The year is 2021, the world is just about getting back on its feet from the drama filled 2020. With all the things that have changed we now also have an updated Himalayan, let’s check out what its all about. Our video review is already up and we recommend you watch it as well for a better look. For the rest of you folks, just scroll down for the text.
Ever since we rode the Meteor 350 couple of months back the idea of an updated Himalayan really excited us. With the former the company showed us that they are at par with the best when it comes to build quality and components used. So when the updated Himalayan came out, we were already queuing up to check it out.
Much to our surprise, the updated Himalayan for 2021 was actually an “update to the Himalayan” and not the Meteor trickle over that we expected. Nevertheless, it still needed to be checked out as the updates were based on rider/user feedback and that is always good.
The changes are as follows:
- The headlight is now not ‘Always ON’. Its ON only when the engine is ON.
- The windscreen is now a bit wider and a couple of inch taller to accommodate the new Tripper Navigation pod and also reduce the wind buffeting taller riders used to face.
- Of-course, now its gets the Tripper Navigation pod that we first saw on the Meteor 350.
- The metal jerry can holder/crash protection at front has been slightly re-designed to better accommodate taller riders while standing and riding.
- The seat has been padded up for a softer feel, which has made it better commuter friendly.
- The rear luggage rack has been re-designed with a lower/flatter design with increased loading capacity.
- There are also 3 new colour options on offer.
- The Himalayan gets inducted into the Royal Enfield Make it Yours initiative that allows for a crazy amount of customization options.
Well, that’s kind of it. Actually while it may seem like they could have done a lot more. But we feel the changes make the Himalayan more practical and a better machine to live with.
Mechanically things are the same as the recent BS6 version and it continues to be a blast to ride anywhere and we mean ANYWHERE. Highway cruising can be done at a decent 90-100 kmph mark while the good bottom end torque can make life easy off the road and also in our crawling traffic filled roads.
Mileage hovers above the 30 kmpl mark.
To be honest, we have always loved the Himalayan right from its first version. The BS6 version made it so much better that it was the go to bike if you wanted something with decent power and that can handle some decent exploring off the road. With the updated 2021 Himalayan things get a bit more comfortable. But what we really are waiting for is a Himalayan with magic Royal Enfield has shown on the Meteor 350.
