Royal Enfield Himalayan turbo – Power output increased from 24 hp to 50 hp
Dubbed ‘MJR Roach’, the Royal Enfield Himalayan turbo build makes twice the stock output
Royal Enfield’s Himalayan dual-sport or adventure touring motorcycle is quite popular in major two-wheeler markets across the globe. Many foreign riders consider the Himayalan as an ideal and affordable starter bike for doing considerably hardcore offroading. In India, Royal Enfield has already updated it to BS6 emission norms at a starting price of Rs 1.86 lakh ex-showroom. The Royal Enfield Himalayan primarily rivals the KTM 390 Adventure, another excellent single-cylinder starter bike in the category.
Over the months, we have shared quite a few interesting Himalayan builds from different parts of the world. While UK-based Cooperb Motorcycles introduced a host of optional extras for it, an Indonesian architect built a ‘rad’ tracker on a Himalayan chassis. There are a few noteworthy examples from our country as well.
However, Royal Enfield Custom Crew, part of the brand’s Technical Centre in the UK has set a high benchmark in this regard. The team has turbocharged the Himalayan’s LS410 engine!
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Dubbed ‘MJR Roach’, the Royal Enfield Himalayan turbo is modified from the ground up to support the extra output. It follows a ‘post-apocalyptic sci-fi military bike’ theme with scrambler DNA. One could argue that the mod is a bit overboard, but it takes in-depth knowledge and expertise to turbocharge a single-cylinder without compromising its existing usability.
Project Basics
Another interesting highlight of the MJR Roach is the source of its components. The team has apparently salvaged most of the parts from discarded motorcycles lying around at their workshop. In fact, the engine itself is a direct swap from a totalled Himalayan. The final result of all this is a rather weird-looking two-wheeler showcasing a complete shift from its original purpose. Yet we absolutely like the MJR Roach in its video game-inspired colour scheme.
MJR Roach
Main Highlights
Key upgrades include USD MX forks, nylon-leather ‘gripper’ seat, fuel tank harness, extended single-sided swingarm and wheel assembly designed by Harris Performance (minds behind the 650 Twins); Continental TKC80 knobby tyres, quad-projector headlamp, Rental Fatbar handlebar, custom switchgear and of course, Garrett GT 125 turbocharger (just behind the monoshock). A boost gauge, external wastegate, screamer pipe and Goodridge plumbing are equipped alongside. The turbo setup is rated at 1 Bar (14.5psi).
The Power Plant
The 411cc oil-cooled SOHC single breaths through a K&N performance filter and employs an improved fuel pump, new regulator and lighter lithium-ion battery pack. Thanks to all these additions, the engine churns out more than double its stock output — about 50bhp peak. For reference, the current BS6 model makes 24bhp @ 6,500rpm and 32Nm @ 4,000rpm while mated to a 5-speed transmission. More
