Dakar inspired Royal Enfield Himalayan showcased in Thailand

- Sports revised bodywork

- Continues with the same 411cc, single-cylinder engine.

- Custom version unlikely to go into production.

Royal Enfield showcased a custom version of their adventure-touring bike, the Himalayan at the 2018 Big Motor Sale in Thailand. 

The bike is based on the standard Himalayan, although it draws inspiration from competition motorcycles used in the Dakar Rally. It sports a half fairing that houses vertically stacked twin projector headlamps, along with a taller windscreen and higher-set handlebar. The bike also gets large crash guards with LED-auxiliary lights mounted on either side. A single-piece seat replaces the split-seat unit on the standard bike and the rear-section is revised, with a longer tail. To complete the look, it gets a high-mounted exhaust along with heat shields. It rides on a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel shod with knobby tyres to add to the motorcycle’s off-road capability. 

However, the Himalayan Dakar bike uses the fuel tank, engine sump guard and front fender from the standard bike. The suspension and braking hardware also appears to be similar. It also continues to use the 411cc, single-cylinder engine as the production-spec Himalayan, likely with higher power output. 

While the Himalayan Dakar serves as a fascinating custom inspiration for Himalayan owners, it is unlikely to reach the production line. In other news, Royal Enfield is expected to launch the Himalayan with a dual-channel ABS unit sometime this month.