Chennai-based Royal Enfield has today introduced the updated version of its adventure tourer motorcycle – Royal Enfield Himalayan.

The 2021 version now gets the company’s ‘Tripper’ digital navigation pod that connects via a dedicated Royal Enfield smartphone app, as well as three new colours including options to customise and personalise the motorcycle through the Royal Enfield Make-it-Yours (MiY) programme. 

The new model also gets several upgrades to the seat, rear carrier, front rack and a new windscreen, making the versatile adventure tourer even more capable and comfortable.The Tripper allows simple and intuitive turn-by-turn navigation capabilities.

A simple, capable, and ‘go-anywhere’ motorcycle, the Himalayan was inspired by Royal Enfield’s experience of over 50 years of riding across the Himalayas and was launched in 2016 with a purpose of creating a distinct sub-category under adventure touring.The company has been successful in nurturing a growing community of adventure riders across the globe. 

According to Vinod K Dasari, CEO, Royal Enfield, “In a short span of just five years, the Royal Enfield Himalayan has opened up a new category within global adventure touring, has successfully established itself as a truly global motorcycle, and has been among the most sought-after motorcycle for Royal Enfield across several geographies.”

“The originally developed 2016 Himalayan was a category first, and was a very versatile and accessible motorcycle. Over the years, together with feedback from our riding community, we have consistently evolved the Himalayan in design and functionality, and improved the overall ride experience. This has resonated very well with millions of adventure enthusiasts across the world, who now have new variants to choose from. With today’s launch, we are confident to further fuel the adventure touring space across the world,” he added.

The Himalayan comes powered by a 400cc long-stroke, single-cylinder motor that develops 23bhp of power. In its new avatar, the motorcycle will come along with three new colour options – Granite Black, Mirage Silver and Pine Green – adding to the existing choices of Rock Red, Lake Blue and Gravel Grey.

The motorcycle will be available for booking and test rides across all Royal Enfield stores in India starting at Rs 201,314, ex-showroom. With a domination on the mid-sized motorcycle segment, Royal Enfield clearly has an upper edge with brands such as the Classic and newly-launched Meteor 350 clutching buyer interest in this category of retro motorcycling.

In the April-December 2020 period, Royal Enfield has sold a total of 383,779 motorcycles, down 23% year on year, and has a motorcycle market share of 5.33 percent.

While the company has been successful in its plans so far, there is growing competition from players like Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, which, with its Honda H’ness CB350 has seen instant success with motorcyclists, and has plans to further its assault with products in the 500cc range. But, with a relatively strong history and legacy behind it, can Royal Enfield feel the heat? We shall track the unfolding of the story.