- Himalayan-based supermoto could happen
- RE could unveil a custom job
- More bikes will be launched with a 450cc platform
Royal Enfield is known to experiment with motorcycles either in the production line or in the custom world. This time, it might begin a new experiment on the famous Himalayan 450 platform.
According to a report, Mark Wells, Chief of Design at Royal Enfield, thinks that a supermoto based on the Himalayan 450 is a great idea. Currently, the company has developed the Himalayan and the Guerrilla 450 on this new platform, and more motorcycles are likely to be launched in a few years. But the concept of a supermoto by Royal Enfield will excite the market – especially the international markets, where there’s a decently sized segment for supermotos.
If Royal Enfield does think of making a Himalayan 450-based supermoto, then expect the bike to be much lighter than the ADV. Firstly, the wheels will be 17 inches, the fuel tank will be much smaller, and some body panels may go to cut down weight. While the CEAT tyres on the Himalayan offer fantastic grip, the Supermoto could see stickier tyres to get the best handling out of it. However, the 450cc engine won’t be changed, and instead, the gear ratios are likely to be played with. As of now, the company has just started a conversation on this supermoto, and maybe the project won’t even happen. But it does sound pretty cool to have a supermoto launched in India.
At BikeWale, we converted the Hero Xpulse 200 into a supermoto – it got smaller wheels, and different tyres but runs the same suspension. Vikrant loves spending time with it, especially riding in the city. The agility and its practicality made it a wise after-office project.
