2018 Royal Enfield Himalayan Adventure Motorcycle Review
As much fun as it would have been to ride the all-new 2018 Royal Enfield Himalayan in the Himalayans, I traveled a whopping 50 miles to Midlothian, Texas, to test the Indian-built ADV motorcycle on pavement and in the dirt to find out just how much adventure it is ready for.
Here are the essential facts on the Himalayan.
1. Although a peak 24.5 horsepower at 6500 rpm doesn’t sound like much, the LS410 motor gets the job done. The fuel-injected air-cooled SOHC engine’s modest numbers belie the fact that there is good, smooth power available. The 2018 Royal Enfield Himalayan’s 411cc undersquare motor easily handles sustained speeds up to 70 mph on the highway, while providing 26 ft/lbs of torque to grunt through muddy creek crossings. Fuel injection definitely helps.
3. The 2018 Royal Enfield Himalayan’s 26.5 degrees of rake is a bit steeper than other dual-sport and adventure models, which contributes to a quicker turn capability. Along with being just 400 pounds, the tucked in rake keeps the Himalayan nimble. In part due to the modest power output, both road and trail stability are not compromised.
4. The linkage-assisted single shock is a first for Royal Enfield. The firm, but not harsh, suspension is nice compromise for pavement and rough, off-road terrain. It does not easily bottom out, and allows the rider to confidently jump the bike off short drops. Travel is generous, with nearly eight inches in the front and over seven inches in the rear.
6. There’s a fork brace that allows for mounting a tire-hugging front fender. Given the height and abbreviated design of the high fender, a low-fender makes sense. However, I initially tested it without the low fender, so I can’t say whether or not it would have packed up in the sticky mud I rode through.
7. The aluminum skid plate and engine guards protect the motor from rugged terrain and falls. Also, though the engine is tucked nicely in the frame. This is essential for true ADV riding.
9. The seat height is a bit shorter than most other dual sport and ADV models. This allows smaller riders to have better control without having to resort to installing a lowering link.
10. The seat is nicely padded with a small backrest providing much needed support for long hauls. Royal Enfield definitely prepped the Himalayan for high-mileage ADV rides.
11. The Himalayan comes equipped with rear pannier mounts. Luggage is a must for a true ADV motorcycle, and the Himalayan is ready for you to choose the style that suits you—rear aluminum panniers will be available from Royal Enfield initially. Additionally, the front pannier racks that allow carrying gas cans (!) and other smaller items for long trips.
13. With an MSRP under $4500, the price point of the Himalayan is very much in keeping with Royal Enfield’s philosophy of affordable, accessible, and fun. I was definitely having fun with the Himalayan, doing everything from quickly carving through country road hairpins to confidently grabbing air over jumps off-road. As an owner of a Kawasaki KLR650, the 2018 Royal Enfield Himalayan is a motorcycle that I would easily have in my own garage, and for more than simply the occasional weekend ride.
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RIDING STYLE
- Helmet: HJC DS-X1
- Jacket: Joe Rocket Ballistic Adventure
- Gloves: Joe Rocket Cyntex
- Pants: Joe Rocket Ballistic Ultra
- Boots: Alpinestars Scout Adventure
2018 Royal Enfield Himalayan Specs
ENGINE
- Type: Vertical single
- Displacement: 411cc
- Bore x stroke: 78 x 86mm
- Maximum power: 24.5 horsepower @ 6500 rpm
- Maximum torque: 26 ft/lbs
- Compression ratio: 9.5:1
- Fueling: EFI
- Cooling: Air
- Starting: Electric
- Transmission: 5-speed
- Final drive: Chain
CHASSIS
- Frame: Half-duplex split cradle
- Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable 41mm fork; 7.9 inches
- Rear suspension; travel: Linkage-assisted spring-preload adjustable shock; 7.1 inches
- Tires: Pirelli Scorpion MT90 A/T
- Front tire: 90/90 x 21
- Rear tire: 120/90 x 17
- Wheels: Wire spoke
- Front brake: 300mm disc w/ 2-piston floating caliper
- Rear brake: 240mm disc w/ single-piston floating caliper
- ABS: N/A
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 58 inches
- Rake: 26.5 degrees
- Seat height: 31.5 inches
- Ground clearance: 9 inches
- Fuel capacity: 4 gallons
- Curb weight: 401 pounds
2018 Royal Enfield Himalayan Colors:
- Snow
- Granite
2018 Royal Enfield Himalayan Price:
- $4499 MSRP