Image gallery: 2016 Royal Enfield Himalayan spied
The Royal Enfield Himalayan name and speculation appeared so long ago and became so sticky that you might imagine that it has been in development for the 115 years that the Royal Enfield brand has been around. The images of the prototypes have been leaking so steadily that it could only been orchestrated rather than an actual security problem at the company. But it has proved, so far, to be a good marketing strategy and the Royal Enfield Himalayan has to be amongst the most-awaited motorcycles in India. While everything we know or can guess about the Royal Enfield Himalayan is another story, here is a quick walk down memory lane with spy shots. Here are all the spy shots of the Royal Enfield Himalayan from the oldest to the newest. If you would like to see the finished motorcycle, click here instead.
This was one of the first images we saw the Royal Enfield Himalayan in. Now we have images from even earliet in the development process, of course. Note that the exhaust isn't upswept as in the near-final prototypes. Also note the missing instruments, small front wheel and no sign of the final headlight assembly - this one has a fork mounted head light. Image source: motor
This prototype is further along the way than the Royal Enfield Himalayan in the image above. The near-final shape of the exhaust, the side panel configuration and the simple twin-pod meters Royal Enfield used early on are all in place and visible. Image source: GaadiWaadi
These images shot during validation testing in the Himalayas show the Royal Enfield Himalyan approaching its final form. Which won't include the goPro mount on the beak. This model shows the first sign of the subframe at the front of the tank which mounts the head light and releases that weight from the forks. Do note the flat and spacious rider's seat - that's promising. Image source: autoX
The same bike from another angle. Note the luggage frames which will appear on the Royal Enfield Himalayan accessory catalogues. Image source: autoX
A closer look reveals the near-final instrument cluster for the Royal Enfield Himalayan. The big ana-digi clock on the left and the two smaller pods on the right are now visible. Note hefty bar-end weights to quell vibration and simple switch gear Image source: autoX
A closer look at the rear of the Royal Enfield Himalayan. Notice how flat the seats are. Using good foam can allow a comfy but not very thick seat keeping sadde heights within reach of shorter inseams. Image source: autoX
A photo of a motorcycle from the line at Royal Enfield's Oragadam plant. This motorcycle is probably very early production validation stage. The fender has changed in the near-final prototypes. The fuel petcock is clearly visible. The Royal Enfield Himalayan is clearly not going to be fuel injected to start with
Also from the Oragadam production line, this Royal Enfield Himalayan shows a neat old-school head light unlike the clear-lensed new ones. Note the clear screen - a darker shade is expected to be optional
This near-final prototype of the Royal Enfield Himalayan shows many accessories. Note the case guards at the bottom, the bash plate and the aluminium hard cases on the sides.
Image source: Motoroids
The jerry can on the back is probably being used to simulate a pillion rider during testing. Note the soft luggage on test.
Image source: Motoroids
Image source: Motoroids
Image source: Motoroids
These were the last spy shots before Royal Enfield released the first batch of videos and images. Note the fuel carriers mounted on the tank sides. They're a brand called Rotopax and each probably contains about 5 litres of fuel. Rotopax makes red colours packs for fuel and white ones for drinking water. Alsonote the alumnium hard case. Both will probably be optional accessories.
These were the last spy shots before Royal Enfield released the first batch of videos and images. Note the fuel carriers mounted on the tank sides. They're a brand called Rotopax and each probably contains about 5 litres of fuel. Rotopax makes red colours packs for fuel and white ones for drinking water. Alsonote the alumnium hard case. Both will probably be optional accessories. Do note the way the stickering is being done on the tank and the rear fender -classy!
Image source: PowerDrift
We have tried to give image credit to all the official sources. In case we have missed mentioning any of them, please mail us at ac@overdrive.co.in
Everything that we know about the Royal Enfield Himalayan
Royal Enfield Himalayan gets ready for debut
Royal Enfield Himalayan to be showcased in India on February 2, 2016
Image gallery: 2016 Royal Enfield Himalayan
Videos: 2016 Royal Enfield Himalayan
To stay at the cutting edge of automotive news in India, follow us on twitter (@odmag) or on facebook (facebook.com/odmag). Or download our app from theiOS or Android app stores today