The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 'Phantom' Special Edition: A Rugged Adventure Bike with a Twist
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 'Phantom' Special Edition is a rugged and powerful adventure bike that has been enhanced with a range of bolt-on upgrades. This special edition model is available through Cooperb Motorcycles, a Northants dealership, and offers a unique blend of style, performance, and off-road capability.
One of the key features of the Phantom is its suspension system. Customers can choose between Hagon or K-tech suspension, both of which offer preload and compression damping adjustment. The K-tech ProValve kit in the forks further enhances damping control and adjustment, allowing riders to fine-tune their suspension to their specific needs.
Under the hood, the 452cc single-cylinder 'Sherpa' motor remains standard, but Cooperb has added a few extras to optimize performance. A full HP Corse exhaust is paired with a DNA induction kit and FuelX Pro Plus fuel programmer, enabling laptop-free adjustment across 10 air-fuel settings. This combination results in improved power delivery and fuel efficiency.
The fuel range has been increased by swapping the 17-litre tank for a larger 23-litre Acerbis plastic unit. Additionally, the factory bench-style 'Rally' seat not only enhances manoeuvrability off-road but also adds 20mm to the seat height, providing a more comfortable riding position.
In terms of wheels, the entry-level Phantoms retain the OEM tubeless spoked wheels, but buyers can upgrade to ultra-strong lightweight SM Pro rims with inner tubes. For those seeking even more off-road potential, an 18in back wheel is available, offering a wider range of knobbly tyres and mousse set-ups.
To protect the bike, Cooperb has added a smattering of hard parts from Acerbis, including wraparound handguards, engine case savers, and fork tube guards. These accessories provide added protection and peace of mind during off-road adventures.
Cooperb's credentials were showcased in January at the Valleys X-Treme Lite race in South Wales, where they fielded three 450s with some of the upgrades listed above. The team's success, including the Big Bike Single class winner, ridden by Jake Edey, highlights the capabilities of the enhanced Himalayan.
In conclusion, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 'Phantom' Special Edition is a formidable adventure bike that offers a blend of style, performance, and off-road capability. While the price may be a barrier for some, those who can afford it will be rewarded with a thrilling and capable machine that is ready to tackle any terrain.
Personally, I think the Phantom is a testament to Royal Enfield's commitment to innovation and performance. The bolt-on upgrades not only enhance the bike's capabilities but also showcase the brand's ability to create unique and desirable special editions. What makes this particularly fascinating is the attention to detail and the focus on providing a truly off-road-ready machine. In my opinion, the Phantom is a must-have for adventure bike enthusiasts who want to take their riding to the next level.
