By Auto Crat
As far as solid adventure motorcycles go, the Royal Enfield Himalayan seems to have created a segment within a segment and has been doing pretty well across many continents and countries within that narrow segment for a while now.
There have always been die-hard Enfield followers, not just in India but across Europe too, mainly among classic bike lovers. The Enfield Bullet 350 and 500cc avatars were doing well, but those were mainly India oriented. Royal Enfield, now a 100% Indian company, capitalised on that niche popularity and released some special bikes, such as the Himalayan.
For Indians and south Asians, this is a good middle-power bike in the affordable range, and has developed almost a cult following.
The phrase “affordable adventure bike” was almost an oxymoron before this. The Himalayan busted that myth. It now enjoys a fairly sweet spot in the market in its positioning.
Recently, the updated 2021 model was introduced with some new features and a higher price tag. Royal Enfield Himalayan is an adventure bike available at a starting price of Rs 2,14,501 in India. It is available in 3 variants and 9 colours with top variant price starting from Rs 2,21,992. The Royal Enfield Himalayan is powered by a 411cc BS6 engine which develops a power of 24.3 bhp (this is on the lower side, compared to other similar bikes) and a torque of 32 Nm (this, though, is on the higher side).
With both front and rear disc brakes, Royal Enfield Himalayan has an anti-locking braking system (ABS) in which the rear ABS can be turned off. It weighs 199 kg and has a fuel tank capacity of 15 litres.
Off-road focused
The Himalayan is Royal Enfield’s off-road focussed motorcycle that received BS6-upgrade in 2020. In 2021, the motorcycle received three new colour schemes Mirage Silver (new), Pine Green (new), and Granite Black (updated). The new colour options are accompanied by the existing options – Rock Red, Lake Blue, and Gravel Grey. Meanwhile, the company has discontinued the Snow and Sleet Grey paint options from the list.
The 2021 model also benefits from Royal Enfield’s Tripper Navigation system. The navigation system is powered by Google Maps and it works with the Royal Enfield smart-phone application to give turn-by-turn directions. The semi-digital instrument cluster, on the other hand, remains similar to the previous model. Other changes include revisions to the seat, the rear carrier, the front rack, and an updated design for the windscreen to further enhance the motorcycle’s touring capabilities.
The feature list retains halogen headlight, switchable ABS, and a hazard light switch. The mechanical specifications continue to use a 411cc, single-cylinder engine that makes 24.3bhp of power at 6,500rpm and 32Nm of peak torque at 4,500rpm. The motor is linked to a five-speed gearbox.
In terms of cycle parts, the Himalayan retains the 21-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel shod with dual-sport rubber. Braking is done by a 300mm disc up front and a 220mm disc at the rear with dual-channel ABS as standard. Suspension duties are taken care of by 41mm telescopic forks up front and a monoshock at the rear.
In terms of competition, the Royal Enfield Himalayan goes up against the BMW G310 GS and the KTM 250 Adventure in India.
Features:
SWITCHABLE ABS
Dual channel ABS as standard with the option of switching it off at the rear wheel for an engaging ride and for more control while riding on off-road surfaces.
Design
The new improved seat lets you cover longer distances with even more comfort. Panniers at the back. Jerry cans in the front. The Himalayan’s mounting points let you strap up and set off anytime. The LCD dashboard lets you track everything from miles to maintenance.
Wire-spoked wheels with dual purpose tyres for steady grip on all roads and no roads.
Seating
800mm seat height, well positioned footpegs and handlebars reduce fatigue and give you a comfortable upright riding position whether you sit or stand.
Tripper navigation assist
Go anywhere your adventure takes you. The Tripper navigation system on your Himalayan keeps you on course. It’s powered by Google Maps and the Royal Enfield app, keeping your smartphone connected to your Himalayan through Bluetooth. The intuitive display system guides you through the road, notifying you before every turn.
Adventure-ready
The half-duplex split cradle frame and long travel suspension keep you in harmony with road, rocks, and everything in between.
Engine
The Royal Enfield Himalayan is propelled by a 411cc, single-cylinder mill making 24.31PS and 32Nm. It is paired to a five-speed gearbox. The latest iteration of the Himalayan remains a capable off-roader, suspended by long-travel suspension units at both ends. The affordable ADV tourer rolls on a 21-/17-inch spoke wheel setup that comes wrapped in dual-purpose CEAT tyres. For braking, the bike features a 300mm front disc with a twin-piston calliper and a 240mm disc with a single-piston calliper at the rear. Switchable dual-channel ABS comes as standard.
Looks
The Royal Enfield Himalayan gets a rather simple and rugged design. The wide selection of colour schemes make the ADV more appealing. Additionally, the windscreen, tank braces, and the tan brown seat (only for Mirage Grey colour) add to the aesthetics of the adventure bike.
Suspension and brakes
Front Fork supports the Royal Enfield Himalayan with a 30 mm inner tube and Mono shock absorber in the rear. Royal Enfield Himalayan has a 220 mm front disc and a 140 mm rear drum used for the brake.
Dimensions
Royal Enfield Himalayan has 155 mm Ground Clearance, 1,166 mm Height, 1,985 mm Length, 1,365 mm Wheelbase, 806 mm Width, 780 mm Seat Height. The Kerb weight of the Royal Enfield Himalayan is 199 kg.
Transmission
The Royal Enfield Himalayan has an Automatic Gearbox with a Dry Centrifugal Clutch. The Transmission type of Royal Enfield Himalayan is CVT.
Rivals
The Royal Enfield Himalayan rivals list includes the Royal Enfield Scram 411, Yezdi Adventure, KTM 390 Adventure, BMW G 310 GS, Royal Enfield Meteor 350, KTM 250 Adventure, Yezdi Scrambler, KTM 250 Adventure [2022], and Benelli TRK 502X.
Performance
In terms of performance, the 411cc adventure motorcycle can accelerate from 0-100 kmph in 12.27 seconds.
Price
The price of Royal Enfield Himalayan in India starts at Rs 2,14,519 and goes upto Rs 2,22,159. It comes with 3 variants which includes Himalayan Mirage Silver, Himalayan Rock Red. The top variant is Himalayan Pine Green which comes at a price tag of Rs. 2,22,159.
Specifications
Engine
Engine Type – Single Cylinder, 4 stroke, Air cooled, SOHC
Engine Displacement – 411 cc
Max Power – 24.31 PS @ 6500 rpm
Max Torque – 32 Nm @ 4000 – 4500 rpm
Emission Type- BS6
Fuel Type – Petrol
Mileage – 30 kmpl (approximate).
Rear Suspension- Monoshock with linkage, 180 mm wheel travel
Gearbox – 5-speed constant mesh
Bore – 78 mm
Stroke – 86 mm
Fuel Type – Petrol
Ignition – Digital Electronic Ignition
Compression Ratio – 9.5:1
Top Speed – 100 kmph
Performance and Fuel economy:
Braking (80-0 kmph) – 33.57m
Mileage (Highway) – 39.96 kmpl
Braking (60-0 kmph) – 19.43m
Mileage (City) – 32.04 kmpl
Braking (100-0 kmph) – 53.25m
Dimensions :
Seat height – 800 mm
Height – 1370 mm (Fly Screen Top)
Kerb Weight – 199 Kg
Length*Width*Height – 2190*840*1370 mm^3
Length – 2190 mm
Wheelbase – 1465 mm
Ground Clearance – 220 mm
Height – 1370 mm
Width – 840 mm
Fuel Capacity – 15+/- 0.5 Liters
Fuel Supply- Electronic fuel injection
Tail Light – LED
Front Brake – 300mm Disc, 2 Piston Floating Caliper
Rear Brake – 240mm Disc, Single Piston Floating Caliper
ABS – 2-Channel ABS (Switchable)
Front Wheel – 21-inch
Rear Wheel – 17-inch
Variants:
Gravel Grey – Rs. 2.14 Lakh
Mirage Silver – Rs. 2.14 Lakh
Lake Blue – Rs. 2.18 Lakh
Rock Red – Rs. 2.18 Lakh
Granite Black – Rs. 2.22 Lakh
Pine Green – Rs. 2.22 Lakh
