Design:

Royal Enfield has taken the tried and tested philosophy, ‘If it’s not broke, don’t fix it’, and we totally agree with it. The 2021 Himalayan, in terms of styling, is identical to the outgoing model. Mechanically also it receives no changes. So, it retains the same suspension setup, brakes and chassis as the BS6 version. The iconic motorcycle manufacturer has spruced the Himalayan up by introducing three new colour options: Granite Black, the eye-catching Pine Green and the Mirage Silver, which we have here with us, and it comes standard with a contrasting brown saddle. Sadly, Royal Enfield has discontinued Snow and Sleet Grey colours.

Based on the feedback received, Royal Enfield has tweaked the front rack frame on the fuel tank. By pushing the frame further up, thereby, there’s more knee room available for taller riders over 6 feet in height.

Navigation system:

No doubt one of the biggest updates the Himalayan gets is the navigation system or, as the company calls it, the Tripper display. It made its debut with the Meteor 350, which we’ve used extensively and found it quite helpful. One can sync their smartphone via the Royal Enfield app available on both Apple’s App Store and Google Play store. This Google Maps-based turn-by-turn navigation system is accurate and offers a seamless experience. The Tripper doesn’t read out phone or message alerts, which is a good thing as you are focused on the road.

The only hitch we found about the Tripper is that when you switch off the bike for whatever reason or at a traffic light, it sometimes doesn’t automatically pair back to your phone. It’s a slight inconvenience, but that’s not really a deal-breaker.

To accommodate the new additional pod in the instrument cluster, the windscreen is now wider from the bottom and taller as many Himalayan owners had complained the earlier model didn’t negate wind buffeting effectively. The new windscreen is only tinted.

New seat:

The previous Himalayan certainly had a comfortable seat, but it was a tad bit soft, making it unsupportive on long rides. Again, based on the feedback received from current Himalayan owners, Royal Enfield has added more padding to the saddle and have made it firmer. In terms of the seat height, it continues to be 800 mm, which makes it accessible for many. I’m a shade taller than 5 feet 9 inches in height and I can comfortably put my feet flat on the ground. The riding stance is comfortable as you don’t feel cramped. The footpegs are placed in a slight angular position, but nothing really to complain about. The seating position is commanding as well.

As an accessory, one can also opt for Touring Seats at an additional cost of INR 3,000.

Additional upgrades:

Coming to the rear carrier, it is now more aligned to the seat and has been reinforced with an additional metal plate to haul heavy luggage. It’s inscribed on the rear carrier that it can carry up to 7 kg of luggage, which is 2 kg more than the previous Himalayan.

Engine:

The 411cc engine remains the same mechanically and continues to churn 24.3 bhp of power and 32 Nm of torque. Ever since the Royal Enfield has introduced the fuel injection system in the Himalayan, it’s been a very smooth bike. It happily cruises anywhere around 80-100 kmph and effortlessly goes past the three-figure mark. We tip our hat to Royal Enfield for ensuring that the Himalayan’s vibrations are down to a minimal, making the riding experience quite enjoyable and comfortable both in the city and on the highway.

You open the throttle and the initial response is measured and it builds momentum in a linear fashion. The power doesn’t come rushing in a hurry as the low-end torque lacks the punch and feels flat. As the Himalayan is more at home when it’s out on open roads and covering long distances, it is happiest at the mid-range power band where the motor’s optimal power can be experienced. The Himalayan cruises comfortably at speeds over the three-figure mark, but the power tends to taper off after crossing 120 kmph.

Ride and handling:

The Himalayan is a practical bike that can be used for your daily commute. Thanks to the soft suspension setup, along with the long travel, it easily cushions undulations and speed breakers in the city and at the same time feels at home on dirt tracks and overcomes ditches and potholes without a sweat. There are a couple of minor issues that Royal Enfield can iron out like the heavy clutch and hand brake lever, which can become quite a task. Also, the brakes lack the bite and feel spongy.

The Himalayan is a heavy motorcycle and weighs around 199 kg, and if and when you drop it, you can feel its weighty issues. But the beauty about this bike is that while on the go, it feels agile and light. You can easily navigate through traffic or extreme off-roading conditions.

Verdict:

It all comes down to brass-tacks and priced at INR 201,000, is the extra INR 10,000 justified? Maybe not, but you won’t find a more capable ADV bike at that range that is easy to manoeuvre and doesn’t overwhelm you with additional electronic nannies. The Himalayan keeps it simple and allows you to switch off the dual-channel ABS, though it wouldn’t be a bad idea if the Himalayan got traction control. Another thing we would like to see is tubeless tyres as it makes life a lot easier and spares you a lot of frustration, especially when you are on a long-distance ride. We would stick our neck out and say that it is a Jack of All Trades and a commuter-friendly adventure motorcycle that is very forgiving on your wallet. (MT)

Specifications:

Engine: 411 cc + 24.3 bhp + 32 Nm of torque

Transmission: 5-speed

Ground clearance: 220 mm

Seat height: 800 mm

Tyres & brakes:

Front: 90/90 – 21 inches / 300 mm disc

Rear: 120/90 – 17 inches / 240 mm disc

Dual-channel ABS

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bajaj Auto-owned KTM, the world's leading premium motorcycle manufacturer, is rolling out its 'Academy of Safe Riding' initiative across colleges in India, using the recently launched 160 Duke to teach safe riding fundamentals to the next generation of riders.

The programme, which has already visited over 20 institutions across the country, offers students a unique opportunity to hone their skills on the new 160 Duke, marketed as India’s most powerful 160cc motorcycle.

The initiative aims to combine the brand's 'Ready to Race' performance with responsible riding education. Students are given exclusive test rides on specially designed tracks and take part in interactive sessions led by KTM-certified trainers. The safe-riding drills are inspired by KTM's global motorsports expertise.

Manik Nangia, President, Probiking, Bajaj Auto, said, “The KTM 160 Duke represents the perfect gateway into the world of KTM. Through this college activation, we not only put students on the most exciting 160cc motorcycle – we also instilled the discipline and techniques that make every ride safer and more rewarding. This was KTM’s way of giving back to the community and shaping responsible riders for tomorrow.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Chennai-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company (TVSM) has launched the most advanced TVS Raider variant with several segment-first features at prices starting INR 95,600 (ex-showroom Delhi) for TFT DD and INR 93,800 (ex-showroom Delhi) for SXC DD models.

The new TVS Raider includes ‘boost mode,’ a category-first feature with iGO Assist technology, delivering torque of 11.75Nm @ 6000rpm. The motorcycle includes segment-first Dual Disc Brakes and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). It also features GTT (Glide Through Technology) for low-speed manoeuvrability and fuel efficiency.

The motorcycle now has a new 90/90-17 Front and 110/80-17 Rear tyre configuration, which improves grip and handling. The bike has a metallic silver finish with red alloys.

Aniruddha Haldar, Senior Vice President — Head Commuter & EV Business and Head Corporate Brand & Media, TVS Motor Company, said, "The TVS Raider redefines what young riders can seek from their motorcycle. In 4-years it won the love of a million plus Gen Z riders. Today, the new TVS Raider is equipped with the exhilarating 'Boost mode' powered by iGO Assist tech, and another segment first - Dual Disc with ABS. With yet another segment-first Glide Through Technology (GTT) now can navigate through even slow traffic with ease. The stylish loaded new TVS Raider raises the 'wicked' bar yet again, bringing together thrilling performance, top-notch safety, and unmatched ease. We remain committed to creating motorcycles that our customers are delighted to ride and proud to own."

The TVS Raider continues to be powered by a 3-valve 125cc engine that produces 11.75 Nm of torque at 6,000rpm. Smart technology like iGO Assist with Boost Mode offers an instant power surge and GTT ensures smooth handling.

A segment-first safety feature, the Follow Me Headlamp, keeps the headlamp lit for a time after the ignition and engine are switched off, helping to light the way for the rider in dark areas. Riders can choose between two connected display options: a TFT with over 99 features or a reverse LCD with more than 85 features.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, a leading two-wheeler manufacturer, has reported wholesales of 568,164 units in September, which was 3 percent lower than 583,633 units sold last year.

The company’s domestic sales came at 505,693 units, down 6 percent, as compared to 536,391 units, while exports came at 62,471 units, up 32 percent YoY.

For H1 FY2026 (April–September 2025), HMSI's cumulative total sales reached just under three million units at 2.99 million units. This comprised 2.67 million units in the domestic market and 311,517 units exported globally.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has reported its wholesales for September 2025 and YTD FY2026.

The company sold a total of 687,220 two-wheelers in September, which marked a 7.87 percent as compared to 637,050 units last year. This included 626,217 motorcycles, up 4.8 percent YoY and 61,003 scooters, up 54 percent YoY. On the exports front, the company shipped 39,638 units, as compared to 20,344 units last year.

The strong monthly performance contributed to steady growth, a trend rooted in the strategic diversification of the product portfolio, including 12 new scooters and motorcycles launched since the last festive season. The month’s dispatch performance coincided with a major milestone: Hero MotoCorp became the first Indian company to surpass the 125 million cumulative two-wheeler production mark.

Hero MotoCorp stated that positive momentum is visible across the business. Showroom and dealership footfalls have more than doubled compared to the festive season last year, driven by the festive spirit and new GST benefits, with significant traction observed in the high-volume commuter segment.

The company’s electric vehicle business, Vida, powered by Hero, continued its strong growth trajectory, recording 12,736 VAHAN registrations in September 2025. This performance, led by the recently launched Vida VX2 Evooter, resulted in a sharp YoY EV market share rise from 4.7 percent to 12.2 percent, underscoring growing consumer trust in the brand. The company noted that demand for Vida currently remains ahead of supply in several key markets, indicating robust traction for its EV business this festive season.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!