e8f]

When I am done with my 2023 fltrxst harley road glide I am getting a royal enfield. World class moyorcycle. Thanks

[@iainf6]

Great looking bike Andy 👍, quality video as always 🫂

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks 👍

[@davidnorton5887]

For a minute there, I thought you were going to do a whole video without mentioning your shoulder. Lol.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Unlikely

[@roviwoteap2375]

I’ve been eyeing up the RE guerrilla for a while now, a serious contender for my next bike. The only problem is I’m one Royal Enfield’s “younger riders” plus another 40 years! Not sure why they’re just content with aiming for the younger folk, what’s about us oldies? We still appreciate lower capacity, light bikes.

[@GedandMichele]

I'm very happy with my 400x and much prefer its looks especially with my upgrades but the RE does look a decent overall package.

[@peakrider4886]

Cheers Andy, certainly was impressed with everything Royal Enfield seems to be doing when I went to their stand at the NEC. Regarding the marketing appeal, I think you might be surprised at how young people view bikes; I watched a YT video by Darcy & the Ol’ man where they had a Moto Guzzi and a Husky Svartpillen and asked young people passing by which they preferred and nearly all of them said the Guzzi.

[@randomguy9893]

Three years warranty and recovery on the RE, think it’s only two on the triumph. Don’t forget the usb port as well.

[@paulhawley7885]

Looks a super little bike 😊👍

[@ukvamp]

Great review, most reviews I've seen of this bike waffle on for ages but your reviews always have some structure to them and you don't repeat the same stuff over and over to get another 10mins on the video 🤣 I do really like the look of this over the Triumph 400s and I'm thinking of picking one up next year as a winter hack (hopefully be a few used ones then to make it even more of a bargain) I'm going to have to seek out a test ride i think once the sun returns to the UK (hopefully that's soon and not in 6 months time 🤣)

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Let’s hope so!