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  • RE Himalayan vs KTM 390 ADV – Ride up a Hill, water crossing (Which is better?)

    KTM 390 Adventure and Royal Enfield Himalayan are probably the best options for off-roading enthusiasts
    So, which one is better suited for adventure? Well, one may look at the specs, but that in itself may not reveal the full story. An untamed, uncensored off-road trip is likely to provide a much better idea about the capabilities of these bikes. This is exactly what YouTube channel ‘Bike World’ has revealed in one of their recent videos.
    The off-road trip

    This was not exactly a race to the top, but more about enjoying the trip with the bikes and trying to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Stock variants of 390 Adventure and Himalayan were used in this expedition without any changes to components or engine performance. Only some parts such as rear view mirrors were removed, as there was no need for such equipment on this extreme off-road trip.
    The bikes encountered various hurdles along the way such as wild rivers with slippery moss covered rocks, steep inclines, gravel roads, and uneven dirt tracks with knee deep water. It was an extreme environment that 390 Adventure and Himalayan were never designed to handle.

    The vehicle of choice for such extreme terrain is obviously true-blue dirt bikes. However, as it turned out, both 390 and Himalayan performed brilliantly and reached the top of the hill without any major issues.
    Which was better?
    As the riders enjoyed their campfire and beer on top of the hill, they shared their experiences of riding the bikes. KTM 390 Adventure naturally has an edge over Himalayan, as it is sharper, more powerful, has better suspension and utilizes advanced tech.

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    However, that in no way undermines Himalayan’s performance, as it too raced up the hill just like 390 Adventure. As a matter of fact, climbing steep hills was much effortless with Himalayan than 390 Adventure according to the riders.
    Some issues with 390 Adventure experienced by riders include the problem of traction control stall and weak-looking plastic engine guard. In case of Himalayan, there were issues with riding position and braking. However, these issues did not create any major challenges for the riders during their journey. Overall, both bikes proved that they are quite fit for adventure.
    Specs
    As compared to Himalayan, KTM 390 Adventure definitely has the power advantage on its side. Powering the bike is a 373.3cc DOHC single cylinder engine that churns out 43 bhp of max power and 37 Nm of max torque. In comparison, Royal Enfield Himalayan’s 411 cc oil-cooled engine makes 24.3 bhp and 32 Nm. However, Himalayan is much more affordable at Rs 1.87 lakh to Rs 1.98 lakh. 390 Adventure BS6 variant is priced at Rs 3.04 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). More

  • 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

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    RE Himalayan Ovalanda Edition with extra-functional accessories unveiled

    Royal Enfield updated its popular dual-sport motorcycle, Himalayan to BS6 emission norms in the earlier periods of 2020. To iron out certain niggles, the Royal Enfield Himalayan BS6 recently received an update; a dealership-level fix to be precise. Compared to the initial BS4 units, latest Himalayan models offer significant improvements in terms of refinement and […] More

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    BS6 Himalayan stalls on low RPM – Royal Enfield issues fix

    Royal Enfield launched the BS6 Himalayan in mid-January 2020 at a starting price of Rs 1.86 lakh ex-showroom (recently hiked by almost Rs 2,800). In addition to new dual-tone colour choices and a cleaner engine specification, Royal Enfield’s popular adventure tourer motorcycle carries a few improvements over its BS4 counterpart. This includes a leaner side […] More

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    Royal Enfield Himalayan tracker mod – Built by an architect

    Royal Enfield models have always been a motorcycle builder’s delight. While some examples have gone overboard in an attempt to make them something they aren’t (like a Harley), there are many instances in which creators garnered an optimal balance between form and function. Thanks to the 650 Twins and their affordable and efficient base, Royal […] More