Royal Enfield is all set to shake off its vintage shackles with the all-new Himalayan adventure tourer. Based on our exclusive spy image, render artist Chris Abraham gives it some digitally aided panache.
The Himalayan will debut with all new styling. The unembellished fuel tank won’t exactly be a cynosure, but functional knee recesses up the ergonomic quotient. The tank will also be flanked by exposed metal braces on either side, that will hold the high-set, round headlamp, the tall wind deflector and front turn indicators in place, while the raised handlebars go about their maneuvering duties independently. The side panels also look plain-jane, and feature exposed bolts; we wonder if this particular piece will make it to production the way it is depicted.
The seating position will be upright, while suspension duties will be handled by blacked-out telescopic front forks up front, and for the first time in Royal Enfield history – a monoshock rear suspension. Suspension travel will be long, if the large rear clearance and motocross-style, high front mudguard are anything to go by. The rear also features a box section swingarm.
The frame is also totally new, and will even support panniers, that could come installed from the factory itself – RE is pretty serious about fulfilling the wanderlust with this one. Other notable features on the Himalayan include a vertically aligned, minimalist instrument cluster, front & rear disc brakes, and an upswept exhaust cannister, finished in a golden hue. Though none of the prototypes feature one, Chris has added a protective belly pan for good measure; for those rocky, stream strewn passes in the Himalayas.
The Himalayan will also debut with Royal Enfield’s brand new engine, rumoured to be a 400cc, single cylinder motor that’ll benefit from oil-cooling, and, in all probability, fuel injection as well. The new engine will have a matte black finished crankcase bearing the new Royal Enfield crest in its midst. Power and torque outputs are yet to be confirmed, but is expected to be significantly higher than the archaic 350 cc mill for some much needed hustle.
