The Royal Enfield Himalayan has just got the biggest update since its launch in 2016. The new BS6-compliant model has been priced at Rs 1.87 lakh (Snow White and Granite colours), Rs 1.89 lakh (Sleet Grey and Gravel Grey) and Rs 1.91 lakh (Rock Red and Lake Blue).
Powering the new updated Himalayan is a BS6-compliant engine-and-exhaust setup. The 411cc, single-cylinder now produces 24.3hp (down from 24.5hp). Torque, meanwhile, remains the same at 32Nm. The exhaust system also appears to have what looks like an additional catalytic converter on the header pipe. The most substantial technical change however, is the increase in weight. It now weighs 5kg more (at 199kg) up from its predecessor's 194kg.
The BS6 Royal Enfield Himalayan gets a hazard warning light on the right switch cube. Interestingly, the hazard lamp was available in the Himalayan that debuted back in 2017. The hazard-lamp switch was dropped by Royal Enfield when the Himalayan was upgraded to BS4 and now makes a comeback in its BS6 avatar. The brakes have also been worked upon and the bike finally gets switchable ABS at the rear, which allows riders to slide the motorcycle while riding off-road.
Given the conditions (read high-altitude passes, low-visibility areas) that Himalayan owners ride in, especially up north, the hazard lamp is quite a nifty feature to have. The company has also taken steps to improve the battery efficiency in the BS6 Himalayan by introducing a setting that switches the headlamp on only after the motor comes to life. Previously, the headlight used to come on as soon as the ignition key was turned to ON. The instrument cluster undergoes a minor change too, getting a completely white-backlight setup. The new motorcycle also comes with an improved side-stand that is said to ‘make parking on any kind of terrains easier’.
(All prices, ex-showroom.)