I recently had the incredible opportunity to be among the first to ride the all-new Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 at the Tarlac Circuit Hill. This exclusive media launch and test ride event allowed me to experience firsthand what this exciting new motorcycle had to offer.

Right off the bat, the Guerrilla 450’s striking design caught my eye. While it shares some familiar traits with the Himalayan 450—particularly in terms of tank shape and frame—its unique scrambler aesthetic sets it apart. It shares the same engine, too.

The low seat height (780 mm) and the comfortable ergonomics make it accessible to a lot of riders.

Taking the Guerrilla 450 onto the track was an exhilarating experience. The bike’s nimble handling and responsive engine made it a joy to ride. The initial few laps were spent familiarizing myself with the bike’s controls and getting a feel for its power delivery. As I gained confidence, I pushed the bike harder, and it rewarded me with precise and predictable handling.

While the track limited our ability to fully explore the bike’s top-end performance, it was clear that the Guerrilla 450 was capable of spirited riding. The low-slung handlebars and the sporty riding position encourage an aggressive riding style, making it a fun and engaging motorcycle.

I can envision the Guerrilla 450 being a versatile motorcycle that can handle a variety of riding conditions. Its scrambler custom option makes it perfect for exploring off-road trails and urban environments alike. The comfortable seat and the relaxed riding position suggest that it could also be a capable long-distance tourer.

While the Guerrilla 450 is a fantastic motorcycle, there are a few areas where it could be improved. The lack of tech could turn away some riders. It’s missing some key safety equipment like traction control, cornering ABS, and a quickshifter. But nonetheless, the value proposition is what it really offers. You get what you pay for.

Additionally, a more distinctive tank design would have helped to differentiate it from the Himalayan 450.

Despite these minor quibbles, the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 only gives what you can pay for. It aims to capture step-up customers from smaller-displacement scooters, or those looking for their first expressway experience. It’s not too much, but it’s just enough for those looking for a simple yet playful motorcycle with a lot of customization potential.

The Guerrilla 450 comes in three different variants:

• Smoke Silver – P289,000
• Playa Black and Gold Dip – P304,000
• Brava Blue and Yellow Ribbon – P314,000

The units are now available at all Royal Enfield dealerships nationwide.