The Royal Enfield Himalayan has probably been one of the most talked about motorcycles in recent times. But if you think you know it all, think again for here are fuve things you definitely ought to know about this bike
Story: Team Bike India
Photography: Royal Enfield
For all those who have been waiting with bated breath for Royal Enfield to launch the Himalayan, February 02, 2016 was something of a mild disappointment. The oldest motorcycle maker to have been in production continuously did not launch the much talked about motorcycle but instead chose to unveil it to the public in the run up to the Auto Expo 2016. Here are five things that you definitely ought to know about the Royal Enfield Himalayan if you’ve got your sights set on having one in your garage when the motorbike goes on sale commercially.
1. This is the first Royal Enfield motorcycle without a kick starter
Zapped? Well, we were too when we looked at the technical specifications chart and saw ‘Electric Start’ only. The all familiar kick start lever will not be seen on the new Himalayan. Hopefully, Royal Enfield have the electricals sorted out completely so that there’s no trouble on your freezing Himalayan jaunt.
2. This is the first Royal Enfield motorcycle to have assisted air cooling
The Royal Enfield Himalayan is the first motorcycle to come from this iconic motorbike marque to feature an oil cooler. Although the technical spec chart only says air cooled, the oil cooler unit (placed vertically) is clearly visible in this close up shot of the brand new LS 410 engine, LS denoting Long Stroke.
3. The Royal Enfield Himalayan gets a comprehensive instrument cluster
For the longest time ever Royal Enfield owners could rely on nothing more than their speedos and amp meters. Later years saw a tacho and a fuel gauge in certain models. Now, for the first time on a Royal Enfield motorbike, the Himalayan will allow you the benefit of comprehensive instrumentation, which includes all the usual stuff plus trip meters, ambient temperature reading and even a digital compass to keep you on course.
4. The first Royal Enfield to sport a monoshock
The Himalayan will be the first Royal Enfield motorcycle to sport a monoshock instead of the dual shock absorbers on either side. Hopefully, ride quality and handling will both benefit from this move. Watch this space for we will confirm this for you as soon as we can get one for a ride.
5. The Himalayan’s chassis is based on the one designed for the Continental GT but isn’t identical to it
If you’ve been thinking that the twin down tubes of the Himalayan frame indicate that the chassis is the same as that in the Continental GT, you’ve been fooled. While the ‘half duplex split cradle frame’ (as Royal Enfield call it) is indeed derived from the Steve Harris designed double cradle frame of the Continental GT, on the Himalayan mods have been made to align the chassis to its purpose of touring across the mountains.
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