Finally Royal Enfield on Tuesday unveiled their latest adventure-tourer bike Himalayan giving an end to all those leaks and revelations about the bike we have been noticing from a while. Now we know its an multi-terrain bike with 411cc, SOHC single cylinder giving out 24.5 BHP of power at 6500 RPM.
As per the company the bike has been in making from last 5 years and has gone through rigorous testing in various terrains to make sure that bike stands upon its promise of being an all round performer.
We have seen lots of spy shots and revelations about bike in past and we do believe that bike went through various tests. After all this is one of the most spied bike before launch from Royal Enfield. RE enthusiast fraternity already knew almost all details about the bike before this official announcement.
Although all information and details about the bike is out but its pricing will be announced only in mid March 2016. Hence, if you want to book this bike then you may have to wait a little more.
The Royal Enfield Himalayan comes with lots of new features and element never found in RE bike before. This new bike has been powered by an all new long stroke LS410 engine which is designed to give a good low-end torque which means adequate power at lower RPMs as well as giving required pull whenever you go offroad.
This is first engine from Royal Enfield to incorporate overhead cam design along with external oil cooling system which not only reduces wear-tear inside engine, it also gives longer oil change cycle and improved performance. As per Royal Enfield, the bike can clock 10000 kms on each oil change interval.
Although its all new modern engine, the company has decided to go old-school with use of carburettor for the fuel supply. I am sure they have done it intentionally after seeing the love for carburettor based fuel supply from RE owners. Another important aspect to be noted is its start-up mechanism. This is also the first bike from RE to not to have kick start system. I hope this time they have stronger and more reliable electric start mechanism as we see almost all RE bikes struggling in cold start without kick.
Apart of engine, another first from RE in this bike is its rear Monoshock suspension with linkage, 180 mm wheel travel. Further this bike comes with larger 21 inch front wheels and smaller 17 inch rear wheel. As per company this provide better control on itchy terrains where large front wheel give better maneuverability while smaller rear provides improved traction.
Everything on this bike is purpose built so that you can take it confidently in all kind of terrains from highways to off-roading in Himalayas. Even the instrument cluster is first of its kind in Royal Enfield family giving lots of information including speed, direction, ambient temperature, time, service intervals and multiple trip distances, making it more useful than ever.
The bike has been kept light, even 3KG lighter than their most recent Continental GT and has been intentionally kept simple in order to have timeless design which is a common trait of Royal Enfield Motorcycles. The bike comes with mount points for various kind of luggage to jerry canes at back. Probably we will see lots of travel accessory for the bike from company.
Initially bike has been announced in two color variants namely Snow and Granite. On technical side, bike looks stunning and definitely will be adored by die hard tourers. Like GT, this bike will again get its own kind of new followers to Royal Enfield but it will equally please existing Royal Enfield Riders. Hopefully its agility and all round performance will loved by many. Nevertheless, real test begins in real world, eagerly waiting to see what this bike brings to Royal Enfield admirers and lovers.
ROYAL ENFIELD HIMALAYAN TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE
Type: Single cylinder, air cooled, 4 stroke, SOHC
Displacement: 411cc
Bore x Stroke: 78mm x 86mm
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Maximum Power: 24.5 bhp (18.02 kW) @ 6500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 32 nm @ 4000 – 4500 rpm
Ignition system: TCI, multi-curve
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
Gearbox: 5 speed constant mesh
Lubrication: Wet sump
Fuel Supply: Carburettor with throttle position sensor
Engine Start: Electric only
ELECTRICALS
Electricals system: 12 volt- DC
Battery: 12 volt- 8 AH VRLA
Headlamp: 12V H4 60/55W
Tail lamp: LED
CHASSIS & SUSPENSION
Type: Half-duplex split cradle frame
Front Suspension: Telescopic, 41mm forks, 200mm travel
Rear Suspension: Monoshock with linkage, 180mm wheel travel
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 1465mm
Ground Clearance: 220mm
Length: 2190mm
Width: 840mm
Seat Height: 800mm
Height: 1360mm (flyscreen top)
Kerb weight: 182 kgs
Fuel Capacity: 15 +/- 0.5 lts
BRAKES & TYRES
Front tyre: 90/90-21”
Rear tyre: 120/90-17”
Front brakes: 300mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper
Rear brakes: 240mm disc, single piston floating caliper
Really… a great Bike…. looks stunning….love to buy this beautiful bike soon
Which one is comfortable for long distances travelling, Thunderbird 500 cc or Himalayan 411 cc. Any one can tell me.
Hello Dear Ramesh,
RE Himalayan is not yet launched so saying anything about its practical usage is out of scope. However, company does say that they have designed it for upright siting posture for long distance riding which is equally good for off-road rides. On the other hand Thunderbird is tried and tested is purpose built for long riding without any changes.