TRAVERSE 151
NEWS
HIMALAYAN
Based on Royal Enfield ’ s latest , lightest , and most technologically advanced vehicle integrated powertrain , the new Himalayan will be powered by the new Sherpa 450 liquid-cooled engine , and will have a host of new integrated tech-features that enhance and improve the adventure touring experience on the new motorcycle . Showcased recently for global audiences , the new Royal Enfield Himalayan will be launched in India before the end of this year , and will subsequently be available across other regions .
Royal Enfield has a long association with the Himalayas , which has been the brand ’ s spiritual home and creative inspiration . The original Himalayan was inspired by the 60-year old tradition of exploring the Himalayas on a motorcycle , and was born in the Himalayas . Purpose-built , confidence inspiring and a capable , go-anywhere motorcycle , the Himalayan has proven itself time and again as the ideal motorcycle for adventure riding in these incredible mountains . It has been the motorcycle of choice for thousands of explorers across the world who have ridden it to traverse a multitude of locations and terrains , thereby creating a niche subcategory of adventure touring that is real , sensorial , and accessible . The new Himalayan evolves from this , builds on this proposition , and takes it several notches higher .
Speaking about the brand ’ s connection with the mountains , and the inspiration for the all-new Himalayan , Siddhartha Lal , Managing Director , Eicher Motors Ltd ., said “ At Royal Enfield , we have a deep connection with the Himalayas for over 60 years , and that led us to make the first Himalayan in 2016 . We had great feedback for a purpose-built adventure tourer , and that gave us a lot of courage to go in for an absolutely new Himalayan . This motorcycle is ground-up with the allnew Sherpa 450 , water-cooled engine , a 6-speed gearbox , and is absolutely purpose-made for the Himalayas . It has a single purpose ; to do superbly well in unpredictable terrain and weather conditions that the Himalayas throw at it . We ’ ve designed this motorcycle to be the absolute best in the world to do that job . We ’ ve developed the chassis and the ergonomics to make it great for adventure touring . It is ‘ the one ’ motorcycle that you will need for any purpose , anywhere in the world ; because if it can traverse the Himalayas , it can traverse anything in the world ”
The Himalayas are an ever-changing , ever shifting landscape and exploring in this region requires you to embrace change of plan at every step ; from varying weather and unpredictable terrain to rivers that can be a trickle in the morning and mudguard-deep that same evening . The all-new Himalayan is designed to adapt to all such conditions ; from its water-busting high air intake to its tough frame and luggage bars ready to take a beating when things don ’ t go as planned . The improvements over the original model have been driven by time spent in the saddle , from epic trips exploring the wildest mountains to riding in everyday situations . What ’ s more , the motorcycle has been tested and developed by explorers , globetrotters , experts and riders of all abilities across a huge range of conditions , both in adventure trips around wild landscapes and in controlled testing centres in the UK , Spain and in India . This testing program has resulted in a truly versatile motorcycle that is ready for anything and puts a smile on the face of every rider , whatever their ability level .
Speaking about the insights that went behind the conception of the new Himalayan and the development process of the motorcycle , CEO , B Govindarajan said , “ Before we started working on the new Himalayan , we rode with our consumers , and spoke to globetrotters , explorers , and athletes . With the help of these insights and our own experience , we decided critical DNA we needed to retain and a few we had to evolve on the new Himalayan . The all new Himalayan 450 is mated with the Sherpa 450 , liquid-cooled engine , a first of its kind from Royal Enfield . It is also the first time we have rideby-wire feature on our motorcycle that offers optimum delivery of power and torque for challenging terrains . Also , it comes with TripperDash , the world ’ s first full-map navigation on a circular display built with Google Maps Platform . We have extensively tested this motorcycle for more than 5500 kms , from 22 feet at Chennai to 19,024 feet at UmLing La . The new Himalayan is therefore a combination of expert insights , new technology , and true Royal Enfield DNA ”
TRAVERSE 151