The Himalayan holds the distinction of being the first adventure touring offering from Royal Enfield (RE) and also the most affordable adventure bike on sale in India at present. While it didn’t have a perfect start owing to quality issues, its second innings with the updated BS-IV variant has been a better one. Sales for the Himalayan, both in the domestic and international markets, have gained momentum over the past few months.
The Himalayan was back in the news recently when Royal Enfield displayed a modified version of the ADV bike at the Big Motor Sale 2018 in Bangkok. This was an ideal venue for RE to showcase this custom creation as Thai bikers are heavily into customisation.
According to the company, the custom motorcycle takes inspiration from the race bikes competing in the arduous Dakar Rally. Following that theme, the stock headlight has been replaced with vertically stacked twin projector headlamps. It also sports a larger windscreen and a new quarter fairing. Adding to the rugged look are the large crash guards on which the LED auxiliary lights have been mounted. The tail-section has been completely redesigned and the exhaust muffler has been positioned higher.
Other modifications on the custom Himalayan include a higher-set handlebar and the split-seat has been swapped with a single seat unit. To maintain a connect with the standard Himalayan, the fuel tank, centre panel, bash plate and the front mudguard have been carried forward from the production motorcycle. Suspension and braking hardware are also similar to the standard Himalayan. Adding to the motorcycle’s off-road appeal are the knobby tyres. The red, white and blue livery of the Himalayan Dakar bike has been inspired by Thailand’s flag.
Royal Enfield hasn’t shared any details about the engine, but we suspect that the custom motorcycle is powered by the standard 411cc, single-cylinder motor, perhaps with some mild tuning. Overall, we must say that the Dakar Rally-inspired bike does look interesting and it will give Himalayan owners new ideas to customise their bikes.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
