TRAVERSE 108
sees the ‘ new ’ Himalayan able to pull from almost all engine speeds , there ’ s no longer a need to watch where the tacho needle is placed . It ’ s all mated to a newly designed 6-speed gearbox with a slip assist clutch and delivers a power and torque similar to the original yet in reality feels hugely different and more rider orientated .
The chassis is new too and feels like it has seen Royal Enfield genuinely listening to what riders were saying rather than trying to dictate to the market . The most noticeable is the airbox where the original was situated behind the engine the new one is below the tank , it ’ s not as accessible as the older version but is definitely better placed and a vast improvement .
The engine serves as stressed member within the steel tube frame , it ’ s an area where Royal Enfield has worked tirelessly to improve the issues of the previous model where poor-quality welds often led to cracking frames , a few issues still persist .
The brakes are Brembo , albeit a subsidiary , and perform reasonably well , much better than the almost nonexistent clamps of the previous model . Both ends have ABS with an option to switch the rear off via button on the handlebars . It ’ s simple and works well .
The display utilises a unique round TFT unit , that to
TRAVERSE 108