Himalayan is one of the most talked about bikes in the recent times . Millions of fans were looking forward to welcome this bike. As we review this beauty we will also discuss on how did this beauty evolve.
The Concept
Siddhart Lal writes ‘our single biggest insight was that the best motorcycle for the Himalayas is not one that tries to dominate its landscape, but one that is able to go with its flow.’
The first impression
The bike looks raw and tall. The saddle height is equal to a ktm 390 bike so even though the bike is tall enough a rider never has a problem in saddling up or manuering the bike. The windshield gives it a more muscular look. The 21 inch front wheel and 17inch rear wheel mark the adventure bike look.
The Design
The Himalayan is equipped with a half spilt duplex chasis. The chasis is designed in such a way that the rider remains in the center of the motorcycle. This gives the ride a connected feel and ensures smooth and responsive handling of the bike.
Engine
The LS 410 is all new engine from Royal Enfield. This engine misses the iconic ‘Thump’ the Royal Enfield bikes are famous for. The engine has a good low-end torque. This gives good usable power at city-ride conditions and much needed pulling power in the off road rides. The engine also had sufficient higher end torque for smooth highway rides.
A three piece construction crank shaft combined with the counter balancer and fewer moving parts ensure reduction of unwanted vibrations.
The external cooling system for the crank case oil, controls the engine temperature in the harshest of use and improves performance and service intervals and reduces wear and tear.
Fewer moving parts with modern materials and aggregates means that the engine is low maintenance and very efficient, and can go 10,000 kilometers between oil change.
The ride and handling
The Chassis is the highlight of the Himalayan bike. The Chassis offers strength and makes the bike a true adventurer.
The bike is stable in on road and off road rides. The uplift handle bar, the narrow tank offers easy standing positions on a off road track. The bike is stable on highways at 100+ kmph. The bike could tirelessly do a 12 hours ride between Pune-Banglore with a sweet spot at 80-110kmph.
The windscreen and the upright position keeps the elements away. The tall profile helps in better visibility on and off road. The wind-resistance is low and lowers the fatigue on long rides.
A 220 mm ground clearance ensures smooth crossing of deeper rivers, getting over bigger rocks with ease. The engine sump guard protects the engine and gives the bike a more profound adventure bike look.
Summary
Siddharth Lal writes-‘ The idea was to build a motorcycle that was as comfortable fording a rocky river as it was to crunch hundreds of highway miles; substantial enough to hold its line in high cross winds, and to carry a pillion and lots of luggage, but light enough to pick it up when it falls; simple enough to mend a broken part yourself (as a result of that previous fall!) or to start even if the battery is dead (seriously, you can push start it and put on your headlamp even if the battery is missing!). It should be accessible for an average Indian to ride, yet have enough room for excellent ground clearance and long suspension travel; it should have good range, lots of available torque, be economical to run and own, and lots of fun to ride and to live with! ‘
and we say… Himalayan is all about it.
