Himalayan ABS launch will give the motorcycle a new lease of life. It will be interesting to see if RE offers a switchable system!
After a long wait, Royal Enfield very recently launched the Classic 350 with ABS in India (launch report) and it appears that this is just the tip of the iceberg. Gradually, before the April 2019 deadline, all Royal Enfields are expected to get the safety tech. But up next is expected to be the Himalayan.
Himalayan ABS Launch
Autocar reports that Himalayan ABS launch is round the corner and in fact, few company dealerships have already started accepting bookings of the motorcycle. According to the report, Himalayan ABS is expected to get an increment of Rs 10,000 to 12,000 over the non-ABS version which is lesser than the Rs 15,000 hike on the Classic 350 ABS.
We believe, like the fast seller Classic 350, Himalayan will also continue with proper twin channel ABS, however, it will be interesting to see if it is a switchable unit (like the BMW G310 GS). It is expected to be available in your nearest dealerships by next month.
Other mechanicals, including the engine, are expected to be carried over without any changes. There may be a minor weight increment due to the ABS unit. It must be known that Royal Enfield already sells Himalayan ABS in some export markets.
Recently they made the Sleet edition as a regular variant in the lineup. The motorcycle, which is infamous for its terrible quality, has failed to attract many buyers despite it being one desirable prospect.
‘Not One But There Were TOO Many Issues with Himalayan’, Another RE Official Admits
RE has also announced that they will make a twin cylinder Himalayan in the future (More details) which will carry the 650cc parallel twin engine from the upcoming Continental GT and Interceptor 650.
