When it comes to motorcycles that can handle everything from rugged mountain trails to smooth city roads, few bikes are as capable as the Royal Enfield Himalayan. Since its debut in 2016, the Himalayan has carved a niche for itself in the adventure touring segment with its rugged build, dependable performance, and versatile nature. Now, with the 2024 model, Royal Enfield has taken its popular ADV (adventure) bike to new heights, with refinements that make it more comfortable, capable, and modern. If you’re considering an all-terrain machine for long-distance journeys, off-road exploration, or just a reliable companion for daily commutes, the Himalayan 2024 might just be the bike for you.
In this review, we’ll dive deep into the key updates, performance, comfort, and overall riding experience of the 2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan.
Introduction: A Rugged Icon Reborn
The 2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan stays true to its roots as an adventure touring bike but brings with it several notable upgrades. Whether it’s tackling steep mountain trails or cruising on highways, the Himalayan has always been known for its ability to thrive in the harshest conditions. With the 2024 update, Royal Enfield has aimed to enhance the bike’s off-road capability, improve comfort for long rides, and add modern features that riders demand in today’s market.
This bike is designed for adventurers and explorers who need a motorcycle that can handle any situation, from rough terrains to everyday roads. It combines the rugged charm of a classic RE bike with the practicality of a modern ADV machine.
Design and Build Quality: Tough, Practical, and Handsome
The 2024 Himalayan’s design philosophy remains largely unchanged, retaining its classic, utilitarian look that has been widely appreciated by adventure enthusiasts. The bike’s tall stance, wide handlebars, and chunky tires make it instantly recognizable as a purpose-built machine. What has changed, however, are the finer details, making the bike both more practical and visually appealing.
The build quality is one of the Himalayan’s strengths. The steel frame and tough plastic bodywork are designed to withstand harsh conditions and rough treatment. The new model also introduces a more refined finish, with an updated front fender, new LED lighting, and a redesigned rear end that gives the bike a more modern and aggressive look. The new windscreen has also been designed for better wind deflection, particularly for long-distance touring.
With a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel setup, the Himalayan is built for off-road performance while still offering stability on paved roads. The bike’s 14-liter fuel tank is well-suited for long-distance journeys, and its design allows for efficient weight distribution, making it easier to handle, whether on rough terrain or city streets.
Engine and Performance: Reliable and Strong
The 2024 Himalayan comes equipped with a 411cc single-cylinder engine that produces a respectable 24.3 horsepower and 32 Nm of torque. While this might not seem like a lot compared to high-performance adventure bikes, it’s more than enough for the Himalayan’s intended purpose: tackling both on-road and off-road terrains. The engine has been refined for better fuel efficiency and smoother power delivery.
The motor is paired with a 5-speed gearbox, and the power is sent to the rear wheel via a chain. The engine’s torque delivery is well-suited for off-road conditions, where low-end grunt and smooth power delivery are more important than outright speed. While not the most powerful ADV bike on the market, the Himalayan’s engine is built for longevity, and it performs reliably under demanding conditions, whether you’re climbing rocky hills or cruising on the highway.
One of the standout features of the 2024 Himalayan’s engine is its improved cooling system. The bike has a new, more efficient cooling fan, which helps the engine maintain optimal temperature during long rides, especially in hot conditions or when the bike is working hard off-road.
Suspension and Handling: Built for the Long Haul
The Himalayan’s suspension setup has always been one of its strongest attributes, and for 2024, it’s been tweaked to offer even better comfort and control. The front features a 41mm telescopic fork with 200mm of travel, while the rear is equipped with twin shock absorbers with 180mm of travel. This generous suspension travel ensures that the bike can absorb the harshest bumps, rocks, and uneven surfaces with ease. Whether you’re riding through rocky trails, sandy dunes, or muddy paths, the suspension provides a plush ride while keeping the bike stable.
The handling has also been enhanced, with a new frame that improves the bike’s agility and cornering stability. The Himalayan’s tall seat height (800mm) and relatively low weight (approximately 199kg) make it manageable for riders of various sizes, although the taller saddle might be a bit challenging for shorter riders.
The steering is light, and the bike remains composed even at lower speeds, which is particularly useful when navigating tight trails or crowded city streets. The wide handlebars give you excellent control, and the long-travel suspension allows for a more forgiving experience when navigating rocky or uneven paths.
Braking and Safety Features: Sure-footed Stopping Power
The Himalayan 2024 is equipped with a 300mm front disc brake and a 240mm rear disc, both paired with a dual-channel ABS system that can be turned off when riding off-road. The braking system is competent, offering predictable stopping power on both tarmac and rougher surfaces. The ABS can be disabled when you need to slide the bike or ride over loose surfaces, adding another layer of safety during off-road adventures.
The front brake is strong and progressive, and the rear brake offers decent feedback, allowing you to apply just the right amount of pressure when stopping on uneven or slippery surfaces. The bike’s tires, which are specifically designed for adventure touring, also provide excellent grip, contributing to the overall stability of the ride.
Comfort and Ergonomics: Designed for Long Rides
Comfort is a critical factor in any adventure bike, and the 2024 Himalayan does not disappoint. The seat is well-padded and wide, providing support for long-distance riding. It’s designed to accommodate both solo riders and passengers comfortably, making it a great choice for two-up touring.
The ergonomics of the bike have been optimized for comfort. The upright riding position gives you good visibility and control, while the handlebars are positioned for easy reach. The footpegs are placed in a way that allows for a relaxed yet active riding posture, whether you’re cruising on highways or tackling challenging off-road sections.
The windscreen is now adjustable, offering better wind protection on highways, reducing fatigue on long journeys. While it won’t provide complete protection for taller riders, it significantly reduces windblast for most riders, making highway speeds more comfortable.
Technology and Instrumentation: Modern Updates
One of the major updates in the 2024 Himalayan is the new, fully-digital instrument cluster. It features a large, easy-to-read display that shows important information like speed, gear position, fuel level, trip meter, odometer, and a compass. The updated cluster is now also equipped with a smartphone connectivity option, which allows riders to connect their phone via Bluetooth for navigation prompts, music, and incoming call alerts.
The inclusion of a USB charging port also adds a level of convenience for long trips, allowing riders to charge their devices on the go. The bike also comes with a new and improved LED headlamp that offers better visibility at night, enhancing safety during nighttime riding.
Pros and Cons: A Balanced Adventure Bike
Pros:
• Great Off-Road Capability: Excellent suspension and torque delivery for tackling difficult terrains.
• Comfortable for Long Rides: Wide seat, adjustable windscreen, and ergonomic riding posture.
• Modern Tech Features: New instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone integration.
• Affordable Pricing: Offers excellent value for money compared to other adventure bikes in the same class.
• ABS and Off-Road Modes: Dual-channel ABS with the ability to disable it for off-road riding.
Cons:
• Performance Lag on Highways: While adequate, the 411cc engine might not be powerful enough for riders seeking top-end speed on highways.
• Seat Height: Taller riders will find the seat height comfortable, but shorter riders might find it a bit challenging.
Conclusion: The Perfect Companion for Adventure Seekers
The 2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan continues to be one of the best value-for-money adventure touring bikes on the market. It’s built to take on the toughest terrains, whether you’re exploring mountain paths, crossing deserts, or cruising along scenic highways. The combination of rugged design, modern tech updates, and the bike’s proven reliability makes it an excellent choice for both seasoned adventurers and new riders seeking their first all-terrain bike. If you’re looking for a motorcycle that can handle the toughest challenges while offering comfort and style, the Himalayan 2024 should definitely be on your radar.
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