In 2016, Royal Enfield introduced a motorcycle that quickly became a favorite among riders. Before this, bikers often had to modify their sports bikes to tackle the rugged, exhilarating terrains of the Himalayas. With the launch of the Royal Enfield Himalayan, there was finally a bike built to handle these challenges straight from the showroom.
Royal Enfield proudly unveiled the Himalayan as the first affordable adventure bike. It originally featured a robust BS-III engine, but this model was discontinued in April 2017 due to new BS-IV emission standards. A few months later, Royal Enfield reintroduced the Himalayan with an upgraded BS-IV engine, ready to conquer the toughest trails once again.
About the Engine & Transmission
The Royal Enfield Himalayan is equipped with a reliable and robust engine designed to handle both city commutes and challenging off-road adventures. Here’s a detailed look at its engine and transmission:
Engine:
- Type: Single-cylinder, air-cooled, SOHC engine
- Displacement: 411cc
- Power: The BS-IV engine produces approximately 24.5 horsepower at 6500 RPM.
- Torque: It delivers a peak torque of 32 Nm at 4000-4500 RPM.
- Fuel System: It features an electronic fuel injection (EFI) system for efficient fuel delivery and improved performance.
- Emission Standard: The engine complies with BS-IV emission norms, ensuring a reduced environmental impact.
Transmission:
- Gearbox: The Himalayan is equipped with a 5-speed constant mesh transmission.
- Clutch: It uses a wet, multi-plate clutch for smooth gear shifts.
- Drive Type: The bike features a chain drive system.
This combination of a capable engine and a reliable transmission system makes the Royal Enfield Himalayan an excellent choice for riders seeking both adventure and daily usability.
The Himalayan On the Road
Indian riders are certainly well-acquainted with the earlier versions of the Himalayan. As one of the most popular bikes in the country, it seems like every rider has either owned or ridden a Himalayan at some point in their journey. The Himalayan’s performance fell short of expectations. While its on-road capabilities are decent, they aren’t particularly impressive for a bike of its stature. Despite its rugged design, the bike takes over ten seconds to hit triple-digit speeds, and reaching 160 KMPH is quite a challenge. Between 90 KMPH and 110 KMPH, the engine vibrations become noticeable, especially through the handlebars. Adventure bikes are not typically built for rapid acceleration, but riders seeking a bit more excitement might find the Himalayan’s 400cc engine somewhat lacking.
On-Road Performance:
- Comfortable Riding Position: The Himalayan features an upright riding position with a comfortable seat and well-placed handlebars, making long rides less tiring.
- Suspension: It is equipped with long-travel suspension—41mm telescopic forks with 200mm travel at the front and a monoshock with 180mm travel at the rear. This setup ensures a smooth ride over potholes and rough roads.
- Handling: The bike’s low center of gravity and well-balanced chassis provide stable handling and agility, whether maneuvering through city traffic or cruising on highways.
- Brakes: The Himalayan comes with disc brakes at both the front (300mm) and rear (240mm), offering reliable stopping power. It also features dual-channel ABS for enhanced safety.
- Tires: It sports dual-purpose tires (21-inch front and 17-inch rear) that offer good grip on both tarmac and dirt tracks.
Aesthetics: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder
It’s safe to say that most people will find the Royal Enfield Himalayan to be a good-looking adventure bike. Its rugged appearance exudes reliability, a stark contrast to bikes that seem delicate. The updated Himalayan looks anything but fragile. For the 2018 model year, the Himalayan is available in two color options: black (granite) and white (snow). Both look great, but the granite color scheme is particularly cohesive, matching the engine and frame. However, the snow color scheme has its own charm, with a distinctive Panda-like appearance. What’s intriguing is how Royal Enfield has seamlessly blended old-school aesthetics with modern technology. For example, the LED lamps are superbly bright and visible, yet they fit perfectly with the bike’s vintage look. At a glance, you might mistake the Himalayan for a bike made 50 years ago, and that’s a testament to its timeless, cool design.
Is the Himalayan Worth Owning & Riding?
The Himalayan is built for versatility rather than speed. Its 411cc engine offers sufficient power for both city commuting and off-road excursions. While it may not excel in rapid acceleration or high-speed performance, it shines in handling rough terrains and long-distance touring.
If you’re looking for a bike that combines adventure-readiness with everyday practicality, the Royal Enfield Himalayan is worth considering. Its robust build, comfortable ride, and versatile performance make it a solid choice for riders who love exploring both on and off the beaten path. While it might not be the fastest or most powerful bike, its reliability and charm are hard to beat.