Royal Enfield Himalayan

Styling of the Himalayan is purely a study of functionality taking precedence over form. The bike's minimalist design is a refreshing departure from the plastic and metal clad bikes we are used to.

The front gets a simple round headlamp with a tall flyscreen. There is an extra raised front fender atop the long-travel front suspension, a narrow tank and split seats. Functional bits include a luggage rack behind the pillion seat and a frame beside the fuel tank that serves up as mounts for an auxiliary fuel tank or a saddle bag.

A rectangular LED tail lamp is neatly tucked between the rear carrier and raised rear fender. The upswept silencer again is more of a functional design as its high outlet should keep it clear of water while fording a river or stream. Feature wise, the Himalayan gets a multifunctional LCD instrument console comprising of three dials. The readings are displayed in an analogue and digital manner. They display the speed in kmph and mph, engine rpm, fuel level, odometer, two trip meters, clock, ambient temperature, gear position indicator and a digital compass apart from telltale lights like high beam, battery warning and hazard lamp indicators.

The Himalayan houses a 410cc, single-cylinder, air and oil-cooled motor mated to a five-speed transmission. The fuel -injected engine makes 24.8PS @ 6500rpm and 32Nm of torque @ 4250rpm. When launched, the Himalayan came with a carburettor but now it gets fuel-injection to clear the BS-IV emissions norms.

This is the first modern Royal Enfield motor to do away with push rods instead using a chain-driven overhead camshaft. The engine is called LS410 where LS stands for long-stroke. The long stroke nature allows the motor to develop its peak torque and horsepower at low rpm which is quite useful in off-road riding conditions.

According to Royal Enfield, power has deliberately been kept low on the motorcycle so as to make its performance more accessible to newer riders graduating from smaller bikes. The new engine uses a counterbalancer to smoothen out vibrations. Interestingly, the top-end of the engine is air-cooled while the bottom end of the engine i.e. the crankcase uses oil cooling.

The Himalayan feels unlike any other Royal Enfield bikes, it is more refined though not as refined as say, an equivalent Japanese bike. The bike features tall gearing which makes it relaxed during highway runs. According to our tests, the carburetted Himalayan could do the 0-100kmph run in 12.27 seconds and achieve a true top speed of 122kmph.

The Himalayan runs on reliable and grippy adventure styled tyres that come mounted over 19-inch and 17-inch wheels at the front and rear end respectively. The braking is done by durable disc brakes at both ends that works fine in all conditions. The suspension system comprises of telescopic forks upfront and a strong adjustable monoshock at the rear that easily gulps down the hurdles and road bumps with ease.

Royal Himalayan has a powerful 12V-35/35W headlight at the front that gives an ample of vision at nights and prevents any hazard. The disc brakes equipped at the front as well as rear offers a better bite and proves beneficial in case of an emergency. The twin rear view mirrors keeps the rider aware of traffic approaching him from behind. Furthermore, the luggage carrier and saddlebag holder helps in accommodating ample of goodies on the go. All these safety and convenience features make the RE Himalayan a fun-filled yet safe true adventure machine in all aspects.