The production of first and true adventure sport touring Royal Enfield motorcycle – Himalayan has commenced. The pictures of the RE Himalayan being assembled on one of the Royal Enfield’s Indian manufacturing facilities is surfaced on internet. The market has very high hopes associated with RE Himalayan as it was an overdue project from an iconic brand Royal Enfield whose motorcycles are heavily used for touring and adventure purpose despite their limited off-roading capabilities. There were always expectations and demands for a true off-roading capability adventure bike from the RE and they have responded in accordance. For the last few months many spy shots have been surfaced where we have seen the Himalayan in its both disguised and undisguised attire.
Now when the first true wanderer from the house of Royal Enfield has already come to the assembly line, it is pretty clear what we are going to get from the bike. The all black theme is dominating, where the speculated new 400cc single cylinder OHC engine looks good mounted on new double cradle chassis supposedly designed by the RE’s global partner- Harris Engineering. They are the one who have designed the frame of RE Continental GT; you can see the sturdy sub frame for convenient luggage carrying capacity and for some hardcore off-road activities. The front suspension has extra long bottle for increased travel, whereas there is a monoshock suspension at the rear for the first time on any Royal Enfield motorbike.
The higher ground clearance is evident and can clearly be seen while the bike is grounded on the center stand, though there is a provision of side stand also. There are disc brakes on both wheels with steel braided liners for that extra sturdiness required for hardcore riding. There are crash guards all over which will give protection alongside mounts for panniers and luggage rake at the rear. The front mudguard is split into two and the half of the fender is fixed high on the frame to justify the off-roading.Royal Enfield will surely going to enjoy the success of the Himalayan at least in India and other sub continents provided they price it prudently and raise their quality control bar substantially.
By: Farhan Kashif