Revolutionising The Ride: The Potential Game-Changer Of Liquid Cooling In The New Royal Enfield Himalayan
Motorcycle enthusiasts are eagerly waiting to book the revamped Royal Enfield Himalayan, recently launched. The excitement is particularly palpable among riders seeking a mid-capacity motorcycle, with the 400 cc – 650 cc segment witnessing a flurry of recent launches, including the Triumph Speed 400, Scrambler 400 X, Harley Davidson X 440, and KTM 390 Duke.
The original Himalayan made waves upon its debut in early 2016, positioning itself as the ideal choice for those embarking on the challenging Ladakh pilgrimage. Prior to its arrival, riders had relied on Classic 350s, 500s, or the occasional Bullet, often modified with cumbersome metal frames for additional fuel and baggage. Royal Enfield”s dominance in the Ladakh circuit prompted the creation of the Himalayan – a 411 cc adventure tourer designed with essential features such as ample ground clearance, robust suspension, and an overall rugged build to tackle diverse terrains while ensuring rider comfort.
Despite its success, the Himalayan faced criticism for its 411 cc, long-stroke, air-oil cooled engine, which, while sufficient, fell short against competitors like the KTM 390 Adventure, Triumph Tiger, BMW GS series, Jawa, and Yezdi. The need for more power brings us to the highly anticipated Himalayan 452 (possibly named the 450), featuring a brand-new, liquid-cooled single-cylinder 452 cc fuel-injected engine – a first for Royal Enfield in this segment.
Liquid cooling, a well-established feature in other bikes in this category, promises improved thermal efficiency, allowing for higher tolerances and increased power. Leaked specifications suggest the Himalayan 450 will deliver around 40 bhp of power (compared to the 24 bhp of the 411 cc) and torque in the range of 40-45 Nm. Accompanying the upgraded engine is a 6-speed gearbox (up from the previous 5-speed), enhancing the bike”s top-speed, cruising ability, and overall efficiency.
Beyond the engine upgrade, the new Himalayan is expected to boast an entirely new chassis, revised suspension geometry, and a host of electronic features. Spy shots reveal a multifunctional single-pod instrument panel with built-in navigation, tachometer, speedometer, gear shift indicator, and more. Dual-channel ABS is standard, with the possibility of being switchable.
As Royal Enfield enthusiasts await the official unveiling, the Himalayan 450 appears poised to set a new standard in the adventure motorcycle segment, addressing previous shortcomings and competing strongly in the dynamic 400 cc – 650 cc range.
