Could debut a new engine.
Royal Enfield has recently trademarked the name 'Himalayan' in the European Trademark Office, which quite possibly has been secured as a name for its upcoming adventure touring motorcycle. Do note that the trademark application would allow Royal Enfield to use the name on anything including motorcycles, trikes, protective clothing, helmets and accessories though.
Adventure touring motorcycles are quite popular in Europe, and companies like BMW Motorrad and Triumph are leveraging the segment's potential to the fullest. BMW Motorrad's R 1200 GS, which has been their top selling bike for more than two years, sells more than 40,000 units (combined with the R 1200 GS Adventure). Royal Enfield could be looking to address the lower range of the segment with its adventure tourer, a segment that currently does not have a lot of competition, but has shown promising growth in recent years.
The 'Himalayan' would see the Chennai-based company step into the adventure touring segment. It could also be the same bike that could debut Royal Enfield's new 385 cc, single-cylinder engine. This engine is slated to replace the company's current 350 cc single-cylinder mill that currently does duty in the Thunderbird 350, Classic 350, Electra and Bullet 350.
Also read: Royal Enfield enters Colombia with a new distributor
While there is no further information on this subject, it is certain that the motorcycle would be made in India and exported to the the European market. It could also mean that, like the RE Continental GT, the motorcycle could see a launch overseas before its unveiled on Indian soil.
[Source: Visordown]
