Royal Enfield’s highly anticipated Himalayan 650 has been spied testing in Southern Europe, giving enthusiasts a glimpse of what to expect from this flagship adventure tourer. Poised to be the brand’s most premium motorcycle, the Himalayan 650 is set to enter the middleweight adventure segment with cutting-edge features and performance enhancements.
New Details from spy shots
The latest spy shots of the Royal Enfield Himalayan 650 reveal a test mule equipped with extra sensors, indicative of ongoing engineering and durability testing. Notably, the motorcycle features fully-adjustable inverted forks upfront, although it remains uncertain if these will make it to the production model.
The test bike appears near-production-ready, suggesting that much of what is seen may translate into the final product. A newly engineered chassis is evident, featuring a fairly upright monoshock rear suspension with linkage, promising improved suspension performance. The bike is equipped with a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel setup, standard for adventure motorcycles.
A twin-disc front braking system with Bybre calipers signals a significant upgrade in stopping power, surpassing anything previously seen from Royal Enfield. The seating arrangement also stands out, with a stepped pillion-ready rear seat and a low, well-padded rider’s seat designed for long-haul comfort. These features collectively point to a capable and thoughtfully designed adventure machine.
Expected Platform and Engine
The Himalayan 650 shares its platform with Royal Enfield’s 650cc lineup, including the Interceptor 650, Continental GT 650, Super Meteor 650, and Shotgun 650. Powered by the familiar 648cc twin-cylinder engine, it delivers 47 hp and 52 Nm torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. However, revisions in gearing and engine remapping are expected to tailor its performance for adventure touring.
There is speculation that the test mule could be a Himalayan 750, featuring a bigger engine to deliver enhanced power and torque figures. This larger engine, if introduced, would cater to riders seeking a more powerful adventure touring experience. The addition of dual front disc brakes, a new frame, and fully adjustable suspension would further enhance its off-road and long-distance touring capabilities, setting a new benchmark in the segment.
Many Firsts For RE
The Himalayan 650 introduces several firsts for Royal Enfield. Notably, it will feature dual front disc brakes with petal-type rotors, a first for the company, aimed at enhancing braking efficiency. Suspension duties will be handled by fully adjustable forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear, ensuring better ride quality across varied terrains.
Designed for touring and off-road capabilities, the Himalayan 650 rides on a 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel, both featuring wire spokes for durability on rugged terrain. Expected to launch 2025, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 650 could be priced around Rs 4 lakh. With its advanced features, powerful engine, and premium build quality, the Himalayan 650 is set to redefine adventure touring in the 650cc category. If Royal Enfield introduces it as a 750cc, it could further expand the brand’s reach among riders seeking more power and premium offerings.
Source
Source: Bike - rushlane.com
