All-new Royal Enfield Himalayan bags prestigious ‘Indian Bike of the Year’ award

In a resounding victory, the Royal Enfield Himalayan has clinched the prestigious Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) 2024 award, marking the brand’s consecutive triumph in this esteemed competition. This accolade positions the new second-gen adventure tourer as a standout in the fiercely contested motorcycle landscape.

The Indian Motorcycle of the Year is a highly esteemed award, paralleling the Indian Car of the Year, and is adjudicated by a panel of seasoned journalists from prominent magazines and media outlets. Among the distinguished 14-member jury are Dipayan Dutta, Assistant Editor at Auto Today, and Rahul Ghosh, Associate Editor at Auto Today. Each jury member possesses 25 points to allocate among five worthy contenders, with a cap of 10 points for a single nominee.

The Royal Enfield Himalayan faced tough competition but emerged triumphant, outclassing formidable rivals such as the Triumph Scrambler 400X, securing the runner-up position, and the KTM 390 Duke, which claimed the second runner-up spot. Other contenders in the race included the Harley-Davidson X440, Hero Karizma XMR, Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650, and TVS Apache RTR 310.

Under the tank, the 2023 Royal Enfield Himalayan boasts a revolutionary 451cc liquid-cooled engine, a landmark for Royal Enfield denoted as the Sherpa 450. Generating 40.02bhp and 40Nm of torque, this powerhouse operates at 8,000rpm for power and 5,500rpm for torque. The engine seamlessly integrates with a 6-speed gearbox featuring a slip-and-assist clutch. Notably, the engine’s innovative design includes a forward cant, with the airbox strategically positioned over the engine, contributing to a more compact overall structure compared to its predecessor.

The pricing of the Himalayan is attractively positioned, ranging from Rs 2.69 lakh to Rs 2.84 lakh (ex-showroom, introductory). This competitive pricing adds to the allure of the Himalayan, making it an enticing choice for motorcycle enthusiasts looking for both performance and value. While these prices will stay firm until the 31st of December, 2023, Royal Enfield plans to hike it from the 1st of January, 2024. Buyers are likely to pay up to Rs. 10,000 extra for the all-new Himayalan after the price hike in January 2024. Even at the higher price point, the all-new Himalayan will continue to offer great value, undercutting both its direct rivals – the KTM Adventure 390 and the BMW G310 GS.

In conclusion, the Royal Enfield Himalayan’s recognition as the Indian Motorcycle of the Year 2024 solidifies its status as a trailblazer in the Indian motorcycle industry. Its innovative design, powerful performance, and competitive pricing make it a compelling option for riders seeking a distinctive adventure touring experience.