While we wait for the final details on the second generation of the Himalayan, which will be officially presented on November 7 at EICMA, more images of a model long awaited by fans of the Indian brand are circulating. It is a scrambler variant based on the 650 twin-cylinder engine of the Interceptor and the Continental GT, and the images published by AutoStreet and Rushlane show us a motorcycle that is essentially ready for production.
As a reminder, the models with the 650 twin-cylinder engine arrived in 2018 and were immediately appreciated not only for their successful style, but also for the functionality of the mechanics. We can say that the off-road customization of the Interceptor started immediately, and many people were asking for a scrambler model that was more inclined to tackle some dirt roads. This version may finally be on its way and we do not know at the moment whether it will have the name Hiker or not, which was seen by many as a connection between the Interceptor and the Himalayan, and therefore also dedicated to touring.
From the images showing the prototype in testing phase, it looks more like a traditional scrambler and aesthetically closer to the rival Triumph Street Scrambler. As mentioned before, the engine seems to be the same 648 cc twin-cylinder with 47 hp with black finish, but the exhaust is a two-in-one. The double cradle frame and fuel tank also seem to be the same as the Interceptor. The front wheel, however, seems to be 19 inches (the Interceptor has an 18-inch wheel). The front fork is inverted and the rear shocks could be longer. The rear wheel seems to be 17″ and maybe the brake disc could be bigger.
Surely the seat and side panels will change, now showing the classic oval-shaped license plate “very scrambler” and the handlebar, which in trail style is taller and wider. Here too we notice a different instrumentation, circular and flatter than the two gauges of the Interceptor, reminiscent of the new Himalayan 452. Will we also see this scrambler in its final version in a few weeks in Milan?
