Improved aesthetics, new colours, better tyres and much more
We rode the new Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 Apex variant at its launch, in Guwahati, Assam.
The brand took an already fun and engaging roadster, and sharpened it further with a more focussed, sporty approach. This Apex version aims to appeal to riders who want a more dynamic riding experience without losing the Guerrilla's core character. Here's a quick look at what we liked and what we didn't like about this update:
What We Liked
1. Striking Looks
The Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 Apex truly stands out when it comes to design. The new colour options feel fresh, bold, and perfectly suited to its sporty personality. The addition of a headlight cowl gives the front end a more aggressive stance, while the neatly integrated seat cowl enhances its rear profile, making it look sharper and more purposeful.
The colours, graphics, and added elements don't look like afterthoughts but rather a well-planned upgrade. The bike now carries a more premium and performance-oriented visual appeal.. It has that attention-grabbing presence that makes you want to turn back and admire it after parking.
2. Improved Ergonomics
One of the most noticeable upgrades is the new aluminium handlebar, which sits 57mm lower and 56mm forward. This change transforms the riding posture significantly, giving it a much sportier and more engaging stance.
The rider now feels more connected to the front wheel, which inspires confidence, especially while cornering or riding aggressively. It feels quite sporty and makes you want to push harder and enjoy the twisty roads. Despite being more aggressive, the stance doesn't feel overly committed, striking a nice balance between comfort and control for spirited riding.
3. New Tyres = Better Grip
The switch to Vredestein Centauro ST Plus tyres is a game-changer. These tyres offer significantly better road grip, especially when leaning into corners. Thanks to their slightly rounder profile, the bike feels more natural and predictable while turning. Changing directions quickly feels easier and secure, making it more fun on the mountain roads. This upgrade alone dramatically improves the bike's overall riding dynamics and confidence levels.
What We Don't Like
1. Suspension Still Feels Firm
The Apex variant continues with the same stiff rear suspension, as before. While this works well for spirited riding and stability at higher speeds, it compromises comfort, especially on uneven city roads. A slightly softer setup would have made daily commutes more forgiving and improved overall ride quality without sacrificing too much handling capability.
2. Missing Key Features
Despite it being positioned as a sporty offering from the brand, the Guerrilla 450 Apex misses out on features like traction control and a bidirectional quickshifter, both of which are increasingly common in this segment. While many riders might not feel the need for traction control in everyday riding, newer riders could benefit from the added safety net, especially given the bike's performance. A quickshifter, on the other hand, would have perfectly complemented its sporty nature.
BikeDekho Says
The Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 Apex is a more focused and exciting version of an already likeable motorcycle with better ergonomics, improved tyres, and standout styling, it feels more engaging than before. However, a slightly more comfortable suspension setup and a few modern features would have made it a near-perfect package in 2026.