2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan Review

The Royal Enfield Himalayan sits at a singular place within the journey touring phase. Built as a easy, go-anywhere, snug touring machine, which may take lots of beating, the 2021 updates appear to have been accomplished preserving in thoughts riders’ suggestions, and practicality. So, even when there are not any mechanical modifications to the engine, Royal Enfield has given the 2021 Himalayan some added options to provide it contemporary attraction, in addition to new colors. And regardless that it is a tad heavy for gnarly trails, it nonetheless feels strong, steady and can go anyplace you level it at. We spent a while with the brand new RE Himalayan and start falling for its old-world allure.

Also Read: 2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan Launched At ₹ 2.01 Lakh

Design

As talked about earlier than, the updates are primarily beauty, together with new colors, and centred round including higher ergonomics, and luxury. While the general silhouette and design of the 2021 Himalayan stay the identical, there are some refined modifications, together with three new colors. At first look, the Pine Green color of our check bike appears to be like engaging and attention-grabbing, however this distinctive shade loses its novelty quickly. I doubt if it is going to be my selection of color from an possession standpoint.

There are not any modifications to the size, cycle components or seat top of the Himalayan. It nonetheless will get 220 mm floor clearance, and comes with a kerb weight of 199 kg, and will get 41 mm telescopic entrance forks with 200 mm journey, and a monoshock with 180 mm of journey. A 300 mm single entrance disc, with two-piston floating caliper and a 240 mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper, deal with braking duties. Dual-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) is customary, and ABS will be de-activated on the rear wheel. Fuel tank capability is 15 litres.

Through the Make It Yours function, both on the web site, or by the Royal Enfield app, you will have the choice to customize the brand new Himalayan with totally different colors and equipment, together with hand guards, engine guards, panniers and even a distinct colored seat. These equipment do come at an added value, however add to the general attraction and practicality, including engine and hand lever safety, in addition to extra baggage carrying capability.

Also Read: All You Need To Know About The 2021 RE Himalayan

Tech & Ergonomics

The most vital change to the Himalayan nevertheless, is the addition of the Tripper navigation display screen, powered by Google Maps. The Tripper pod is an extra dial which exhibits both the time or turn-by-turn navigation, when linked by a smartphone by way of Bluetooth and the Royal Enfield app. To accommodate the extra Tripper dial, the underside of the windscreen has been widened, and it is available in a tinted end (not too darkish to be used after sunset) and will get barely extra top than earlier than.

The entrance rack design has been modified, apparently as a result of it brushed towards the knees of some taller riders. (I did not face any such downside earlier than, however I’m simply of common top, at simply over 5 toes, 9 inches). The rear baggage provider has been redesigned as effectively; it now has a decrease top, making it simple for each riders and the pillion to swing a leg over, and in addition comes with a strong metallic plate, with load bearing restricted to 7 kg. For solo riders, it is greater than sufficient to pack a tail bag for a number of days’ value of necessities. Oh, there’s one other change! The seat has been given barely firmer twin density foam, which ought to make it extra snug to spend longer time within the Himalayan’s saddle over an extended experience.

Performance & Dynamics

Now, Royal Enfield’s newest 350 cc platform, with the brand new RE Meteor 350 appears to have spoiled us foolish. At idle, the Himalayan would not sound or really feel as refined because the 350 cc Meteor. But on the go, it is positively a distinct story, in comparison with the BS4 model of the Himalayan. On the 2021 mannequin, there are not any mechanical modifications from the BS6 model launched a year in the past. With simply 24.3 bhp kicking in at 6,500 rpm and 32 Nm of peak torque at 4000-4500 rpm, the figures are modest, not less than on paper. But out in the actual world, figures inform a distinct story.

The engine feels kind of clean inside the energy band, and solely protests with vibrations at over 7,000 rpm. For day-to-day use, you will not have to rev the engine that top. Between 90-110 kmph is the Himalayan’s candy spot, and it’ll cruise sweetly all day lengthy at these speeds, and can go as much as over 120 kmph if prodded. But chasing any sorts of pace over that can lead to some protest within the type of vibrations. Possibly a lighter rider will see near 130 kmph, however with my 75 kg physique weight, I nearly managed to the touch 125 kmph, however the bike positively felt happiest across the 100 kmph mark.

The 5-speed transmission feels enough, however I did miss an overdrive sixth on some events, which might have most likely made the Himalayan really feel a bit of extra relaxed out on the freeway. Overall, the mid-range has sufficient meat, to deal with visitors, in addition to the occasional off-road tour. Yes, it is nonetheless heavy at 199 kg, however the low seat top will probably be a boon for off-road newbies, and it simply tramples over rocky terrain like no person’s business.

For skilled riders searching for some extra off-road pleasure, the shortage of energy does develop into obvious, as does the hefty weight of 199 kg. But regardless of the load, the bike feels agile, and simple to deal with. The using position can be snug, whether or not negotiating visitors within the metropolis, out on the freeway, or tackling some off-road terrain. What is a little bit of a dampener is entrance brake really feel and chunk; the entrance brake lever requires a tighter squeeze than you are usually used to, however it works all proper. Ride high quality is nice, and it is like a giant, burly SUV that gobbles up potholes and damaged roads and not using a whimper.

Prices

With the introduction of the Tripper navigation pod, in addition to small ergonomic and beauty modifications, Royal Enfield has additionally revised the costs of the Himalayan. New costs begin at ₹ 2.01 lakh (Ex-showroom) for the older colors, in addition to the Mirage Silver color shade, a distinction of round ₹ 10,000. But for the Pine Green and Granite Black color choices, pricing is at ₹ 2.09 lakh (Ex-showroom). Yes, you do get the Tripper navigation, and even at that worth, the Himalayan is superb worth as a do-it-all bike.

Verdict

The Royal Enfield Himalayan positively is an effective bike, and the extra time you spend time with it, the extra you start appreciating it. Sure, it has its weaknesses, and extra energy, much less weight, higher brakes et al, would have labored wonders to make it even higher. But finally, what issues is that it is a easy bike that can allure you with its simplicity, whether or not you are the town commuter, relaxed freeway cruiser, or trudging alongside damaged trails.

Yes, the Himalayan nonetheless has its weaknesses. The instrument console is somewhat busy; the compass nonetheless appears to have a thoughts of its personal, the ambient temperature gauge was displaying 38 levels Celsius on a nice February afternoon when the utmost temperature was nearly 27 levels. And as for the Tripper; it typically exhibits the proper route, and on a few events, it’ll make you go completely ballistic! On one event, once I tried to observe it religiously, it took me beneath a flyover as an alternative of over it, and made me sit at a pink gentle for effectively over three minutes.

Would I like to recommend one? I feel, actually, sure! And until you are in a tearing hurry to get anyplace, it’ll cruise simple at 100 kmph on the freeway. In reality, after I returned the check bike, I used to be craving to get some extra saddle time with the brand new Himalayan, simply to expertise what it seems like over an extended interval as a each day companion. As a do-it-all bike, which is able to value south of ₹ 2.5 lakhs, the Himalayan positively ticks all the proper containers, as an all-round, likeable, and charming, entry-level ADV!

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(Photography: Prashant Chaudhary)

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