The Royal Enfield Himalayan received minor updates in 2021, but now it seems Royal Enfield may also be working on a new variant of the bike. A test mule of what seems like a Himalayan, but with some small, but significant changes has been spotted. A closer look suggests that Royal Enfield may be looking to introduce the Himalayan with a more road-biased personality, and the latest test mule of the Himalayan could very well be this new variant. From what we can make out, the test mule looks almost ready for production, so it could only be a matter of months before this bike is announced.
Also Read: 2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan Review
The test mule of the Himalayan misses the front sub-frame, across the fuel tank. Also different is the tail section, which seems more compact
Some of the noticeable changes are that the test mule doesn't have the tubular steel, luggage (or extra fuel can) carriers flanking the fuel tank. In their place, the test mule seems to sport a pair of tank extensions. This variant also misses out on a front windscreen, as well as front fork gaiters, so clearly, this new variant is likely designed to be more of an everyday tarmac tourer, rather than being pure off-road adventure touring bike.
Also Read: Royal Enfield Himalayan Gets A Price Hike Of Upto Rs. 4,614
The new variant of the Royal Enfield Himalayan sports a 19-inch front wheel
The engine is likely to be the same 411 cc, single-cylinder mill used on the current Himalayan. While Royal Enfield has quietly made significant improvements in the Himalayan, without making a song and dance about it, the new variant is likely to get the same engine as the 2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan. What also supports the road-oriented variant theory is the use of a smaller 19-inch front wheel, rather than the 21-inch front wheel of the current Himalayan.
At this point, however, we only have a couple of spy shots to take a look at the bike. More details will be announced, possibly towards the end of the year. But from what we can see, the new variant will likely be lighter, more accessible, affordable, and easy to ride for newer riders, offering a variant that will be a lot more tarmac- and city-focussed, rather than being an out-and-out ADV that the Himalayan tries to be.
(Source: Motoroids)
