The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 test mule has become a rather common sight in recent times, but on this occasion, it’s been spotted with accessories for the first time, and these latest clear images also reveal some new details about the bike itself.
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Aluminium top box, panniers to be part of accessories list
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Rear indicators also act as DRLs and brake lights
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Steel-braided brake lines
As is plainly visible, this time around, the Himalayan 450 is equipped with luggage, in the form of an aluminium top box and panniers. Ever since the 650 twins, RE has developed accessories alongside its motorcycle from their inception. And this trend continues with the Himalayan 450, so you can expect to see these luggage options on the final catalogue. Other likely possibilities are items like touring seats and mirrors, the Tripper navigation pod, and cosmetic enhancements.
As for the motorcycle itself, the most interesting new detail is at the rear, specifically the indicators. These seem to double up as DRLs as well as brake lamps (there is no standalone brake light visible, so it’s likely that these indicators will shine bright red when braking). These multipurpose indicators are quite similar to what you see on certain Harley-Davidson models, and on the BMW R 1250 GS, too, although the Beemer does have a standalone tail-lamp.
The presence of a heat sink on the back of the headlight confirms yet again that it will be an LED unit, and if the Himalayan beats the upcoming 650cc cruisers to the market, it will become the first RE to get an LED headlight as standard. Another interesting detail is the presence of steel-braided brake lines here, like you see on the 650cc twins and unlike the rubber brake hoses on the current Himalayan.
The final revelation in these photos comes from a closer look at the round instrument cluster. It’s mounted rather high up in the cockpit and its design is similar (but not identical) to what you see on the Meteor, with a round digital inset in the centre and an analogue speedometer at its periphery.
What’s also clear in these images is that the finishing is still very rough all across the motorcycle, suggesting that this bike is still some time away from being ready to hit the market.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
