Test Ride, Blog, review & Pictures
The easy going Adventurer got even better this year. Improvements all around - more comfort for taller riders, sat-nav and Euro 5 compliance!I've gotta be honest with you - the first time I rode the Himalayan I was not impressed. The seating position was adequate but I always felt a bit cramped on it. My knees used to rub against the engine bars making it quite uncomfortable at times.
Now not only the front rack has been redesigned to give more space for the knees, but there's also a new and improved seat with high density foam. I could immediately tell the difference.
The windscreen now is a bit wider too, this was designed to help deflecting the wind better and along with the brand new navigation system (Tripper by Royal Enfield) now there's even switchable ABS.
Great upgrade for the true off-road rider!
The engine (now Euro 5 compliant) has not changed. The 411cc single-cylinder 5 speed unit still produces 24.3 bhp at 6500 rpm. It isn't the fastest but it's not the point here. It's actually a lot of fun stretching the gears on the Himalayan. I would have loved a 6th gear though as it feels like a struggle at its very peak.
The long travel suspension (200mm at the front and 180mm at the rear) makes it a lot of fun off-road. On the road the bike handles pretty good too, soaking up most of the bumps. Although twisties aren't handled exceptionally but you can't really expect an entry-level adventure bike to handle like a sportsbike.
Brakes are decent and work pretty well, providing good stopping power. But the front brakes lack a bit of feel after the initial bite, the rear instead feels decisive and strong enough. ABS can now be switched off which is great and on top of that there's loads of functionality. The brand new Tripper Navigation is so easy to use and adds a layer of quality to an already nicely finished entry-level Adventurer.
Let's be realistic, we're all waiting for a 650 Himalayan but it's not coming any time soon. And at only £4,349 the Royal Enfield Himalayan is still the best bang for your buck this year.
Improved in almost every way, making it a perfect bike for new riders and off-road pros.
Great deals can be found at Bolton Motorcycles on all the Royal Enfield range, so come check them out!
Gianluigi Mango
GM MOTO
