Royal Enfield Guerrilla Apex review, first ride: Out of identity crisis?
Royal Enfield has updated the Guerrilla, with this refresh, there is a new range, new colours and one significant update, but are these updates enough to make the Guerrilla a compelling buy? Let's find out.
Royal Enfield has updated the Guerrilla. It was first launched back in 2024, while the bike was fresh in RE's portfolio, there were flaws. With this update, has Royal Enfield fixed the issues with the Guerrilla? Let's find out.
Royal Enfield Guerrilla: Design
Let's begin with the fact that the 'new' Guerrilla is essentially a new variant called Apex and that is exactly what we are riding. The Apex range has its own colour palette that includes a green, red and black option.
The Guerrilla Apex then gets an LED headlamp that is borrowed straight out of the Himalayan. A cowl has also been added for better visuals. Note that we had earlier complained of a weird gap between the headlamp bowl and the lamp itself. So great to see Royal Enfield listening to feedback.
This is the same case when it comes to the instrument panel. But having this excellent 4-inch Google Map-ready instrument panel sure adds value to the Apex range. What has become better with this panel is that one no longer needs to keep the app open on the phone. A USB charging port also lives on the newly repositioned handlebar which sits lower than before. Switchgear has also been adopted from the Himalayan and it offers a crisp feel.
In a bid to make the Apex a bit more sporty than the usual range, Royal Enfield has added a seat cowl to the seat. Looks sporty but one will have to sacrifice it in case a pillion has to be accommodated.
But the biggest visual here comes in the form of the new Vredestein Centuro ST tyres that sure look more street focussed than the erstwhile block pattern Ceats.
Royal Enfield Guerrilla: Engine and chassis
Mechanically, the Guerrilla remains unchanged. The Guerrilla Apex 450 is powered by the familiar 452cc liquid-cooled, single cylinder unit. It produces 40bhp at 8,000rpm and 40Nm at 5,500rpm. Power is delivered to the rear wheel via a 6-speed slip and assist gearbox. Fuel efficiency is expected to be around 29kmpl. The bike gets two riding modes that include Sport and Street. Built around a steel twin-spar frame with the engine acting as a stressed member. Up front, it gets 43mm telescopic forks offering 140mm of wheel travel, while the rear features a linkage-type mono-shock with 150mm of travel. Braking duties are handled by a 310mm ventilated disc up front with a double-piston caliper, while the rear gets a 270mm ventilated disc with a single-piston caliper. The setup is complemented by dual-channel ABS. But unfortunately, one cannot turn the system off.
Royal Enfield Guerrilla: Is the ride better?
Let’s start with the seat height. At 780mm, the Guerrilla 450 feels accessible, even for shorter riders, making it an easy and comfortable fit. The repositioned and slightly lower handlebar lends the bike a sportier, more aggressive riding stance. Despite this, the seating remains comfortable. We rode the Apex Black variant, which comes with a single seat, and even after long hours in the saddle, fatigue wasn’t an issue. The riding position strikes a fine balance: largely upright for comfort, yet adaptable enough for a more aggressive stance, aided by slightly rear-set foot pegs.
Fire up the engine and the exhaust note feels instantly familiar, with a pleasing, throaty character. With 40bhp and 40Nm on tap, the Guerrilla 450 packs serious performance. The engine truly comes alive between 3,000rpm and 6,000rpm, where it feels most responsive and engaging. Below 3,000rpm, it remains controlled but somewhat subdued, urging you to push higher into the rev range.
The motor is tractable, delivering brisk acceleration with a strong pull through the gears. There’s ample torque across the rev band, reducing the need for frequent downshifts. However, once past 5,000rpm, mild vibrations begin to creep in. The clutch action strikes a good balance, neither too light nor overly heavy.
The bike offers two riding modes — Sport and Street — though the difference between them isn’t particularly pronounced.
Where the Guerrilla truly shines is in the corners. It feels like a motorcycle that constantly urges you to push harder and explore its limits. Through twisty sections, it proves to be an absolute joy, tipping into corners effortlessly while maintaining strong composure and inspiring confidence.
On the ride quality front, the suspension does feel slightly on the stiffer side. That said, the smooth road conditions during our ride didn’t allow for a complete evaluation. At lower speeds, it handles bumps reasonably well, but at higher speeds, sharper imperfections do make themselves felt.
The Vredestein Centuro tyres further enhance the experience, offering commendable grip and boosting rider confidence, especially when leaned over in corners.
Overall, the bike is quick, acceleration is brisk, and you will feel comfortable riding at higher speeds and its ability to corner is impressive.
Royal Enfield Guerrilla: Verdict
It seems Royal Enfield has finally given the Guerrilla its own unique identity. the identity of a street fighter and all the changes to the Apex range signify that. The lowered handlebar, street-spec tyres all add up to make a better value. What is sorely missed are features like traction control or even cruise control, and it was about time RE offered them, which would in turn help in justifying the prices. Overall, the Apex variants create a niche for themselves in the Guerrilla line up and that is definitely a step in the right direction and there is no stopping from getting one.
Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine
Royal Enfield has updated the Guerrilla. It was first launched back in 2024, while the bike was fresh in RE's portfolio, there were flaws. With this update, has Royal Enfield fixed the issues with the Guerrilla? Let's find out.
Royal Enfield Guerrilla: Design
Let's begin with the fact that the 'new' Guerrilla is essentially a new variant called Apex and that is exactly what we are riding. The Apex range has its own colour palette that includes a green, red and black option.
The Guerrilla Apex then gets an LED headlamp that is borrowed straight out of the Himalayan. A cowl has also been added for better visuals. Note that we had earlier complained of a weird gap between the headlamp bowl and the lamp itself. So great to see Royal Enfield listening to feedback.
This is the same case when it comes to the instrument panel. But having this excellent 4-inch Google Map-ready instrument panel sure adds value to the Apex range. What has become better with this panel is that one no longer needs to keep the app open on the phone. A USB charging port also lives on the newly repositioned handlebar which sits lower than before. Switchgear has also been adopted from the Himalayan and it offers a crisp feel.
In a bid to make the Apex a bit more sporty than the usual range, Royal Enfield has added a seat cowl to the seat. Looks sporty but one will have to sacrifice it in case a pillion has to be accommodated.
But the biggest visual here comes in the form of the new Vredestein Centuro ST tyres that sure look more street focussed than the erstwhile block pattern Ceats.
Royal Enfield Guerrilla: Engine and chassis
Mechanically, the Guerrilla remains unchanged. The Guerrilla Apex 450 is powered by the familiar 452cc liquid-cooled, single cylinder unit. It produces 40bhp at 8,000rpm and 40Nm at 5,500rpm. Power is delivered to the rear wheel via a 6-speed slip and assist gearbox. Fuel efficiency is expected to be around 29kmpl. The bike gets two riding modes that include Sport and Street. Built around a steel twin-spar frame with the engine acting as a stressed member. Up front, it gets 43mm telescopic forks offering 140mm of wheel travel, while the rear features a linkage-type mono-shock with 150mm of travel. Braking duties are handled by a 310mm ventilated disc up front with a double-piston caliper, while the rear gets a 270mm ventilated disc with a single-piston caliper. The setup is complemented by dual-channel ABS. But unfortunately, one cannot turn the system off.
Royal Enfield Guerrilla: Is the ride better?
Let’s start with the seat height. At 780mm, the Guerrilla 450 feels accessible, even for shorter riders, making it an easy and comfortable fit. The repositioned and slightly lower handlebar lends the bike a sportier, more aggressive riding stance. Despite this, the seating remains comfortable. We rode the Apex Black variant, which comes with a single seat, and even after long hours in the saddle, fatigue wasn’t an issue. The riding position strikes a fine balance: largely upright for comfort, yet adaptable enough for a more aggressive stance, aided by slightly rear-set foot pegs.
Fire up the engine and the exhaust note feels instantly familiar, with a pleasing, throaty character. With 40bhp and 40Nm on tap, the Guerrilla 450 packs serious performance. The engine truly comes alive between 3,000rpm and 6,000rpm, where it feels most responsive and engaging. Below 3,000rpm, it remains controlled but somewhat subdued, urging you to push higher into the rev range.
The motor is tractable, delivering brisk acceleration with a strong pull through the gears. There’s ample torque across the rev band, reducing the need for frequent downshifts. However, once past 5,000rpm, mild vibrations begin to creep in. The clutch action strikes a good balance, neither too light nor overly heavy.
The bike offers two riding modes — Sport and Street — though the difference between them isn’t particularly pronounced.
Where the Guerrilla truly shines is in the corners. It feels like a motorcycle that constantly urges you to push harder and explore its limits. Through twisty sections, it proves to be an absolute joy, tipping into corners effortlessly while maintaining strong composure and inspiring confidence.
On the ride quality front, the suspension does feel slightly on the stiffer side. That said, the smooth road conditions during our ride didn’t allow for a complete evaluation. At lower speeds, it handles bumps reasonably well, but at higher speeds, sharper imperfections do make themselves felt.
The Vredestein Centuro tyres further enhance the experience, offering commendable grip and boosting rider confidence, especially when leaned over in corners.
Overall, the bike is quick, acceleration is brisk, and you will feel comfortable riding at higher speeds and its ability to corner is impressive.
Royal Enfield Guerrilla: Verdict
It seems Royal Enfield has finally given the Guerrilla its own unique identity. the identity of a street fighter and all the changes to the Apex range signify that. The lowered handlebar, street-spec tyres all add up to make a better value. What is sorely missed are features like traction control or even cruise control, and it was about time RE offered them, which would in turn help in justifying the prices. Overall, the Apex variants create a niche for themselves in the Guerrilla line up and that is definitely a step in the right direction and there is no stopping from getting one.
Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine
