Royal Enfield Himalayan review, test ride

Into thin air

Royal Enfield has fitted the Himalayan with a new from scratch, four-stroke, air-cooled, 411cc engine.

This is a two-valve powerplant, with long-stroke, single-cylinder dimensions at 78mm x 86mm. The Himalayan runs with a carburettor, and like most bikes from this manufacturer, sounds unique, with a relatively faster rev note, and quiet yet punchy tone.

To ride, the Himalayan feels a 'pukka' Royal Enfield, underpowered in some measure, but with nice and easy power delivery that feels torquey, and allows you to chug effortlessly through virtually all riding conditions. You don't need to play the gearbox too much, which shifts with reasonably good feel, in a one-down, four-up pattern. The single biggest bugbear we faced on our ride, was the Himalayan’s heavy clutch, that lacked the right feel, and gave my forearm an unwanted workout, forcing me to ride the bike clutch less when tired towards the end of our 100km plus run in trying conditions.

The Himalayan engine makes 3.3kgm of torque, delivered at 4,500rpm and 24.5bhp of maximum power at 6,500rpm. The bike can go an impressive 10,000km between every oil change.

You never feel the need to push the Himalayan engine to high revs, which in keeping with all Royal Enfield bikes’ character, is "purposeful, but not extreme" in the words of Siddhartha Lal, group MD and CEO.

Tough as nails

The Himalayan is low enough for an average height, or even a short Indian adult, to easily set feet on the deck when at a standstill. You sit on a plush-feeling riding saddle, in a comfortable, upright riding position.

The Himalayan carries its 182kg girth well, the front end light and steering with quick, neutral manners as is key to safe handling when riding off-road, where quick front end correction is often required when the bike starts sliding.

Ride quality is good, perhaps a touch firm in front, but very pliant and confidence inspiring on tarmac. Royal Enfield has got the adventure bike’s chassis right, from the word go. Standing up on the pegs and riding over rough roads is no problem, even at high speed.

As obvious, the Himalayan has generous ground clearance, always a boon when riding off-road. A steel construction frame binds the Himalayan together, with 200mm travel 41mm telescopic suspension in front, and a monoshock with linkage at rear, supported by a steel swingarm.

The bike comes with Ceat-made on and off-road tyres, a larger 21-inch front wheel and 120/90 x 17-inch tyre at the back. Grip is good, on- or off-road. As on any true off-roader, the Himalayan comes with spoked rims. Single disc brakes are provided front (300mm) and rear (240mm). Braking is effective, with progressive feel at both levers, allowing for comfortable braking even on loose surfaces. There’s no ABS. The Himalayan is a forgiving, even easy motorcycle to ride in any conditions.