At this point, there is no longer any doubt about the shape or name. After speculation that lasted, without exaggeration, for years, we finally know, without any margin of error, what the new Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 will look like. We have talked about it so many times, because the curiosity is so great about a motorcycle that, as the Indian manufacturer rightly points out in its latest teaser, has created a true movement since its debut in 2016, becoming a cult vehicle like few others have managed in recent times. The new Himalayan will be a technical turnaround, but will maintain the same philosophy and spirit of the motorcycle “built from the Himalayas”.
As can be seen in the photographs that appeared on Royal Enfield’s Instagram profile, the new 452 is precisely the one that has been identified several times in recent months and, therefore, has a more modern and flexible shape than its predecessor. It is also possible to clearly see the inverted front fork and, above all, the liquid cooling radiator. The design is completely different, but the split seat remains and is very low for an enduro. The exhaust is shorter and narrower, the engine looks much more modern with the cylinder slightly inclined forward and a small engine guard. The characteristic protection bars on the side of the tank remain, but have changed shape, they are now more elegant and dynamic.
On the homepage of the Royal Enfield India website, there is an image of the Himalayan seen in three-quarters from the front with the Himalayas in the background and shows two pieces of information: the first is “the final test”, which leads us to assume that it is ongoing and that, therefore, we will have more details soon. This leads you to a page that shows the countdown to November 7, 2023, the official launch date of the Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 in 2024 and the first day of EICMA. Further down, we find the classic form to leave your details and, further down, the same video we showed above. Source: https://www.moto.itBut that’s not all, because the data is already circulating on the internet: the exact cubic capacity is 451.65 cubic meters and the power is 40 hp at 8,000 rpm (so, obviously, it rotates more than the current one, but not at stratospheric speeds). In addition to being water-cooled, the new engine obviously has electronic fuel injection, but also two overhead camshafts and four valves. So, it is definitely more modern.
The dimensions and weight have also been disclosed: the new Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 measures 2,245 mm in length, is 1,316 mm high and 852 mm wide. The wheelbase is 1,510 mm, the unladen weight is 196 kg and the total permissible weight is 394 kg. Depending on the windshield, the height increases to 1415 mm and, depending on the hand protection, the width reaches 900 mm. This means that the new Himalayan 452 weighs about 3 kg less than its predecessor. A good result, although those expecting a miracle may be a little disappointed. Another very welcome novelty, however, is that the gearbox is expected to have a sixth gear, much sought after by those who also use the Himalayan on long journeys.
The new Himalayan is a change not only in appearance, but also in technical essence, as we have already told you. The power is increased, but perhaps the charm of the air-cooled single-cylinder has been lost, what do you think?
We just have to wait a little longer, meanwhile, what do you think of the new design?
