The great surprise for the small adventure bike world in recent years was not only the capability but also the popularity of the RE Himalayan with a single cylinder 411cc engine. The bike that could go anywhere…quite literally, do almost anything…quite actually, and not cost the earth to do so. If fact it has been probably the best budget bike in all divisions for some years, however it is due for a revamp and soon it will be here.
For a few years it was rumoured that the Himalayan would get a boost in the form of the 650cc, however it is now confirmed that indeed it will get a 450cc liquid cooled single cylinder engine with fuel injection with an expectation to churn out 40hp and 45nm or torque. Whilst still not huge number, if the original Himalayan has taught the uninitiated, that grandstanding power is not always needed for bikes in the off road world and certainly those that are proponents of a more leisurely back roads ride.
Spy pictures recently released see the Himalayan much the same albeit perhaps with a narrower girth and shed a few pounds of muscle. It has a larger visor, changed grab rails, headlamp has switched to LED as has the rear light. It benefits from upside down front forks with a monoshock rear. 21inch front/17inch rear spoked wheels, enduro style tyres predicted with digital dials to keep you company too and likely with turn by turn navigation capability too.
More news to follow in the coming months but it is set to make it grand reveal later this year in India and then filter out to the rest of the world. Considering the popularity of the Himalayan all around the world and the demand for a change of engine, you would expect this bike to be a sure fire hit for the Indian brand this coming year. Stay tuned for more.