Royal Enfield has successfully completed 90° South, the first-of-its-kind motorcycle expedition to reach the Geographic South Pole. The mission was a 28-day expedition traversing Antarctica with a 400 km ride from 87 Degree South to the South Pole, on Royal Enfield Himalayans.
Royal Enfield 90° South
The expedition is in celebration of the 120-years journey of Royal Enfield and a tribute to all expeditioners and riders across the world.
Royal Enfield 90° South
Royal Enfield created history by successfully completing the 90° South expedition, its quest for the South Pole on the Himalayan. This endeavour is a tribute to the brand’s commitment to pure motorcycling, and to the courage and resilience of innumerable riders and explorers who have made history with their motorcycling journeys.
Royal Enfield 90° South
On December 16, 2021, two riders Santhosh Vijay Kumar and Dean Coxson, reached the geographic South Pole in 15 days, making this ambitious attempt a reality.
Royal Enfield 90° South
The team arrived at Novo in Antarctica from Cape Town for four days of acclimatisation, loading of supplies, checking equipment and the motorcycles. From Novo, the team covered an overland distance of 3200 km over the next nine-days braving extreme climatic conditions with temperatures between -30 to -25 degrees and wind speed of 60 km/h, towards Ross Ice Shelf.
Royal Enfield 90° South
Located in the extreme south of the continent, Ross Ice Shelf was the designated start point for the riders. However, an unexpected blizzard forced the team to alter the course. Instead of starting the ride from 86 South, the team started the ride from 87 degree South.
Royal Enfield 90° South
Despite a few initial road-blocks and a slight detour, the expedition team completed the quest on December 16th, 2021, thus creating history.
Royal Enfield 90° South
For this expedition, two Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycles were modified in-house, with functional upgrades to be able to navigate snow and ice to ably function under extreme conditions in Antarctica.
Royal Enfield 90° South
The motorcycles were ridden on a compacted snow track to the South Pole, to reduce motorcycle drag and limit emissions to an absolute minimum. Royal Enfield is consciously ensuring no footprint is left behind by the expedition team except wheel tracks that will quickly be lost to snow drift. In line with our #LeaveEveryPlaceBetter initiative, the team is ensuring all waste, including human waste, is brought back for appropriate disposal.
Royal Enfield 90° South
Currently the team is heading towards the western part of Antarctica, Union Glacier, from where they will fly out to Punta Arenas, Chile.
90° South – Quest For The Pole is a success! Two riders successfully trekked across Antarctica to the South Pole on Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycles. (Photo: Iceland testing phase)
Royal Enfield, the world’s oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production since 1901, has tested the endurance of man and machine time and again. Recently, it made history once again by successfully completing the 90° South expedition, the quest to see Royal Enfield Himalayans reach the South Pole. This extraordinary endeavor is a tribute to the brand’s 120-year commitment to pure motorcycling, and to the courage and resilience of countless riders and explorers who have made history on two wheels.
On December 16, 2021, two riders – Santhosh Vijay Kumar and Dean Coxson – reached the geographic South Pole in 15 days, making the ambitious attempt a reality.
The Royal Enfield Himalayans and crew arrived at the geographic South Pole on December 16, 2021. (The team is in communication via satellite phone, hence the low-resolution image.)
The team arrived at Novo in Antarctica from Cape Town, South Africa, for four days of acclimatization, loading of supplies, and checking equipment and the motorcycles. From Novo, the team covered an overland distance of 1,988 miles over the next nine days, braving extreme weather conditions with temperatures between -22° to -13°F and wind speed of 37 mph, towards Ross Ice Shelf.
The Ross Ice Shelf was the designated start point for the riders, however, an unexpected blizzard forced the team to alter their course. Instead of starting the ride from 86 degrees South, the team started the 250-mile ride from 87 degrees South. Despite a few initial roadblocks and a slight detour, the expedition team completed the quest by reaching the South Pole on December 16, 2021.
Minimal changes were made to the 90° SOUTH Royal Enfield Himalayans; smaller countershaft sprockets (15- to 13-tooth) increase low-end torque and stronger alternators enable the team to run heated gear. (Photo: Iceland testing phase)
For this expedition, two Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycles were modified in-house, with functional upgrades to be able to navigate snow and ice, and function under extreme conditions in Antarctica. The motorcycles were ridden on a compacted snow track from the Ross Ice Shelf to the South Pole, to reduce motorcycle drag and limit emissions to an absolute minimum.
Royal Enfield is consciously ensuring no footprint is left behind by the expedition team except wheel tracks that will be quickly lost to snow drift. In line with our #LeaveEveryPlaceBetter initiative, the team is ensuring all waste including human waste is brought back for appropriate disposal.
Studded tires, a tubeless setup and low tire pressure will only do so much–riding in snow is no easy task. (Photo: Iceland testing phase)
The team is currently heading towards the western part of Antarctica, Union Glacier, from where they will fly out to Punta Arenas, Chile.
Royal Enfield 120th Anniversary Edition Continental GT 650
In November 1901, Royal Enfield launched its first motorcycle at the Stanley Cycle Show in London, kickstarting the journey of what would become the oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production. It is marking the milestone with Royal Enfield 120th Anniversary Edition Twins, special-edition versions of the INT 650 and Continental GT 650.
A limited run of only 480 units worldwide – 120 in each of its four regions, split equally among INT 650 and Continental GT 650 models – will make these highly desirable. North America will receive 120 units of the 120th Anniversary Edition Twins (60 INT 650s and 60 Continental GT 650s), and they will be available in early 2022.
Royal Enfield 120th Anniversary Edition Continental GT 650
The 120th Anniversary Edition INT 650 and Continental GT 650 have been designed and handcrafted by the company’s teams in the U.K. and India. Along with exclusive black and chrome color schemes and a selection of factory accessories, these limited-edition anniversary models feature artisan-crafted die-cast brass tank badges and classic Royal Enfield hand-painted pinstripes.
The exquisite brass badges are crafted in collaboration with the Sirpi Senthil family, multi-generational artisans from the temple town of Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India. Particularly specialized in making the elegant brass effigies for the most revered temples in India for centuries, this is the first time that these artisans have collaborated with any automotive brand.
The unique, rich black-chrome tank color scheme has been developed in-house, at Royal Enfield’s original 1950s-era manufacturing factory in Thiruvottiyur, Chennai, India. The motorcycles are chromed with an alternate, sustainable trivalent eco-friendly process. To complement the black chrome tanks, both the Continental GT 650 and INT 650 will feature blacked-out components, with the engine, silencer, and other elements in an array of black color schemes.
The motorcycles will also come equipped with a range of Royal Enfield Genuine Motorcycle Accessories, such as flyscreens, engine guards, heel guards, touring and bar-end mirrors, and others in a black finish to accent the overall design.
In addition to unique hand-painted pinstripes, the tank top badge will feature the unique serial number of each motorcycle indicating that it is 1 of 60 unique motorcycles in one of the four regions around the world. Additionally, the motorcycles will also adorn a side panel decal that is a special ode to Royal Enfield’s 120 years.
“Few brands can celebrate the kind of legacy and history that Royal Enfield has enjoyed over the last century and a lot of this legacy is from the immense love the brand has received from riders through the ages,” said Siddhartha Lal, Managing Director of Royal Enfield’s parent company, Eicher Motors Ltd. “There was simply no better way of celebrating this milestone than sharing a piece of it with our consumers around the world. We are delighted to bring the 120th Anniversary Edition 650 Twin motorcycles to enthusiasts around the world, and share the brand’s legacy with them. Both the INT and the Continental GT are hugely successful around the world today, as they were in the 1960s, and truly represent our heritage of making simple and enjoyable motorcycles.”
Inspired by the legendary Royal Enfield Interceptor 750 and Continental GT 250 of the 1960s, these motorcycles have been instrumental in the brand’s global expansion and success in recent years, making them the obvious choice for the 120th Anniversary Editions.
Unveiled at EICMA 2021, the Royal Enfield SG650 Concept blends neo and retro design elements.
In recent years, Royal Enfield has deftly toed the line between modern and retro. The all-new Meteor 350 calls back to brand’s mid-century cruisers while the Google-powered Tripper navigation pod adds contemporary convenience. Presented at EICMA 2021, the Royal Enfield SG650 Concept takes the brand’s unique balance of vintage style and modern function to new heights.
“We are a company in transition,” stated Royal Enfield Chief of Design Mark Wells. “So long a representation of the analog age and now developing new products that keep that same pure soul, yet are fully integrated into the digital present. To celebrate this, we wanted to develop a project that really gave our design team an opportunity to stretch themselves creatively.”
The SG650 Concept blurs the lines between eras with its cruiser-meets-cafe-racer silhouette, cyberpunk paint scheme, and air/oil-cooled 648cc parallel-Twin. The CNC-machined aluminum gas tank and wheels capture the classic forms of the past with modern manufacturing methods. At the fore, the aluminum headlight nacelle, inverted fork, low-rise handlebars, and aluminum switches favor present-day design. Conversely, the rear end’s dual shocks, a floating single saddle, and loop frame clearly nod to the past.
“The design team have done an amazing job in retaining the analog soul, those classic Royal Enfield lines and design nuances – subtle nods to the past – while creatively pushing the boundary of what the Royal Enfields of tomorrow could conceptually represent in form and function,” added Wells.
Though Royal Enfield outfits the SG650 with bespoke components and a flashy paint job, the new concept looks vaguely familiar. The firm leverages the same air-/oil-cooled, SOHC, parallel-Twin found in the Continental GT 650 and INT 650. Royal Enfield then shoehorns that 648cc powerplant into a chassis resembling the Meteor 350’s twin-downtube spine frame.
With the SG650 using current Royal Enfield equipment and tech, we wouldn’t be surprised if the concept finds its way into Royal Enfield’s production lineup in the near future. However, we expect the middleweight cruiser to arrive in a less avant-garde and more production-friendly guise if it reaches the market.
For more information or to find a Royal Enfield dealer near you, visit royalenfield.com.
Royal Enfield has showcased a new concept at EICMA 2021 that’s currently underway. Dubbed the SG650, the concept is of a cruiser motorcycle that’s likely to debut sometime next year.
Bikewale has mentioned that the ‘SG’ suffix likely stands for ‘Shotgun’, which the upcoming motorcycle is expected to be called. The SG650 concept strikes a middle ground between what the company’s existing line-up of retro motorcycles looks like and the direction that its future products are heading in.
The showcased concept features a gorgeous brushed aluminum finish with black side panels, exhaust pipes, and a blacked-out engine. Interestingly, the bike also wears pretty funky graphics and is unlike anything we’ve seen on a Royal Enfield in the past. It’s too early to say if these will make it to the production motorcycle, but considering the brand’s retro roots and theme, it does seem somewhat unlikely.
The motorcycle’s front is, perhaps, the most familiar angle with a round headlight integrated into a nicely designed cowl. Royal Enfield has also mentioned that the tank and rims have been CNC billet machined from a solid aluminum block. It also sports a chopped rear fender and wide Metzeler tires that give it quite the imposing stance.
Interestingly, the SG650 concept also sports a USD fork — a feature we have yet to see on a Royal Enfield. Over the past few months, an inverted front fork has been seen on models that the company is currently testing, but none have been launched yet.
Powering the motorcycle is the same parallel-twin engine as on the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. That’s all we know about the SG650 Concept at the moment, but we shall update this space with more information when it’s available.
What do you think about the new concept? Let us know in the comments below.
The SG650 Concept is the result of a challenge set to Royal Enfield’s Industrial Design Team by Mark Wells, Chief of Design at Royal Enfield and the man largley responsible for steering the model/design strategy for Royal Enfield over the past seven years.
Royal Enfield call the SG650 a ‘concept’ model, but you can bet your bottom rupee that this will make it to market in the next 12-18 months, if not before.
Royal Enfield SG650
Mark Wells – Royal Enfield Head, Product Strategy & Industrial Design
“We are a company in transition – so long a representation of the analog age and now developing new products that keep that same pure soul yet are fully integrated into the digital present. To celebrate this, we wanted to develop a project that really gave our design team an opportunity to stretch themselves creatively. The goal : to build a unique concept motorcycle that pays homage to Royal Enfield’s rich history of custom motorcycles, but one that wasn’t encumbered by the past. A neo-retro interpretation that pushes the boundaries of what a Royal Enfield motorcycle could look like, but at its core still celebrating that iconic Royal Enfield DNA.
“The advances of today are often inspired by the imaginations of the past – the mobile phone, the smart watch or even space travel. That desire to look forward with optimism and imagine the possibilities is fundamental to the progression of our culture. And so we started this concept with a context rather than a question – imagining a world in the not so distant future and our brand’s place in it. A cyber, neon saturated, urban jungle took shape – where old meets new in a tangle of concrete, metal, bright lights and shadowy streets, where the analog and the digital intertwine and blend – setting that felt both familiar and alien to us, and in doing so foster an environment that would force us to think differently about how we approached the aesthetics of a #royalenfield motorcycle.
“We believe that the resultant concept motorcycle, unveiled for the first time at EICMA 2021, inhabits this world fantastically well and offers up something very new, very original and entirely unique to fans of the brand and motorcycle enthusiasts more widely. The design team have done an amazing job in retaining the analog soul – those classic Royal Enfield lines and design nuances – subtle nods to the past – while creatively pushing the boundary of what the Royal Enfield’s of tomorrow could conceptually represent in form and function.”
Royal Enfield SG650
Adrian Sellers, Group Manager, Industrial Design and lead for the SG650 Concept project
“We’re really excited to unveil this concept and write another chapter in the rapidly evolving story of Royal Enfield design. It is always exciting to design for a “What if…” scenario, and the brief to create a motorcycle that would both be recognizably Royal Enfield but at the same time push what a Royal Enfield could be was a real challenge. This was a wonderfully collaborative and rewarding project to develop, as it required the creative input of many different aspects of the design team – from Industrial Design to Color Trim and Graphics and CGI – each contributed a piece of the puzzle to bring this other world to life.
“The key concept of transition is conveyed throughout the motorcycle; from the choice of aesthetic finishes, to the materials that we used. From the heritage-inspired polished aluminium front end, flowing into the futuristic, digital graphic on the tank – this was about bringing the old and the new together and resulting in something timeless.
“There are some really special elements to this motorcycle that are a first for a Royal Enfield concept – many of the component parts have been individually, one-off fabricated or designed exclusively for this motorcycle. The tank has been CNC billet machined from a solid block of aluminium, as have the wheel rims with integrated ABS, bespoke designed brake calipers, and dual front brake disks. The upside down forks, integrated aluminium top yoke / nacelle unit and low rise extra-wider bars with all aluminium switch cubes all add elements of originality and design progression to the concept – while the twin rear shocks, mounted to the classic chassis loop, hand stitched black leather floating solo seat are a clear nod to our past. Graphically, the black out 650 Twin engine and exhaust system compliment our imagined near future, while the polished aluminum forms transitioning with a “digital transformation” graphic across the motorcycle speak to the progression of the brand. We’re delighted with the end result and truly believe this brings something completely new, in our 120th anniversary year, to the ever developing story of Royal Enfield.”
During its first few years, the Himalayan developed a loyal following as a lightweight, accessible, affordable, and dependable adventure bike. Updates for 2022 make it even more appealing. (Photos by Jen Mueke)
Updating a popular and successful motorcycle model can be tricky for any brand’s design team. Mess with the components that enthusiasts consider off-limits, and the update takes a step backwards in the bike’s evolution, not to mention the risk of losing customers.
Royal Enfield confronted that fork in the road when it set out to improve its Himalayan, a lightweight adventure-tourer launched in 2018. With an MSRP of just $4,499, the Himalayan, with its spunky 411cc air-cooled Single, offered what few other ADV bikes could – an affordable price tag.
Switchable ABS was added in 2019. For 2022, the Himalayan gets Royal Enfield’s Tripper navigation system, a new seat, a larger windscreen, and revisions to the front and rear racks.
Adding to the Himalayan’s appeal was modest weight (439 pounds with its 4-gallon gas tank full), a low seat height (31.5 inches), and simplicity – anyone with basic mechanical skills could service it in their own garage or out in the field. Its curb appeal was unique, too, with a quasi-military-spec-meets-retro sensibility.
The combined package added up to respectable global sales over the past few years. Linked by an enthusiastic following on social media, owners worldwide began sharing information about their Himalayan experiences, including road and trail tales, with many describing what they had learned about their Himalayan’s mechanical nuances and strong points. Soon enough the Himalayan Owners Group, connecting enthusiasts from all points via social media, gained prominence on Facebook.
There are new colors for 2022 as well, including Pine Green (above), Mirage Silver (previous photo), and Granite Black (below). Returning colors include Rock Red, Lake Blue, and Gravel Grey.
The folks at Royal Enfield paid attention. They added ABS in 2019. For 2022, updates include some modest functional/ergonomic changes and the addition of the company’s exclusive Tripper Navigation system, which debuted earlier this year on the Meteor 350. Designed for the Google Maps platform, it’s a simple, intuitive turn-by-turn navigation pod mounted on the instrument cluster that pairs with a smartphone via the Royal Enfield app.
The Granite Black colorway is a mix of matte and gloss finishes, while Pine Green offers a camo look.
Royal Enfield hosted a press event for the new Himalayan in Temecula, a hot, dry area in Southern California known for its wineries. The surrounding countryside is laced with fine two-lane backroads and inviting two-track dirt byways – perfect conditions for a light adventure bike.
Besides the nav system, what else is new? The Himalayan’s saddle, still at 31.5 inches high, gets upgraded foam padding and a new suede-like cover that minimizes slip between the seat’s surface and the rider’s pants. Its small windscreen is slightly taller and wider to block more air. The front racks that double as crash guards for the gas tank and mounting points for auxiliary jerrycans were shortened 3.5 inches and reconfigured to offer more leg room for taller riders. The tail carrier rack gains an additional plate to accept heavier loads, and it’s slightly shorter to fit more flush with the seat’s tail section and make it easier for the rider to swing a leg over the motorcycle.
The instrument cluster is a mix of both analog and digital gauges. Info from the Tripper navigation system is shown on the gauge on the far right.
Time to mount up for a test ride. With my 30-inch inseam, I have no problem clearing my right leg over the reconfigured rear carrier rack, and I can get both feet flat on the ground. Thumbing the starter button brings the long-stroke Single (78 x 86mm bore/stroke) to life. It plays a tune at idle reminiscent of those big British thumper engines that populated the motorcycle landscape back in the ’50s and ’60s. A stylish upswept muffler keeps the Himalayan’s exhaust tone 21st-century friendly, yet still allows the cadence of the thumper to be enjoyed.
The Himalayan’s 31.5-inch seat height puts it within reach for most riders, yet it still offers plenty of suspension travel and ground clearance.
Find 1st gear and accelerate away smoothly. The upshift to 2nd could use some refinement, but shifting into higher gears feels trouble-free. The fuel-injected Single answers the call for more speed. Cruising along in top gear, the tachometer registers a mellow 4,000-4,500 rpm with the speedometer around 60-65 mph. Claimed output is modest: 24.3 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 23.6 lb-ft of torque at the crank. Top speed is around 75 mph, and it doesn’t get there quickly.
On the road, there’s a gentle but welcome rush of air on my shoulders, arms, and helmet. The revised windscreen keeps enough wind off my torso to allow for a relaxed posture in the sculpted saddle. After about an hour or so the low saddle begins to feel a little confining, and the small cockpit puts an acute bend in my knees. The new seat cover minimizes slip, but it also makes it harder to adjust one’s seating position. No problem, just stand up on the pegs for a quick stretch, which is good practice for the upcoming dirt tracks.
Although its output is modest, the Himalayan’s air-cooled 411cc Single chugs along dutifully, and its upswept exhaust allows the rider to enjoy the thumper’s cadence.
As we leave the pavement, our ride leader signals for us to stop so he can demonstrate the switchable ABS procedure. With the ignition turned off, we’re instructed to press the tiny button directly below the dash-mounted ABS light. It requires a hard push and a slow five-second count to initiate deactivation. Done correctly, the ABS light blinks, signaling that you now have complete control of the rear brake (ABS remains on at the front wheel). Rear-wheel ABS activates anytime the key is switched off.
The Himalayan’s larger windscreen parts airflow smoothly. The front carrier racks were made shorter to provide more legroom.
Time to hit the trail, where the real fun begins. The bike’s low center of gravity, coupled with responsive steering and the deep-tread Pirelli MT60 tires, makes the bike feel responsive to natural terrain. The 21-inch front wheel rolls over obstacles with ease; it’s paired with a 17-inch rear, and the spoked rims require tubes. I skirt around rain gullies, power through stretches of deep sand, and maneuver over unfriendly rocks and ruts in the trail, thanks in part to 8.6 inches of ground clearance.
Braking power is modest, with a 2-piston front caliper squeezing a 300mm disc and a 1-piston rear caliper biting a 240mm disc. Suspension action is adequate. The fork offers no adjustability, the rear shock is adjustable for preload, and travel is 7.9 inches in front and 7.1 inches out back. The Himalayan feels rock solid, but also very much built to a price.
Whether on the road or trail, the Himalayan is a delight to ride. Its light weight, accessible seat height, and compact dimensions make it manageable, yet it offers a large-diameter front wheel, long suspension travel, and good ground clearance for rough terrain.
After long and delightful stretches of wandering over hill and dale, we resume our ride on pavement and try out the Tripper nav system. As I did to reset the ABS, I turn off the bike’s ignition. Having downloaded the app to my smartphone, I follow the prompts to switch on the turn-by-turn navigation pod that pairs the smartphone via the app. The small screen on the right side of the Himalayan’s sparse instrument cluster reveals road and turn directions as I continue the ride. It’s a handy feature on a bike that encourages exploration.
Royal Enfield has introduced several unique, attractively priced models over the past few years. Following the Himalayan’s debut in 2018, it rolled out a handsome pair of British-style Twins – the Continental GT café racer and INT 650 standard – in 2019, and then the Meteor 350 cruiser in 2021. Now and in the years ahead, we’ll see them evolve. The updates to the Himalayan have been incremental, but they make the small yet capable adventure-tourer even more practical. The price has increased along the way – MSRP is now $5,299 – but it remains a solid value and an appealing choice for a wide range of riders.
Just add a set of accessory panniers, pack your gear, and go!
2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan Specs
Base Price: $5,299 Website:royalenfield.com Engine Type: Air-cooled Single, SOHC w/ 2 valves Displacement: 411cc Bore x Stroke: 78.0 x 86.0mm Horsepower: 24.3 hp @ 6,500 rpm (claimed, at the crank) Torque: 23.6 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm (claimed, at the crank) Transmission: 5-speed, cable-actuated wet clutch Final Drive: O-ring chain Wheelbase: 58.0 in. Rake/Trail: 26.5 degrees/4.3 in. Seat Height: 31.5 in. Wet Weight: 439 lbs. (claimed) Fuel Capacity: 4.0 gals.
Autocar Professional has published a report on motorcycle sales numbers from October 2021, and it doesn’t look good. Six of the major OEMs sold a total of 14,77,313 two-wheelers, which is a substantial 26 percent lower than the same month last year (October 2020: 19,85,690).
The report mentions that a significant factor is the continuously increasing petrol prices, which recently crossed the Rs 100-a-litre mark ($1.35) across the country. The original article mentions that the cost of fuel increased by 6.99 percent over October. A large portion of motorcycle sales from India comes from the commuter segment, and the high fuel prices have kept new buyers away.
Hero MotoCorp: 5,27,779 units (-33 percent)
Hero MotoCorp, the largest two-wheeler manufacturer in the world, sold 5,27,779 units in India in October. This is a 33 percent decline when compared to October 2020, when it sold 7,91,137 two-wheelers. On the bright side, sales numbers were higher than that of September 2021, by 22,317 units — a 4 percent increase from September 2020.
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India: 3,94,623 units (-20 percent)
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) saw sales decline by 20 percent from 4,94,459 in October 2020 to 3,94,623 in October 2021. Unfortunately, retail numbers were down from September 2021 — by 15 percent – from the 4,63,379 units it sold in the previous month.
Commenting on the sales performance, Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Director, Sales & Marketing, HMSI, said: “With the much-awaited festival season in progress, we are witnessing a gradual rise in engagement, registering more inquiries from prospective customers with each passing day. We expect this auspicious period to amplify the positivity in terms of conversions.”
The silver lining was that October 2021 saw 50 million sales since the manufacturer started operation in India in 2001. HMSI, which has a 26 percent overall two-wheeler market share, is also expanding its portfolio in India to include more larger-capacity models.
TVS Motor Company: 2,58,777 units (-14 percent)
TVS Motor Co, which has a 14.24 percent share in the Indian two-wheeler market, sold a total of 2,58,777 units in October 2021 — a 14 percent drop from the 3,01,380 units sold in the same month last year.
However, it saw a 6 percent rise in sales versus September 2021, which sold 2,44,084 units.
Autocar Professional reports that the company’s recently launched Raider 125 commuter motorcycle and Jupiter 125 scooter have garnered decent sales in the past month.
Bajaj Auto: 198,738 units (-26 percent)
Bajaj Auto sold a total of 198,738 bikes in October 2021, which is a substantial 26 percent drop from October 2020’s 2,68,631.
The report mentions that Bajaj’s export numbers have dropped too — from 2,01,659 in October 2020 to 1,92,565 in October 2021. Combined sales are 391,303 units, which is a 17 percent decline from 4,70,290 units sold last October.
Last month, Royal Enfield sold 40,611 motorcycles, while it sold 62,858 units in October 2020 — a 35 percent year-on-year drop. On the flipside, numbers are up by 49 percent compared to September 2021, with 13,378 more units sold in October.
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 continues to be the manufacturer’s talisman in its new avatar and tops its sales charts.
Suzuki Motorcycle India: 56,785 units (-16 percent)
Suzuki Motorcycle India has reported a 16 percent drop in sales year-on-year, from 67,225 to 56,785 units. About month-on-month growth from September to October 2021, the manufacturer sold an additional 1,177 two-wheelers, a 2 percent hike.
Rohan Kanwar Gupta, VP & Sector Head, Corporate Ratings, ICRA (Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency of India Limited), said, “The volumes also reflect some impact of extended supply chain disruptions (semiconductor chip shortages) on the production of high end (>150cc) two-wheelers.”
“Nonetheless, sequential growth in domestic wholesale volumes indicates some revival attributable to the festive season. This is in line with the retail registration data, which also saw a nine percent sequential growth in October 2021, with volumes touching 9,90,000 units. A healthy pace of vaccination leading to abatement of fear regarding further waves of infection, decent farm cash-flows and preference for personal mobility are expected to support volume recovery in the near-term even as elevated cost of ownership continue to pose a risk.”
With India celebrating a festive season that typically brings about a notable rise in numbers, next month will likely paint a more optimistic picture for two-wheeler sales.
The 2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan in the new Pine Green colorway. Side cases are optional equipment.
Royal Enfield made a big splash in 2018 when it launched the Himalayan, a lightweight adventure bike powered by an air-cooled 411cc Single. Built to withstand the rigors of mountains such as those after which it was named, the Himalayan was simple, durable, and affordable, with a base price of just $4,499.
Adding to the Himalayan’s appeal was a curb weight of 421 pounds and a seat height of 31.5 inches.
2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan in Mirage Silver
The Himalayan was updated in 2019 with standard ABS, which nudged the price up to $4,749 – still a fraction of the cost of most other dual-sport/adventure motorcycles.
For 2022, Royal Enfield has further upgraded the Himalayan with the company’s exclusive Tripper Navigation system, which debuted on the Meteor 350. Designed with the Google Maps platform, it’s a simple, intuitive turn-by-turn navigation pod mounted on the instrument cluster that pairs with a smartphone via the Royal Enfield App.
The Tripper navigation system is standard equipment on the 2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan.
The 2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan receives several ergonomic upgrades, focused on increasing comfort and capability. Revised seat cushioning allows riders to enjoy extended saddle time while a new windscreen keeps more wind off the rider. The new slimmer and ergonomically adjusted front rack offers a more spacious cockpit with minimal interference in the leg area.
The rear carrier is also revised, now with an additional plate to ensure secure fastening and placement of luggage. Additionally, the rear carrier is now reduced in height, making it easier for riders to swing a leg over the motorcycle.
The 2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan will be available in new Granite Black, Mirage Silver, and Pine Green. Returning colorways include Rock Red, Lake Blue, and Gravel Grey. Bikes will be in dealerships as November 2021, and MSRP is $5,299.
To find a Royal Enfield dealer near you, visit royalenfield.com.
2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan Specs
Base Price: $5,299 Website:royalenfield.com Engine Type: Air-cooled, SOHC Single, 2 valves Displacement: 411cc Bore x Stroke: 78.0mm x 86.0mm Horsepower: 24.3 hp @ 6,500 rpm (claimed, at the crank) Torque: 23.6 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm (claimed, at the crank) Transmission: 5-speed, cable-actuated wet clutch Final Drive: O-ring chain Wheelbase: 58.0 in. Ground Clearance: 8.6 in. Rake/Trail: 26.5 degrees/4.3 in. Seat Height: 31.5 in. Wet Weight: 439 lbs. (claimed) Fuel Capacity: 4.0 gals.
A month from now, two Royal Enfield Himalayans and their riders will embark on a highly demanding expedition. The company recently announced that two of its Himalayan motorcycles would ride to the Geographic or Terrestrial South Pole.
Royal Enfield has dubbed the expedition 90° South, and it will be a 39-day journey covering 770km. Riding the motorcycles will be two Royal Enfield employees: Santhosh Vijay Kumar, Lead, Rides & Community, and Dean Coxson, Senior Engineer, Product Development.
The journey will begin from Novo in Antarctica. After three days of acclimatization, the riders and support team will drive south for 12 days heading to the Indian Research Station on the Ross Ice Shelf. The ride begins here, and the team is expected to arrive at the South Pole by 21st December. While the ride itself is about 770km long, ADVPulse reports that the team will traverse a total of over 3200km, with temperatures reaching -31°F (- 35 °C) and lower.
Considering harsh, sub-zero conditions the bikes will have to perform in, some modifications have been made. The 15-tooth countershaft sprocket has been replaced with a 13-tooth unit for improved torque; the bike has been equipped with tubeless wheels that will allow them to run low tire pressures; a more robust alternator has been added to support the heated gear that the bike will have to power.
The modified bikes underwent rigorous testing in 2020 and 2021 on Iceland’s Langjokull Glacier, but we can agree that Antarctica will test the limits of both man and machine. The ride is to celebrate the brand’s 120th anniversary.
