Much improved Himalayan about to land

A new and improved generation of the Royal Enfield Himalayan will arrive in Australian dealerships next week. 

Some of the changes include engine improvements that help it achieve Euro5 certification while improved suspension, instrumentation and luggage capacity help lift the dynamic ability of the machine a few notches.

Unfortunately the price has also gone up with importers stating that freight costs have multiplied due to the global pandemic. This is well-known and across the board I have had people mention to me that many industries are reporting a fivefold increase in shipping charges, along with massive delays and logistical dramas along the way.  The price rise has been around $500 with the new Himalayan starting at $8190 Ride Away in base colours while the Rock Red or Lake Blue colourways attract a $200 price premium while the Granite Black or Pine Green models will retail for $8590 Ride Away. 

Helping to offset the price rise is Royal Enfield’s three year 30,000 kilometre warranty and roadside assistance program along with the addition of the ‘Tripper’ navigation system driven by Google Maps.

This is a simple but effective system whereby a small LCD display on the bars takes navigation cues from your phone via Bluetooth and then presents the next instruction by way of an arrow and countdown to turn.   

The ABS system is now dual-channel and the rear intervention can be switched off when the rider desires. 

The 21-inch front rim gives the Himalayan great stability on rough surfaces and Royal Enfield claim the machine is rugged enough to be ‘built for all roads, built for no roads.’

220 mm of ground clearance is about as generous as it gets when it comes to learner legal adventure bikes in Australia and that the Himalayan manages to achieve that, along with 180 mm of suspension travel at the rear, 200 mm at the front, while retaining a low 800 mm seat height is pretty impressive. 

Royal Enfield claim the seat is now much more comfortable for the long haul while the luggage capacity has been improved along with a much improved rear carrier rack that is fitted as standard. The windshield is also claimed to be improved.

The Indian brand has also been on a mission to raise their quality control standards in recent times and these changes have paid dividends across their range as they seek to extend their global footprint. That is obviously working as Royal Enfield is the biggest selling brand of 250 to 750cc motorcycles in the world.

Locally almost 2000 customers have taken home a Himalayan here in Australia and the model makes up 20 per cent of the brand’s sales in our region. While official sales figures are not released, Royal Enfield claim to be the fifth biggest selling brand of mid-capacity road motorcycles in Australia.

2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan (Euro5) Specifications

• Single Cylinder, 4 stroke, Air cooled, SOHC, Fuel Injection
• Displacement 411cc
• Bore x Stroke 78 mm x 86 mm
• Compression Ratio 9.5:1
• Maximum Power 24.3 bhp @ 6500 rpm
• Maximum Torque 32 Nm @ 4250 rpm
• Ignition system Digital electronic ignition
• Clutch Wet, multi-plate
• Gearbox 5 Speed Constant Mesh
• Lubrication Wet sump
• Fuel supply Electronic fuel injection
• Engine start Electric
• Chassis Type Half-duplex split cradle frame
• Front suspension Telescopic, 41 mm forks, 200 mm travel
• Rear suspension Monoshock with linkage, 180 mm wheel travel
• Wheelbase 1465 mm
• Ground Clearance 220 mm
• Length 2190 mm
• Width 840 mm
• Height 1370 mm (Fly Screen Top)
• Seat Height 800 mm
• Weight in running order 199 kg
• Fuel Capacity 15+/- 0.5 lts
• Front tyre 90/90 – 21” Rear tyre 120/90 – 17”
• Front brakes 300 mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper
• Rear brakes 240 mm disc, single piston floating caliper
• ABS Dual Channel ABS (Switchable to Single Channel ABS – Rear Wheel ABS Control Deactivation)
• “Tripper “ Navigation LCD Cluster with Compass
• Centre & side stand
• Engine Guard
• Luggage Rack
• Tool Kit
• Pricing $8190 to $8590 ride away
• Warranty – Three years, 30,000 kilometres and three-years roadside assist

2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan Gallery

Source: MCNews.com.au

What started in 1932 has continued to deliver pure back to basics motorcycling experiences across generations of riders.
The Bullet, the quintessential Royal Enfield, is today the ‘longest running motorcycle in history, in continuous production.’ 

Its unique hand-painted fuel tank and distinctive engine thump is a standing testimony to Royal Enfield’s philosophy of simple design and resilient build, making the Bullet a living legacy on two wheels.

Through the ages, the Bullet has become Royal Enfield’s iconic motorcycle that truly made its historic mark in the motorcycling world.

Source: MCNews.com.au

The Living End rocking on a Royal Enfield

Co-Founder, Guitarist, Songwriter and Lead Vocalist of one of “The Living End”, Melbourne’s Chris Cheney recently took up motorcycling and gained his licence at the ripe young age of 46.

Having lived in Los Angeles for the past few years, Chris and family recently moved back to Melbourne where he just celebrated his 46th Birthday and wife Emma surprised him with a voucher to attain a Motorcycle Learner’s Permit, a long time dream of Chris’. We asked him a few questions about his motorcycle and motorcycling and here’s what he had to say:

What was your first Motorcycling experience?

“As far back as I can remember I always had an awareness and love for motorcycles. When My dad was in his 20’s he raced a 500 Manx Norton and travelled around Australia as well as Europe and Spain. He had given up racing long before he had kids but remained an enthusiast. We would travel to Mt Panorama every Easter to watch the motorbike races and they were some of the best memories growing up. The smell and deafening sound of the bikes hurtling around that mountain was incredibly exciting to watch. My hero was Roger Freeth and we always stayed at the same motel he did so I remember meeting him each year and we used to give him Easter eggs.”

Why did you choose the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650?

“I’ve always liked the look and sound of old motorcycles, particularly the British 50’s and 60’s style. Motorbikes that actually look and sound like motorbikes, not all plastic and polite. Once I decided to actually get a bike I test rode a couple of Enfields at Mid Life Cycles in Richmond and loved them. The interceptor and GT were right up my alley. I’m a big fan of vintage guitars and Amplifiers and the Enfields just have that same style and feel to me as an an old 1950’s Gretsch guitar. They’re beautifully made but they growl when they need to.”

Why did you decide to get your Motorcycle licence at 46?

“Better late than never! I think because my dad had raced bikes and had seen first hand the danger attached he never encouraged me! I’ve always been interested in them though but I guess I just never got around to it until now. My wife bought me the 2 day license course and gave me the hand book and was like here you go, go and tick this off the bucket list.”

What are the plans for your Motorcycling future?

“It’s just a hobby really. I don’t plan on doing long distance travel trips. I like the idea that there’s a whole scene and lifestyle that goes with these bikes, particularly the Royal Enfields. There’s a really great community of like minded people who enjoy the craftsmanship and aesthetics of the cafe racer style.”

What is next for Chris Cheney and The Living End?

“The band is going great! We’re lucky to still be doing it and it blows me away that Scott and I started this band when we’re about 14 years old!! Despite not being able to play as much as we’d like due to restrictions etc We just started working on some new material when the pandemic hit so looking forward to getting back into that ASAP. I have a solo album that is getting geared up for release and I’ve been doing some touring with that which has been a blast.”

This strike a chord with you?
Tell us how you got into motorcycling in later life and what made you choose your first motorcycle

Source: MCNews.com.au