The arrival of a new Royal Enfield Himalayan 650 has been in the works within the Indo-British firm since approximately the middle of the 2020 season. At that time, there was talk of the possibility of the brand launching up to 14 new models in the following years, including the long-awaited mid-high displacement ADV model.
A few months later, there was even speculation that it could be presented at EICMA 2021 under the name Royal Enfield Sherpa 650, using the 650 cc parallel twin-cylinder engine currently fitted to some of its models. At the end of that same year, we predicted what will probably end up happening this season: “The new Royal Enfield Himalayan GT 650 will arrive in 2024.”
Royal Enfield Himalayan 650 test mule in detail
Already past the halfway point of this year, it was our colleagues at the Indian media MotorBeam who managed to hunt down a test mule of what appears to be, presumably, the future Himalayan 650circulating in local traffic. Something, on the other hand, typical of Royal Enfield when it comes to testing a future model.
From these first images we can already get an idea of what we can expect from the brand’s next adventurer. In addition, we still have very fresh in our memory the passage of a spectacular Dakar preparation by Royal Enfield, in collaboration with David Gwyther of Death Spray Custom, at the last edition of the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
This should put us on the path of what the legendary motorcycle firm has in store for us, although everything in due time. In any case, and returning to the protagonist of these lines, the test mule spotted, totally camouflaged and still far from its final development phase, offers us a lot of varied information about what will ultimately end up being a Himalayan 650 serially.
To start with, it uses the everlasting parallel twin-cylinder engine of 648 cc, capable of delivering a maximum power of 46 HP at 7,250 rpm. In this case, what stands out in this test unit is that we can see how it uses a high side exhaust system that is different from that of its little sister, the Himalayan 450. We can also see how the brand uses a seat split into two heights, ending in a tapered manner at the rear.
The chassis is dominated by radial wheels, mixed tyres, double front disc brakes and a suspension system where a powerful inverted front fork stands out above all other components. Likewise, the front half-fairing has different features to those used by the Himalayan 450, resembling some current models where greater ergonomics and protection are paramount.
Another important fact is the instrument panel that this unit carries. Himalayan 650, very similar to the one used by the brand’s new models. We are talking about a TFT screen that should have all the current gadgets in terms of communication and navigation, as well as the possibility of pairing with our smartphone.
In any case, some questions remain unanswered, at least for the moment. For example, what will be the capacity of its fuel tank, presumably at least 20 liters. We also don’t know if we will have a variant of the new Himalayan 650 which includes a 21” front wheel.
Finally, what could be its final price, once it reaches the brand’s dealerships? Considering what its younger sister costs, and the prices of its direct competition in India, some local media estimate that it will be around 400,000 rupees, about 4,500 euros at the exchange rate.
