For all bikers in India the passion for biking means a ride to the Himalayas. To be true, we all dream of this long Himalayan trip a multiple times in our lifetime which includes riding around the majestic peaks through the valleys while admiring the landscape. But only a few are able to live this dream. So for such dreamers, the Royal Enfield earlier this year came out with Himalayan which they describe as an all-terrain, all-weather bike.
In short, as RE wants us to believe, the Himalayan is not just an adventure tourer but is also capable of negotiating the ups and downs of the city rides during daily commuting.
Having done the test ride meant for the media in Shimla earlier, we now thought of riding it in Delhi.The bike houses a 411cc long stroke air-cooled engine which is paired with a single cylinder. That means it has an all new chassis from the RE family. There is information cluster which gives a refreshing feeling. It has nice displays and is easy to read. There is an additional dial of compass which could be of utility. And, then there is the usual fare.
But in terms of overall looks I find there are some who like it while others find it an ugly looking bike. The body is mounted on split-cradle frame, with a rather sleek looking 15 litre fuel tank and a low upright seating position. It has part retro part adventure look. And all of the 182 kg of this machine calls for ruggedness.
Riding it in the capital city I was surprised that it didn’t prove to be quite an attraction for the onlookers. There were very few stares that I got.
And, that’s not what RE bikes are usually subjected to. Maybe, it was because of the looks. Or maybe people are yet to update their knowledge.
Nonetheless, I must confess, there was a charm and there was an excitement to be riding it around everywhere. From the streets of Old Delhi to the well laid out stretches of Central Delhi, from the pot-holed roads to the meandering tracks, I took this one out everywhere. And, it was fun.
The bike with its refined engine does well to keep steady at low speeds making you feel light and easy. There is just the right power delivery to keep you going and to make you feel good about the torque. At around 24 horsepower Himalayan is rightly powered. And, for your occasional zipping acceleration it does give you quite a bit. However, you ride it for a little longer and you start to feel bored with the heavy clutch. The machine starts heating up and the gear shifts –– one down four up –– don’t do much to please.
It is not your usual city bike. It is after all an adventure tourer.
It is tough and it is well-balanced. For RE lovers, it has the feel of an RE and most importantly the sound of one, even if it’s a new sound. And all that for Rs.1.74 lakh ex-showroom Delhi.
