Why I Had to Write This Post
I’ll admit it, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is one of the bikes I personally keep an eye on. It’s rugged, affordable, and has built a reputation as a true adventure machine. But here’s the shocker: after India’s latest GST tax reform on September 22, 2025, the Himalayan 450 suddenly became about ₹20,000 (≈ $240 USD) more expensive, now selling for around ₹305,000–₹320,000 (≈ $3,660–$3,840 USD) in its home market.
This change isn’t just a small detail in India’s tax system. We’re talking about the world’s biggest motorcycle market, with more than 20 million motorcycles and scooters sold every year. When prices shift there, it changes how brands build, price, and sell their models everywhere else. And that’s exactly why the Himalayan 450, a bike designed in India and loved around the world, suddenly matters to all of us.
India’s new bike tax rules
Effective 22 September 2025:
Up to 350 cc → GST (Goods and Services Tax) cut from 28% to 18%. Expect lower sticker prices on commuters and scooters.
Above 350 cc → GST raised to 40% in a luxury bracket. Big and adventure bikes cost more in India. The Himalayan 450 sits in this band.
Brand response → Hero, Honda, TVS, Suzuki, Royal Enfield updated price lists the same week to reflect the new rates.
Winners and Losers
Bikes that just got cheaper (good news for exports too):
Hero Splendor & Honda Shine (100–125cc commuters)
TVS Apache series (150–200cc sport bikes)
Suzuki Gixxer & Yamaha FZ (150–250cc)
Royal Enfield Classic 350 & Meteor 350 (global favorites under the new 18% GST slab)
Bikes that got more expensive (including the Himalayan 450):
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 → Now taxed at 40% in India
Royal Enfield 650 Twins (Interceptor & Continental GT)
Premium imports like Harley-Davidson, Triumph, Ducati, Kawasak. All their larger bikes are hit by the luxury tax
Will the Himalayan 450 cost less 📉 or more 📈 outside of India?
For now, signs point to stable or even cheaper export prices as Royal Enfield leans on international demand to offset weaker sales at home.
In short: if you’re eyeing the Himalayan abroad, the next few months might just be the best time to buy.
Conclusion
India’s GST reset sends a global signal. Small-capacity bikes gain momentum in India while larger models like the Himalayan 450 carry a higher price at home. Outside India, prices should remain stable and may even improve as brands push exports, so this is a good time to watch for dealer offers.
📌 Sources
NDTV — New GST 2.0 rates for motorcycles, 18% up to 350 cc. www.ndtv.com
NDTV Auto — Himalayan 450 new start price and hike after GST. www.ndtv.com
Times of India — Brands cut prices on sub-350 cc models after GST change. The Times of India
