Royal Enfield Himalayan: Old vs New

We list down all the differences between the old generation of the Royal Enfield Himalayan and the new generation.

By Carandbike Team

4 mins read

Published on January 3, 2024

Highlights

The new Royal Enfield Himalayan is vastly different from the older model
It gets a new engine and is built on a new frame
The mechanical components and features are quite different too

The Royal Enfield Himalayan has been ruling the roost for a few months now and one of the most asked questions that we have had from our viewers is explaining the difference between the old model and the new. So, here’s a quick video which details the differences between both models and gives you a better perspective of how the motorcycle and the brand evolved from the old model to the new one.

Also Read: New Royal Enfield Himalayan Prices Increased

Design

Its vastly different, the design of the old and the new motorcycle. The older Himalayan had an industrial, bare bones look to it. But the new model has a more evolved ADV look to it. Despite being a 450, it looks like a bigger motorcycle and definitely has better presence, thanks to the redesigned fuel tank and new engine packaging. The stance of the new Himalayan is taller too. Our opinion is that the newer model is the better looking one too.

Also Read: New Royal Enfield Himalayan Real World Review

Engine

The older model had a 411 cc air-cooled long stroke engine which made 24.5 bhp and 32 Nm. The motor had the pulling power of a tractor down at the bottom end and was paired to a clunky 5-speed gearbox. The new-gen Himalayan is completely different from the older model. It gets a 452 cc single-cylinder engine which is not only liquid-cooled but gets a DOHC setup. It makes 40 bhp and 40 Nm of peak torque. Plus, it is paired to a 6-speed gearbox with a slip and assist clutch. It may not be the smoothest single out there, but it is a vastly superior engine with oodles of engaging performance.

Specifications	New Himalayan	Old Himalayan
Displacement	452 cc	411 cc
Engine	Single-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC	Single-cylinder, air-cooled
Max Power	39.57 bhp at 8,000 rpm	24 bhp at 6,500 rpm
Peak Torque	40 Nm at 5,500 rpm	32 Nm at 4,000-4,500 rpm
Gearbox	6-speed with slip & assist	5-speed gearbox

Chassis & Cycle Parts

The older model was built on a split-cradle frame and was suspended on 41 mm telescopic forks and a monoshock at the rear. It was tough and durable. The new Himalayan is built on a twin-spar tubular frame which is lighter. It gets 43 mm upside down fork from Showa and a monoshock at the rear. The suspension travel up front stays the same at 200 mm, while the travel at the rear increases from 180 mm on the older model to 200 mm on the newer model.

Specifications	New Himalayan	Old Himalayan
Chassis Type	Tubular twin-spar	Split-cradle
Front Suspension	43 mm USD	41 mm telescopic
Rear Suspension	Monoshock with linkage	Monoshock with linkage
Front Tyre	90/90-21	90/90-21
Rear Tyre	140/80-17	120/90-17
Front Brake	320 mm with 2-piston callipers	300 mm with 2-piston callipers
Rear Brake	270 mm with single-piston calliper	240 mm with single-piston calliper

Dimensions/Adjustable Seat Height

Needless to say, the new Himalayan grows bigger in size but loses 3 kg in weight too. Plus, the ground clearance increases by 10 mm too. One can also change the seat height on the new Himalayan, from the standard 825 mm to 845 mm and vice-versa. There is an optional seat with a height of 805 mm, which can be purchased as an accessory.

Specifications	New Himalayan	Old Himalayan
Length	2,245 mm	2,190 mm
Width	852 mm	840 mm
Height	1,316 mm (without flyscreen)	1,370 mm (with flyscreen)
Wheelbase	1,510 mm	1,465 mm
Ground Clearance	230 mm	220 mm
Kerb Weight	196 kg	199 kg
Seat Height	825 mm - 845 mm	800 mm
Fuel Capacity	17 litres	15 litres

Electronics & Instrument Console

The new Himalayan is again quite superior to the older model in terms of electronics and features. The new model gets ride-by-wire and two riding modes – performance and eco. The rear ABS can be switched off in both modes. The other highlight is the integration of Google Maps on the TFT console of the new model, which is first in segment. It is very useful feature. The new model also gets a USB port to charge your devices on the go.

Pricing

Prices for the new Himalayan start at Rs. 2.85 lakh and go up to Rs. 2.98 lakh after a revision from January 1, 2024. In comparison, prices of the old Himalayan stared at Rs. 2.16 lakh.

We hope this helps you understand the difference between the old and the new Himalayan. Just to refresh your memory, the old Himalayan is not on sale anymore, with the exception of few remaining models in stock.