Royal Enfield has started adding Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) to its motorcycle and the first model with the safety tech, the Classic Signals 350, was launched on Monday, August 27. The Chennai-based motorcycle maker will add ABS to other models in a phased manner and the next model is said to be the Himalayan.
Royal Enfield dealers have started accepting the bookings for the Himalayan ABS and that indicates launch can be expected anytime soon. A report in Bikewale claims, the ABS-equipped version of the Himalayan will be priced Rs 1.79 lakh while the Himalayan Sleet ABS will cost Rs 1.81 lakh, both prices ex-showroom Bengaluru. If the report is anything to go by, the dual-channel ABS equipped Himalayan is premium by Rs 10,000 over the non-ABS version.
The report also claims ABS in the Royal Enfield Himalayan cannot be switched off for more spirited riding. The company will continue selling the non-ABS version of the adventure bike along with the new 2018 version.
Apart from the new safety feature, there are no additions to the Himalayan. The motorcycle is powered by a 411cc oil-cooled single-cylinder mill, which is tuned to dish out 24.5 bhp at 6,500 rpm and 32 Nm torque between 4,000-4,500 rpm, paired with a five-speed transmission.
Built on a double-cradle chassis designed by Royal Enfield's in-house company Harris Performance, Himalayan rides on a 21-inch front wheel and a 17-inch at the rear. The adventure bike's front wheel gets a 300 mm disc with two-piston floating callipers, while the rear gets a 240 mm disc with a single-piston floating calliper.
Royal Enfield Himalayan measures 2,190mm in length, 840mm in width, and 1,360mm in height (fly-screen top). It has a wheelbase of 1,465 mm and offers a ground clearance of 220mm, both spot on for off-roading.