Is the Himalayan 450 Raid Dakar ready or is it just marketing hype?

The Himalayan 450 Raid has been hyped up by Royal Enfield as a Dakar capable machine, something that can be said for a brand not renowned for producing high performance off road bikes. The Dakar Rally is an incredibly tough motorsport event, putting both riders and machines to the ultimate test over difficult desert terrain. It takes a bike to be truly 'Dakar ready' and this means being able to handle extreme temperatures, rough terrain and conditions. The Himalayan 450 Raid is supposed to be better suspension, a more powerful engine and rally specific features, but can it truly compete with purpose built rally machines from established manufacturers? That claim has spurred debate among rally fans and adventure riding enthusiasts.