If a hulking adventure bike with more than a liter of displacement is too big and a scrappy little dirt bike is too small, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 is just right. This bike has the qualities we love in the big names in adventure touring bikes, but with a single-cylinder engine, keeping the weight in check while providing enough power for long-distance off-road riding. In other words, it’s a perfect candidate for the kind of adventure touring we do.
Introduced in 2016, the Royal Enfield Himalayan was a clean-sheet design offering something different in its segment. When it came out, the adventure touring market was characterized by bikes with high curb weights and price tags, like the BMW R 1200 GS, the Triumph Tiger, and the Ducati Multistrada. The Himalayan took a different approach. It has an upright riding position, off-road-ready tires and suspension, and protection expected from an off-road bike. However, the relatively small SOHC 411cc single-cylinder engine makes it not too heavy or expensive. It opened up the world of adventure touring motorcycling to demographics who may not have considered it before.
While it may be a little underpowered for long-distance cruising on motorways, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 is perfect for touring the Alps. It’s strong enough to reach touring speed and capable enough to tackle rough terrain in mountainous regions. We love that it’s light enough to be maneuverable in technical off-roading. On the occasion that we do lay it down, it’s relatively easy to get it back on its feet.
It all adds up to an ideal adventure bike for the kind of touring we do at Wild Sherpas. Come see what the Himalayan is capable of by booking a tour today.