Facelift for a favourite
Since its introduction five years ago, nearly 2,000 of the 410cc Himalayans have been sold in Australia and New Zealand.
Royal Enfield says the model – a simple, versatile machine – was “launched with the purpose of creating a distinct sub-category within adventure touring”. It certainly has achieved its aim, and along the way has elevated the brand to enviable positions in markets around the world. It has particularly found favour with the big LAMS market in Australia and introduced a new younger breed of rider to the pleasures of non-urban adventures. While the 2021 Himalayan is pretty much more of the same, there are important differences. The most visible is that there are now six colour choices – three of them new. These are Granite Black, Mirage Silver and Pine Green, each with its own price point. The new model also gets the Royal Enfield Tripper Navigation, built with Google Maps Platform and paired via the Royal Enfield App to the rider’s smartphone. There’s also dual-channel switchable (for the rear) ABS, 3 Year Warranty and
Roadside Assist. On the comfort side, there’s more foam in the seat, a new dashboard display and windscreen, tank protection bars and an upgraded carry rack. The model is also Euro 5 compliant, which required a revised exhaust system and ECU mapping.
The range of genuine accessories includes handlebars, pannier mounting rails and mudguards, while the apparel range has also been extended. In both Australia and New Zealand, the starting point is $8,190 Ride Away, stretching to $8,590 for the Pine Green finish. The 2021 Himalayan will be in dealerships across Australia and New Zealand from mid-October.
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