ADV Pulse just got done testing the all-new Himalayan in Royal Enfield’s spiritual homeland — the Himalayas. After two days and more than 250 miles of riding in this challenging environment, we’ve gotten a much better understanding of how these epic landscapes shaped the machine into its final form.

We’ve had quite an adventure becoming acquainted with this unique ADV bike and we’re eager to reveal all of our impressions on the revamped Himalayan. We’ll have to wait a few more days before we can share our thoughts on the next-gen model due to a Royal Enfield embargo, but we have been given permission to reveal the features and specs.

What’s new? Virtually everything. First up, the next-gen Himalayan now boasts an entirely-new 452cc water-cooled single cylinder engine with dual overhead cams, compared to the previous air-cooled single cam 411cc single. That engine now sits as a stressed member in a twin spar steel frame and is mated to a 6-speed transmission rather than a 5-speed. 

The new Himi also receives a major bump in power, now delivering 39.5 HP vs 24 HP – a much-appreciated jump of 65%. Peak torque also sees a notable increase, going from 23.5 ft-lbs to 29.5 ft-bs.

Both range and fuel efficiency are improved as well, plus the new model sports a 4.5-gallon fuel tank — up .5 gallons from its predecessor. Together with the new engine, the next-gen model is good for a 280+ mile range, according to Royal Enfield. 

Thanks to the addition of Ride-By-Wire throttle, the Himalayan now has an electronics package featuring four different rider modes controlling  two power maps (Performance & Eco) together with two ABS options (On & Rear Off). 

An all-new 4” round TFT dash offers a bright, easy-to-read display with a left-hand thumb joystick controller. The new display also features fully-integrated map navigation and turn-by-turn directions powered by Google Maps. Bluetooth phone integration allows you to see your current music selection displayed on the dash. In a nod to its predecessor, Royal Enfield retained a digital version of the beloved dash compass.

For enhanced performance both on and off-road, the new frame and swing arm have been substantially beefed up as well. Also, the spindly 41mm traditional fork has been replaced by a stout 43mm upside down unit. Wheel axles have increased in size and the wheels themselves have been widened. All of these changes were made in an effort to create a stiffer, more-rigid platform that can handle higher-performance riding with more precision and confidence. 

To enhance off-road capability even more, Royal Enfield increased rear suspension travel from 7.1 inches to 7.9 while also raising ground clearance from 8.6 inches to 9.1 inches. Damping and spring rates have also been optimized for riding in more aggressive off-road terrain and the frame is now narrower in the center for improved stand up ergos

Stopping power is one area the old Himilayan clearly needed improvement and Royal Enfield has answered the call with new ByBre stoppers that feature larger brake discs — 320mm in front (+ 20mm) and 270mm in the rear (+ 30mm). Aggressive downshifts are also smoother thanks to a new ‘Assist and Slip’ clutch, plus it makes the finger pull even easier. As before, the Himalayan’s brakes have a 2-channel ABS system with rear ABS defeatable for off-road riding. Wheels are still 21″/17″ tube type but there is an option for cross-spoke tubeless wheels in the up-spec model variants.

As for touring amenities, the new Himalayan still comes equipped with a windscreen but it is now a fair bit shorter. A taller windscreen is available though in the accessories catalog. New 1-1/8″ fat bars replace the easy-to-bend 7/8″ bars from the old Himalayan and there are still no hand guards included. For sump protection, there’s now a reinforced plastic skid plate that replaces the previous sheet metal unit. 

Seating is still a 2-piece design, yet the pilot seat is now height adjustable. Seat height is 1 inch taller than before in the low position at 32.5 inches (825 mm) and 33.3 inches (845 mm) in the high position. However, a low seat option is also available with adjustable low and high saddle heights of 31.7 in (805 mm) and 32.5 in (825 mm). As before, the bike comes with upper crash bars standard, plus serrated footpegs with removable rubber covers, and there’s a rear rack for carrying luggage.

Probably the biggest surprise is that Royal Enfield was able to improve power and incorporate all of these upgrades without increasing the weight. The new Himalayan is 7 pounds lighter than its predecessor and has also been redesigned with a lower center of gravity to enhance maneuverability.

The new Himalayan will come in five different colorways: Hanle Black, Slate Himalayan Salt, Kaza Brown, Kamet White, and Slate Poppy Blue. Pricing for the U.S. market has not been set but we are expecting an increase. Although Royal Enfield assured us that the price increase will not be as high as one might expect from the improved feature set. We’ll be sure to share that news once it becomes available and look for our full review with impressions on the new Himalayan coming soon!

Royal Enfield Himalayan Specs (Old vs New)

Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.