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!
Its meant only for Himalayas.
ReplyDeleteRugged but missing the Royalty of Enfield.
It's meant for touring everywhere. As for the looks, it is simple, rugged and built for a purpose.
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