2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan

The Royal Enfield Himalayan is a lightweight dual sport/adventure machine that pairs approachable performance with an enticing $4,999 price tag.

Since its introduction to the United States market in 2019, the India-built Royal Enfield Himalayan has been a hugely popular lightweight dual sport/adventure machine worthy of competing with Japanese rivals. Unintimidating, yet delightful performance makes it attractive for all levels of riding enthusiasts.

Royal Enfield updated the Himalayan for 2021 with a switchable ABS system, meaning the rear-wheel ABS can now be deactivated for off-road use. A variety of colorways have also been added.

The 2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan is offered at a relatively low $4,999 MSRP. It is available in six colorways: Snow White, Granite Black, Rock Red, Lake Blue, Gravel Grey, and Sleet Grey.

Being a lightweight dual sport machine, the Himlayan could compete with a number of models. The most direct competition would likely include the also-budget-friendly Kawasaki Versys-X 300 and BMW G 310 GS. Other competitors include the Honda CRF300L and Kawasaki KLX300.

The 2021 Royal Enfield is powered by a 411cc air-cooled SOHC single-cylinder engine, which was worthy of a modest 21.8 hp and 21 pound-feet of torque on the Cycle World dyno in 2020.

With modest power comes modest performance, as Road Test Editor Michael Gilbert noted in his MC Commute Review of the 2020 Himalayan. “The Enfield isn’t the most performance-minded motorcycle on the block. Nor is it meant to be,” Gilbert wrote. “It’s built to get from point A to B, regardless of the terrain in between. In fact, the little Himalayan-that-could recorded a 17.7-second quarter-mile time at 72 mph and only reaches about 85 mph with a downhill tailwind, if you’re lucky. It’s not in a hurry.”

That said, it’s an approachable package for any level of rider, offering tractable power delivery and comfortable cruising pace. Added roll-on power and a sixth gear would be welcomed for high-speed riding.

The Himalayan’s handling is highlighted by a positively neutral ride, with easy tip-in effort and a confidence-inspiring midcorner feel despite a relatively heavy Cycle World-measured 441-pound wet weight. Although nonadjustable, the 41mm conventional fork and monoshock find a good balance of big-hit support and small-bump compliance to soak up the road’s imperfections.

Even CW contributor Peter Egan bought his own Himalayan, noting the motorcycle’s comfort following a summer of experience aboard it.

The Himalayan is stopped via a single two-piston caliper clamping to a 300mm disc up front and a single-piston caliper and 240mm disc at the rear. The 2021 model incorporates a switchable ABS system for the first time, with the ability to deactivate the rear-wheel ABS for off-road riding.

Outright braking performance of the Himalayan is lackluster, to say the least. When we ran the 2020 model at our proving grounds, the Himlayan recorded a 60 to 0 stopping distance in a dismal 176 feet. For reference, similar models stop around the 130-foot mark. To add to it, a numb feeling at the lever robs the understanding of brake pressure being applied.

Cycle World Road Test Editor Michael Gilbert recorded a 58-mpg average during California testing. Paired with a 4.0-gallon fuel tank, the expectation of 200-mile trips isn’t out of the question.

The rider triangle of the Himalayan is relatively relaxed and super comfortable, according to both Road Test Editor Michael Gilbert’s MC Commute Review and Peter Egan’s summerlong experience. The wide, one-piece handlebar only requires a short reach, yet is positioned somewhat high while in a seated position, but offers a good amount of leverage. The claimed 31.5-inch seat height is aided by a narrow shape, making for an easy reach to the ground and confidence when navigating slow-speed scenarios. It also comes with a fixed windscreen for added wind protection.

Aside from the ABS system, the Royal Enfield Himalayan is bare-bones in terms of electronic features. It does come with an analog compass, but at least in the case of the 2020 model, we’ve reported being miscalibrated on both our test units. Likewise, an ambient temperature gauge has also proved inaccurate.

The Himlayan is covered by Royal Enfield’s two-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.

Although a rad concept, the Himalayan’s $4,999 MSRP reflects its quality. The kickstand’s functionality is iffy, instrumentation could be improved, and the handlebars could be stronger (don’t ask us how). Still, considering its price tag, the Himalayan is a relative bargain.