There’s got to be some kind of ‘most improved award’ owing to Royal Enfield for the Himalayan in 2024.
Looking at the new model, we’ve seen Royal Enfield almost double the power output from the original, from a fairly meek but usable 24 hp to a new larger 451 cc Sherpa engine, liquid-cooled, and pumping out a much more impressive 40 hp and 40 Nm of torque, with the torque gains a little more moderate, up around 20 per cent.
This has been a bit of an Achilles heel for Royal Enfield, plenty of people love the smaller bikes, and they have a cult following, but they struggle to impress those who are a little more performance inclined.
There’s also EFI and ride-by-wire on this new version, with the ride-by-wire a first for Royal Enfield I think. Importantly there’s also a six-speed gearbox, replacing the old five, and nothing dates a motorcycle more than a five-speed.
That’s linked into ride modes, a four inch TFT display with phone connectivity, and full map navigation powered by Google, ensuring that the tech matches the new performance.
Are ride modes really necessary, I’d hazard a guess no, but I think this is a demonstration of what Royal Enfield are capable of more than anything.
Suspension is also upgraded with a set of Showa 43 mm USD forks, offering 200 mm of travel, keeping in mind it was previously 41 mm telescopic units. The rear shock travel also jumped up to 200 mm from 180, but there’s no mention of adjustability here. I’d assume preload at the rear.
I was pretty happy with the original suspension at 70 kg, but this seems like a move in the right direction, and probably necessary with the extra power.
The frame is a new steel twin-spar frame, replacing the half-duplex unit previously run.
Wheels are also tweaked with new aluminium alloy rims, retaining the spoked options naturally, and we see a 90 by 90 front on the 21 inch rim, plus 140/80 on that rear 17 incher. Royal Enfield tell us the rear is for better traction and confidence in all condit..
