Climb every MOUNTAIN
ROYAL ENFIELD BREAKS TRADITION AND OFFERS A NEW BIKE EQUALLY CAPABLE ON AND OFF ROAD
Think of Royal Enfield and images of cafe racers, cruisers and retro street bikes are most likely to flood your mind.
Royal Enfield produced its first motorcycle in 1901 — and some cynical motorcycle enthusiasts say the bikes haven’t changed much since then.
Much like Porsche, Royal Enfield seemed to find a recipe it liked and stuck with it — a classic post- war design with a period correct paint, and a chrome exhaust emerging from a single cylinder engine.
But Royal Enfield has broken the mould with the Himalayan.
This LAMS- approved adventure tourer is an all- new model, it’s a new design from the ground up with new components all over the bike which is capable of traversing the world’s toughest trails.
A half- duplex split cradle frame keeps you centralised on the motorcycle for better feel and handling.
The upright riding position prompted by the frame, 800mm seat height, high handle bars and footpegs makes longer stints aboard comfortable. The small bubble screen deflects enough airflow around your head at high speeds to keep wind annoyance at bay. The riding position also ensures you can get your leg out easily when the surface gets tricky.
For the first time in Royal Enfield’s history, it has a monoshock suspension set- up in the rear for longer wheel travel, and to keep the tyres in contact with the ground. The 21- inch front tyre provides stable footing over obstacles and enough feedback through the front forks on- road to turn into a corner with confidence, and the 17- inch rear digs in for traction on any terrain.
The Himalayan’s instrument cluster sits between an exoskeleton frame behind the handlebars. It’s a busy set- up but all the information you need can be read at a glance.
There is an analogue speedo and rev counter with a digital trip meter and gear indicator. However, not so great is the digital compass and temperature gauge, ROYAL ENFIELD HIMALAYAN PRICE: ENGINE: From $ 6990 411cc singlecylinder Legitimate daily rider and weekend explorer Electronic compass and temperature gauge can’t be trusted