Comprehensive Analysis: Royal Enfield Himalayan – Old vs New

The article compares the old and new versions of the Royal Enfield Himalayan, a popular motorcycle in the adventure touring segment.

Here’s a synthesized and detailed analysis based on the article:

Design Evolution

• Old Model: Featured an industrial, bare-bones aesthetic.

• New Model: Boasts a more evolved adventure design, resembling a larger bike. It includes a redesigned fuel tank and new engine packaging, offering a taller stance and a more commanding presence.

Engine and Performance

• Old Engine: 411 cc air-cooled, long-stroke engine delivering 24.5 bhp and 32 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed gearbox.

• New Engine: 452 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with DOHC, producing 40 bhp and 40 Nm of torque. It’s coupled with a 6-speed gearbox featuring a slip-and-assist clutch, offering significantly enhanced performance.

Chassis and Suspension

• Old Model: Utilized a split-cradle frame with 41 mm telescopic forks and a monoshock at the rear.

• New Model: Built on a lighter twin-spar tubular frame. It sports 43 mm upside-down forks from Showa and a monoshock at the rear, with increased suspension travel.

Dimensions and Adjustability

• The new Himalayan is larger in size but lighter by 3 kg. It also offers increased ground clearance and an adjustable seat height, providing better ergonomics and comfort.

Electronics and Features

• The new model surpasses the old in terms of electronics, featuring ride-by-wire, two riding modes (performance and eco), and the ability to switch off rear ABS. It also integrates Google Maps on the TFT console and includes a USB port for device charging.

Pricing

• The new Himalayan is priced between Rs. 2.85 lakh and Rs. 2.98 lakh, a noticeable increase from the old model’s starting price of Rs. 2.16 lakh.

Conclusion

The new Royal Enfield Himalayan represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor in design, performance, technology, and features. It caters to the evolving needs of adventure touring enthusiasts, offering a more refined and versatile riding experience.

Thought-Provoking Insights

1. Performance vs. Heritage: How does the new Himalayan balance modern performance demands with Royal Enfield’s classic heritage?
2. Adventure Touring Trends: What does the evolution of the Himalayan indicate about the changing preferences in the adventure touring motorcycle segment?
3. Technology Integration: How does including advanced electronics and features like Google Maps integration impact the traditional motorcycle touring experience?