Royal Enfield Himalayan (2017-2020) Review: The People's Adventure Machine
Introduction
The Royal Enfield Himalayan stands as one of the most intriguing paradoxes in motorcycling - a purpose-built adventure bike that prioritizes accessibility over adrenaline-pumping performance. Designed to conquer the Himalayan mountain range yet priced within reach of developing markets, this 411cc single-cylinder machine redefined what riders could expect from budget-friendly overland travel between 2017-2020.
What emerges during a week-long test ride is a motorcycle that feels like the automotive equivalent of a trusted mule rather than a thoroughbred stallion. It won't set your pulse racing with explosive acceleration, but it will crawl up mountain trails, survive third-world roads, and deliver you to remote destinations with stubborn reliability. Let's dissect why this underdog became a cult favorite.
Design Philosophy: Form Follows (Very Specific) Function
The Himalayan's visual language shouts "adventure" in a working-class accent. The 21-inch front wheel wears knobby tires like a mountaineer's boots, while the high-mounted front fender and engine bash plate suggest serious trail intent. At 2190mm (86.2") long with 220mm (8.6") ground clearance, it's dimensionally comparable to premium ADV bikes but carries its 191kg (421 lbs) wet weight with surprising grace.
Royal Enfield's UK subsidiary Harris Performance engineered the half-duplex split cradle frame - a crucial upgrade from RE's traditional double-downtube designs. The exposed steel trellis gives the bike an industrial aesthetic, complemented by functional touches like the offset instrument cluster (combining analog speedometer with digital compass/altimeter) and upward-swept exhaust that actually survives water crossings.
The 800mm (31.5") seat height remains one of the lowest in its class, a blessing for shorter riders and load-bearing stops on uneven terrain. However, the narrow seat profile and basic foam padding reveal cost-cutting measures - after 2 hours in the saddle, you'll be shopping for aftermarket seat options.
Engine & Performance: Tortoise Over Hare
The LS410 engine is where Royal Enfield's philosophy crystallizes. This 411cc air/oil-cooled single produces just 24.5hp @ 6500rpm and 32Nm (23.6 lb-ft) torque @ 4250rpm - numbers that look anemic on paper but make sense in context.
Key characteristics observed during testing:
- Low-RPM Muscle: Peak torque arrives at dirt bike-like 4000-4500rpm (2017 carbureted models) or a tighter 4250rpm (2018+ EFI versions). This translates to tractor-like lugging ability - I climbed 15% gravel grades in third gear without slipping the clutch.
- Vibration Management: Significant improvement over older RE thumpers, but still buzzes through pegs and bars above 90km/h (56mph). Aftermarket bar weights or gel grips would be wise investments.
- Fuel Injection Transition: The switch from carburetor (2017) to EFI (2018+) brought better cold starts and altitude compensation - crucial for a bike named after mountain ranges. Throttle response remains deliberately soft to prevent trail surprises.
The 5-speed transmission's tall ratios favor efficiency over excitement. At 100km/h (62mph), the engine spins at a stressed 4500rpm - tolerable for hour-long highway stretches but not cross-continent slab riding. Royal Enfield's claimed 30km/L (70mpg) fuel economy held true in mixed riding, giving the 15L (3.96 gal) tank a 450km (280mi) range.
Ride Experience: Where Compromises Become Virtues
Off-Road Manners
The Himalayan shines brightest when the pavement ends. The 200mm (7.87") front / 180mm (7.08") rear suspension travel absorbs impacts that would bottom out competitors with stiffer setups. Combined with the 21/17-inch wheel combo and CEAT Gripp XL tires (adequate for light trails but needing upgrade for serious mud), it delivers confidence-inspiring stability at off-road speeds.
The engine's narrow power band becomes an asset here - short-shifting through the gears maintains momentum without overwhelming traction. At 182kg (401 lbs) dry, it's no dirt bike, but the low center mass helps prevent tip-over disasters during technical sections.
On-Road Behavior
Urban commuting reveals the Himalayan's Jekyll-and-Hyde personality. The upright riding position (840mm/33" handlebar width) and light clutch action make it surprisingly nimble in traffic. However, the soft suspension wallows during aggressive cornering, and the front brake (300mm disc with 2-piston caliper) requires a hearty squeeze for urgent stops.
Highway performance is serviceable up to 110km/h (68mph), but the lack of wind protection and vibey engine make you crave auxiliary screens. This isn't a bike for impatient riders - overtaking requires strategic planning, especially with luggage.
Competition: Underdog vs. Establishment
Compared to contemporaries in the entry-level ADV segment:
BMW G310 GS
- Pros: 34hp liquid-cooled engine, premium brand cachet, 10kg lighter
- Cons: Higher seat (835mm/32.8"), costly maintenance, less low-end torque
- Verdict: Better road performer, but the Himalayan dominates in repair-cost predictability and off-road durability.
KTM 390 Adventure
- Pros: 44hp powerhouse, sophisticated electronics, superior suspension
- Cons: Stiff suspension for trails, premium fuel requirement, complex electronics
- Verdict: The KTM is a canyon carver pretending to be an ADV; the RE is a true backcountry tool.
Suzuki V-Strom 250
- Pros: 26hp with smoother delivery, 30km/L+ efficiency, lower price
- Cons: 19-inch front wheel limits off-road capability, smaller fuel tank
- Verdict: Urban commuters choose Suzuki; adventurers needing parts availability worldwide pick RE.
The Himalayan's ace card remains mechanical simplicity. When a BMW's electronics fail in Mongolia, you need a computer engineer. When the Himalayan acts up, any village mechanic with a wrench can fix it.
Maintenance: Keeping the Thumper Alive
As MOTOPARTS.store's in-house expert, here's your Himalayan care cheat sheet:
Critical Service Items
- Oil Changes: Use JASO MA2-certified SAE 15W-50 (2L with filter). Change every 5000km (3100mi) or annually. Ignore this - enjoy accelerated camshaft wear.
- Chain Maintenance: The 110-link chain needs cleaning/lubing every 500km (310mi). Upgrade to an O-ring chain if riding in wet conditions.
- Valve Adjustments: Check every 10,000km (6200mi). Clearance specs: 0.08-0.13mm (0.003-0.005") intake, 0.18-0.23mm (0.007-0.009") exhaust.
- Brake Fluid: Replace DOT 4 fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage. Spongy levers? Time for a bleed.
- Cooling System: Though air-cooled, the oil cooler needs periodic cleaning. Use compressed air to remove mud/dust from fins.
Common Upgrade Paths
- Tires: Swap CEAT Gripp XL for Metzeler Karoo Street (90% on-road) or Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR (50/50 use)
- Lighting: Install auxiliary LED pods (20W max) using our plug-and-play wiring harnesses
- Comfort: Our gel seat cover reduces tailbone fatigue on 8hr+ rides
- Protection: Bolt-on engine guards and radiator shields prevent costly damage during drops
Long-Term Ownership: The Good, The Bad, The Fixable
Praise-Worthy:
- Unmatched parts affordability - a complete engine rebuild kit costs less than some competitors' oil changes
- Aftermarket support - our MOTOPARTS.store alone lists 387 Himalayan-specific accessories
- Community - RE's owner groups organize legendary group expeditions
Gripes Requiring Attention:
- Rust-prone fasteners: Replace factory bolts with our stainless steel kit
- Weak side stand spring: Upgrade to heavy-duty unit before parking on slopes
- Fading paint: Apply ceramic coating from our detailing section
Conclusion: The Everyman's Everest
The 2017-2020 Royal Enfield Himalayan won't win spec sheet battles or beauty contests. What it delivers is something more profound - the democratization of adventure motorcycling. This is a bike that says, "Your bank balance doesn't define your horizons."
During my test ride, I intentionally sought broken tarmac, river crossings, and high-altitude passes that would make fancy ADVs whimper. The Himalayan just shrugged and carried on, asking only for basic maintenance in return. For riders valuing journey over ego, simplicity over gadgets, it remains one of history's most significant motorcycles - not because of what it is, but because of who it empowers.
At MOTOPARTS.store, we keep your Himalayan thriving with OEM and upgraded components. Whether you're tackling the Pamir Highway or the daily commute, visit our curated Himalayan section - because adventure shouldn't wait for a trust fund.
