Royal Enfield is preparing a new Himalayan 440 for launch later this year, with current estimates pointing to a price of around Rs 2.40 lakh to Rs 2.60 lakh, ex-showroom. The motorcycle is expected to sit below the Himalayan 450 and revive much of the simpler, old-school character of the original Himalayan 411 that arrived in 2016.
The new bike has not yet been fully revealed by Royal Enfield, so several details remain unconfirmed. However, reports consistently point to the Himalayan 440 using the Scram 440’s 443cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine and much of its basic platform. That would give Royal Enfield a lower-cost adventure motorcycle without developing another engine from scratch.
The Scram 440’s 443cc long-stroke engine produces 25.4 bhp and 34 Nm and is paired with a six-speed gearbox. Those numbers are only a small step up from the old Himalayan 411’s 24.5 bhp and 32 Nm, but the extra gear and broader performance should make a bigger difference on highways.
That was one of the original Himalayan’s weak points. The 411 was comfortable at moderate speeds, but overtaking and sustained high-speed touring demanded patience. A six-speed gearbox and the newer 443cc engine can give the 440 better cruising ability while keeping the relaxed power delivery that suited the old bike.
The chassis is also expected to remain closely related to the Scram 440. Royal Enfield has not published final Himalayan 440 specifications yet, but a 21-inch front wheel, long-travel suspension, switchable rear ABS and a touring-friendly riding position are likely if the bike is to remain true to the Himalayan name. The Scram itself uses 190 mm of front-wheel travel and 180 mm at the rear.
The Himalayan 450 is a very different motorcycle from the 411. Its 452cc liquid-cooled Sherpa engine makes 40 bhp and 40 Nm, and prices currently start at around Rs 3.05 lakh. It also brings ride-by-wire, a colour TFT display with navigation and a more sophisticated chassis.
The 440 is expected to be simpler and cheaper. That creates a clear gap for riders who like the Himalayan idea but do not need the performance, electronics or price of the 450. At an expected Rs 2.40 lakh to Rs 2.60 lakh, it could undercut the Himalayan 450 by roughly Rs 45,000 to Rs 65,000 before variant differences.
The styling is also expected to take cues from the first-generation Himalayan rather than the newer 450. That means a more upright, functional shape, exposed frame sections and the familiar adventure-bike proportions that made the 411 easy to recognise.
The timing is significant. Royal Enfield launched the first Himalayan in March 2016 at Rs 1.55 lakh, ex-showroom Maharashtra. It used a 411cc air-cooled engine, five-speed gearbox, 21-inch front wheel, 220 mm ground clearance and an 800 mm seat height. It was basic, but it also made purpose-built adventure touring far more accessible.
Royal Enfield says the Himalayan brand is now celebrating 10 years, while the Himalayan 450 has recorded strong growth in overseas markets. Bringing back a simpler version gives the company two very different interpretations of the same idea.
For customers considering a Himalayan 450 mainly for touring and rough-road use, the 440 may be worth waiting for if the expected pricing holds. It will give up substantial power and some modern features, but it could also be lighter on the wallet and closer in feel to the motorcycle that created the Himalayan following in the first place.