GaadiWaadi –
According to a recent report which emerged on the internet, Royal Enfield is set to introduce a more affordable Himalayan 440 based on the Scram 440
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 harbingered a major turning point for the brand when it made its India debut in late 2023. Built on an all-new platform, it arrived with a liquid-cooled engine, ride-by-wire throttle, TFT display with navigation and multiple riding modes – significantly more advanced and capable than its predecessor the Himalayan 411.
However, it is still far off from many enthusiasts’ vicinity in terms of pricing. Prices currently hover just over the Rs 3 lakh mark which goes up to Rs 3.39 lakh (ex-showroom). Its prices increased notably due to multiple factors over the years including being positioned in a higher tax slab courtesy of GST 2.0 regulations in India.
The gap in accessibility is where the older Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 had built its reputation. Introduced back in 2016, it carved a niche as a no-nonsense adventure motorcycle that prioritised simplicity and durability. With its easily manageable seat height, straightforward mechanicals and affordable pricing, it appealed to a range of riders.
After nearly seven years on sale, it was phased out in 2023 to make way for the new-gen 450 but they did not kill the idea. Royal Enfield repurposed the architecture of the 411 into a more road-focused scrambler – leading to the arrival of the Royal Enfield Scram 440. It introduced a larger 443cc air/oil-cooled engine paired with a 6-speed gearbox, offering improved performance while retaining the easy-going nature of its predecessor.
Now, the brand is reportedly working on a more accessible adventure motorcycle – widely expected to be called the Royal Enfield Himalayan 440. Internally codenamed D4G, it is tipped to arrive in the second half of this calendar year and will essentially bridge the gap between the old 411 and the premium 450. It will help bring back the approachable nature of the original Himalayan while incorporating subtle upgrades.
In terms of design, it is expected to retain the utilitarian styling that made the 411 instantly recognisable but with refreshed colours and minor updates. Under the skin, it will borrow heavily from the Scram 440. The 443cc single-cylinder engine is expected to produce around 25.4 hp and 34 Nm – marginally higher than the older 411’s 24.3 hp and 32 Nm output. A 6-speed transmission should come standard enabling better highway cruising ability compared to the 5-speed unit seen earlier.
The chassis could also be tuned for better off-road capability with longer suspension travel.
Cycle parts are expected to follow a familiar formula as a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel combination wrapped in dual-purpose tyres could be employed. Features such as switchable ABS and Tripper navigation are possible as well. It could cost around Rs. 2.50 lakh (ex-showroom).
The post More Affordable RE Himalayan 440 To Launch Later This Year appeared first on Gaadiwaadi.com – Latest Car & Bike News by Surendhar M.