Royal Enfield is working on an adventure motorcycle and these images were captured by Motor Vikatan, the Chennai-based automobile website. Rumored to be christened the 'Himalayan', it is clear from the images that Royal Enfield will continue to use the same classic theme on its bike. The bike does seem like it is almost in its production form, but actually is in its development stage. A single chrome-finished headlight is spotted up front with orange turn indicator lights on either side. We can see that long travel telescopic forks up front will surely enable off-road capability. The short front mudguard provided hugs the front tyre. Spoke wheels are provided up front and at rear, with disc braking provide at both ends. The tyres look like they do have knobby thread; much needed for the kind terrain this bike plans to tame. The handlebar is nice and tall allowing for an upright riding posture, ideal for cruising long distances. The bike comes equipped with a large fuel tank, and when released this could be one of the best mile-munching bikes by RE.
The engine details are unknown yet, but will be a single-cylinder unit with a chromed and longish silencer in the usual place and not high raised. A tubular steel frame is seen on the rear foot pegs enabling good rigidity for a bike such as this. A rear monoshock system makes way here ensuring good absorbing capability fixed atop a box section swingarm. The stepped saddle seems comfortable and seats the rider deeper. This will result in a comfortable ride, and the pillion sits a notch higher here.
Royal Enfield is on the right track as the Indian motorcycle market has vacancies for such comfortable and all-terrain motorcycles such as the ‘Himalayan’, and although still a prototype, you can expect to see the bike soon.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
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