Royal Enfield has launched the new Himalayan 440, the second motorcycle based on the brand’s 440cc platform after the Scram 440. It brings back the rugged styling associated with the now-discontinued Himalayan 411.
The Himalayan 440 is available in three colour options and is powered by a 443cc, air/oil-cooled single-cylinder engine producing 25.4bhp at 6,250rpm and 34Nm at 4,000rpm. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox and sits within a half-duplex split-cradle frame.
Suspension duties are handled by a telescopic fork at the front and a monoshock at the rear. Compared with the Scram 440, the Himalayan 440 gets increased suspension travel, with 200mm at the front and 180mm at the rear. The Scram 440, by comparison, has 190mm of front travel and 180mm at the rear.
The increased suspension travel is accompanied by greater ground clearance. The Himalayan 440 offers 220mm, compared with the Scram 440’s 200mm, while its 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoke wheels further reinforce its off-road focus.
Braking is handled by a 300mm front disc and 240mm rear disc, with Royal Enfield stating that the callipers have been equipped with larger pistons for improved braking performance. Dual-channel ABS is standard, while the rear ABS can be switched off to give riders greater control when riding off-road.
The motorcycle’s equipment list includes a semi-digital instrument console. An analogue speedometer is paired with a digital inset displaying information such as fuel level, time, trip and odometer readings.
The Himalayan 440 also gets Royal Enfield’s Tripper Navigator module, providing turn-by-turn navigation. That said, New Zealand is unlikely to get the Himalayan 440 and will make do with the more powerful Himalayan 450 instead.
