20160316

Royal Enfield launches Himalayan, it's first adventure tourer

Royal Enfield, it seems, has hit a purple patch these last few years. Be it the opening of a new plant in Chennai, the demand for its motorcycles shooting up, the strides made in build quality, successful launches of a host of mainstream and niche models, it's been a very happening few years for Royal Enfield. With the launch of Himalayan today, the Chennai-based manufacturer has opened yet another chapter in its history.

Not too long back, adventure tourers were not exactly popular in India. But with growing demand for medium and high-end motorcycles and improving maturity levels of riders in the market, this is a segment that's poised to make an impact. Royal Enfield knows that and the Himalayan is their answer.


Created specifically for the adventure-seeking and off-roading blokes who expect their motorcycles to go on and on irrespective of the conditions underneath, the Himalyan is a no-nonsense offering that doesn't try hard to please onlookers. That doesn't mean it isn't impressive to look at. The Himalayan's appeal lies in its basic yet purpose-built form that screams rough-road friendly. 

Targeted at a specific clientele looking for some adventure through long-distance touring and off-roading, the Himalayan gets provisions to mount fuel-canisters at the front and panniers at the rear. The instrument cluster is a mix of analog dials for the speedometer, tachometer and fuel gauge and a digital compass with Multi Information Display (MID).


The Himalyan is powered by a new 411 cc, oil-cooled engine that churns our 24.5 horsepower at 6500 rpm and a peak torque of 32 Nm between 4000 and 4500 rpm. Dubbed LS 410, this long-stroke engine is mated to a 5-speed transmission and is said to be tuned for a punchy low and mid-range. Sadly, the engine isn't fuel injected and fuel continues to be fed through a carburetor. 

Harris Performance has helped Royal Enfield with the chassis design of the Himalayan that uses a split cradle frame. Suspension duties are handled by a set of front forks with 200 mm of travel and a rear mono-shock with 180 mm of travel, the latter a first for Royal Enfield. Shod with grippy Ceat tires are 21-inch and 17-inch spoke wheels at the front and rear respectively. Dual disc brakes, a 300 mm up front and a 240 mm at the rear, provide stopping power. ABS isn't even available as an option, which is a shame.


Available in two colours - Granite and Snow, the Himalayan is priced at INR 155,545 ex-showroom Maharashtra. That's quite a fair bit less than what we expected and we have to admit that the Himalayan is an incredible value-for-money proposition. In fact, this does make a couple of other Royal Enfield motorcycles look overpriced!

After the Continental GT, the Himalayan is yet another fine attempt by Royal Enfield to identify a market niche and fill it with a compelling offering. So, what are you waiting for? Go get a Himalayan and explore the country on two wheels!

2 comments:

  1. Its meant only for Himalayas.
    Rugged but missing the Royalty of Enfield.

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    Replies
    1. It's meant for touring everywhere. As for the looks, it is simple, rugged and built for a purpose.

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